Masters (Coursework)
Turn data into evidence-based decisions that influence positive change in the healthcare system by studying the Master of Health Economics. Graduate with advanced skills in resource allocation and economic modelling, and use your expertise to inform policy and health practices on a global scale.
Are you ready to realise your career potential by joining one of the largest and most prominent health economics programs in Australia?
The Master of Health Economics is designed for clinical and non-clinical health professionals who want to improve healthcare systems from the top down. It's also ideal for those from finance backgrounds hoping to use their knowledge of economics to create healthier, happier communities. If you're looking for a health economics program that's well-established, renowned for its academic research and led by teachers at the very forefront of the field, this is the course to take your career forward.
At its core, the course teaches you how to maximise health benefits and outcomes from available resources. To do this, you will develop expertise across a number of specialised skills, including:
These techniques arm you with knowledge that allows you to make evidence-based decisions that improve the way healthcare systems operate. These are skills that are crucial to your career success. You might be asked to prepare a cost-benefit analysis comparing two different pieces of medical equipment; or you might employ economic modelling to shape health insurance policies that impact thousands. You will graduate with the ability to critically evaluate current research in economic policy, understand the complexities of healthcare financing and make influential contributions to health policy development and debate. Whatever challenges your future role throws at you, you will have the skills needed to make confident, informed choices.
Practical learning opportunities further prepare you for your rise through the sector. Through the course's project component, you will work with Deakin Health Economics' active research team to contribute to ongoing research in economic evaluation, finance or policy. There are minor and major research options available, each of which train you in the critical analysis, communication and data translation skills demanded of the modern health economist.
The work-integrated learning elective Postgraduate Health Practicum is a highlight of the course and allows you to undertake 150 hours of industry experience. This can be an agency-based work placement with an approved organisation, or agency-sponsored work based at the Deakin Freelancing Hub. Placement provides valuable professional development opportunities, while giving you the chance to apply your new skills in an area of health you're passionate about. You will also get to work alongside experienced economists and build networks that kickstart your career growth once you graduate.
Throughout the course you will be guided by some of the brightest and most experienced health economics academics in the country. Our team is one of the largest in Australia and all our academics are active contributors to the field. The insights gathered from their work and research feeds back into the course, ensuring content is fresh, authentic and relevant to the needs of the sector. We have academics embedded in many renowned healthcare organisations and institutes, across many different roles, so you will have access to the perfect mentor no matter your interests and career aspirations.
The health sector is Australia's largest and fastest-growing*. With more jobs and an increased demand for skilled health professionals, you will have more opportunities to take your career forward.
Use your specialised skills and extensive practical experience to confidently explore roles in:
In addition to the diverse career options this course opens up, graduates also have the opportunity to join Deakin's leading health economics academics by progressing to a PhD.
* Australian Government National Skills Commission Industry Employment Outlook 2021
To complete the Master of Health Economics students must attain 16 credit points. Most units are equal to 1 credit point - check each unit in the course structure.
The 16 units must comprise:
Students would normally complete the Master of Health Economics over 4 trimesters of full- time study or the part-time equivalent. As some students will be in full-time work, part-time enrolment will mean that these students will complete the course in three to four years.
Students may enrol in the course in either Trimester 1, 2 or 3. It is recommended that students take the minor or major project in their last one or two trimesters.
International on-campus students who commence in Trimester 2 or Trimester 3 intakes pursuing the Major Project stream are required to enrol into Trimester 3 of their second year in order to complete the course within their CoE course duration.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.