Join our flexible online degree in health economics.
Health economics applies economic thinking to the analysis of health and health care. In this postgraduate degree, you’ll:
- get to know the core issues in health economics and their relevance to working health professionals
- master the tools you need to analyse and address the limited resources faced by the health sector, and
- learn to face the challenges of resource allocation as you build your health research skills.
Who can join our online MSc in health economics?
This distance-learning degree is aimed at health professionals. If you’re a professional in health care looking to improve their understanding of health economics and research methods, it’s designed for you.
Study with the award-winning Health Economics Research Unit (HERU)
The first unit in the UK and Europe to focus its research on health economics, HERU was founded in 1977.
Its impactful research informed the introduction of routine breast cancer screening, smokefree legislation, and minimum unit pricing in Scotland.
HERU has active links with health policymakers across the UK, including:
- the Evidence Directorate of Healthcare Improvement Scotland
- the Analytical Services Division (ASD) of the Scottish Government
- NHS Education Scotland, and
- NHS Health Scotland.
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for a:
- Masters (180 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), or
- start with one of the short courses that make up this degree (15 credits).
Try our degree scheduler
Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.
Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.
Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
How you’ll study
Online learning
This Masters in Health Economics is delivered flexibly, 100% online.
You can learn with us anywhere, no student visa required, and set your study hours to suit you.
Your teaching
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Each course provides a structured but flexible learning approach through the periodic release of materials, including a study guide or worksheets, links to journal articles and e-books, relevant websites, video and audio podcasts, and online discussions.
Your tutors
You’ll study with a team of practising health economists from our Health Economics Research Unit (HERU).
Your tutors are actively involved in policy-shaping research, and HERU is one of the leading centres for health economics research in Europe.
We’re a Queen’s Anniversary Prize winner for our sustained excellence in health economics research over the last 40 years.
Assessments
This degree is assessed entirely online. We use several types of assessment, including multiple-choice quizzes, short-answer tests, essays and presentations.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Dr Shelley Farrar
Shelley is the degree coordinator. She’ll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Clare McHattie
Clare is part of the School’s postgraduate teaching support team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere this will take you
Careers
Economic analysis is regularly drawn upon by policymakers and regulators in the health care sector, by professionals in the pharmaceutical industry and by clinicians and managers involved in the organisation, purchasing and provision of health care.
However, given the shortage of health economists in Scotland, the UK and internationally, and, therefore, health economics knowledge and skills, it is increasingly important for non-economists to have a clearer understanding of how they can effectively apply and interpret economic concepts and utilise tools in their own organisation.
Industry Links
You’ll benefit from HERU’s strong links with health policymakers across the UK, including:
- the Evidence Directorate of Healthcare Improvement Scotland
- the Analytical Services Division (ASD) of the Scottish Government
- NHS Education Scotland, and
- NHS Health Scotland.
Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
Master of Science
180 credits
£16,820
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.
Postgraduate Diploma
120 credits
£11,120
This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.
Postgraduate Certificate
60 credits
£5,420
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 2025.
The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our indicative costs include a 5% fee rise each year.
Pay as you go
This is a pay-as-you-go qualification.
You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.
You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.
How it works
- You decide how many credits to study for each term.
- At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
- This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your qualification.
Your personalised cost breakdown
Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.
Why study health economics online with the University of Aberdeen?
You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.
Award-winning research
We’re proud winners of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour for a UK university, for sustained excellence in health research over the last 40 years.
Why we were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize
NHS and alumni discounts
NHS staff get 10% off this online degree. University of Aberdeen alumni get 20% off.
Entry requirements
MSc, PgDip, PgCert
- A 2:1 (upper-second) UK honours degree (or equivalent).
You can also apply if you have:
- alternative/lower qualifications and an appropriate level of relevant experience.
These are our minimum entry requirements. They are given as a guide and do not guarantee entry.
Short course route to online MSc Health Economics for Health Professionals
If you do not meet these entry requirements, or are not ready to commit to a full MSc, you may be able to use our online short courses as a route into this degree.
Find out about our short course route to entryApply for this programme
- Start month
- September
- INDICATIVE COST
- £16,820
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.
Apply via our Applicant Portal
