Health Management and Economics (MSc)

This degree programme links health management and health economics in a unique way. It is a research-based Master's degree programme that builds on Bachelor's degree programme in related subjects and focuses on a broad range of topics in healthcare. Students take a range of compulsory interdisciplinary modules that provide them with comprehensive insights into the healthcare system and can choose specialisations that enable them to become experts in management, economics or politics. The degree programme's focus on the healthcare system and the extensive practical knowledge that students acquire means that graduates have excellent career prospects.

The degree programme (120 ECTS credits) has a standard duration of four semesters and consists of compulsory modules (45 ECTS credits), elective modules (45 ECTS credits) and the Master's thesis (30 ECTS credits). In the compulsory modules students acquire fundamental knowledge of cost-bearing institutions, outpatient management, hospital management, pharmaceutical management, health economics, medicine and economic evaluation in health. For the elective modules in the second and third semester, students may choose advanced modules that build on the compulsory modules as well as other modules. They also have the opportunity to take free electives on topics related to health from other Master's degree programmes at the School of Business and Economics, other faculties and schools at the University, and even other universities. Specific seminars on practical skills, soft skills and hospital management simulations allow students to strengthen important skills that they will need in their future careers. The degree programme is completed with a Master's thesis in the fourth semester.

This master's program is aimed at graduates of bachelor's programs in economics from universities and universities of applied sciences or graduates with a comparable degree from a university who wish to specialize in healthcare. The basics of business administration, economics and statistics are required. Previous knowledge in the field of health care management/economics is not necessary, but will have a positive influence on the qualification assessment procedure. Further information on admission requirements can be found under the corresponding menu item.

The degree programme consists of compulsory modules and elective modules. Details of the study plan can be found below. You can find more information on the degree programme website.

Compulsory modules

In the interdisciplinary compulsory modules students acquire basic knowledge in all areas of the healthcare system. They receive comprehensive insights that enable them to understand the mechanisms and structures of the healthcare sector. All students must complete eight compulsory modules worth 5 ECTS each in order to acquire a broad foundation.

Elective modules

The elective modules enable students to tailor their studies according to their preferences and career goals. They can pursue a general programme of studies in the sector or can develop their expertise in management, economics or politics. Students can also concentrate on specific areas of the health system such as health insurance providers, out-patient care, hospital management, the pharmaceutical industry and medical engineering companies. A total of 10 modules worth 5 ECTS each can be freely selected according to individual interests.

The Master's degree programme focuses exclusively on the healthcare system and prepares students for careers in this sector. Applicants should therefore have a general interest in healthcare.

Many questions and appropriate answers to these can be found in a FAQ list on the program's website.

General admission requirements

• Relevant degree in an economics program (in particular the bachelor's degree in economics at FAU as well as comparable programs at other universities)
• Alternatively: relevant degree in a course of studies with economic knowledge of at least 50 ECTS (excluding bachelor thesis) of which at least 5 ECTS in economics and at least 10 ECTS in statistics.

Selection criteria

• Quality of the previous degree of the previous performance based on the grade point average (max. 60 points).
• Professional experience in health care in weeks (vocational training, work experience or internships) measured in full-time equivalents (taking into account only the portion of practical experience directly related to health care management) (max. 20 points)
• Subject-specific content in health management/economics in previous studies in ECTS points (max. 20 points)