Who is it for?

City, University of London offers a MSc in Health Policy that is the ideal route for graduates looking to start, change or develop their career within the health policy field. It combines an international focus and academic rigour with the development of practical, transferable skills that can be applied in a wide range of real-world health policy, planning and management settings.

We welcome applications from graduates (UK or international) from any academic discipline. The course, offered by City, University of London, is also suitable for established professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, including:

  • medical, nursing and allied health professions
  • health management and administration
  • public health
  • national and local government
  • national NGOs
  • international agencies
  • research institutions and consultancies
  • pharmaceutical, insurance and other health-related industries.

Objectives

Health and health care policy are at the top of the political agenda around the world. People are living longer, consumers are expecting more from their health services and chronic illnesses are becoming prevalent. Medical technology is advancing rapidly, creating ever-increasing demand for the latest treatments.Health policy affects and is affected by all of these factors. It aims to meet the growing challenges facing health systems by providing answers to such questions as:

  • How can we best meet peopleÕs changing health needs?
  • How can we control spiralling health costs, while maintaining high quality and comprehensive health services?
  • What is the most effective way of organising and paying for health care?
  • How can we tackle inequalities in health and access to care?
  • How can we measure and improve the performance of health systems?

CityÕs MSc in Health Policy gives you the knowledge and tools you need to understand, analyse and influence the health policy process, and to operate within an increasingly complex policy environment.You will analyse the social, political and economic factors that affect policy at a local, national and international level. You will explore how and where policy is made, and who the key players are; and learn how to present your ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of influential stakeholders to bring about change.

Career prospects

Because health and healthcare are such high priorities for both the public and policymakers, it is highly likely that demand for health policy specialists will remain high. Therefore, if you are working or wish to work within any health-related organisation in the public, private or third sectors, this course will help you develop a range of key transferable health policy skills.