Health Economics, PhD

COURSE OVERVIEW

Health economics is at the core of innovation, health technology assessment, prioritisation and programme budgeting within the UK NHS and worldwide. A PhD in Health Economics at the Swansea Centre for Health Economics (SCHE) offers an outstanding opportunity to make an original contribution to the development and application of health economics and outcome research to real-life issues in healthcare delivery and policy.

Offering flexibility through a wholly research-based mode of study, our MSc by Research in Health Economics course is perfect for those looking to balance work, life and study commitments

You will develop skills in core health economic methods and analysis to design and deliver your own research project, supported by a tailor-made programme of supervision and training. This can include developing knowledge and skills in aspects of the use of epidemiology, quantitative research and routine data analysis as well as applying health economic analysis as part of health technology assessment, public health and evaluation of health and social care interventions and services. We also offer particular expertise in the area of prioritisation and in the design, use and interpretation of patient-reported outcomes.

Programme Summary

This PhD in Health Economics at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 100,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The PhD is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva voce). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences. There may also be opportunities to develop your teaching skills through undergraduate tutorials, demonstrations and seminars.

Programme Aims

This PhD programme will provide doctoral researchers with:

The opportunity to conduct high quality postgraduate research in a world leading research environment.
Key skills needed to undertake advanced academic and non-academic research including qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
Advanced critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and independent judgement.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises three key elements:

Entry and confirmation of candidature
Main body of research
Thesis and viva voce

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 3 years duration full time (6 years duration part time). Doctoral researchers may pursue the programme either full time or part time by pursuing research at the University at an external place of employment or with/at a University approved partner.