Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course is designed for health professionals and health policy makers wishing to further their knowledge and/or extend their formal qualifications in health economics.

The Graduate Diploma in Health Economics and Policy aims to produce graduates who will:

(a.) be critical and creative scholars who:

• produce innovative solutions to health economics problems
• apply research skills to health system challenges
• communicate effectively and perceptively

(b.) be responsible and effective global citizens who:

• engage in an internationalised world
• exhibit cross cultural competence
• demonstrate ethical values

(c.) have a comprehensive understanding of their disciplines of economics and health economics and be able to provide discipline based solutions to relevant to the business, professional and public policy communities we serve

(d.) have advanced knowledge to graduate diploma level in health economics and be able to:

• demonstrate analytical skills in economics to analyse the role of consumers, funders and providers in the health care sector
• demonstrate technical skills in economic evaluation to promote an efficient and equitable health care system
• examine health care institutions and the role of government from an economic perspective.

The course structure has two main components:

• a set of core units in health economics and policy
• three open electives.

(a.) Students must complete five units (30 points) as follows:

(i.) the following four units (24 points):

• ECG9102 Introductory macroeconomic theory and policy
• ECX9120 Introductory microeconomic theory and policy
• ECX9700 Introduction to health economics
• ECX9741 Applied health economics and health policy

(ii.) one of the following units (6 points):

• ECX9710 Pharmaceutical economics
• ECX9730 Economic evaluation in health care

(b.) students must complete three elective units (18 points).

Recommended elective units

• ECG9121 Economics of international trade
• ECG9170 Issues in labour economics
• ECX9710 Pharmaceutical economics
• ECX9720 Introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics
• ECX9730 Economics evaluation in health care
• ECX9750 Principles of health economics for developing countries
• MGX5461 Contemporary issues in globalisation
• MGX9230 Public policy
• MPH1040 Introductory epidemiology
• MPH1041 Introductory biostatistics
• MPH2042 Organisations and health
• MPH2049 Field methods for international planning and evaluation
• MPH2065 Law for health systems
• MPH2067 Principles of health care quality improvement
• MPH2068 Financial issues in health care management
• MPH2069 Health systems policy
• MPH2072 Reform and development of health services
• MPH2074 Introduction to clinical research methods
• MPH2083 Ethics, good research practice and practical research methods

Note: This is not an exclusive list of possible electives. Students may contact the course coordinator to seek permission to include other elective units in their study program. It is also recommended that students consult with the course coordinator to ensure their elective units form a coherent study program.

Students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Health Economics and Policy may be eligible for admission to course 3842 Master of Business Economics.

Students wishing to exit the Graduate Diploma in Health Economics and Policy early may apply to graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Health Economics or the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacoeconomics after successful completion of 24 points of study as set out in these courses.

Graduate Diploma in Health Economics and Policy