Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Postgraduate Taught Programmes Health Economics Programmes MSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Health Economics Student Handbook 2017-18
Contents INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE FROM THE COURSE DIRECTOR... 3 1. UEA Student handbook and your faculty and course handbooks... 4 2. Description of the MSc in Health Economics Programme... 4 3. Modules... 5 3.1 Core Modules... 5 3.2 Optional Modules... 6 3.3 Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate Programmes... 9 3.4 Educational aims of the programme... 10 3.5 Values and Ethos of the Programme... 10 3.6 Anonymity and Confidentiality... 11 3.7 Personal Advisors on the Health Economics Programme... 11 3.8 Health Economics Group (HEG) Research Seminars... 11 4. Module Organisers... 12 5. Reading List & Resources... 13 6. Timeline... 14 2
INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE FROM THE COURSE DIRECTOR MSc in HEALTH ECONOMICS PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, CONTENT AND ARRANGEMENTS On behalf of the Health Economics Group within the Norwich Medical School, I would like to welcome you to our MSc in Health Economics programme. I am delighted that you have chosen to study with us. We hope that during your time with us you will get involved with the Group beyond the confines of your programme, for example by attending our monthly research seminars and following is on twitter @HEG_UEA. This handbook explains the structure, content and general arrangements for the course. You are encouraged to make use of your personal adviser to discuss your choice of option modules and your progress throughout the course. Please also feel free to contact me on any matters relating to the course. As Course Director, I am your first point of contact should you have any concerns or suggestions about how the course is operating. As a group, we value your input into how the course can be improved. You can also approach the module coordinators with comments about specific modules. I wish you an enjoyable and productive time with us. Professor Ruth Hancock: r.hancock@uea.ac.uk (01603) 591107 3
1. UEA Student handbook and your faculty and course handbooks. The central UEA student handbook which contains information about all key UEA policies and guidance can be found on the UEA Portal: https://www.uea.ac.uk/learningandteaching/getting-started/handbooks The central UEA student handbook is for all students studying on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes. It aims to give new and continuing students a central reference point for University-wide regulations, processes and guidance to help and support you through your studies. Generic information regarding your Postgraduate studies within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMH) can be found in the FMH Postgraduate Taught Courses General Student Handbook, which you will find on the LTS webpages (https://portal.uea.ac.uk/learning-andteaching/students/getting-started/handbooks/postgraduate ) All information within this handbook therefore, is specific only to your course MSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Health Economics. 2. Description of the MSc in Health Economics Programme Objectives The purpose of the postgraduate taught programmes in Health Economics is to give graduate economists and those with other relevant disciplinary backgrounds (e.g. health professionals, other quantitative social scientists) a good knowledge and understanding of how economic ideas and principles are relevant to, and applied in, health and health care. By the end of the programme, students will have: Developed an understanding of economic concepts applied to health, public health, and health services policy. Developed an appreciation of the links between economic evaluation and economic theory, health services research and decision making. Developed practical skills in economic analysis of health problems. Extended their analytical skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Extended their skills of critical appraisal and be able to apply research findings to practice and to health services decision making. Extended and developed their knowledge and skills in economic research, through the research dissertation. Description of the Programme The MSc in Health Economics comprises 180 credits. This is made up of six 20-credit taught modules and one 60-credit dissertation. Students studying for the award of MSc in Health Economics will take 4 Core modules including the dissertation and 3 Option modules (1 quantitative methods module from Range A and 2 modules from Range B - see Section 3). For students wishing to pursue careers in health economics after completion of their course we strongly recommend that their quantitative methods module is either Econometric Methods or Econometric Theory (choice dependent on previous study). We would strongly recommend Economic Concepts or Economic Theory I (choice dependent on previous study) as one of the two Range B optional choices. This would ensure a broad coverage of economic principles. 4
3. Modules 3.1 Core Modules MED-7006D HEALTH ECONOMICS Module Description - This module aims to equip students with an understanding of health economics, its value and limitations. It is suitable for students with and without an economics background as the course covers fundamental economic principles and their application to health care. The material is delivered via lectures and seminars to which all students are expected to contribute. The following topics are covered: supply, demand and the market. how health insurance markets work and the problems that may arise. methods of preference elicitation in health and health care. overview of different health systems including the NHS. health behavior from an economic perspective. equity and inequalities in health. Assessment - 50% Coursework & 50% Examination, both of which must be passed. Coursework is a 2000 word essay and examination is by a two hour closed book course test both of which knowledge from the full breadth of the module. The purpose of the essay is to enable students to apply the economic concepts covered in the course to a critical analysis of a chosen topic. MED-7008E ECONOMIC EVALUATION IN HEALTH CARE Module Description - The pre-requisites for this 20-credit module are MED-7006D Health Economics and MED-7021D Introduction to Research Methods, or experience and knowledge of health service research methods and health service experience or a relevant qualification. The objectives are to enable students: to understand and critically appraise economic studies of health care interventions to understand the range of evaluation techniques and appropriate circumstances for application to appreciate links between economic evaluation and economic theory, health service research and decision making and to have confidence to conduct further economic evaluation studies. Assessment - 50% Coursework & 50% Examination. Coursework is a 3,500 word essay and examination is by a two hour closed book course test both of which must be passed. Both assess knowledge from across all the taught sessions. MED-7021D INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS: Module Description - The purpose of this module is to provide students with a broad introduction to the methods used in Health Science Research.. The skills to be developed include being able to: 1. recognise basic quantitative and qualitative research designs 2. recognise different data collection techniques 3. acquire a basic understanding of both statistical analysis and qualitative analysis; 4. critically appraise the research literature Assessment - 100% examination 5
MED-7007X RESEARCH DISSERTATION Module Description - The aim of the Research Dissertation is to illustrate the depth of knowledge developed through the whole MSc and to give the student experience of designing, conducting and reporting practical research, as well as to strengthen organisational and time management skills. Research knowledge and experience is seen as an essential component of training for practitioners at this level. Specific skills to be developed further include being able to: conduct academic research in health economics make a logical and well-supported academic argument in a written format combine and apply knowledge of appropriate research methodologies gained over the duration of the course The Research Dissertation contributes 60 credits to the total of 180 required to obtain your MSc and is expected to represent 600 hours of effort and comprise 15,000 words. Full time students are expected to choose their topic by May and to submit their dissertation by mid- September. A list of potential MSc dissertations topics proposed by staff will be distributed at a dissertation workshop, usually around February. Students are encouraged to select a topic from this list, but also have the opportunity to propose their own topic. Health economics is a quantitative discipline and as such MSc students are strongly encouraged to choose or propose a quantitative topic, although a systematic review or policy analysis may be acceptable if its relevance to health economics can be clearly demonstrated. Dissertation supervisors will be assigned on the basis of the dissertation topic. More information on the dissertation is available in the MSc in Health Economics Dissertation Guidelines. 3.2 Optional Modules Options Range A Choose one module ECO-7002A is only available to those students with an undergraduate economics degree 2:1 or above. Students will select 20 credits from the following modules: ECO-7000A ECONOMETRIC METHODS Module Description - This is a module of two halves. The first half introduces some basic econometric techniques, and the problems which arise in their use. The second half applies the skills acquired in the first half to particular problems in economics such as exchange rate models and the analysis of discrete choices by individuals. An emphasis is placed on the practical side of the subject. With the aid of the specialist econometric computer software STATA, theoretical models are estimated and tested using real data. Assessment 20% Written Assignment 20% Computer Test 60% Examination (formative assessment computer test in week 10) ECO-7002A ECONOMETRIC THEORY Module Description - This is an advanced module in econometric theory, aimed at students with some prior knowledge of econometrics. Using matrix algebra, the multiple regression model is analysed, and the theory of estimation and hypothesis testing is developed in this context. Violations of the basic assumptions of the multiple regression model, such as heteroscedasticity, serial correlation, misspecification and measurement error, are analysed from a theoretical perspective. 6
Finally, dynamic models and models of expectations are covered. The specialist econometric software package STATA plays a role, but with a much greater emphasis on techniques than on results. Assessment - 50% Coursework or Project 50% Examination MED-7013E FURTHER QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS Module Description - The purpose of this module is to build on the coverage of quantitative methods and critical appraisal skills that were introduced and described in the Introduction to Research Methods module. The skills to be developed further include being able to 1: add depth to the basic knowledge already acquired in that module on measurement, survey instruments, trial design and statistics, 2: begin to acquire a basic understand of the concept of systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Assessment - 100% coursework (50% data analysis exercise, 50% research proposal) Options Range B Choose two modules Students cannot select both ECO-7003A and ECO-7011A. ECO-M7003A is only available to those students with an undergraduate economics degree 2:1 or above. ECO-7001B APPLIED ECONOMETRICS Module Description - This module builds on the econometric theory of earlier courses: ECO-7000A, ECO- 7009A and ECO-7002A. It attempts to place the theoretical ideas of those modules in the context of current applied analysis. The module is divided into five main parts: data issues & distribution theory, time series econometrics, estimation of systems of equations, microeconomics, and panel data models. There is an emphasis on the practical application of common estimation techniques, with the specialist econometric software package STATA being used extensively. These skills are assessed in an applied project at the end of the course. Assessment - 100% Coursework ECO-7011A ECONOMIC CONCEPTS Module Description - This module is designed to introduce students to micro and macroeconomics analysis, and to familiarise students with a wide range of economic tools which can be applied to issues relating to their Applied Training Programme. The module covers, in particular: consumer and producer choice market equilibrium market structure externalities and public goods the macroeconomics of inflation unemployment and growth and macroeconomic policy Assessment - 50% Coursework or Project 50% Examination ECO-7003A ECONOMIC THEORY I Module Description - This is an advanced module in microeconomic theory, designed for postgraduate students with a strong background in economics. The topics covered in this module include the duality approach to demand theory, firm theory, general equilibrium theory, game theory, choice under uncertainty, agency theory and the economics of asymmetric information. The rational-choice foundations of microeconomics are also critically examined. Assessment - 50% Coursework or Project 50% Examination. 7
DEV-7027B HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT Module Description - This module provides a broad introduction to health issues in a context of development. It reviews different cultural understandings of health, and relationships between health, socio-economic change, livelihoods and poverty. The module also examines health policies of particular relevance to developing countries. While the module looks at health issues in general, it pays particular attention to links between HIV/AIDS and development. Assessment - 100% Coursework HSC-7057E SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND RESEARCH SYNTHESIS Module Description - Findings from systematic reviews have been increasingly used by health policy makers, clinicians and patients for making decisions. A systematic review of available evidence is also often required for developing new research, and for interpreting findings from a primary study. The module will include the following contents: introduction, framing questions, inclusion/exclusion criteria sources of evidence and literature search strategy data extraction, and validity assessment synthesizing evidence from qualitative studies synthesizing evidence from quantitative studies quality of systematic reviews, and overview of reviews recent development in research synthesis methods systematic review protocol Learning outcome: Provides students with the skills and understanding to appraise and interpret published systematic reviews, to develop a protocol and undertake a systematic review. By the end of the module, students will be able to: frame questions appropriate for a systematic review design an appropriate literature search strategy assess the relevance and quality of primary studies qualitatively and quantitatively synthesize data from primary studies appropriately interpret findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis understand common pitfalls in systematic reviews and meta-analysis become familiar with recent method research relevant to systematic reviews Assessment - 100% Coursework 8
3.3 Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate Programmes Students opting to study for the awards of Postgraduate Diploma will undertake a number of modules common to the Masters in Health Economics course (described above) Students registering for a PGDiploma will complete: Health Economics (MED-7006D) Economic Evaluation in Health Care (MED-7008E) Introduction to Research Methods (MED-7021D) One quantitative methods course from Options Range A. Two optional 20 credit modules from Options Range B. Flexible study There are three flexible routes through which you can study. The awards can be undertaken full time or part time: MSc in Health Economics 2 or 3 years part time or 1 year full time PG Diploma in Health Economics 2 years part time or 1 year full time However, you should be aware that some modules require students to have successfully completed other modules (see module descriptions above). Therefore the order in which modules are taken can be important Module selection should be discussed with your personal adviser or the course director. 9
3.4 Educational aims of the programme For the PG DIPLOMA in Health Economics By the end of the PG Diploma programme students will: have demonstrated knowledge of health economics principles and methods for economic evaluation in health care will have a grounding in health services research methods, both quantitative and qualitative; will have a broader understanding of how health economics methods and research, and health services policy, research and practice are related will have had opportunities to study from a range of optional topics For the MASTERS in Health Economics By the end of the Masters programme students will: be able to demonstrate the practical skills and understandings outlined for the PG Diploma (above) have extended their knowledge of health economics research through successful completion of a research dissertation will be qualified to apply for career training posts in health economics research, consultancy or practice 3.5 Values and Ethos of the Programme The ethos or philosophy of the Health Economics programme is quite distinctive, partly because of the focus of the programme and partly as a result of the values brought to it by the teaching team. The following values should be strongly evident within the programme and there is an expectation that students of the programme will also observe these values in their own practice. Adult Learning the educational philosophy and practice that will be observed on the programme will be that of adult learning. This expects that individual students consider their own learning needs and seek to service these, as far as is possible within the formal award bearing structures of the programme, by working in active collaboration with teaching staff and fellow students. Masterliness it is expected that students engaging in this programme will themselves be seeking to study at an appropriate level for a Masters degree. The Quality Assurance Agency s 'Framework for Higher Education Qualifications', (see http://www.qaa.ac.uk/students/guides/understandquals.asp ), describes what is expected of students undertaking Master level studies as follows: Students will have shown originality in the application of knowledge, and they will understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research. They will be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and they will show originality in tackling and solving problems. They will have the qualities needed for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative, in complex and unpredictable professional environments. Integrity it is expected that both staff and students of the programme will behave with integrity (the dictionary definition of this is that they will be demonstrating rightness of behaviour, honour and good virtue). Tolerance the programme team consider that respect for and tolerance of others, especially in the classroom, is essential to maximise learning for all 10
Curiosity- students may well be faced with new and uncomfortable situations and learning methods (e.g. student centred activities, student led learning and the use of novel resources including new IT software and Blackboard facilities). The team expect students to demonstrate a willingness and interest in trying new ways of learning and teaching. Egalitarianism the programme team are committed to ensuring that all students are given equal rights and opportunities, irrespective of their profession, professional seniority or academic abilities. Because the programme is open to students with and without an undergraduate degree in economics and students may be qualified health and social care professionals, differences in professional seniority outside the boundaries of the course may exist. However, it is expected that within the confines of the course, all students should regard each other as equal and fellow travellers. Furthermore, students should seek to share and learn about the differences in economic perspectives of those from different backgrounds studying on the course. In the online UEA Student handbook you will find guidance with respect to referencing and avoiding plagiarism. It is your responsibility to ensure you understand this information. If you are unsure about anything with respect to this please contact your personal adviser. Where potential plagiarism is observed in an early piece of coursework the Health Economics team will try to support students with appropriate guidance on academic referencing. However, if necessary we will refer assessed work to the School plagiarism officer where plagiarism is suspected. 3.6 Anonymity and Confidentiality Students must follow the PGTP procedures regarding confidentiality as outlined in the FMH Postgraduate Taught Courses General Student Handbook. 3.7 Personal Advisors on the Health Economics Programme All students will be allocated a personal advisor. This member of faculty should be your first point of contact should you have any problems that interfere with your engagement with your studies. They may also be able to advise and support you with general academic matters such as academic writing, referencing, and careers/job hunting. The programme team have agreed that they will see their personal tutees a minimum of twice per year in order that student and tutor may together review the student s progress. Students are responsible for booking these appointments with their tutor. The first appointment should be within the first two weeks of the start of the academic year. Other appointments should be booked at points during the academic year that seem most suitable for the student s needs. Students are also responsible for preparing for these meetings, for example alerting their adviser in advance to the issues that they particularly wish to discuss and taking time to reflect on their progress prior to the meeting. 3.8 Health Economics Group (HEG) Research Seminars HEG holds a one hour research seminar on one Tuesday a month from 12-1pm, these are open to all staff and students at the University. We strongly encourage students on the MSc in Health Economics to attend these seminars as they will provide good insights into the types of research health economists undertake and provide practical applications of the course material which could help in course assignments. Details of the research seminars (room, presenter and title) will be regularly posted onto blackboard on the MSc in Health Economics course page. The HEG team look forward to welcoming you to these sessions. 11
4. Module Organisers MED-7006D Health Economics Angela Robinson Angela.Robinson@uea.ac.uk MED-7008E Economic Evaluation in Health Care Garry Barton G.Barton@uea.ac.uk MED-7007X Research Dissertation Christopher Skedgel C.Skedgel@uea.ac.uk MED-7021D Introduction to Research methods Allan Clark Allan.Clark@uea.ac.uk ECO-7000A Econometric Methods Susan Long Susan.Long@uea.ac.uk ECO-7002A Econometric Theory Georgios Papadopoulos G.Papadopoulos@uea.ac.uk MED-7013E Further Quantitative Research Methods Jane Skinner Jane.Skinner@uea.ac.uk DEV-7027B Health and Development Peter Lloyd- Sherlock P.Lloyd-Sherlock@uea.ac.uk ECO-7001B Applied Econometrics Bahar Ghezelayagh b.ghezelayagh@uea.ac.uk ECO-7003A Economic Theory 1 Joo Young Jeon j.jeon@uea.ac.uk ECO-7011A Economic Concepts Jibonayan Raychaudhuri J.Raychaudhuri@uea.ac.uk HSC-7057E Systematic Reviews and Research Synthesis Toby Smith Toby.Smith@uea.ac.uk 12
5. Reading List & Resources You will be provided with reading lists for each module. You should aim to read widely. Additional resources will be posted on the MSc in Health Economics Black Board site. Please see the MED PGT General Handbook for the following appendices: 1. Assessment Guidelines 2. The marking of Student Work 3. Guide for academic writing 4. Guide to citing and referencing written and electronic information 5. Assessment Feedback form 13
6. Timeline This contains information on module timing throughout the year although should not be taken as a definitive timetable, which will be available through e-vision. MSC HEALTH ECONOMICS A TYPICAL WEEK All modules available to full and part time are included. Please refer to the chart to establish when the modules run and also read in conjunction with the course handbook/profile which specifies module pre-requisites FULL OR PART TIME Full Part Time - year 1* Full Part Time - year 1* Full Part Time - year 1/year 2* MODULE CORE OR WHEN OPTIONAL MED-7006D Health Economics Core Autumn MED-7021D/E* - Introduction to research methods Core Autumn Autumn or Spring* MED- 7008E- Economic Evaluation in Health Care Core Spring *this is run as an en bloc week in early January Full Part Time - year 1/year 2* Option Range A: Choose 1 ECO-7000A - Econometric methods ECO-7002A - Econometric Theory MED-7013E - Further Quantitative Methods Core Autumn Autumn Spring * Part time students are normally required to complete 3 core modules in year 1 and 1 in year 2 and must respect module pre-requisites e.g. Introduction to Research Methods must be taken before Further Quantitative Methods 14
Full Part Time Year 2 : Choose 2 ECO-7003A Economic theory 1 or ECO-7011A Economic concepts DEV-7027B - Health & development ECO-7001B- Applied Econometrics HSC-7057E- Systematic Reviews and Research Synthesis Optional Autumn Spring Spring Spring Full Part time Year 3 MED-7007X Research Dissertation Spring/Summer 15
GROUP ALLOCATIONS Where students are allocated to groups please note that attendance is usually required at only one of the timetabled sessions per week. Students are asked to check that they are in a group which does not clash with other modules they are taking. SEMESTER 1 (AUTUMN) MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 0900 ECO-7003A ECO-7011A Economic Theory 1 Economic Concepts MED-7021D 1000 Introduction to Research 1100 Methods ECO-7000A 1200 ECO-7000A Econometric Methods Option Range A ECO-7000A Econometric Methods Option Range A Core (PGDIP or MSC only) MSC = Semester 1 PGDIP = Semester 1 or 2 Econometric Methods Option Range A Computer practical ECO-7011A Economic Concepts Workshops* 12.00-14.00 ECO-7002A Econometric Theory Option Range A Computer practical GUIDANCE ONLY. TIMETABLES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE 16
1300 ECO-7002A Econometric Theory Option Range A 1400 ECO-7011A MED-7006D ECO-7011A ECO-7003A Economic Theory 1 1 1 hour seminar 1300-1400. ECO-7011A Economic Concepts Workshops* *Also runs Thur & Fri Economic Concepts Health Economics Core Economic Concepts 1400-1500. Depending on 1500 group ECO-7000A 1 hour seminar 1 hour seminar Econometric 1400-1500. 1400-1500. Methods 1500-1600 1500-1600 Option Range A 1600-1700 Depending on Computer practical Depending on group 1600 group ECO-7000A Econometric Methods Option Range A Computer practical GUIDANCE ONLY. TIMETABLES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE 17
SEMESTER 2 (SPRING) MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 0900 MED-7013E DEV-7027B ECO-7001B HSC-7057E ECO-7001B Further Quantitative Health & Development Applied Econometrics 1000 Research Methods 09.00 11.00 11.00-13.00 9.00-10.00 Option Range A Depending on 10.00-11.00 group Dependent on Group 1100 DEV-7027B Systematic Reviews and Research Synthesis Applied Econometrics Workshop 1200 Health & Development 1300 ECO-7001B 1400 Applied Econometrics MED-7008E 1500 1600 Option Range B Economic Evaluation in Health Care HSC-7057E Systematic Reviews and Research Synthesis DEV-7027B Health & Development 1700 to 1900 DEV-7027B Health & Development GUIDANCE ONLY. TIMETABLES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE 18