European Master in Health Economics and Management

The European Master in Health Economics and Management is a two-year full-time program (120 EC) that aims to attract students from around the world who aspire to pursue an international career in the healthcare sector.

Semesters and courses

The first semester is aimed at acquiring fundamentals of Economics, Management, Statistics, and Econometrics. These courses are complemented by an introduction to Ethics and electives on Political Sciences and Law. The first-semester courses are offered at the University of Bologna.

The second and third semesters are devoted to the development of advanced and specialized skills on current issues in the healthcare sector. Eu-HEM students choose one out of four specialization tracks. Each specialization track is taught by two of the partner universities in cooperation, and students spend one semester at each university delivering the track.

The fourth semester is dedicated to the master thesis. Students will write a scientific master thesis on a topic related to one of the subjects covered within the specialization of their choice. The objective of the thesis is to show that the student can perform scientific research individually and to report and discuss the study and its conclusions in a clear way. Suggestions for a master thesis topic can be made by the student, a lecturer, or an external party from the public or private sector.

During the Eu-HEM program, students will develop competencies and expertise in health economics, healthcare management, health policy, and health law and regulation. Students will also acquire skills in essential analytical methods.

Eu-HEM prepares students for roles as staff and executive positions in organizations, institutions, and companies related to the global healthcare market. A key to the fulfillment of a steady job in this sector is awareness of the societal relevance of healthcare and the constraints imposed by social rules, regulations, and the law.

The following overall intended learning outcomes are defined for the Eu-HEM program as a whole:

• Students can apply the relevant methodological and analytical skills to share scientific and technical knowledge with health policy and healthcare organizations.
• Students can apply advanced and practical skills in the field of health economics and management in health policy, businesses, and healthcare organizations.
• Students can develop an interdisciplinary understanding of challenges in healthcare policy and management.
• Students fulfill the academic and methodological requirements for a Ph.D. program in the field of health economics and management.

The international character of the program makes for excellent career opportunities within a wide range of employers, including:

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Aid organizations
• Health insurers
• United Nations
• Ministries of health
• Large hospitals
• Integrated care organizations
• Research institutions and universities

The study program in a nutshell

• A unique opportunity to study a joint program offered by the top four European universities: the University of Bologna, University of Oslo, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School in Innsbruck, and Erasmus University Rotterdam.
• Develop competencies and expertise in health economics and policy, healthcare management, health law, and regulation.
• Excellent career opportunities and access to a wide network of employers in international organizations, hospitals, care organizations, governmental agencies, and research institutions.

Eu-HEM is a full-time two-year program. The program offers both a multidisciplinary approach as well as the opportunity to specialize within your field of interest. Learning activities are organized in four semesters, for 120 credits in total. All students follow their first semester at the University of Bologna. Where you follow the rest of the semesters depends on the track specialization you choose.