This full-time, four-semester Master’s programme at the University of Duisburg-Essen is taught entirely in English and takes a research-oriented approach to health economics. It equips students to analyze key economic questions related to health and healthcare systems, using economic methods to investigate policy-relevant problems.
The curriculum concentrates on major, globally relevant topics: the drivers and economic consequences of population ageing across sectors; how socioeconomic factors shape health outcomes and the links between health, education, and labour-market performance; and the financing of healthcare, including how provider reimbursement schemes influence incentives and the equitable delivery of care. The programme emphasizes rigorous analysis of these issues from both theoretical and empirical perspectives.
Designed for those interested in the intersection of economics and health, the MSc prepares graduates to engage with contemporary policy debates and research on health inequalities, system financing, and incentive structures within healthcare. Being delivered in English in Essen makes it accessible to international students seeking a Germany-based, research-focused master’s in economics with a health specialization.
Key facts and requirements
The curriculum is organised into four module types: compulsory modules, elective courses, a research seminar and a master’s thesis. Core modules and most electives are taught in English, though students may choose some courses offered in German. Compulsory courses (30 ECTS) cover the foundations of the degree and include Health Economics I, Health Economics II, Microeconometrics, Public Economics I and Public Economics II. These modules provide solid grounding in applied econometrics and the economic theory needed to analyse health systems and policy.
Students complete nine elective courses (54 ECTS) drawn mainly from economics (at least four must be from economics), with additional options in business administration and medical management. Electives allow specialisation—examples include advanced econometrics, behavioural economics or business-oriented topics—so you can tailor the programme toward quantitative or policy-focused careers. The single seminar (6 ECTS) focuses on health economics and related areas such as health & development, econometrics or labour economics, and gives practical experience working with and presenting research papers.
The master’s thesis is a compulsory 30 ECTS research project in which you formulate and investigate your own research question under the supervision of a relevant chair. Combined, the programme trains students in empirical methods, policy evaluation, microeconomic analysis of health markets, and independent academic research—preparing you to undertake advanced applied work in health economics, research institutions or policy settings.
Requirements and ECTS breakdown
This master's program expects applicants to have a solid background in economics and quantitative methods. You must hold a Bachelor's degree in Economics (BSc) or an equivalent qualification with a minimum converted grade of 3.0. If your degree is in another subject with Economics as a minor, you need at least 48 ECTS credits in economics or closely related fields (ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). In addition, your prior coursework must include at least 24 ECTS total in microeconomics, statistics and econometrics, with each of those three subfields represented.
All applications are submitted online. For the initial application you need to upload your Bachelor’s degree and Transcript of Records and, where applicable, proof of English language proficiency. You do not have to provide certified copies or additional certificates at the time of application, but the admissions office may request official documents if you are offered a place. Any documents you submit must be translated into either English or German.
The application procedure differs depending on whether you are classified as an EU or non‑EU applicant. EU application status applies if your Bachelor’s or high‑school diploma was issued by an institution in an EU country. Non‑EU status applies if your Bachelor’s and high‑school diploma were issued by institutions in non‑EU countries. For full application instructions and deadlines, consult the program’s admissions page: https://www.healthecon-master.de/admissions-/.
Key requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
31 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
31 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates gain quantitative and policy-analysis skills that are relevant for roles in the public sector, international organisations, health-care providers, consultancy firms, and research institutions. The programme’s emphasis on applied econometrics and independent research also prepares students for doctoral studies in health economics or related fields.
Because the degree combines health-sector knowledge with strong empirical methods, alumni are equipped to work on evaluation and policy design, health-system financing, health-care provider incentives, and socioeconomic aspects of population health.