Health Policy
A two-year, part-time course designed for people working in the health sector.
Award titles
Postgraduate Certificate
Duration: 10/11 months part-time
(standalone course)
Postgraduate Diploma
Duration: 22-23 months part-time
(including PG Cert)
Master's degree
Duration: 25 months part-time
(including PG Cert and PG Dip)
Key information
Overview
Please note, we plan to deliver our Health Policy courses in a multi-mode format, meaning a combination of on-campus (in-person) teaching and remote (online) teaching.
If this does happen, applicants will be contacted, explained any changes to the programme structure and offered the opportunity to consider their application. Find out more about how we will tell you about changes.
Our courses in Health Policy offer you the chance to learn about important aspects of health policy from leading international academics and practitioners.
Through a blended model of online and face to face teaching coupled with personal study, you will acquire a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of health policy. We will introduce you to both quantitative and qualitative research techniques that will enable you to carry out original studies.
You will also develop the ability to critique existing and emerging health policy on the basis of evidence and knowledge.
In addition, you will gain a comparative perspective that enables you to consider the challenges affecting different regions and countries, as well as alternative potential responses to them. You will also have the opportunity to network with international peers.
The courses are aimed at those already working in the health sector. You will acquire a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of health policy, with a view to improving the quality of such policy, both within the UK and internationally.
Our MSc in Health Policy is delivered by the Institute of Global Health Innovation.
Study programme
We offer the following qualifications in Health Policy, which are available as a pathway that build to an MSc or as standalone qualifications:
- PG Cert Health Policy (Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health): 11 months (30 ECTS)
- PG Cert Health Policy (Leading Innovative Change): 10 months (30 ECTS)
- PG Dip Health Policy: 21 months in total (based on completion of the two PG Certs) (60 ECTS)
- MSc Health Policy: 23 months in total (based on completion of the PG Diploma + a 12-month research project) (90 ECTS)
Postgraduate Certificate
If you apply to the PG Cert initially, you have a choice of two streams:
- Leading Innovative Change
- Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma
Completion of both PG Certificate streams results in the automatic award of the PG Diploma in Health Policy.
Alternatively, you have the option to complete just one of the streams and exit with a standalone PG Certificate in your chosen stream title.
Master of Science (MSc)
The Master's-level degree consists of a 12-month research project. Successful completion of this project, in addition to the PG Certificate and PG Diploma content, will result in the award of the MSc in Health Policy.
Read more about how this works under 'Choosing your course' in the how to apply section.
Is this programme for you?
The taught modules cover health systems and policy in developing countries, health economics and how healthcare is financed, health and society, innovation, measuring performance, service delivery, the ageing society and leadership.
Additionally, you complete a research dissertation during your second year of the MSc in an aspect of Health Policy that will advance best practice in your chosen area.
Careers
Our MSc in Health Policy is designed for those working in the field to gain skills in critical analysis of studies, research design and practical application of evidence.
Graduates are equipped to advance their managerial career in the NHS, Industry and private sector in the UK and the rest of the world.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.
Page last reviewed on 22 October 2021.
Structure
Policy Theory
You take all of the modules below.
- Health Systems and Policy
- Health Economics for Health Policy
- Financing Healthcare
- Health and Society
Leading Innovative Change
You will take four modules in total.
Core modules
- Innovation in Healthcare
- Health Service Delivery
- Leadership
Optional modules
You will choose one module from below.
- Measuring and Improving Performance in Healthcare
- Communicating Health Policy
MSc research project
On the MSc course, you will complete a 12-month research project.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
- Group discussions
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical workshops
- Site visits
Assessment
- Individual essays and structured authentic written exercises
- Group reports
- Presentations
- Independent project (MSc only)
Course timetable
Across the whole Health Policy MSc, including completing both the postgraduate certificates, you will attend an introductory course, followed by online modules and face to face teaching sessions at Imperial.
In addition, you will complete an individual dissertation directed by the College and your chosen organisation. The research dissertation element is one extended project that will be completed outside the teaching blocks.
Events, tasters and talks
Find out more about studying at Imperial by meeting us at a virtual event. From webinars and study fairs to drop-ins and open days. Join us throughout the year for a range of events.
Explore all of our upcoming events.
Virtual Open Day 2021
Watch presentations from the course leaders, discussing teaching and assessments, Imperial's response to COVID-19 and remote delivery, and a short session with a current student/alumnus.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Admissions
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree and at least two years' healthcare experience.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
How to apply
Choosing your course
This course is divided into three progressional levels of study:
- PG Certificate (PG Cert)
- PG Diploma (PG Dip)
- MSc
Each level of study has its own separate entry point; you can apply to any level in the first instance.
Read more about Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and MSc degrees
Making an application
Apply online
All applicants must apply online.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can usually choose up to two courses.
Application fee
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for taught Master's applications (excluding MBAs)
- £135 for MBA applications
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
ATAS certificate
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.
Tuition fees and funding
The level of tuition fees you pay is based on your fee status, which we assess based on UK government legislation.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Home rate of tuition
2022 entry
MSc
Full fee - £16,300
Top-up fee* - £3,260
Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)
Full fee - £13,040
Top-up fee* - £4,890
Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)
Full fee - £8,150
* If you have already completed one of the above qualifications and are moving on to the next level of study, e.g. you've already completed the PG Cert and want to study the PG Dip, you will only need to pay the top-up fee for the course you’re applying for.
You may apply to enter this programme at any level of study.
If you enter the MSc, without having studied the PG Cert or PG Dip, then you will pay the full fee listed for the MSc.
If you enter at the PG Cert or PG Dip level and return in future academic years to complete a higher award, you will pay the top-up fee advertised in the year of your return, instead of the full fee for your chosen course.
If you continue uninterrupted from one award to the next, you will pay the relevant top-up fee, plus any annual inflationary increases applied to the entry fee. This applies to applicants who originally entered for a PG Dip or MSc. This does not apply to those who have completed a PG Cert or PG Dip and are re-entering for a higher award.
The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value for April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
If you exit the course with an award and return following a break, you will pay the top-up fee advertised in the year of your return.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note, we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' Rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens' Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Overseas rate of tuition
2022 entry
MSc
Full fee - £35,000
Top-up fee* - £7,000
Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)
Full fee - £28,000
Top-up fee* - £10,500
Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)
Full fee - £17,500
* If you have already completed one of the above qualifications and are moving on to the next level of study, e.g. you've already completed the PG Cert and want to study the PG Dip, you will only need to pay the top-up fee for the course you’re applying for.
You may apply to enter this programme at any level of study.
If you enter the MSc, without having studied the PG Cert or PG Dip, then you will pay the full fee listed for the MSc.
If you enter at the PG Cert or PG Dip level and return in future academic years to complete a higher award, you will pay the top-up fee advertised in the year of your return, instead of the full fee for your chosen course.
If you continue uninterrupted from one award to the next, you will pay the relevant top-up fee, plus any annual inflationary increases applied to the entry fee. This applies to applicants who originally entered for a PG Dip or MSc. This does not apply to those who have completed a PG Cert or PG Dip and are re-entering for a higher award.
The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value for April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Overseas fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note, we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' Rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens' Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Postgraduate Master's loan
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2020-21 entry, the maximum amount was of £11,222. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
You must apply for the MSc in this course in order to be eligible for a Postgraduate Master's Loan.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies.
See what opportunities you may be eligible for:
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Further information
Got a question?
Enquiries
E: health.policymsc@imperial.ac.uk
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