Key facts
Duration
The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Course overview
Turn data into evidence-based decisions that influence positive change in the healthcare system with Deakin’s Master of Health Economics. Develop advanced skills in economic evaluation, resource allocation and modelling to inform policy and improve health outcomes.
This course offers a flexible study experience, allowing you to tailor your degree to your career goals. You can choose to complete a major or minor research project or focus on coursework by selecting from a wide range of electives. Build expertise in areas such as health technology assessment, policy analysis and healthcare financing, and apply your skills through research, industry-based projects or up to 150 hours of professional experience. Ranked #36 in the world for public health, Deakin prepares you to contribute to decision-making across health systems, government, consulting and industry roles.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Health Economics
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H704
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 085214E Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Start studying in November
Start your studies in Deakin's Trimester 3 (November) intake and begin building your future sooner. Join Melbourne's #1 university for international student graduate employment and benefit from industry-led learning, advanced facilities and strong student support. You can also apply now for our 2027 Trimester 1 (March) and Trimester 2 (July) intakes.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Health Economics you must pass 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 16-credit point Master of Health Economics includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- 8 credit points which may comprise of:
- 1 Minor Project (2 credit points), and 6 credit points of course electives OR
- 1 Major Project (4 credit points), and 4 credit points of course electives OR
- 8 credit points of course elective units
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
All students must complete the following eight core units and one zero credit point unit:
Project Options
Note students wishing to undertake the minor/major project are recommended to take HSH753 Research Methods in Health and Social Development as a course elective.
Minor Project Option^
Plus 6 of the course electives below
^Students must have a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60 to be eligible to undertake the minor project option
Major Project Option*
Plus 4 of the course electives below
*Students must have a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 to be eligible to undertake the major project option
Students not selecting the minor/major project option must select 8 credit points of course electives from the below list:
Other electives may be approved on an individual basis. Course Director approval is required.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Start date: November
- Available at:
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Students would normally complete the Master of Health Economics over 4 trimesters of full- time study or the part-time equivalent. As some students will be in full-time work, part-time enrolment will mean that these students will complete the course in 3 to 4 years.
Students may enrol in the course in either Trimester 1, 2 or 3. It is recommended that students take the minor or major project in their last 1 or 2 trimesters.
International on-campus students who commence in Trimester 2 or Trimester 3 intakes pursuing the Major Project stream are required to enrol into Trimester 3 of their second year in order to complete the course within their CoE course duration.
Income support
Domestic students enrolled in this postgraduate coursework program may be eligible for student income support through Youth Allowance and Austudy.
Further information can be found at Deakin University's Fees website.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit that contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Please refer the relevant unit guide.
Workload
In the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.
Work experience
Limited places are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1.5 years full-time (3 years part-time).
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
- evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to: Health Sciences, Public Health, Allied Health, Pharmacy, Commerce, Economics, Management
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Health Outcomes Research, Health Technology Assessment, Allied Health, Health Services, Aged Care or Youth Services, Management, Commerce, Policy
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$43,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Deakin alumni discount
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Health Economics (H504)
- Graduate Diploma of Health Economics (H604)
Career outcomes
The health sector is Australia’s largest and fastest-growing*. With more jobs and an increased demand for skilled health professionals, you will have more opportunities to take your career forward.
Use your specialised skills and extensive practical experience to confidently explore roles in:
- pharmaceutical and health technology industries
- health insurance
- hospitals, community health organisations and healthcare management
- international health organisations such as WHO, UNDP, OECD, the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank
- government departments such as Health and Treasury and the Productivity Commission
- non-government agencies, research institutes and think tanks
- corporate consulting firms.
In addition to the diverse career options this course opens up, graduates also have the opportunity to join Deakin’s leading health economics academics by progressing to a PhD.
* Australian Government National Skills Commission Industry Employment Outlook 2021
Professional recognition
Graduates may be eligible for membership with the following professional bodies:
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate knowledge of the implications of organisational structure, delivery and financing of healthcare services from an economic perspective, including implications for efficiency, equity and access. |
| Communicate health economic issues to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written reports, oral presentation and digital communication, including:
|
| Critically evaluate available digital sources of health and health systems data, for systematic reviews, economic modelling and health policy and priority setting recommendations. |
| Critically evaluate applied economic and conceptual frameworks used in health economics to analyse the effects of political, social and economic policies on health systems and community health, and apply analytic methods including evidence-based research, cost-effectiveness, and decision analyses to inform resource allocation and policy initiatives. |
| Independently analyse contemporary health problems from an economic perspective and formulate options for health system reform. |
| Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning and professionalism in the area of health economics. |
| Demonstrate knowledge of their role as a health economist to work effectively within health economics and multidisciplinary teams. |
| Apply the principles of health economics, evidence-based economic evaluation and priority setting to problems in global health and the strengthening of health systems. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
