Flexible online and on-campus study
Up to 150 hours professional experience
Top 5 provider in Australia for health degrees
Why choose health economics at Deakin
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.
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Tailor your degree to your goals
Choose a major or minor research project, or complete your degree through coursework with a wide range of electives, so you can align your studies with your career goals.
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Gain professional experience
Apply your skills through industry-based projects or up to 150 hours of professional experience, building practical capability and professional networks.
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Learn from leading experts
Study with one of the largest health economics teams in Australia, with academics actively contributing to research, policy and practice.
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Highly ranked for public health
Deakin is ranked #36 in the world for public health, strengthening the global recognition of your qualification.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build advanced expertise in economic modelling, evaluation, health technology assessment and policy analysis. Graduate ready to influence major healthcare decisions, advise organisations on how resources are invested and pursue specialist and senior roles across health, government, consulting and research.
Health economist
Use economic modelling, evaluation and evidence to assess health programs, technologies and policies. Help governments, healthcare organisations and industry make informed decisions about investment, funding and resource allocation.
- $148K
Median earnings for economists in Australia
- 3.6/5
Job satisfaction
Industries you may work in
- Government and public policy
- Pharmaceutical and health technology industries
- International health organisations such as the WHO, UNDP and the World Bank Group
- Non-government agencies, research institutes and think tanks
- Corporate consulting firms
- Health insurance
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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.
What will I study in the Master of Health Economics?
Develop advanced skills in economic evaluation, modelling and policy analysis, with the flexibility to tailor your studies through research or coursework pathways aligned to your career goals.
Build core health economics expertise
Learn core economic principles
Build your understanding of economic concepts, evaluation, resource allocation and priority setting in healthcare.
Develop analytical skills
Gain capability in epidemiology and biostatistics to interpret data and inform evidence-based decisions.
Apply health economics methods
Explore areas such as health technology assessment and economic modelling to assess the value and impact of health interventions.
Tailor your degree to your goals
Undertake a research project (optional)
Complete a major or minor research project to build advanced research, analysis and communication skills.
Or focus on coursework
Select from a wide range of electives to deepen your expertise in areas such as policy analysis, healthcare financing or global health systems.
Gain practical experience
Apply your skills through industry-based projects or up to 150 hours of professional experience via an elective.
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
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.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
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.
Professional recognition
Graduates may be eligible for membership with the following professional bodies:
What to expect while studying
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.
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.
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.
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.
Limited places are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| 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:
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| 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. |
- 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
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.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Health Economics (H504)
- Graduate Diploma of Health Economics (H604)