Healthcare Management

The Professional Diploma in Health Economics  is a one-year, part-time programme that examines the economics of healthcare provision. There is a palpable need for those interested in healthcare in Ireland to understand the economic rationale behind the allocation of resources in this vital sector. To meet this need, the Diploma explores the fundamentals of economics, the distinctive features of healthcare economics and the different mechanisms for evaluating spending on healthcare.

Expressly designed for those who want to obtain a nationally recognised qualification while remaining in work, the Diploma is delivered through a blended learning model that allows study from anywhere in the country.

Professional Diploma in Health Economics (CME/CPD Approved)

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Key Facts

Delivery Method

The programme is delivered through a student-friendly blended learning model. Students attend webinars and spme classroom-based seminars. They are supported in their studies by online resources and bespoke course material.  

Entry Requirements

Applicants require a Leaving Certificate with a minimum grade C in two higher level papers and grade D in four other subjects. The papers passed must include Irish, English and a third language. 

OR

Mature students (students over 21 on January 1 of the calendar year of entry) may enter a programme without the above qualifications. 

Duration

One academic year

Accreditation

NUI

Place on NFQ

Level 8 (Special Purpose award) what is this?

Commences

September 2024

Application Deadline

September 2024

Fees

The cost of the programme is €2,650 per annum (includes all matriculation and examination fees), payable in two instalments. 

Employers and Fees

Where employers are paying fees, students, when enrolling, must provide a PO number and employer authorisation on the applicaiton form OR submit a letter from their employer confirming that fees will be paid directly. 

Students Paying their own Fees

Fees can be paid by:

  • Electronic transfer (contact the Undergraduate Office).
  • Debit/credit card (contact the Undergraduate Office).
  • Cheque (payable to the Institute of Public Administration).
  • Bank draft.

Note: Fees may increase slightly from year to year. Where this occurs, students will be charged the increased fee.

Progression

Graduates can enter the second year of the BA (Hons) on completion of a bridging programme.

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The Programme

The Professional Diploma in Health Economics  is a one-year, part-time programme that examines the economics of healthcare provision. There is a palpable need for those interested in healthcare in Ireland to understand the economic rationale behind the allocation of resources in this vital sector. To meet this need, the Diploma explores the fundamentals of economics, the distinctive features of healthcare economics and the different mechanisms for evaluating spending on healthcare.

Expressly designed for those who want to obtain a nationally recognised qualification while remaining in work, the Diploma is delivered through a blended learning model that allows study from anywhere in the country.

Is This Programme for you?

How to provide good-quality healthcare in the most efficient manner remains a source of contentious debate around the world. This programme will be of great benefit to anyone working in healthcare provision in Ireland. No prior knowledge of economics is presumed.

Students of this programme are very often: 

  • Front-line medical staff 
  • Employees of pharmaceutical companies 
  • Healthcare administrators and managers from the public and private sectors
Subjects
The Fundamentals of Applied Economics

This module seeks to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the central principles of applied economics. Equipped with this knowledge, students will be able to properly comprehend the policy choices available in the allocation of resources to healthcare. Among the topics addressed are supply and demand, the role of the market, consumer behaviour, competition and generating profit.

Health Economics

This module builds on the knowledge that students gained in Module 1 by examining the distinctive features of healthcare economics. Students will learn about the particular economic issues that are integral to this sector. Among the topics addressed are the demand for healthcare, how healthcare is paid for, the role of insurers, the regulation of healthcare professionals and public vs. private provision of healthcare.

An Introduction to Healthcare Evaluation Techniques

This module addresses the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare interventions. Students will address the techniques that have been advanced to evaluate healthcare spending. Among the topics addressed are how to measure effectiveness in healthcare, cost-benefit analysis, cost of illness studies and cost minimisation analysis.

Assessment

The programme is assessed through written assignments and final examiantions. 

How To Apply
  1. Download this Application Form and complete it (if your fees are being paid by your employer, be sure to include all the relevant details on the form).
  2. That form MUST be accompanied by: (a) proof of ID (copy of passport, birth cert, or driving licence), (b) a passport photo, (c) the programme fee (see section on Fees).

Send the completed application form and the above items to undergrad@ipa.ie.

You may also apply by post.

Prospectus

Programme Delivery and Applications

IPA programmes are part time and generally delivered through a blended learning model.  To apply, see the How to Apply section on the relevant programme and download the application form below.

Undergraduate Application Form 2024

 

Enquiry Form

 

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