Health Economics and Policy Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Study a part-time, online PhD in health economics and policy

This PhD at Lancaster University is a flexible, part-time doctoral programme designed for professionals who want to make an original contribution to health economics research without stepping away from their current role or existing commitments.

Delivered primarily online, the programme combines expert academic supervision, structured research training and optional face-to-face academies, making it suitable for students based across the UK and internationally.

Whether you work in healthcare settings, pharmaceutical companies, international organisations, local or central government, consultancies, education or research, this doctorate allows you to investigate real-world health economics and policy challenges while developing advanced research expertise.

The programme explores diverse areas of health economics, including economic evaluation, priority setting in health care and economic evaluation.

Why choose Lancaster University for a PhD in health economics and policy?

At Lancaster University, we have built a strong international reputation for health economics research, with our Health Economics at Lancaster (HEAL) team bringing together expertise in health economics, health policy and economic evaluation, complemented by the Economics department at Lancaster University Management School (LUMS).

* Flexible online study that fits around professional or personal commitments

* Taught within Lancaster's Division of Health Research, where we have 15 years' experience of delivering quality online education

* A structured programme combining taught research methods with independent doctoral research

* Join a global network of like-minded students, including policy-makers and global health professionals

* Benefit from Lancaster University's connections with healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies and international organisations

* Draw on the combined expertise of the HEAL team and the Economics department at Lancaster University Management School

About our health economics and policy research

Health economics goes beyond assessing the value of new treatments, services, or policies; it also explores the wider implications for patients and communities.

Our research produces evidence to support health policymaking to improve population health and wellbeing.

We deliver insights and innovative approaches to help policy-makers make informed decisions about the allocation of finite resources.

This includes examining the trade-offs when resources are directed to one area over another and analysing how the costs and benefits of healthcare are shared across different groups in society.

We are a team shaped by a culture of continuous learning, knowledge exchange, and ambitious intellectual development to fuel positive change through our research.

Years 1 and 2

During the first two years, you'll complete online taught modules that will develop the theoretical knowledge and methodological skills you need for doctoral research.

Topics include:

* Health economics theory and practice

* Research philosophy

* Research design

* Systematic reviews

* Data analysis

* Research ethics

* Advanced research planning

Years 3 and beyond

From the third year onwards, your focus will shift to an original research project that addresses an important issue within your professional or academic area of interest.

Your research can usually be carried out within your own workplace or local setting while receiving regular online supervision through Microsoft Teams and meeting supervisors during annual academies.

By graduation, you'll have developed expertise in:

* Independent research design

* Critical evaluation of health economics evidence

* Advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods

* Academic writing and publication

* Producing original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of health economics and policy