Health Policy
Gain a detailed understanding of health policy guided by international academics and practitioners.
Health Policy
Gain a detailed understanding of health policy guided by international academics and practitioners.
Health Policy
Gain a detailed understanding of health policy guided by international academics and practitioners.
Gain a detailed understanding of health policy guided by international academics and practitioners
Develop the skills and expertise to critique existing and emerging health policies using evidence-based approaches
Benefit from an online learning approach that allows you to fit your learning around your professional commitments
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MSc
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Duration
2 years, 3 years
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Start date
September 2025
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Study mode
Part-time
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Fees
£15,500 Home
£25,600 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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Online
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Minimum entry standard
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2:1, applicants should be current or future health policy practitioners.
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Qualification
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PG Cert
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Duration
1 year
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Start date
September 2025
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Study mode
Part-time
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Fees
£7,750 Home
£12,800 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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Online
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Minimum entry standard
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2:1, applicants should be current or future health policy practitioners.
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Qualification
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PG Dip
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Duration
2 years
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Start date
September 2025
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Study mode
Part-time
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Fees
£12,400 Home
£20,480 Overseas
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Delivered by
-
Location
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Online
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Minimum entry standard
-
2:1, applicants should be current or future health policy practitioners.
Course overview
Build your appreciation of key aspects of health policy on this Master's course.
Guided by leading international academics and practitioners, this course will provide you with a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of health policy.
You'll study a broad range of topics across two streams, 'Leading Innovative Change' and 'Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health'.
You'll become familiar with the quantitative and qualitative research techniques used to carry out original studies, and develop the ability to critique existing and emerging health policy.
An integrated delivery model combines three core elements: theory and research; keynote examples by those who have shaped health policy; and practical authentic teaching exercises to emphasise real-world examples.
Teaching is delivered through our flexible, online virtual learning environment, with an extensive research project (culminating in dissertation) forming a major element of your studies. This will provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate a deep conceptual understanding of a health policy area of interest.
The course takes an evidence-based policy approach to teaching, from delivery on the front line right up to a global context. This enables you to consider challenges affecting different regions and countries and provides opportunities to network with international peers.
Build your appreciation of key aspects of health policy on this PG Certificate course.
Guided by leading international academics and practitioners, this course will provide you with a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of health policy.
You'll study a broad range of topics across two streams, 'Leading Innovative Change' and 'Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health'.
An integrated delivery model combines three core elements: theory and research; keynote examples by those who have shaped health policy; and practical authentic teaching exercises to emphasise real-world examples.
Teaching is delivered through our flexible, online virtual learning environment.
The course takes an evidence-based policy approach to teaching, from delivery on the front line right up to a global context. This enables you to consider challenges affecting different regions and countries and provides opportunities to network with international peers.
Build your appreciation of key aspects of health policy on this PG Diploma course.
Guided by leading international academics and practitioners, this course will provide you with a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of health policy.
You'll study a broad range of topics across two streams, 'Leading Innovative Change' and 'Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health'.
An integrated delivery model combines three core elements: theory and research; keynote examples by those who have shaped health policy; and practical authentic teaching exercises to emphasise real-world examples.
Teaching is delivered through our flexible, online virtual learning environment.
The course takes an evidence-based policy approach to teaching, from delivery on the front line right up to a global context. This enables you to consider challenges affecting different regions and countries and provides opportunities to network with international peers.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll study the following core modules across two specialist streams, ‘Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health’ and ‘Leading Innovative Change’.
Policy Theory, Economics & Public Health
This module helps you to understand the building blocks of the health system, such as financing systems, human resources, information policy, service delivery, and leadership and governance. It shows how an understanding of these domains, and their interrelatedness, should inform the design of effective policies, and ensure that resources are used wisely.
This module provides you with an overview of health economics principles, exploring microeconomics and how they apply to health policy. Within this module, you will undertake economic evaluations of health care programmes and policies, employing structured approaches, drawing on contemporary theory and current best practice.
This module adopts an interdisciplinary approach to introduce the principles and methods used to finance healthcare in a global context. The emphasis will be on the application of financing and the policy challenges for population health using case-based and problem-based learning. The options for generating revenue, pooling risk, traditional and modern methods for paying healthcare providers will be introduced.
This module provides you with an understanding of public health and its principles and practice. You will have the opportunity to learn about and undertake critical appraisal of research evidence and will be expected to participate fully in didactic lectures through advance preparation, as well as through team-based learning and group work.
Leading Innovative Change
Consider the principles of innovation in healthcare, how innovation comes about, and the health policy implications of future innovation.
This module introduces you to the theoretical and practical aspects of health policy implementation. This module will give you the tools and insights required to understand and critique policy and implementation; identify the factors that help or hinder the effective development and delivery; and appreciate the complexity of translating policy to practice at global, national and local levels.
This module is designed to develop your insights into the kind of leadership required to tackle our most vexing challenges in health care. The aim of this module is to facilitate access to what is required to exercise effective leadership and to successfully deliver reforms in healthcare on an institutional, regional, national and international stage.
All students will choose 1 of the following optional modules.
Optional modules
This module aims to introduce you to the basic concepts of measuring health system performance, the different aspects or domains of performance, and the power of comparison and international benchmarking. Finally, we introduce you to the key ways in which measurement can be deployed to improve performance.
The pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of effectively communicating health policy. This module focuses on helping its participants develop practical communication tools, alongside an in-depth understanding of the health communication landscape. It will consider important channels of communication such as campaigns, speeches, social media and mainstream media.
You’ll complete an individual research project exploring a research area of your choice.
This work is designed to help you advance best practice in your chosen area, and culminates in a dissertation relevant to health policy and practice.
You'll also defend and communicate the results and impact of your study.
You’ll study the following core modules.
Policy Theory, Economics & Public Health
Understand the building blocks of the health system, including financing systems, leadership and governance, and analyse how effective policies should be designed.
Become familiar with the principles of macroeconomics and microeconomics and how they apply to health policy.
Explore financing as one of the crucial levers of a health system and appraise the impact of different financing policies.
Examine the role of epidemiological evidence in forming public health policies, and critique an evidence base for a policy area.
You’ll study the following core modules across two specialist streams, ‘Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health’ and ‘Leading Innovative Change’.
Policy Theory, Economics & Public Health
Understand the building blocks of the health system, including financing systems, leadership and governance, and analyse how effective policies should be designed.
Become familiar with the principles of macroeconomics and microeconomics and how they apply to health policy.
Explore financing as one of the crucial levers of a health system and appraise the impact of different financing policies.
Examine the role of epidemiological evidence in forming public health policies, and critique an evidence base for a policy area.
Leading Innovative Change
Consider the principles of innovation in healthcare, how innovation comes about, and the health policy implications of future innovation.
Understand the realities of putting health policy into practice in the setting of a tertiary hospital, and consider key issues of policy implementation.
Develop insights into the kind of leadership required to tackle our most vexing challenges in healthcare and explore how reforms in healthcare can be successfully delivered.
For the ‘Leading Innovative Change’ stream, you’ll also choose one additional optional module.
Optional modules
Explore different ways of measuring health system performance, and the key ways in which measurement can be deployed to improve performance.
Develop practical communication tools and appreciate the importance of clinical involvement in communicating health policy.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Online learning
- Independent study
- 20% Online learning
- 80% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
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Group discussions
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Case study scenarios
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Flipped classroom
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Virtual learning environment
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Individual work
Assessment methods
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Individual essays and written exercises
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Group reports
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Presentations
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Independent project
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Tutor and peer feedback
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Video blogs
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Podcasts
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Article and case study reviews
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Online learning
- Independent study
- 20% Online learning
- 80% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
-
Group discussions
-
Case study scenarios
-
Flipped classroom
-
Virtual learning environment
Assessment methods
-
Individual essays and written exercises
-
Group reports
-
Presentations
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Online learning
- Independent study
- 20% Online learning
- 80% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
-
Group discussions
-
Case study scenarios
-
Flipped classroom
-
Virtual learning environment
Assessment methods
-
Individual essays and written exercises
-
Group reports
-
Presentations
Imperial’s online learning environment
This programme is delivered fully online. The online design provides asynchronous learning for students both within and outside the UK, enabling all participants to take a flexible approach to their studies.
Developed by the Imperial College Digital Education team, the programme includes innovative learning features to provide high quality degree learning experiences. Teaching and learning on the programme is delivered through the Blackboard platform.
Key concepts are elucidated with short explanatory videos and podcasts featuring leading academics, experienced healthcare practitioners and influential industry leaders.
A range of methods are used including pre-recorded lectures and video capture, live online classroom sessions, slide-decks with audio commentary, discussion forums and prompts, and practical exercises.
Student Support and Community Building
Imperial College also provides tailored learning support, pastoral care with an assigned personal tutor and short study skills courses which supplement your learning experience.
We recognise there can be additional challenges to being an online postgraduate student and we prioritise students' mental health and wellbeing within our provision of support. Alongside your personal tutor, there are three designated Champions within the Health Policy team. The Champions operate an open-door policy and offer individual support relating to mental health, disability, and EDI.
To encourage community building across the cohort the Student Wellbeing in IGHI Postgraduate Education (SWIPE) Team arranges social events to bring together students to build connections, provide networking opportunities, and form new friendships through extra-curricular activities.
These features and support allow each student to participate in a seamless, flexible, and engaging learning experience and ensure the highest quality online learning environment.
To arrange a meeting or questions on student support and pastoral care during the programme, please contact: health.policymsc@imperial.ac.uk.
Testimonials
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
You can choose between different pathways of part-time study:
- PG Certificate (over one year)
- PG Diploma (over two years)
- Master's (over two years)
- Master's (over three years)
You may be granted a PG Certificate or PG Diploma if you leave your studies part-way through either of the Master's programmes, depending on the successful completion of modules.
You can progress to the PG Diploma or Master's after successful completion of the PG Certificate. You can progress to the Masters after successful completion of the PG Diploma. See full details on top-up and modular fees for postgraduate Medicine courses.
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
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Tuition fees
PG Cert, PG Dip, or 3-year MSc
Year 1: PG Cert
£7,750 total fee
Year 2: PG Dip
£12,400total fee
Top-up fee from PG Cert: £4,650
Year 3: MSc
£15,500total fee
Top-up fee from PG Dip: £3,100
2-year MSc
2025 Entry
£7,750 per year
If you have already completed one of the 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.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
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 courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
PG Cert, PG Dip, or 3-year MSc
PG Cert
£12,800 total fee
PG Dip
£20,480total fee
Top-up fee from PG Cert: £7,680
MSc
£25,600total fee
Top-up fee from PG Dip: £5,120
2-year MSc
2025 Entry
£12,800 per year
If you have already completed one of the 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.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
The Department of Surgery & Cancer is offering up to 5 bursaries to overseas fee-paying students on the MSc Health Policy programme commencing the 2024/2025 academic year.
Each bursary is valued at £7,100, with 50% of the award applied in each year of the 2-year programme, subject to successful academic progression.
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 courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
The Dean’s Master’s Scholarships
Value per award
- £10,000
Who it's for
- All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine Master’s programme
The Dean’s Master’s Scholarships
Value per award
- £10,000
Who it's for
- All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine Master’s programme
The Dean’s Master’s Scholarships
Value per award
- £10,000
Who it's for
- All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine Master’s programme
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Become skilled at analysing studies critically, designing research, and applying evidence in practice.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Advance your managerial career in the NHS, industry and private sector in the UK and the rest of the world.
Our alumni are an active community of policy professionals who have progressed into leadership roles within academia, government, industry, and non-governmental organisations.
Further links
Contact the department
Programme Chair: Professor the Lord Ara Darzi
Programme Directors: Mr Colin Bicknell and Mr Erik Mayer
Visit the Department of Surgery and Cancer website.
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Register your interest
Stay up to date on news, events, scholarship opportunities and information related to this course.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications