Why this programme

Health care is a major sector of a modern economy, accounting for 10-18% of GDP in high-income countries. Advances in medical technology generate substantial improvements in population health but also create major economic and social challenges. Health care costs are rising rapidly. Population ageing both increases the need for health care and reduces the fraction of people working to pay for it. Health inequalities remain stubbornly high and further reduce productivity. Low-income countries have the greatest need for health care but are least able to pay for it. If you are motivated to contribute solutions to these challenges, then the Health Economics programme at Erasmus University Rotterdam will equip you with the analytical and quantitative skills and techniques you need.

The peculiarities of the health sector make it fascinating for economic analysis. Asymmetric information between doctors and patients as well as insurees and insurers impedes efficient operation of markets. Many doctors and hospitals do not seek to maximise profits. The high value of health is not revealed in a market price. Externalities abound in disease transmission. Besides these market failures, equity is a strong motivation for government intervention in the health sector. There is a lot to learn and no shortage of significant social issues to keep you motivated.

Virtual information session

Find out more about this programme.

Is this the right choice for you?

This programme is right for you if: 

• You are excited by rapid developments of medical technology,
• You are concerned about the substantial economic and social issues related to population health, ageing, and healthcare costs,
• You are attracted by a career prospect in a sector that is both growing in economic significance and is socially valued,
• You are stimulated by the intellectual rigour required to analyse a complex sector of the economy.  

This programme prepares you to make a difference in a sector that makes a huge difference to the health and welfare of many. To complete this programme successfully you need to be prepared for rigorous conceptual and quantitative analyses. But most of all, you need to have ambition and perseverance.

Why study Health Economics in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city that is at the forefront of exciting developments in industry, logistics, science, culture and architecture. Here you find one of the leading centres for health economic research and teaching in Europe. Our programme, which is a collaboration between Erasmus School of Economics and Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, was one of the very first health economics master programmes in the world. It has a strong reputation and high record of success in launching students on stimulating and rewarding careers in the health sector.

Here you will have access to:

• A degree that is internationally valued in both the public and the private sector.
• Inspiring professors who are leaders in their field.
• An international classroom and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• A network in the health care and academia that is not easily rivalled.