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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Health Economics under the number 154513c. Who is the Master’s Degree in Health Economics (M. A.) at APOLLON University suitable for?
The master's programme in Health Economics is aimed at graduates of a health-related bachelor's degree who wish to prepare themselves professionally and practically for leadership positions in the health market. Typical target groups are bachelor graduates in Health Economics, Health Management, Public Health or related disciplines. Persons with job- or sector-specific bachelor degrees – for example from Nursing, Social Management, Nutritional Sciences or Applied Therapy Sciences – can also join after further qualification (propedeutic course). The programme is ideal for professionals who want to acquire economic expertise in healthcare and advance their career prospects in hospitals, health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies or consulting firms.
What formal admission requirements apply?
You must meet the following requirements for admission:
- Completion of an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s or comparable academic degree, at least 180 ECTS), especially in Health Economics or related subjects such as Health Management or Public Health.
- Those who have completed a health-related bachelor’s degree at APOLLON University are admitted directly with few exceptions (e.g. Nursing, Social Work, Nutritional Sciences, Applied Therapy Sciences, Vocational Pedagogy). For these exceptions and for other related bachelor’s degrees, completing a propedeutic course in “Health Economics” is mandatory.
- Applicants with unrelated bachelor degrees may be admitted after individual assessment and completion of a propedeutic course; the scope of the propedeutic course will be determined according to prior knowledge.
Additional professional practical experience is not required for consecutive degrees. A start of studies is possible at any time.
Interest in interdisciplinary management tasks in healthcare as well as sound fundamentals in health, economics and methodology are expected. For distance learning, you also need self-organisation, time management and the willingness to work scientifically. Initial experience in the health sector (e.g. through internships, employment or voluntary work) is advantageous. Communication skills, analytical thinking and openness to digital learning formats support study success.
Which competences do you acquire in the Master’s in Health Economics?
In the Master’s degree programme in Health Economics at APOLLON University, you develop a sought-after combination of knowledge in health economics and management skills. The curriculum is consistently practice-oriented and enables you to analyse cost structures in healthcare, solve practical problems, and independently develop intervention concepts in organisations within the healthcare sector.
- Strategic controlling: You learn to apply economic efficiency analyses and sustainable control mechanisms in healthcare organisations.
- Healthy leadership and change management: You develop competences to actively shape leadership culture and change processes.
- Care management: You assess and optimise care concepts, manage methods, and implement them.
- Cost-benefit analysis and Health Technology Assessment: You carry out methods of health economic evaluation and measure care quality.
- International comparisons: You analyse structures and reforms of international health systems.
- Digitalisation in healthcare: You understand digital transformation processes and their impact on care and management.
Additionally, the programme promotes communication skills, systems thinking and academic working methods. Through elective modules, you can specifically deepen your profile – for example, with specialisations such as health marketing, sustainability, innovation management, knowledge management, global health, business planning or market access for pharmaceuticals.
How does the distance learning programme in Health Economics work?
You complete your studies entirely as a part-time distance learning course with flexible scheduling and selectable study duration: a 24-month and a 32-month variant are available. All materials are provided as digital study booklets and optionally sent in print form. There are various examination formats:
- Written assignments, case studies and project work to apply your knowledge to real problems
- Online examinations and (optional) in-person exams at many locations in Germany and abroad
- Group projects and seminars, which you can attend either online or on-site
- Master’s thesis and colloquium as final examinations
Interactive web-based trainings, learning videos and audio materials provide additional support. You can start your studies at any time. Extending the study period by up to 50 per cent is free of charge. A four-week trial study period gives you the opportunity to test the concept without risk.
Which career options does the Master’s in Health Economics open up for you?
With the Master of Arts in Health Economics, you are qualified for leading management and consulting positions in healthcare. The programme is specifically aimed at professionals with a background in health economics or health sciences, who want to take on responsibility and shape innovations.
- Leadership roles in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics, e.g. in controlling or management
- Positions at statutory and private health insurance companies, including care management or the development of integrated care models
- Activities in consulting companies and health associations
- Career in the pharmaceutical industry, e.g. as a pharmaceutical consultant with reference to medical controlling and market access
- Management positions at service providers, social insurance institutions or public administration
- Academic career and research – especially if you aim to pursue a doctorate
Physicians can also earn up to 320 CME points through this degree programme. The qualification is accredited and internationally recognised.
Where and how does the programme take place?
The entire programme is organised online and can be completed regardless of location. You use the APOLLON Online Campus as the central learning platform, through which you access study materials, webinars, exchange with fellow students and lecturers. Exams can be taken online or at numerous examination centres in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and worldwide. Seminars are offered either digitally or in-person. This makes the programme especially suitable for working professionals, parents or people living abroad.
What costs and funding options should you expect?
The tuition fees amount to 311 € per month for a study duration of 28 months, adding up to a total of 8,760 €. Depending on the chosen variant, the monthly costs may vary slightly (from 294 € per month with discount for 32 months or preferential conditions for the purely digital variant). A free extension of the standard study period by up to 50 per cent is possible.
- Flexible instalment payments without additional costs
- Financial support from employers is possible
- Funding programmes such as Aufstiegs-BAföG or education loans can be used
- Various regional and nationwide scholarships are available
- APOLLON University grants a four-week free trial period
For physicians and certain other professional groups, there is also the opportunity to earn 320 CME points for medical continuing education with the qualification.
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