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Health Economics
Postgraduate | CUR-HTHM802 | 2023
Course information for 2023 intake
Study the relationship between finance and the cost of public healthcare. Explore demand and supply and healthcare equity in society.Learn about the cost of healthcare, paying providers, and how government funds are distributed and allocated.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed,
- No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Health Economics
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- interpret key concepts and theories of economics within the context of the health system
- analyse a health system from an economic perspective in an international setting
- assess the most cost-effective health technology based on methods of economic evaluation
- articulate the complexities involved in providing equitable health care in developed and developing countries.
- Health economics
- Introduction and overview
- Macroeconomics and market failure in health care
- Microeconomics and market failure in health care
- Options for health sector funding
- Economic evaluation of health care
- Purchasing health care
- Methods of payment to medical care providers
- Provider planning and costing
- Contracting
- Option appraisal and the private sector
This subject was previously known as Introduction to Health Economics.
This subject introduces students to the economics of a health care system. It examines (i) the basic concepts and methods of economics as applied to the health sector (ii) the structure and relationships in a health system from an economic perspective and (iii) methods for economic evaluation of health care programs. Characteristics of the health sector that make it different to other sectors are examined, and issues such as the role of economic incentives, competition and regulation are explained. Students develop skills necessary to analyse economic and policy issues in a health system, and gain experience in critically evaluating the impact of policy on health system performance. The subject also covers economic evaluation and its role in decision-making.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- eTest (20%)
- Critical Review (30%)
- Essay (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
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