New course in Health Policy launched by the Centre for Health Policy

A new part-time Masters in Health Policy,designed for people working in the health sector such as government officials, clinicians, NHS managers and employees of the health industry has been launched this week.

Run by the Centre for Health Policy, which is part of the Institute of Global Health Innovation, the course offers a chance for those working in the health sector to learn from international experts on important aspects of health policy.

 Rather than having to take time out of their careers, participants will be able gain their Masters through intensive blocks of teaching coupled with personal study. During the two years, they will attend four two-week teaching sessions and complete an individual dissertation. Part of the reason for the course structure is to minimise the travel requirements of international students. 

 The addition of this new course is part of the Institute’s drive to increase capability and capacity in health policy making. Participants will gain an understanding of how different countries respond to similar health challenges, for example, ageing populations and an increase in the prevalence of obesity.

 They will address issues like how to compare the performance of different health systems; what techniques can influence people to lead healthier lives; when should a government intervene to protect their people’s health and how health policy can be put into action.

 A wide-range of international experts will teach on the course, including Sir Liam Donaldson, former Chief Medical officer for England and the United Kingdom’s Chief Medical Adviser and Dr Josep Figueras, Director of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. The first module on health systems and policy will be taught by Pete Smith, co-director of the Centre for Health Policy.

 Lord Darzi, Chair of the Institute of Global Health Innovation and co-director of the Centre for Health Policy said: 

 “The Centre for Health Policy is excited to launch this new course in health policy for people already working in the health sector. Innovation does not just mean advancements in technology - there is plenty of scope for innovation in health policy and delivery through a multidisciplinary approach. We’re working to identify new, high-quality and sustainable business models for delivering healthcare for future generations and an international-facing course such as this can help us to understand what policy responses work and which areas need further work.”