Health Policy

  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Health Policy

Gain a detailed understanding of health policy guided by international academics and practitioners.

  • Postgraduate taught
  • PG Cert

Health Policy

Gain a detailed understanding of health policy guided by international academics and practitioners.

  • Postgraduate taught
  • PG Dip

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

How would you like to study?

Study option:

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1, applicants should be current or future health policy practitioners.

View full entry requirements

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1, applicants should be current or future health policy practitioners.

View full entry requirements

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1, applicants should be current or future health policy practitioners.

View full entry requirements

Study option:

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.

Study option:

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

Leading Innovative Change

All students will choose 1 of the following optional modules.

Optional modules

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

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

Leading Innovative Change

For the ‘Leading Innovative Change’ stream, you’ll also choose one additional optional module.

Optional modules

Study option:

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Online learning
  • Independent study

  • 20% Online learning
  • 80% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • A group of people interacting
    Group discussions
  • Case study scenarios
  • Flipped classroom
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • Person completing coursework
    Individual work

Assessment methods

  • Individual essays and written exercises
  • A group of people interacting
    Group reports
  • Person making a presentation
    Presentations
  • Independent project
  • Person participating in classroom discussion.
    Tutor and peer feedback
  • Video blogs
  • Podcasts
  • 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

  • A group of people interacting
    Group discussions
  • Case study scenarios
  • Flipped classroom
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Assessment methods

  • Individual essays and written exercises
  • A group of people interacting
    Group reports
  • Person making a presentation
    Presentations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Online learning
  • Independent study

  • 20% Online learning
  • 80% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • A group of people interacting
    Group discussions
  • Case study scenarios
  • Flipped classroom
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Assessment methods

  • Individual essays and written exercises
  • A group of people interacting
    Group reports
  • Person making a presentation
    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

Study option:

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

Study option:

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

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

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

Study option:

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
Find out more

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
Find out more

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
Find out more

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Person with magnifying glass over head

Become skilled at analysing studies critically, designing research, and applying evidence in practice.

Lightbulb with graduate cap inside

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Medicine logo in circle

Advance your managerial career in the NHS, industry and private sector in the UK and the rest of the world.

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Our alumni are an active community of policy professionals who have progressed into leadership roles within academia, government, industry, and non-governmental organisations.

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.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications