Health Policy
Shape the future of global health guided by international academics and practitioners.
Health Policy
Shape the future of global health guided by international academics and practitioners.
Health Policy
Shape the future of global health guided by international academics and practitioners.
Explore cutting-edge solutions to global public health challenges
Analyse the major challenges shaping health policy today and engage with practical, real-world examples
Take advantage of a fully online, part-time course designed with your professional and personal commitments in mind
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
2 years, 3 years
Start date
September 2026
Study mode
Part-time
-
Fees
£16,300 Home
£26,900 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
-
Online
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1, applicants should be current or future health policy practitioners.
Qualification
PG Cert
Duration
1 year
Start date
September 2026
Study mode
Part-time
-
Fees
£8,150 Home
£13,450 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
-
Online
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1, applicants should be current or future health policy practitioners.
Qualification
PG Dip
Duration
2 years
Start date
September 2026
Study mode
Part-time
-
Fees
£13,040 Home
£21,520 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
-
Online
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1, applicants should be current or future health policy practitioners.
Course overview
Gain a detailed practical and theoretical understanding of health policy on this course guided by leading international academics and practitioners.
Designed for forward-thinking professionals eager to tackle the world’s most pressing health challenges, our curriculum of theoretical teaching is reinforced by analysis of real-life examples and real-world expertise.
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.
The course takes an evidence-based policy approach to teaching, from delivery on the front line right up to a global context.
Gain a detailed practical and theoretical understanding of health policy on this course guided by leading international academics and practitioners.
Designed for forward-thinking professionals eager to tackle the world’s most pressing health challenges, our curriculum of theoretical teaching is reinforced by analysis of real-life examples and real-world expertise.
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.
Gain a detailed practical and theoretical understanding of health policy on this course guided by leading international academics and practitioners.
Designed for forward-thinking professionals eager to tackle the world’s most pressing health challenges, our curriculum of theoretical teaching is reinforced by analysis of real-life examples and real-world expertise.
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.
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 will study the following core modules in the stream ‘Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health’.
Policy Theory, Economics & Public Health
Discover the building blocks of health systems, such as financing, human resources, information policy, service delivery, leadership and governance, and how their interrelatedness informs the design of effective policies.
Acquire a comprehensive overview of health economics principles and behavioural science concepts and theory. This will allow you to carry out economic evaluations of healthcare programmes and policies, and explore behavioural determinants to develop health behaviour change interventions.
Use an interdisciplinary approach to study the principles and methods used to finance healthcare in a global context, with an emphasis on the policy challenges for population health.
Study public health and its principles and practice, with the opportunity to learn about and undertake critical appraisal of research evidence, to design successful emergency interventions for global health crises.
Develop expertise in the principles of innovation in healthcare: how and why innovation comes about, the role of different sectors and actors, and the health policy implications of future innovations.
Gain insight into the realities of putting health policy into practice in the setting of a tertiary hospital. Consider key issues of policy implementation, such as patient and workforce perspectives.
Explore foundational principles of effective leadership across various contexts, including personality and individual differences, motivational strategies, multicultural competence, conflict and organisational culture, and change leadership.
You will choose 1 of the following optional modules.
Optional modules
Learn the foundational concepts of measuring health system performance, the different aspects or domains of performance, and the power of comparison and international benchmarking.
Develop practical communication tools and an in-depth understanding of the health communication landscape. Consider important channels of communication such as campaigns, speeches, social media and mainstream media.
You’ll complete an individual research project and dissertation exploring a research area of your choice.
This work is designed to allow you to delve deep into an area of global health policy that aligns with your professional interests, and that demonstrates real world practical outcomes.
You’ll study the following core modules in the stream ‘Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health’.
Policy Theory, Economics & Public Health
Discover the building blocks of health systems, such as financing, human resources, information policy, service delivery, leadership and governance, and how their interrelatedness informs the design of effective policies.
Acquire a comprehensive overview of health economics principles and behavioural science concepts and theory. This will allow you to carry out economic evaluations of healthcare programmes and policies, and explore behavioural determinants to develop health behaviour change interventions.
Use an interdisciplinary approach to study the principles and methods used to finance healthcare in a global context, with an emphasis on the policy challenges for population health.
Study public health and its principles and practice, with the opportunity to learn about and undertake critical appraisal of research evidence, to design successful emergency interventions for global health crises.
Develop expertise in the principles of innovation in healthcare: how and why innovation comes about, the role of different sectors and actors, and the health policy implications of future innovations.
Gain insight into the realities of putting health policy into practice in the setting of a tertiary hospital. Consider key issues of policy implementation, such as patient and workforce perspectives.
Explore foundational principles of effective leadership across various contexts, including personality and individual differences, motivational strategies, multicultural competence, conflict and organisational culture, and change leadership.
You’ll study the following core modules in the stream ‘Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health’.
Policy Theory, Economics & Public Health
Discover the building blocks of health systems, such as financing, human resources, information policy, service delivery, leadership and governance, and how their interrelatedness informs the design of effective policies.
Acquire a comprehensive overview of health economics principles and behavioural science concepts and theory. This will allow you to carry out economic evaluations of healthcare programmes and policies, and explore behavioural determinants to develop health behaviour change interventions.
Use an interdisciplinary approach to study the principles and methods used to finance healthcare in a global context, with an emphasis on the policy challenges for population health.
Study public health and its principles and practice, with the opportunity to learn about and undertake critical appraisal of research evidence, to design successful emergency interventions for global health crises.
Develop expertise in the principles of innovation in healthcare: how and why innovation comes about, the role of different sectors and actors, and the health policy implications of future innovations.
Gain insight into the realities of putting health policy into practice in the setting of a tertiary hospital. Consider key issues of policy implementation, such as patient and workforce perspectives.
Explore foundational principles of effective leadership across various contexts, including personality and individual differences, motivational strategies, multicultural competence, conflict and organisational culture, and change leadership.
All students will choose 1 of the following optional modules.
Optional modules
Learn the foundational concepts of measuring health system performance, the different aspects or domains of performance, and the power of comparison and international benchmarking.
Develop practical communication tools and an in-depth understanding of the health communication landscape. Consider important channels of communication such as campaigns, speeches, social media and mainstream media.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.
Key
- Online learning
- Independent study
- 20% Title 1 goes here
- 80% Title 2 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
-
Group discussions
-
Case study scenarios
-
Flipped classroom
-
Virtual learning environment
-
Individual work
Assessment methods
-
Individual essays and written exercises
-
Group reports
-
Presentations
-
Independent project
-
Tutor and peer feedback
-
Video blogs
-
Podcasts
-
Article and case study reviews
Balance of teaching and learning
This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.
Key
- Online learning
- Independent study
- 20% Title 1 goes here
- 80% Title 2 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
-
Group discussions
-
Case study scenarios
-
Flipped classroom
-
Virtual learning environment
Assessment methods
-
Individual essays and written exercises
-
Group reports
-
Presentations
Balance of teaching and learning
This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.
Key
- Online learning
- Independent study
- 20% Title 1 goes here
- 80% Title 2 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
-
Group discussions
-
Case study scenarios
-
Flipped classroom
-
Virtual learning environment
Assessment methods
-
Individual essays and written exercises
-
Group reports
-
Presentations
Studying MSc Health Policy at Imperial
Imperial’s online learning environment
This course 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.
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.
Dynamic & diverse cohort
Join an intellectually stimulating environment alongside students from diverse academic and employment backgrounds. This international and multidisciplinary cohort ensures a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and allows for different perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within global health policy. Peer learning will enrich your experience and help to prepare you for a wide array of career paths.
Tailored learning outcomes with global impact
The course's curriculum is designed to strengthen and advance the skills and knowledge of the next generation of health policy leaders, and to meet the expectations of professionals seeking to advance their careers in global public health.
The fully asynchronous content offers you the flexibility to study in your own time, complemented by weekly live sessions that bring the theory to life through case studies, guest speakers and assessment preparation.
Dedicated personal tutors & pastoral care
Each student is allocated a personal tutor who provides tailored support throughout your studies, helping you navigate academic challenges and providing the space to discuss personal circumstances. We believe that your academic journey is more than just coursework: it's about growth, well-being, and thriving. That’s why the course team goes above and beyond to offer personalised support to ensure you feel supported and empowered every step of the way.
To arrange a meeting to discuss student support and pastoral care during the course, please contact health.policymsc@imperial.ac.uk.
Career opportunities
Graduating from Imperial means joining a network of global leaders and innovators. Our alumni go on to successful careers across public and private sectors, including government agencies, international organisations like the UN and WHO, NGOs, consultancy, academia, and beyond.
The course provides invaluable skills that will enable you to influence policy decisions at the highest levels and implement strategies that shape the future of health care systems worldwide.
Testimonials
Key people
Erik Mayer
Course Co-DirectorDr Mayer’s ongoing health services research uses big data analytical techniques and Artificial Intelligence for improving the quality and safety and patient experience in healthcare and includes evaluation and translation of evidence-base to the real-world healthcare setting.
Professor Ara Darzi
Programme ChairLord Darzi's pioneering work in surgery, along with his leadership in global health innovation, were pivotal in the development of the MSc in Health Policy which brings to life theoretical innovation principles with practical applications and current challenges in policy making.
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
Application deadlines – The current round closes on Sunday 25 January 2026.
Application deadlines – The current round closes on Sunday 25 January 2026.
Application deadlines – The current round closes on Sunday 25 January 2026.
We consider applications to this programme in four batches. Applications received before the closing date of each round are considered in those batches, and applicants are then advised of the outcome of their application within 2 weeks.
If you wish for your application to be considered in a particular batch, please apply at least five working days before the deadline to ensure your application is included in that round of decision making.
The application dates are:
- Apply by 23 November 2025
- Apply by 25 January 2026
- Apply by 22 March 2026
- Apply by 31 May 2026
Competition for places on this programme is high; we aim to make 50% of all offers following the January submission date.
You can choose between different pathways of part-time study:
- PG Certificate (over one year)
- PG Diploma (over two years)
- Master's (over two years)
- Master's (over three years)
You may be granted a PG Certificate or PG Diploma if you leave your studies part-way through either of the Master's programmes, depending on the successful completion of modules.
You can progress to the PG Diploma or Master's after successful completion of the PG Certificate. You can progress to the Masters after successful completion of the PG Diploma. See full details on top-up and modular fees for postgraduate Medicine courses.
This course is divided into three progressional levels of study:
- PG Certificate (PG Cert)
- PG Diploma (PG Dip)
- MSc
Each level of study has its own separate entry point; you can apply to any level in the first instance.
Read more about Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and MSc degrees
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
The application fees for postgraduate courses are:
- £90 for all Master's applications, excluding those to Imperial Business School
- £125 for MSc applications to Imperial Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to Imperial Business School
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Fees and funding
2-year MSc
2026 Entry
£8,150 per year
PG Cert, PG Dip, or 3-year MSc
PG Cert (1 year)
£8,150 total fee
PG Dip (2 years)
£13,040total fee
Top-up fee from the PG Cert: £4,890
MSc (3 years)
£16,300total fee
Top-up fee from the PG Dip: £3,260
If you have already completed one of the qualifications and are moving on to the next level of study, e.g. you've already completed the PG Cert and want to study the PG Dip, you will only need to pay the top-up fee for the course you’re applying for.
You may apply to enter this programme at any level of study.
If you enter the MSc, without having studied the PG Cert or PG Dip, then you will pay the full fee listed for the MSc.
If you enter at the PG Cert or PG Dip level and return in future academic years to complete a higher award, you will pay the top-up fee advertised in the year of your return, instead of the full fee for your chosen course.
If you continue uninterrupted from one award to the next, you will pay the relevant top-up fee, plus any annual inflationary increases applied to the entry fee. This applies to applicants who originally entered for a PG Dip or MSc. This does not apply to those who have completed a PG Cert or PG Dip and are re-entering for a higher award.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
2-year MSc
2026 Entry
£13,450 per year
PG Cert, PG Dip, or 3-year MSc
PG Cert (1 year)
£13,450 total fee
PG Dip (2 years)
£21,520total fee
Top-up fee from the PG Cert: £8,070
MSc (3 years)
£26,900total fee
Top-up fee from the PG Dip: £5,380
If you have already completed one of the qualifications and are moving on to the next level of study, e.g. you've already completed the PG Cert and want to study the PG Dip, you will only need to pay the top-up fee for the course you’re applying for.
You may apply to enter this programme at any level of study.
If you enter the MSc, without having studied the PG Cert or PG Dip, then you will pay the full fee listed for the MSc.
If you enter at the PG Cert or PG Dip level and return in future academic years to complete a higher award, you will pay the top-up fee advertised in the year of your return, instead of the full fee for your chosen course.
If you continue uninterrupted from one award to the next, you will pay the relevant top-up fee, plus any annual inflationary increases applied to the entry fee. This applies to applicants who originally entered for a PG Dip or MSc. This does not apply to those who have completed a PG Cert or PG Dip and are re-entering for a higher award.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Scholarships
View all scholarshipsDepartment of Surgery and Cancer Scholarships
Value per award
- £2,000 towards the tuition fee rate for academic year 2026-27
Who it's for
- Offer holders for the department's MSc/MRes courses
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Become skilled at analysing studies critically, designing research, and applying evidence in practice.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Advance your managerial career in the NHS, industry and private sector in the UK and the rest of the world.
Our alumni are an active community of policy professionals who have progressed into leadership roles within academia, government, industry, and non-governmental organisations.
Further links
Contact the department
Email: health.policymsc@imperial.ac.uk
Course Chair: Professor the Lord Ara Darzi
Course Directors: Mr Colin Bicknell and Mr Erik Mayer
Visit the Institute of Global Health Innovation website.
/fit-in/1440x9999999/prod01/channel_3/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/221101_Telethon_Workshop-2022-032.jpg)
Register your interest
Stay up to date on news, events, scholarship opportunities and information related to this course.
/fit-in/1440x9999999/prod01/channel_3/media/study---restricted-images/Newsletter.jpg)
Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
/fit-in/1440x9999999/prod01/channel_3/media/study---restricted-images/UG---Events.jpg)
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.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications