Overview

Embarking on a research degree (PhD, DrPH) with a health economics component at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) provides students with the opportunity to engage in original research within key areas such as economic evaluation and priority setting, policy evaluation, economics of health systems and organisations, economics of infectious disease, preferences, behaviour and outcomes, the macroeconomics of health and health financing.

Health economics research degree students at LSHTM undertake cutting-edge research using rigorous empirical methods, contributing to world leading studies and policy impact. Our flexible courses are designed to equip students with skills and expertise in research design and analysis, and to build key competences to help address health inequalities and shape policies that impact populations worldwide.

As a research degree student studying in any area of health economics, you are invited to join the Global Health Economic Centre (GHECO) at LSHTM. GHECO is a vibrant, world-leading centre with over 100 academics working on health economics research across low-, middle- and high-income settings worldwide.

As a member of GHECO, you will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with a dynamic group of internationally renowned researchers. The centre offers support for students through activities such as regular health economics seminars with international speakers exploring cutting edge research, a dynamic research skills programme and links with world renowned faculties of epidemiology, public health and infectious and tropical diseases.

The programme

LSHTM research degrees offer a flexible learning experience, allowing students to customise their own programme of study.

A typical degree involves a first year in which students develop research plans and strengthen key research skills in their chosen area of expertise, through reading and attending selected courses. Students will then work through two years of applied research, developing skills to conduct and evaluate their own research projects followed by analysis and write up of the research thesis in the third year.

Students are encouraged to broaden their training through participation in specialist courses. Students can chose from a wide range of modules available across LSHTM’s master's programmes, including both world class health economics courses, as well as a broader range of courses from across faculties. Students are also supported and encouraged to present at appropriate national and international meetings and engage in LSHTM seminars.

In addition, students will benefit from training in transferable and employment related skills through our Doctoral Transferable Skills Training Programme. This programme offers short professional development courses designed to enhance students’ research and transferable skills, and develop abilities listed in Vitae’s Researcher Development Framework. This framework is endorsed by UK Research Councils and valued by employers.

Full details about MPhil/PhD Research Degrees at LSHTM

Supervision

Throughout your research degree, you will work with a supervisory team of experienced academics. GHECO has a number of researchers with a wealth of knowledge and expertise offering supervision opportunities.

If you are interested in a research degree in health economics, you are encouraged to explore the GHECO themes and search GHECO members to discover more about your area of interest and contact potential supervisors to discuss your suitability for research degree study.

Funding opportunities

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest GHECO updates, including future funding opportunities.

For the most up-to-date information about funding, visit the fees and funding section.

Applying

Those interested in applying for a research degree should refer to the How to Apply section. You are also encouraged to explore the GHECO themes and make contact with potential supervisors for your chosen field ahead of applying.