Corvinus University of Budapest

What you'll study

This master's provides a blend of theoretical and applied modules covering the organisation, financing and evaluation of health systems. Core topics include health economics, health policy analysis, health financing and insurance, health technology assessment, and the economics of pharmaceuticals. The programme also emphasises quantitative skills with modules in epidemiology, biostatistics, econometrics and applied data analysis for health policy.

• Health Economics and Policy: theories of demand and supply in health care, market failures, regulation and policy instruments.
• Health Financing and Insurance: public and private financing mechanisms, payment systems, risk pooling and equity considerations.
• Health Systems and Planning: health system organisation, strategic planning, service delivery and workforce issues.
• Health Technology Assessment (HTA): methods for economic evaluation, cost-effectiveness and decision-making.
• Quantitative Methods: applied biostatistics, epidemiology, econometrics and data analysis using statistical software.
• Research Methods and Thesis: research design, policy evaluation techniques and an independent master’s thesis or capstone project applying methods to a policy-relevant question.
• Electives and Practicals: electives typically allow specialisation in areas such as global health policy, pharmaceutical policy, health care management or digital health, often complemented by case studies and practitioner-led workshops.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as economics, public health, medicine, nursing, social sciences or a related field. Strong quantitative skills and familiarity with basic statistics are advantageous. Typical application components include:

• Official academic transcripts demonstrating undergraduate study.
• A CV outlining relevant academic, research or professional experience.
• A statement of purpose or motivation letter explaining study goals and fit with the programme.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Proof of English language proficiency if the applicant’s prior degree was not taught in English (standard tests such as IELTS or TOEFL or equivalent recognised certificates).

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview. Professional experience in health-related roles can strengthen an application, but is not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles where analytical skills and policy knowledge are valued. Typical career paths include:

• Policy analyst or advisor in national ministries of health and other government agencies.
• Health economist, modeller or evaluator in international organisations and development banks.
• Roles in health technology assessment agencies, reimbursement bodies and regulatory authorities.
• Positions in health insurance companies, payer organisations and related private-sector firms focused on financing or benefit design.
• Consultancy services specialising in health systems, financing, cost-effectiveness and programme evaluation.
• Research and academic roles in universities, think tanks and research institutes focusing on health policy and economics.

Why study at Corvinus University of Budapest

Corvinus is well known for its strengths in economics, public policy and applied social sciences, offering an integrated perspective on health systems that combines economic rigour with policy relevance. The university fosters close links between academic staff and practitioners, providing exposure to real-world policy problems and applied research methods. Studying in Budapest places students in a Central European context where many comparative health policy issues—such as transition economies, insurance reform and regional cooperation—can be observed first-hand. The programme’s interdisciplinary approach, quantitative training and opportunities for project work make it suitable for students aiming to influence health policy, planning and financing in public, private or international settings.