Beyond the technical skills, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to network with professionals in the field.

Why did you choose the MSc Health Economics and Decision Modelling course at the University of Sheffield?

 I had previously worked in healthcare consulting and market forecasting, which is how I came to know Health Economics as a subject area. After deciding to pursue a higher degree in this area (in the U.K. specifically as I am an international student), I have spoken to several people connected via LinkedIn and work network who work in this field and University of Sheffield provided the best balance for me in terms of what I intend to do in the future with the degree. It is by far the most practical HE program when it comes to modelling, which was a crucial factor for me when making my decision. Another major factor is probably the faculty here at Sheffield – going through the staff list of the Decision Support Unit (DSU), you will find many of the most renowned health economists and modellers in the country.

Can you describe one of the most memorable or impactful experiences during your studies in the course?

The dissertation is, without doubt, one of the most valuable components of the programme. Not only does it demand significant time and effort, but it also closely mirrors the scale and timeline of real-world workplace projects. For me, it was the closest experience to managing a professional project.

HEDM, like many other HE programs in the U.K., offers external placement opportunities with consultancies and pharmaceutical companies. I personally opted for this route and was fortunate to be selected. This placement provided the chance to work directly alongside health economists and modellers, offering practical, hands-on experience.

Through this pathway, you gain insight into managing a project from start to finish. It allows you to see how the various components of your 9-month studies interconnect and come together in a single, cohesive project. Beyond the technical skills, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to network with professionals in the field.

How did the course prepare you for the real-world challenges in health economics and decision modelling?

I would summarise how the course prepared me for real-world challenges in health economics and decision modelling from two key aspects: the theoretical and the practical.

Theoretical: The programme provided a strong foundation in health economics principles, statistical methods, and decision science. Modules were well-structured to ensure that we understood not only the “how” but also the “why” behind various approaches. This theoretical grounding is critical when navigating complex real-world scenarios, as it enables you to think critically and apply appropriate methodologies to address specific challenges.

Practical: The emphasis on practical application was one of the programme’s greatest strengths. From hands-on modelling exercises to projects involving real-world datasets, the course bridged the gap between academic theory and practical implementation. The dissertation and optional external placements offered opportunities to manage projects from start to finish, mirroring workplace scenarios. Working with industry-standard software and tools further ensured that we were well-equipped to tackle the technical demands of the field. 

How did you find the overall student experience at the University of Sheffield?

I really liked it - campus with a lot of diversities. Special shout-out to the team picking the movies every week at the student union - you guys have great tastes. Admittedly I probably was not able to explore as much as I wanted on campus with the program schedule and the short duration of the postgraduate program but I really appreciate the student teams running all the socials. 

What advice would you give to students who are considering enrolling in the MSc Health Economics and Decision Modelling course at the University of Sheffield?

My advice, both before and during your studies (and even after), is to take the time to speak with people who have completed the programmes you’re considering. Their insights and perspectives can be invaluable in helping you make informed decisions. Additionally, it’s crucial to reflect on what you want to achieve and learn from the programme, as everyone’s definition of the “best” Health Economics programme varies based on their personal goals and priorities.

One key thing to realise, in my opinion, is that you are responsible for your own learning—not the teaching staff. While they are some of the most experienced researchers in the field and are incredibly approachable, the more effort you put into preparation, the more you will gain from both the faculty and the programme itself.

Another important point is to avoid limiting yourself to what is taught in the classroom. This is a postgraduate programme, and you are expected to expand your learning beyond the formal curriculum.

I also want to stress the value of exploring additional learning resources, even for topics not directly covered in the programme. There is a wealth of excellent open-source codes and teaching materials available for almost every topic. Remember, this programme is just the starting point.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your time at the University of Sheffield that could help prospective students make their decision?

Aside from the program, i think the biggest positive is the city - people are incredibly nice. If you speak to people outside of Sheffield about Sheffield, that’s probably one of the first things they would mention. Plus it’s really close to Peak District if you like hiking or enjoy some occasional fresh air.