Applications for the Thanzi Programme MSc Studentships (2024-2027) COHORT 2 will open in early April 2024.  Please monitor this page for more information. 

 

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The Thanzi Programme is launching six new funded Health Economics Distance Learning MSc Studentships (3 years) to support postgraduate training in health economics. Applications are open to African-based candidates currently working on health economics-related issues for ministries of health or public universities in the WAHO and ECSA regions, wishing to further their career in health financing, planning, delivery or administration.

The Studentships are funded through the Thanzi Programme’s Thanzi Labwino (Better Health) project: an initiative led by the University of York, East Central and Southern Africa Health Community and Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE).

 

Health Economics Distance Learning (HEDL) Programme

 

What is the HEDL Programme?

Led by academics at the University of York, the Health Economics Distance Learning (HEDL) is a three-year MSc programme specialising in health economics and related disciplines.

This distance learning course is designed to be completed on a part-time basis (minimum 20 hours per week) in your own home or workplace – enabling you to gain an MSc qualification without interrupting your career.

Teaching and learning is delivered online via a virtual learning environment. Students have access to a huge range of online study resources and facilities, including recorded lectures to supplement workbook materials, discussion boards monitored by a module tutor or module leader, and online tools for submitting assessments and receiving feedback.

 

Course Content

The programme will give you a comprehensive knowledge of health economics, which you can apply directly to the problems you face in the workplace.

Study is divided into three courses, each designed to provide you with the skills and confidence to apply the principles of health economics in your career.

  • Health Economics for Health Care Professionals (PGCert) | September 2023 - June 2024
  • Health Economics for Health Care Professionals (PGDip) | September 2024 - June 2025
  • Economic Evaluation for Health Technology Assessment (MSc) | September 2025 - June 2026

You will also have the opportunity to attend a residential workshop held at the University of York.

 

Who is eligible to apply?

This is a Continuing Professional Development course and is designed for those who are already employed in a health or health-related field (e.g., finance, community health, medicine, statistics, economics, health care administration, planning) and wish to further their career.

  • Undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK university 2:1). Other qualifications and experience may also be accepted. For more information click here. 
  • Written approval from your line manager to commit 20 hours per week to complete the course (over 3 years).
  • Evidence of your English language ability (if English isn’t your first language).

For more information on the course structure, module content, entry criteria and career route opportunities, please visit the University of York HEDL web pages.

 

Thanzi Programme MSc Studentships

 

Funding

The Studentships cover:

  • Course fees for the 3-year programme of study (£7,990 per year)
  • Travel costs to attend the Programme’s annual residential workshop each year*

Please note: the Studentships do not cover stipends, so you will be expected to provide your own IT equipment, including a laptop and internet access, to enable you to partake in course activities (e.g. using the VLE, accessing online study resources and videos, and engaging in group chats using Zoom or similar platforms).

*There is an expectation that students will have the opportunity to participate in a face-to-face workshop approximately once a year during their Studentship. Funding for travel, accommodation and other costs related to attendance at the workshop(s) will be agreed closer to the time.

 

Application Process

Applications for the Thanzi Programme MSc Studentships are welcome before Monday 19 June 2023 (09:00 BST). To apply, please complete and submit your online application form, ensuring that you attach the following documents:

  • A copy of your undergraduate degree qualification certificate.
  • A copy of your English language test certificate (if required) – further information about English language requirements can be found on the University of York website.
  • A copy of your latest CV (maximum 2 A4 pages).
  • A Letter of Support from your employer, committing time (20 hours per week) and necessary support to complete the 3-year course.

Applications will be reviewed by regional panels led by the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) and West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO), and shortlisted in June 2023.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit their final applications to the University of York HEDL admissions team (deadline Friday 28 July 2023).

Successful applications will be contacted by the University of York with an invitation to start the programme in September 2023.

 

Frequently Asked Questions


What does ‘distance learning’ mean?

The University of York distance learning courses in health economics allow you to gain a qualification without interrupting your career, and offer the flexibility to schedule your study around your professional and personal commitments. Students are expected to commit 20 hours to study per week. You will be able to complete much of the work you need to do for each module in your own home or place of work by accessing course content and teaching materials via the University’s virtual learning environment (Yorkshare).

 

What are the residential workshops?

The programme will provide the opportunity to attend an annual residential workshop held at the University of York. The workshop offers introductory lectures and seminars, as well as training in the use of the web-based learning environment and information systems. It will also give you the opportunity to meet some of our staff and fellow students.

 

What financial support is available during the programme?

Studentships cover course fees for the duration of the programme, and students will have the opportunity to participate in a face-to-face workshop approximately once a year during their Studentship (funding for travel, accommodation and other costs related to attendance at the workshop(s) will be agreed closer to the time). Candidates will need to fund other associated expenses themselves (e.g. provide their own laptop and access to the internet, other costs to attend residential workshops).

 

What support will I receive during my Studentship?

Students are assigned an academic supervisor during the course of their study, who will be on hand to provide ongoing support and guidance with any programme queries you have. You will be invited to attend a one-to-one meeting with your academic supervisor each term. Programme Administration staff will also be on hand to provide support with any non-academic or Virtual Learning Environemt (VLE)-related queries or issues. You will also join an online network of HEDL students, with access to discussion forums to ask questions and discuss programme activities, and support is also available through the Universiy of York's Student Well-being Officers and Practitioners, UoY Library Services and the Maths Skills Centre.

 

Contact Details

For any queries about the Thanzi Programme MSc Studentships, please contact us: thanzi-project-studentships@york.ac.uk

 

[Page edited 19 June 2023].