The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Health Economics is a specialised qualification designed for professionals within healthcare, public health, and related sectors who want to strengthen their understanding of economic principles and how they apply to health systems and policy. This course is not designed for fresh candidates; it is aimed at learners with existing experience who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their knowledge, and progress in their professional development journey.
Health economics plays a crucial role in shaping decisions about resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and the evaluation of healthcare services. This qualification equips learners with the ability to analyse healthcare systems, assess economic outcomes, and apply economic reasoning to improve efficiency, accessibility, and patient outcomes. By developing these skills, learners will be better positioned to contribute to evidence-based decision-making and the strategic management of healthcare resources.
In addition to advancing professional expertise, this qualification supports Continuing Professional Development (CPD), ensuring learners remain current with the evolving demands of the healthcare sector and its economic challenges.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Health Economics are required to uphold the highest standards of training delivery. This includes employing competent and qualified staff with relevant expertise, as well as providing learners with high-quality materials, case studies, and resources. By maintaining these standards, centres ensure that learners receive the practical knowledge and analytical skills needed to succeed in applying health economics within their workplace and furthering their career.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Health Economics:
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Health Economics, offers 20 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 100 hours, including 70 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC28010-1 | Introduction to Health Economics and Healthcare Systems | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC28010-2 | Economic Evaluation in Healthcare | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC28010-3 | Healthcare Financing and Resource Allocation | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC28010-4 | Health Policy, Regulation, and Ethics in Economics | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC28010-5 | Data Analysis and Decision-Making in Health Economics | 4 | 14 | 20 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Health Economics:
- Minimum Age: Learners must be 19 years of age or older at the time of registration.
- Educational Background: A minimum of a Level 2 qualification or equivalent is recommended, ideally in healthcare, economics, public health, or a related subject.
- Professional Experience: This qualification is not designed for fresh candidates. Learners should have relevant work experience in healthcare, health services, policy, or related professional environments.
- Language Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate adequate English language proficiency to complete written assignments, understand sector-specific terminology, and participate in discussions.
- Commitment to CPD: A strong commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential, as the qualification supports career growth and the development of specialist knowledge in health economics.
- Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to a healthcare workplace, case studies, or relevant examples to apply economic principles in practice. Access to digital tools and online resources is also required for research and assessments.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Health Economics:
Introduction to Health Economics and Healthcare Systems
- Understand the role and scope of health economics within healthcare delivery and policy
- Recognise the key components and models of healthcare systems at national and international levels
- Identify challenges in resource allocation and service delivery across different healthcare systems
- Apply economic principles to evaluate healthcare efficiency and effectiveness
Economic Evaluation in Healthcare
- Understand the purpose and methods of economic evaluation in healthcare decision-making
- Apply techniques such as cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit analysis to case studies
- Evaluate the impact of economic evaluation on healthcare policy and resource allocation
- Interpret the results of economic studies to support evidence-based healthcare planning
Healthcare Financing and Resource Allocation
- Understand different models of healthcare financing, including public, private, and mixed systems
- Recognise the economic implications of healthcare funding mechanisms on access and quality of care
- Apply principles of equity, efficiency, and sustainability in allocating limited healthcare resources
- Analyse the impact of resource allocation decisions on healthcare outcomes
Health Policy, Regulation, and Ethics in Economics
- Understand the relationship between health economics, policy, and regulation
- Recognise the role of ethical principles in healthcare resource allocation and policy decisions
- Evaluate how regulation and governance frameworks influence economic decisions in healthcare
- Apply ethical reasoning to economic challenges in healthcare access and distribution
Data Analysis and Decision-Making in Health Economics
- Understand the role of data in informing economic decisions in healthcare
- Apply basic analytical and statistical tools to interpret healthcare economic data
- Evaluate data sources for reliability and relevance in economic decision-making
- Use evidence-based analysis to support strategic planning and policy recommendations in healthcare economics
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Health Economics is designed for professionals working within healthcare, public health, and related fields who want to deepen their understanding of economic principles and how they apply to healthcare systems, policies, and decision-making. This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates; it is aimed at learners with prior knowledge or practical experience in healthcare or associated sectors who wish to progress in their careers and strengthen their expertise.
This course is ideal for:
- Healthcare practitioners, managers, and supervisors who need to understand the economic impact of healthcare decisions
- Public health professionals involved in planning, evaluating, or implementing health policies and programmes
- Administrators and coordinators responsible for budgeting, resource allocation, or financial planning in healthcare settings
- Policy advisors, analysts, and professionals who wish to integrate economic reasoning into healthcare decision-making
- Individuals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who want to enhance their skills and remain competitive in the evolving healthcare sector
By completing this qualification, learners will gain the knowledge and analytical skills to apply economic principles in real-world healthcare contexts, supporting efficient resource use, informed decision-making, and improved health outcomes at organisational and policy levels.
Centres approved to deliver the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Health Economics must ensure that delivery, assessment, and learner support are of the highest standard. To meet awarding expectations, centres are required to demonstrate the following:
- Qualified Trainers and Assessors: Delivery staff must hold relevant qualifications in health economics, economics, healthcare management, or public health, along with appropriate industry or academic experience.
- Internal Quality Assurance (IQA): Centres must appoint qualified IQAs to oversee assessment decisions, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and consistency in line with awarding body standards.
- Learning Materials and Resources: Learners must have access to up-to-date study resources, case studies, datasets, and research materials that reflect current practices in health economics.
- Facilities and Delivery Modes: Centres must provide suitable training facilities, whether classroom-based, blended, or online, ensuring that learners have access to digital tools and platforms for effective learning and assessment.
- Assessment and Feedback Systems: Secure systems must be in place for managing assignments, storing evidence, and providing timely, constructive feedback to learners.
- Learner Support Services: Centres must offer appropriate support, including academic guidance, access to reference materials, and pastoral support to promote learner success.
- Compliance and Safeguarding: All centres must adhere to awarding body policies, safeguarding practices, and data protection regulations to maintain a safe, ethical, and professional learning environment.
By meeting these requirements, centres can deliver a high-quality programme that equips learners with the analytical and practical skills needed to apply economic principles effectively in healthcare decision-making.