All political negotiation processes must be based on arguments founded in facts. To this end, experts are needed who are able to understand and interpret all relevant economic, political, and legal contexts and relationships.

What Is It All About?

Economic considerations significantly influence all decision-making processes regarding the organisation and funding of health care. In economically developed countries such as Germany, the health system constitutes one of the most important economic sectors. It not only accounts for large monetary expenditures, but also creates many jobs. This in turn means that health policy decisions will always involve large amounts of money for many different agents. Health policy, like no other political field, is filled with many different interest groups influencing political decisions.
All political negotiation processes must be based on arguments founded in facts. To this end, experts are needed who are able to understand and interpret all relevant economic, political, and legal contexts and relationships. The health economics and health policy study programme has been designed to educate and train these experts. It provides a unique mix of health economics, health policy, and social law contents that you will not find elsewhere in Germany. After graduation, you will, therefore, find yourself to be a very competitive player in the labour market.

This Programme Is for You If...

• You have earned your university entrance qualification
• You are interested in economics, politics, and health
• You would like to be involved in decisions regarding the future of the health system

After Graduation

Once graduated, you will have a wide and diverse range of professional options. Your potential employers may include:

• Health insurance provider associations or health care provider associations (such as associations of physicians, hospitals, or nursing homes) at the state or federal level. In these positions you would observe current developments in health policy, would be involved in legislative procedures, and would evaluate the impact of new legislation. You would gain more and more responsibility in representing the interests of your association in state and federal politics.
• Larger health insurance providers or providers of statutory accident insurance. You would assess costs and benefits of important decisions and would be involved in contract negotiations with physicians and hospitals.
• Members of parliament at the state or federal level. You would assess the impacts of new legislation and would advise the member of parliament. While a position associated with a member of parliament often will be of limited duration, it will provide you with excellent perspectives for working with other institutions and associations.
• Trade unions, consumer associations, or patient organisations. You would participate in the development of concepts for better working conditions and for enforcing consumer and patient rights. You would also be involved in implementing these concepts.

You will be perfectly prepared for a Master's programme in public health.