Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Health Science with a major in Health Economics combines health science knowledge with economics, data analysis and policy evaluation. The Health Economics major focuses on how evidence and data can be used to inform healthcare decisions, assess health programmes and understand how funding and policy choices affect healthcare systems.

Key benefits include:

• Develop skills in health data analytics and modelling.
• Learn economic and policy analysis relevant to healthcare.
• Study health systems and the economic factors influencing healthcare decisions.
• Develop skills in economic evaluation of health programmes.
• Build research, critical-thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Complete guaranteed Work Integrated Learning through a placement, internship or industry-linked research/project experience.
• Gain exposure to industry through Swinburne's applied approach and industry connections.
• The degree can also be combined with selected double-degree options, including Health Science/Science, Health Science/Applied Innovation, Health Science/Media and Communication, Health Science/Arts and Health Science/Business.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The degree consists of core health science studies, Health Economics major units and elective/other study.

Core health science subjects

The indicative study sequence includes:

• Anatomy and Physiology – BIO10004
• Introduction to Health Sciences – HEA10001
• Digital Health Foundations – HEA10004
• Foundations of Statistics – STA10003
• Brain and Behaviour – PSY10007
• Health and Disease Across the Life Course – BIO20004
• Research Methods for Health Science – HEA20007
• Health Sciences Project – HEA30001

The exact unit sequence can vary depending on unit availability, advanced standing, exemptions and course planning.

Health Economics major subjects

The published Health Economics major includes:

• Economics for Business Decision Making – ECO10005
• Introduction into Health Economics – HEA20018
• Health Economics and Policy – HEA20019
• Analysis of Economic Models and Data – HEA30016
• Economic Evaluation of Health Programs – HEA30017
• Data Management and Analytics – INF10025
• Epidemiology – STA20009

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Health Economics

The wider Bachelor of Health Science currently offers eight majors:

• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health
• Biomedical Science
• Clinical Technologies
• Health Economics
• Health Service Management
• Neuroscience
• Nutrition
• Public Health and Health Promotion.

Programme Highlights

• 3-year Bachelor of Health Science.
• Health Economics specialisation.
• 300 total credit points.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• Two published 2027 starts: March and August.
• Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning as part of the bachelor's degree.
• Optional 6-month or 12-month professional placement.
• Focus on health data analytics, economic modelling, policy analysis and health programme evaluation.
• Opportunities to study alongside broader health science disciplines.
• Optional double-degree pathways are available with selected Swinburne bachelor's degrees.

Career Outcomes

The Health Economics major identifies career opportunities including:

• Health Economist
• Health Policy Analyst
• Health Program Evaluator
• Healthcare Industry and Consulting roles
• Health Economic Researcher.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current published 2027 course starts are 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• The course has CRICOS registration 077669G for international students.
• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The course includes guaranteed Work Integrated Learning, while the 6-month and 12-month professional placements are optional.
• Professional placement participation increases total course fees.
• The current Swinburne course information identifies the Health Economics major as focusing on evidence, data, healthcare funding, policy decisions, resource allocation and economic evaluation.
• 2027 tuition fees are not displayed as a confirmed amount on the current course information reviewed. Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this course in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

Key current requirements and conditions include:

• The student must be enrolled in an eligible course and meet the Student visa requirements.
• The student must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement.
• Student visa applicants must explain their current circumstances, why they want to study the selected course with the selected provider, how the course will benefit them and any other relevant information.
• GS responses must be in English and have a maximum of 150 words per question. Supporting evidence should be provided where relevant.
• International students studying this Swinburne course in Australia on a Student visa must study full-time and on campus.
• Student visa holders generally may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• Work is generally unlimited during scheduled course breaks, subject to the applicable visa conditions.
• Students cannot generally commence work before their course starts unless they held another visa permitting work at the time of application.
• The 48-hour restriction has specific exceptions, including registered mandatory course work/placements and students studying master's by research or doctoral degrees; these exceptions do not normally apply to this bachelor's degree.