Innovations in science and medicine fuel new health technologies which have the potential to advance disease prevention, detection and treatment. The field of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is crucial in the evaluation of new and existing technologies to determine their value with the available healthcare resources. These dimensions of value can include the safety, cost and economic implications, and efficacy of a new technology as well as social, cultural and legal issues.

In 2020, a new internationally accepted definition of HTA was published by a task force led by the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA). The approach was defined as a multidisciplinary process that uses explicit methods to determine the value of a health technology at different points in its lifecycle. The purpose of HTA is to inform decision-making in order to promote an equitable, efficient and high-quality healthcare system.

Activities in the HTA field not only include appraising new drugs and medical devices but also evaluating public health interventions and changes as to how healthcare is organised and delivered. The Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment (HEHTA) research team at the University of Glasgow answer research questions to inform key medical decisions and technology assessments at a national level, and for a range of international health agencies. HEHTA’s work is based on eight interconnected research themes, including Global HTA, Economics of precision medicine, Economics of population health, Analysis of linked health data, Economic evaluation alongside clinical trials, Evidence synthesis, and Incorporating perspectives and experiences. Our work within these research themes reflects our commitment to developing the field of HTA.

Global commitments to Universal Health Coverage, public health crises and rapidly evolving health technologies demonstrate the importance of HTA in driving practice and policy decisions nationally and internationally. When you choose to study the Online MSc Health Technology Assessment with the University of Glasgow, you are provided with remarkable academic and professional opportunities. Here are three reasons why you should consider our innovative online programme:

Gain skills to improve global health outcomes taking an integrated approach to health

Practitioners of HTA are in a unique position to improve health outcomes through informing better decision-making. We take an integrated approach to health, bridging our research themes on global and population health with researchers on environmental, animal and human health and wellbeing. Our online programme will equip you with the tools necessary to critically appraise evidence and understand the intended and unintended consequences of a health technology in order to inform decision-makers on its value in a healthcare system.

The Online MSc Health Technology Assessment curriculum is a thorough exploration of Health Technology Assessment in practice, with three core courses, three optional courses and a final research project. Drawing on multidisciplinary insights into data science, health economics, analytical decision-modelling, HTA in a global context and patient-reported outcome measures, the programme gives you hands-on experience in the interconnected disciplines that are core to HTA.

Learn from expert faculty who are internationally renowned in their field

The University of Glasgow’s Online MSc Health Technology Assessment is taught by leading academics, whose research is recognised for its international importance. This programme brings together research-led teaching and innovative facilities to help inform better decision making and improve health outcomes across the globe.

Students enrolling on our online programme will benefit from an immersive learning experience and have a multitude of resources available to them. The University’s extensive online library and specially-designed Virtual Learning Environment are available 24 hours per day, throughout your programme. This gives you the flexibility to study at a time and location convenient to you, and gain key skills without interrupting your existing career plans.

Advance your career

The practical know-how of the programme gives individuals from a range of health professions and educational backgrounds the opportunity to advance their careers. Our alumni have gone on to achieve higher levels in their pharmaceutical company, while others have found systematic reviewer roles with agencies like the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Some have embarked on PhD programmes, while others have built careers in epidemiology.

The University of Glasgow has been awarded the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2020. By engaging with our diverse community, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with health professionals from across the world, gaining the international perspective needed to widen your career prospects.

To find out how you can be part of this exciting field, and what our Online MSc Health Technology Assessment could help you achieve, please contact us by email and we can help you with your application or answer any questions you may have.

Health Technology Assessment

 

First published: 21 April 2021

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