Accessibility statement

Statistics for Health Economics - ECO00052M

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  • Department: Economics and Related Studies
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

To introduce you to the foundations of statistical methods for health economics.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2024-25

Module aims

To introduce you to the foundations of statistical methods for health economics.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module you should be able to:

  • Explain the basic ideas underlying the theory of probability and classical statistical analysis, including random variables and their probability distributions, descriptive statistics, sampling and sampling error.
  • Explain the difference between association and causation and the role played by randomisation in identifying casual effects.
  • Take a practical problem and a sample of data, define the problem in a way that is amenable to statistical analysis and explain why the approach adopted is reasonable.
  • Perform the relevant computations for the statistical methods covered and be able to provide intuitive explanations of the methods and results, showing how the results are derived.
  • Use a software package such as Excel to carry out data management, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics through to multiple regression.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Open Exam (2 days) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Open Exam (2 days) 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in line with University guidelines

Indicative reading

  • Practical Statistics for Medical Research, D. Altman. Chapman and Hall (1991)
  • Natural Experiments in the Social Sciences. A Design-Based Approach. T. Dunning. Cambridge (2012).
  • Statistics without Tears: A Primer for Non-Mathematicians, D. Rowntree. Penguin Books (2003). St Ives.
  • Statistics with confidence, D.G. Altman, D. Machin, T.N. Bryant, M.J. Gardner (eds.) BMJ (2000). London. Second Edition.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.