Health Technology Assessment & Management (MSc)

The Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation offers an international MSc in Health Policy, Management and Evaluation with a concentration in Health Technology Assessment & Management. Health Technology Assessment & Management (HTA&M) is an applied, policy-oriented field of research that examines the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and social implications of the diffusion and use of specific procedures, services or techniques in health care. A significant challenge is to manage technological change in health care through the implementation of HTA findings. This concentration combines the skill sets of health technology assessment and health management and policy development.

The MSc (HTA&M concentration) at the University of Toronto offers a concentrated, multicultural exposure to the principles, methods and impacts of HTA&M. The degree is offered within the fixed modular framework of the international Ulysses program in HTA&M (www.ulyssesprogram.net). MSc students are required to complete course work and a thesis on either a full-time or part-time basis.

The intensive teaching format is based on four two-week teaching modules held in different cities (Montreal, Barcelona, Rome and Toronto). The intensive modular format adapts to the needs, skills, and expectations of health professionals, managers and executives who work full-time or those of graduate students who wish to concentrate on a master’s dissertation on a full-time basis. The language of instruction is English. This MSc degree concentration runs on a structured two-year cycle. During the two-year period, in addition to their coursework, students will conduct a thesis under the supervision of an IHPME faculty member at an HTA&M agency, at the university or at a University of Toronto teaching hospital or research institute.

Information technology is used to facilitate exchanges between students and faculty members located in different parts of the world. E-debates are held between modules 1-2 and modules 3-4 to consolidate concepts and issues addressed by the different courses. Each course represents 40 hours (1 week) of on-site teaching and practice.

Students will be part of an international cohort of a maximum of 25 students. The international cohort will reinforce interactions between users and producers of HTA during training. It will also give students an opportunity to examine different perspectives. Students will maintain cohesion with fellow IHPME students through participation in IHPME Orientation activities, attendance at IHPME seminars and participation in the IHPME Research Day activities.

Applicants must have an excellent record of scholarship and an aptitude for health technology assessment. Research excellence is achieved by selecting only the very best applicants.