MSc in Business Administration – Major Health Economics and Healthcare Management
"This specialization in healthcare combined with education for managers is unique in Switzerland."
Dr. Karin Brunner Schmid, Head of Program
The health sector is a growth market of great economic significance. It is an interdisciplinary system that is steadily growing in complexity, and in which medical and economic concepts are closely connected. An MSc in Health Economics and Healthcare Management prepares you for demanding positions in hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and health care associations.
At a Glance
Title: Master of Science (MSc) ZHAW in Health Economics and Healthcare Management
Start of New Program: Mid-September
Registration deadline: 30 May 2025 - apply now
Workload: 90 ECTS credits (corresponding to approx. 2,700 hours of study)
Duration: 4 semesters (allows balancing work and family responsibilities of 60 percent). If a student's part-time activity exceeds that level, the study period may be increased to 6 semesters
Location: Winterthur, Canton of Zurich (Switzerland)
Classes held on: Mondays and Tuesdays
Semester Fee: CHF 720.-
Admission Requirements: Admission Procedure
Language of instruction: German/English
Accreditation/Award: AACSB, EQUIS, Top European Business School (Financial Times Ranking)
What You Will Learn
The program combines health economics and health management with general management studies and scientific research. You will learn to structure complex situations, make informed judgments, and implement them effectively. Experienced instructors with an academic and a professional background will support you as you advance your knowledge of health economics and healthcare management and will enable you to develop a professional network while completing your studies. This will allow you to create the ideal conditions for a successful career in the health care sector.
Your Career Prospects
Functions
- Project management, scientific project work
- Assisting executive board members and district managers
- Key account management
- Qualified staff responsibilities (e.g., strategic planning, process development, quality management)
- Consulting/business analysis
Sectors
- Hospitals and hospices
- Medical and accident insurers
- Social care
- Outpatient care (Medical practitioners, Spitex, dentists)
- Pharmaceutical sector
- Pharmacies and drugstores
- Associations and foundations
Program Structure and Admission Requirements
Flexible and Practically Oriented
The program takes four semesters to complete and will enable you to hold a part-time position of up to 50% due to a well-balanced study load and block seminars. Nearly half of the program is devoted to applied research. You will acquire advanced academic research competencies, conduct application-oriented research projects, and write an academic Master's thesis on a research question of practical relevance.
What You Need to Qualify
Applicants are admitted to the program subject to an application procedure. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from an officially recognized academic university or university of applied sciences.
- Successful completion of a related degree program worth at least 180 ECTS credits and high grades in the relevant subjects.
- Excellent communication skills in German and English.
Brochure, in German
Accreditation
This program has been awarded the quality seal by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) for its quality in study and teaching.
The detailed assessment and further information about the accreditations of the ZHAW School of Management and Law can be found here.
Information and Enrollment
MSc Information Events
Find out more about our practice-oriented Master's degree programs at the information events and ask us your questions.
Admission Check
Are you interested in a Master's degree program and would like to know whether you meet the requirements? Or do you have questions about the course?
Enrollment Master's Degree Programs
With a Master's degree, you are investing in your future. You will expand your professional and personal skills and increase your career opportunities.
MSc Information Events
Admission Check
Enrollment Master's Degree Programs
Find out more about our practice-oriented Master's degree programs at the information events and ask us your questions.
Are you interested in a Master's degree program and would like to know whether you meet the requirements? Or do you have questions about the course?
With a Master's degree, you are investing in your future. You will expand your professional and personal skills and increase your career opportunities.