Bachelor of Science
Bachelor Health Economics
Management, Economics & Medicine
More quality and efficiency by combining different perspectives in healthcare
Key Facts
Table of Contents
- Key Facts
- Why this programme stands out
- Who should apply?
- This programme is right for you if you are interested in finding the answers to the following questions
- Programme overview
- Academic excellence meets international scope
- Career opportunities
- Application information
- Detailed information and contact
- Paco Fitting
If you are already pursuing a B.Sc. in Health Economics and would like to find out about the specific details of your bachelor's degree programme, you will find what you are looking for on the "programme structure" page.
Vom Abi zur Uni: Study at WiSo
Join our webinar “Vom Abi zur Uni – study at WiSo” on 17 June 2026 at 16:00 (CET) via Zoom and learn more about the Bachelor’s programmes at the WiSo Faculty of the University of Cologne, the application and admission process, and student life in Cologne. You will also have the opportunity to meet the WiSo team and current students and ask your questions during the live Q&A session.
B.Sc. Health Economics at the WiSo Faculty of the University of Cologne
Why this programme stands out:
- Skills for a career in healthcare that requires interdisciplinary skills in medicine, management, and politics.
- Basic knowledge to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the field, based on the stakeholder groups relevant to healthcare (f.i. managers, political decision makers, and doctors).
- Methods for the application of health economic instruments to support, design or implement decision making processes.
Paco Fitting
Do you want to find out which degree course is right for you? Discover it with Paco Fitting! By answering just eight questions about your interests and abilities, you’ll gain a clear idea and receive your personal ranking of degree courses. With extensive comparison options, you’re sure to make the best decision for your future!
Who should apply?
- A keen interest in familiarising yourself with interdisciplinary topics
- Willingness to perform and ability to work in a team, as working in groups is frequently practised in seminars and is an important skill for combining different perspectives in the healthcare sector
- Independent, goal- and result-orientated learning
- Good mathematical understanding and analytical thinking
- Good verbal communication skills in German and English
By taking the online math test in ILIAS, prospective students can compare their knowledge and skills against the requirements of most of the degree programmes at the WiSo- Faculty (only German).
Based on the basics of economics and social sciences, the Bachelor's degree in Health Economics provides an interdisciplinary and multidimensional view of health. The interplay between social, economic and medical health aspects makes the course very versatile, challenging, and interesting.
Chat with a student
Do you want first-hand insights and experiences about the Bachelor Health Economics and the Student life at the University of Cologne from WiSo students?
Then don't hesitate and Chat with a student!
This programme is right for you if you are interested in finding the answers to the following questions:
- How are hospitals financed?
- What is evidence-based medicine?
- How much dies a treatment cost?
- How is treatment quality measured?
- Who are the main players in the healthcare sector?
- What are the special features of the accounting of healthcare providers?
- How many doctors do you have to hire if you always want a doctor to be present?
- What are the most important disorders?
Still undecided?
Then get to know our offers for prospective students, which are coordinated by the WiSo Student Service Point and will provide you with individual advice tailored precisely to your needs.
Programme overview
Combining Health Perspectives
By incorporating the medical, management and system perspectives into the study programme structure, you will be prepared for a successful career in healthcare with a comprehensive understanding. The study contents are conveyed by researchers and experts from practice and thus create a well-founded portfolio of theories, methods, and interdisciplinary application.
Specialised Career Paths
With the innovative development of a Health Care Manager and a Health Care Analyst Track, you have the possibility to focus on one of these tracks from the fourth semester onwards. The tracks recommend specific courses to round up the study programme and help you select courses according to your desired job profile.
Unique cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine
The Bachelor of Science in Health Economics at the University of Cologne is the only degree programme that enables such a close teaching and research cooperation between a faculty of economics and social sciences and a medical faculty in Germany. For instance, courses on medical vocabulary will create a basic knowledge for your specific medical perspective.
Academic excellence meets international scope
Discussion of selected international topics
In selected courses, international topics from research and health economic practice are discussed. Furthermore, it is possible to pursue an international focus within the framework of the Bachelor’s thesis.
Optional semester abroad
Our cooperation with a large number of excellent partner universities worldwide offers you attractive opportunities for your interdisciplinary semester abroad. We are happy to advise you.
An international Faculty
The international focus and outstanding reputation of the WiSo Faculty at the University of Cologne make it a premier destination for your studies in Germany – at the heart of Europe.
The aim of health economics is to improve the quality, patient-centredness and cost-effectiveness of health care.
Career opportunities
In terms of career prospects, Cologne is a very attractive location for students of health economics. Many hospitals, well-known pharmaceutical companies, insurance and consulting institutions are located in Cologne and the surrounding area. We help you to get in touch with our partners, even before completing your studies.
With the completion of the interdisciplinary Bachelor’s degree in Health Economics, you will be prepared for a job in public or private healthcare institutions. Your work will include tasks in the field of management, administration, or associations as well as health policy institutions. Further career prospects for graduates of this interdisciplinary degree programme are workings in academic teaching as well as in health policy research.
Health Care Manager Track
Exemplary areas for job opportunities are:
- Controller in a hospital
- Assistant to the hospital board
- (Corporate) Consultant
- Project Manager of healthcare providers
- Quality Manager
Health Care Analyst Track
Exemplary areas for job opportunities are:
- Consultant
- Data Analyst
- Analyst for the healthcare system
- Health Economist
- Market Access Manager for Pharmaceuticals
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Health Care Manager Track
Through my studies at the University of Cologne with the focal points Corporate Finance and Management in the Health Care Sector, I enjoyed a profound education from which I still benefit today. Already during my final thesis on the topic "Management Structures of Hospital Management" I was able to make first contacts with my current colleagues. My solids theoretical knowledge, which I acquired during my studies, was the basis on which I could continuously build upon.
Health Care Analyst Track
While studying health economics in Cologne, I really liked the close connection to research. This inspired me to complete my doctoral studies and work in an international academic environment.
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Application information
We are looking forward to your application!
Application deadlines for online application
The application deadline for the first semester is usually:
- 15 July for the start of studies in winter semester
Applicants with a German university entrance qualification can apply via the website of the Student Admissions Office.
International applicants can find information on how to apply on the website of the International Office.
Requirements
Applicants from Germany and EU countries
- University entrance qualification
- German-language proficiency at level DSH-2 or equivalent
- English language skills B2 (CEFR) are required. These can be proven by:
- University entrance qualification from Germany, EU or EEA countries: After the end of class 11 (G8) or class 12 (G9) at least 5 points in German grading system must be demonstrated (applies to German school leaving certificates).
- University entrance qualification or higher education degree (e.g. bachelor's degree) totally taught in English
- TOEFL, Internet-based Test (iBT): 72
- IELTS-Test: 5.5
- Cambridge: B2 First, BEC Vantage, C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE)
- telc-Zertifikat: B2
- TOEIC with the following minimum scores: 400 (listening), 385 (reading), 150 (writing), 160 (speaking)
Applicants from non-EU countries
- University entrance qualification (direct or indirect)
- German-language proficiency at level DSH-2 or equivalent
- TestAS certificate (subject specific module in Economics/Management, minimum score 90)
- English language skills B2 (CEFR) are required. These can be proven i.a. by
- University entrance qualification or higher education degree (e.g. bachelor's degree) totally taught in English
- TOEFL, Internet-based Test (iBT): 72
- IELTS-Test: 5.5
- Cambridge: B2 First, BEC Vantage, C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE)
- telc-Zertifikat: B2
- TOEIC with the following minimum scores: 400 (listening), 385 (reading), 150 (writing), 160 (speaking).
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Further information and contact
We would be happy to support you in achieving your goals:
If you are interested in or have questions about our WiSo degree programmes, the student advisors at the WiSo Student Service Point will be happy to help.