The course covers the building blocks of health systems: organisation, regulation, financing and service delivery are covered.
Different national health systems are examined and compared to reflect on the values used to implement them. The concept of health systems as social determinants for health, and the necessity of strengthening health systems to address inequality are also discussed.
After completion of the course the student should be able to: explain basic concepts of health systems organisation; explain basic concepts and relationships in microeconomic theory; explain and summarize how one, using microeconomic theory, can analyze questions relating to people's health and to the financing, production and organisation of health care; discuss health systems in the context of different countries; discuss the concepts "health systems and rights" and "health systems as social determinants of health".
Teaching is conducted through lectures and group exercises. Teaching is given in English.
Health Systems: Organization and financing, 5 credits
Spring Term 2026
Starts
19 January 2026
Ends
8 February 2026
Study location
Umeå
Language
English
Type of studies
Daytime,
100%
Required Knowledge
- For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences.
- Eng B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school or equivalent
Academic credits
Applicants in some programs at Umeå University have guaranteed admission to this course. The number of places for a single course may therefore be limited.
Application code
UMU-30409
Application
The online application opens 15 September 2025 at 09:00 CET.
Application deadline is
15 October 2025. How to apply
Application and tuition fees
As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
- For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences.
- Eng B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school or equivalent
Academic credits
Applicants in some programs at Umeå University have guaranteed admission to this course. The number of places for a single course may therefore be limited.
Application code
UMU-F3083
Application
The online application opens 02 June 2025 at 13:00 CET.
Application deadline is
15 August 2025. How to apply
Application and tuition fees
As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
