Diploma in Pharmaceutical Market Access
Introduction
The Centre for Training and Lifelong Learning (KEDIVIM) of the University of Piraeus, in cooperation with Lab Health Economics and Management, of the Department of Economics of the University of Piraeus, “LabHem» (Laboratory of Health Economics and Management) and the Scientific the EL.E.M.A. Association (Hellenic Association Market Access), announces the launch of the 2nd Intake of the training course entitled “Diploma in Pharmaceutical Market Access», the October 2026.
The Course, lasting 9 months (14.7 ECTS), was designed to meet the growing need for specialised professionals in the wider field of Market Access & Governmental Affairs. It is a targeted learning experience that combines theoretical training with practical application, under the guidance of experienced professionals and academics in the sector. It is aimed at graduates and professionals working in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.
The aim of the Course is to empower and broaden the role of Market Access professionals in the pharmaceutical sector through education and high-level scientific training.
Upon completion of the Course, participants are awarded Training Certificate from KEDIVIM of the University of Piraeus and a Supplementary Annex, while participants join a dynamic network of professionals in the field.
Academic Coordinator
Athanasios Vozikis,
Professor, Department of Economics, University of Piraeus
Scientific Director
Sotirios Karkalakos,
Professor, Department of Economics, University of Piraeus
Target Audience
The Course is intended for:
1. Students and graduates of Schools of Health Sciences, Economics, Management, Political Science, Law, Marketing and Communication, Informatics and Natural Sciences, and 2. Professionals in the healthcare sector
Admission Requirements
Participants must have:
- Basic computer skills
- Internet access
- A personal email account
Other candidate selection criteria: • Verification of formal qualifications • Assessment of relevant skills and experience and/or interview of candidates • Selection in order of priority until the predetermined number of places is filled
Delivery Method
The Course is delivered using a blended learning method. More specifically, 56 teaching hours are delivered through synchronous distance learning and 68 hours are held in person. The distance learning component takes place online, using simple educational software, while in-person teaching takes place in a classroom at the University of Piraeus. An attendance register is kept during lectures, and Educational Material is provided covering all the Thematic Units of the Course, which includes the following:
1. Notes for each Unit 2. Lecture slides 3. Case studies 4. Indicative bibliography related to the content of each Unit 5. References to Reports and Legislative Texts 6. References to Public (open) Data 7. Links to freely accessible online articles and books
Type of Certificate
Trainees who successfully complete the Course are awarded a Training Certificate by KEDIVIM of the University of Piraeus, together with a Supplementary Annex. If successful completion of the Course is not possible owing to discontinuation of studies or failure in the examinations, the trainee is awarded a Certificate of Attendance by KEDIVIM of the University.
See a sample of the certificate awarded here
Units
Teaching/Thematic Unit 1: Introduction to Market Access
1.1 Basic principles and concepts of Market Access 1.2 The role of Market Access in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry
Teaching/Thematic Unit 2: Health Policies and the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Framework
2.1 National, European and international health policies 2.2 National Regulatory Framework for the Approval, Assessment and Reimbursement of Medicines 2.3 National HTA & European convergence
Teaching/Thematic Unit 3: Pricing and Reimbursement Strategies
3.1 Pharmaceutical pricing strategies 3.2 Negotiations with insurance bodies and government organisations 3.3. Reimbursement Agreement Models 3.4 Regulatory Framework for the Pricing and Assessment of Medical Devices 3.5 Research, development and production of medicines in Europe and Greece 3.6 Regulatory Framework for the Pricing, Assessment and Reimbursement of Medicines in Cyprus
Teaching/Thematic Unit 4: Data Analysis and Interpretation
4.1 Data analysis and interpretation in the pharmaceutical sector 4.2 Use of real-world evidence (RWE) to support decision-making
Teaching/Thematic Unit 5: Clinical Trials and Outcomes Assessment
5.1 Design and conduct of clinical trials 5.2 Use & assessment of clinical outcomes in the HTA process
Teaching/Thematic Unit 6: Health Technology Assessment - Pharmacoeconomics
6.1 Health Technology Assessment Models - The European dimension: from National Assessment to JCA 6.2 Pharmacoeconomics and Methods of Economic Analysis (Costs & Outcomes Analysis) 6.3 Pharmacoeconomics and Methods of Economic Analysis (CEA - CUA - CBA) 6.4 Pharmacoeconomics and Methods of Economic Analysis (BIA) 6.5 Preparing a value dossier for submission to the Assessment & Reimbursement process
Teaching/Thematic Unit 7: Innovation and Technology
7.1 Digital health applications and information technologies in practice 7.2 Use of artificial intelligence and big data in healthcare 7.3 Health in the age of the Social Feed
Teaching/Thematic Unit 8: Ethical and Legal Issues
8.1 Legal aspects and new (European and national) regulations in the pharmaceutical market 8.2 Ethical issues in market access for medicines 8.3 Health data protection
Teaching/Thematic Unit 9: Stakeholder Relationship Management
9.1 Patient empowerment, engagement and support 9.2 Collaboration with healthcare providers, patient associations and regulatory authorities
Teaching/Thematic Unit 10: Writing a Research Paper
10.1 Preparing a paper on a relevant topic
Teaching/Thematic Unit 11: Career Development in Market Access
11.1 Preparing Market Access professionals for tomorrow
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Course, participants will:
Have in-depth knowledge of the processes and strategies required to secure market access and reimbursement for medicines. Understand health and pharmaceutical economics, health technology assessment (HTA) and health policy. Know the approval and reimbursement procedures for medicines at national and international level. Understand the regulatory requirements and legal aspects that affect market access. Understand the role of innovation and technology in pharmaceutical market access. Understand the ethical and legal aspects of pharmaceutical market access, ensuring compliance with regulations and guidelines.
Participants will develop skills that enable them to:
analyse data and apply statistical methods in order to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of pharmaceutical products,
negotiate with insurance bodies and government organisations,
develop effective communication strategies with stakeholders such as healthcare providers, patients and regulatory authorities
use modern technologies, such as digital health and artificial intelligence, in the field of Market Access,
develop the leadership and management skills required for the successful management of projects and teams in the pharmaceutical industry.
Upon completion of the Course, participants will be able to:
use real-world evidence (RWE) to support decision-making develop and implement pricing and reimbursement strategies that respond to the needs of different reimbursement markets manage relationships and partnerships with various stakeholders
Assessment
The learning outcomes of each Unit are assessed through an online examination. The examination takes the form of a quiz of 20 multiple-choice questions and is available on specific dates. Performance is graded on a percentage scale with a maximum of 100%, and an overall score above 60% is a prerequisite for successful completion of the Course. The learning outcomes of the Course as a whole are assessed through a final synthesis assignment of approximately 3,000 words, which is made available on specific dates and submitted to the Secretariat by email for grading.
Payment of Fees
Fees are payable in a single payment or in instalments into an account of the Special Account for Research Funds (ELKE) of the University of Piraeus (first instalment upon registration (50%) and the balance within 4 months of the Course start date).
Failure to pay any instalment will result in the candidate's automatic exclusion from the remainder of the Course, the examinations and the award of the certificate.
| Duration: | 9 Months / 148 Hours |
|---|---|
| ECTS: | 14.7 |
| Start Date: | 02/10/2026 |
| Field of Study: | Economics & Management |
| Language: | Greek |
| Academic Coordinator: | Athanasios Vozikis, Professor |
| Scientific Director: | Sotirios Karkalakos |
Educational Material
| Electronic Notes | |
|---|---|
| Printed Material | |
| Videos |

