M.Sc. in Health Sciences
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Key Information
Campus location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,314 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* EU students: €2,314 per year | non-EU students: €23,930 per year
Introduction
How can we control infectious diseases in the Netherlands and abroad?
What is the role of nutrition in chronic disorders like obesity or type 2 diabetes? What causes healthcare costs to rise?
If you want to master the skills needed to analyze complex health or healthcare issues, then the Health Sciences Master’s is for you.
The program will enable you to contribute to the development and implementation of interventions that solve major health problems.
The Infectious Diseases & Public Health specialisation will give you a broad overview of the biology of pathogenic organisms and the interaction between pathogens and their hosts. You will focus on the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases in the Netherlands and abroad.
You will gain knowledge of the immunological aspects, development and expression of infectious disease and of the epidemiology, control and elimination of various infectious pathogens, as well as of the appropriate vaccinations.
In addition, you’ll become familiar with the life cycle, virulence and transmission of infectious pathogens, and of the outcome of diseases, in addition to being able to describe the various diagnostic laboratory tests for parasitic infections. You will be able to describe the relationship between nutrition and the appearance/development of infectious diseases, know the causes and effects of malnutrition and over-nutrition in relation to infectious diseases, with a special focus on vulnerable groups and/or populations.
Compulsory courses
- Internship Health Sciences
- Research Methods for Health Sciences
- Scientific Writing in English
- Parasitology
- Nutrition and Infectious Disease
Admissions
Curriculum
The program
The program will enable you to contribute to the development and implementation of interventions that solve major health problems. You have the unique chance to choose from five specializations. This enables you to focus on a specific domain.
- Health Policy
- Infectious Diseases & Public Health
- International Public Health
- Nutrition & Health
- Prevention & Public Health
Internship and scientific writing
Once you complete your required courses, you will start your five-month internship. The internship allows you to participate in a current research project, put your newly acquired knowledge into practice, gain valuable work experience and obtain a good impression of your future field of work. As a student, you are responsible for finding an internship of your interest. Of course, we can help you in this process, for example by directing you to organizations of interest.
Four quality criteria apply to the research project you choose:
- it should focus on a challenging, verifiable research question
- it should be carried out according to a methodologically sound design
- it should have a firm theoretical basis
- the result is a scientific English paper
The emphasis is on gaining insight into the relationship between the various components of the research process, hypothesizing, data collection, interpreting, and reporting. The research should preferably have clear relevance for public health.
Career Opportunities
After completing the Health Sciences Master’s program, you will be able to identify and collect health-related information from different sources and use this information to analyze health (care) problems
You will be skilled at suggesting relevant interventions based on evidence from empirical epidemiologic population studies. You will also be able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders in the field of Health Sciences. Finally, you will contribute to a multi- or interdisciplinary approach to health problems, health promotion, and healthcare in a national or international context.
What can you do after your Master's degree?
Find a challenging job in a Health Sciences field
The qualities you have developed during the Health Sciences Master’s program are relevant for a wide variety of positions.
Your career prospects after graduation depend on your personal preferences and acquired skills and experience.
With excellent analytical skills, a comprehensive overview of the healthcare system, and specialized knowledge and skills, you will be a valuable asset to many employers in the healthcare sector.
Become a researcher at a university, applied research institute, governmental institute, or the (food) industry.
You may choose to pursue a career as a health insurance policy officer with a health insurer, a disease prevention policy officer at a branch of the Municipal Health Services, a communication advisor on health issues, and more.
You can also put your skills to work as a teacher, epidemiologist, health advisor, or consultant.
Or you pursue your PhD
With a Master’s degree in Health Sciences, you will have the relevant knowledge and skills to pursue a career in a wide variety of positions. Or, you can decide to continue expanding your knowledge and apply for a Ph.D. position.
Welcome to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
For more information about our (upcoming) open days and webinars please visit us