• Programme information
  • Teaching methods
  • International experience
  • Accreditation
  • Specialisations
• Course descriptions
• Career prospects
• More information
• Admissions & application

Specialisations

In the second half of the first year, students in the Research Master in Health Sciences can choose one of four specialisations:

Clinical Epidemiology
Clinical Epidemiology focuses on the incidence and prevalence of disease in large populations, and how to identify the causes of epidemics. Research themes include questions like: How can outbreaks of contagious diseases be contained? Why are some forms of cancer more prevalent than others? As a graduate of this specialisation, you can automatically apply for the accreditation at the Netherlands Epidemiological Society as a Licensed A-class Epidemiologist.

Global Health
Global Health focuses on the international dimensions of health, healthcare and health promotion. Today’s health issues are no longer confined to individual countries. Shifting disease patterns, new pandemics, health inequalities, natural and man-made disasters – these are just a few issues with global impact. Moreover, global trends are having increasing impact on local health and healthcare systems. This specialisation is for students who want to investigate these complex local–global interactions or seek new forms of healthcare governance within the context of globalisation.

Health Technology Assessment
Health Technology Assessment emphasises the form, function and implementation of health technology innovations and the organisation and financing of healthcare systems. This may involve analysing the cost-effectiveness of weight-loss programmes for children, or the suitability for immigrants of depression interventions originally designed for Dutch people.

Social Health Sciences
Are the health disparities between rich and poor genetically determined? How can you motivate people to change unhealthy behaviours? What role do parents and schools play in preventing (or causing) obesity? This specialisation is designed for students who want to conduct research into health promotion for individuals and groups, social issues surrounding health and quality of life, and the ethical and legal principles of healthcare studies.