Bachelor European Public Health at Maastricht University

  @extramile_takumi

“I studied Biology for one year in Germany, but that was too much science for me. I was looking for a programme which focussed more on the human side, behaviour, lifestyle and social aspects. I visited the Open Day in Maastricht and was drawn to the international character of the programme. Its European angle is unique, as other public health programmes focus much more on the national system of that one particular country. That international approach is also reflected by the classroom. There are so many nationalities, even from outside Europe. I like that.

What makes the programme attractive as well, is that it offers a wide range of topics. The first year, for example, covers topics ranging from infectious diseases to the functioning of the European Union Institutions! And now, in my second year, we dive into more specific topics in the various fields; currently we are looking at the effects of lifestyle. We’ve been to visit the European Commission and will also go to the University of Krakow, Poland for a week. In my last semester, I will go on exchange to Hong Kong. That will be an interesting experience on all accounts!"

"After high school, I realised that my interest in healthcare was broader than just medicine and the human anatomy. I was intrigued by how health systems and various dimensions of healthcare worked in different countries. That was the moment that I found the domain of Public Health!

For me, the uniqueness of the bachelor’s programme in European Public Health lies mainly with the European context included in the curriculum. The small and international cohorts further enrich the study programme by offering you possibilities to analyse the different public health systems in your country.

For my thesis on Health Literacy Interventions for the Indian Population I did an internal placement at the UM Department of International Health. And I collaborated with a university in India.

After my master’s degree, I plan to join an institution where my knowledge on Public Health and technical skills acquired at Maastricht University will be used to help developing countries to adapt their health policies to provide adequate healthcare."

"The EPH study programme was a great programme for me. It gave me the intellectual challenge that I was looking for. The topics covered were varied and highly informative at the same time.

I enjoyed learning about European health systems and having a diverse set of international peers to discuss their experiences with their national health systems. The bridge between theory and real-world practices was the best aspect of the programme for me.

The group dynamics during lectures and group meetings were interesting due to the different cultural and personal interpretations of health and quality of life. The Problem-Based Learning method was a good way to practice discussion skills and I felt encouraged to express ideas since the method provided for a supportive and intellectually stimulating setting.

Moreover, I quickly learned how to speak about complex issues in English. This gave me more ways to express myself and this helped me to understand more of the world and the people around me. It helped me to develop myself and help others around me more effectively. 

In my current work at EUFAMI in Belgium as Projects and Communications Coordinator, I work (in person and virtually) with people from all over Europe, on projects to improve the lives of families affected by loved ones with mental ill health. EPH gave me the interpersonal skills and intellectual know-how to work confidently on various health topics, including mental health."