Why this programme?
Epidemiology focuses on the occurrence, distribution and determinants of health and disease, and on the methods that can be used to study them. It’s considered a cornerstone of public health, preventive medicine and evidence-based clinical medicine. In the master’s programme in Epidemiology, you’ll gain a solid education in the theoretical concepts, methods and interpretation of epidemiological research focusing on the diagnosis, cause, outcomes and prognosis of disease. You’ll also study the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Explore epidemiology in all its different facets with examples ranging from the epidemiology of cancer or musculoskeletal disorders to nutritional, molecular, clinical and occupational health epidemiology. You’ll develop the full range of theoretical knowledge, practical and analytical skills, and experience you’ll need to become a certified epidemiologist.
Thorough grounding in Epidemiology
- You will learn about the basic principles and core concepts of epidemiology together with different research designs.
- There is a strong emphasis on professional research skills such as critically assessing scientific publications and reports on public health and patient-bound research, designing, implementing, statistically analysing, evaluating and reporting on your own epidemiological research and interventions.
- The programme has a strong research focus with a broad scope of applied research (e.g. musculoskeletal system, nutrition, cancer and clinical medicine).
- You will learn in an international classroom with around 40% of the students coming from abroad.
- You can become certified as a Licensed A-class Epidemiologist.
- From a PhD position to a researcher or project coordinator: the career opportunities are diverse. You will develop communication skills that are relevant to the workplace
You’ll also put these skills into practice and will have the opportunity to play an active role in faculty research, thanks to the programme's close ties with our research institutes. This will give you the skills you need to jump-start your scientific career.
Epidemiology master's student Vanessa posts weekly about her experiences on Instagram. She's also happy to answer your questions about the programme and about (student) life in Maastricht.
Master’s thesis
During the second half of the programme, you will actively participate in epidemiological research and complete a master’s thesis under the close supervision of the academic staff. Past topics have included:
- composition of breast milk and asthma, atopic and infectious outcomes in childhood
- alcohol drinking, genetic variation and risk of breast cancer
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school absence in children aged 13-14 years
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light physical activity and health-related quality of life
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prevalence and early screening of ADHD
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body composition and risk of metabolic or cardiovascular disease
Short courses
The epidemiology courses are also offered as courses for PhD candidates and working health professionals.
Epidemiology animated
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Bas Verhage brings textbook information to life through animations on Epidemiological topics like:
- measures of disease frequency
- study selection
- population at risk
- exposure status
Also watch a Vimeo video he created with the animations.
EPIDEMIOLOGY animated
Spend time abroad
The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences gives you the opportunity to study abroad in a work placement programme. Imagine skiing down a slope in Switzerland, wandering the streets of Cape Town or taking a weekend hike through the Scottish Highlands, all while studying at a top university. The faculty has approximately 130 partner institutions in more than 40 different countries all over the world. Students return having had the experience of a lifetime: travelling the world, meeting new friends, learning about different cultures, and working to complete their studies.
Small groups = big advantages
As with many Maastricht University programmes, the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences programmes are taught using Problem-Based Learning (PBL). In small tutorial groups of 10 to 12 students, you seek solutions to ‘problems’ taken from real-world situations. Instructors act as facilitators, giving help as it’s needed. This allows you to build independence and develop problem-solving skills that you’ll need in the field. This active, dynamic and collaborative learning method has one of the highest knowledge retention rates of any instructional method.
Problem Based Learning - quote compilation
Video: UM students talk about their experiences with Problem-Based Learning
Our differences are our greatest strength
At Maastricht University, we're focused on the development of our international classroom, a place where ourdifferences become our strengths. In this programme, you will not only develop knowledge and skills, butalso international accessibility and understanding. From day one, you’ll be challenged with differingviewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over the world. Your worldviewwill be enhanced by this interaction. Roughly 40% of the students in this master’s programme come fromoutside the Netherlands. Such diversity creates an international atmosphere that is strengthened by theinternational orientation of the programme.
PREMIUM honours programme
PREMIUM is our Honours programme for high-performing master’s students. If selected, you will work in an interdisciplinary team on a project for a real client from the public or private sector (e.g. Cisco, DHL, EcoAct). Along with guidance from a project mentor, you will receive individual coaching focused on your personal and professional development. You will also attend several workshops and events designed to cultivate valuable knowledge and skills, as well as build a network that provides you with the best preparation possible for the job market.
Are you up for the PREMIUM challenge?
Our research into prevention of certain diseases will make this world a better place.
To work for the World Health Organization contributing to high-quality policies
I like to raise awareness about sustainable lifestyle to improve people’s overall health
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