Why this programme?

Epidemiology

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 student Sanne posts weekly about her experiences on Instagram.

She's also happy to answer your questions about the programme and about (student) life in Maastricht through DM on Instagram.

Request a brochure for extra information

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
school absence in children aged 13-14 years
light physical activity and health-related quality of life
prevalence and early screening of ADHD
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

Want to gain that extra edge by getting real-world experience during your studies? The PREMIUM honours programme will help you gain the experience and develop the skills employers are looking for. As part of a team of students and under the guidance of our academic staff, you’ll spend about three months working on a real-world assignment for a company, NGO or educational institution. You'll also work on a personal development plan, receive intensive individual coaching and attend master classes and workshops. All of this will take about 250 hours, but it will give you a lifetime of benefits.

Are you up for the PREMIUM challenge?

More about PREMIUM