Why this programme?
Rapid developments in the biomedical sciences and recent trends in globalisation have led to an increased awareness of the numerous factors contributing to the complexity of disease aetiology. The master’s in Global Health emphasises the international dimensions of health and disease and the need to work together to tackle cross-border dimensions of health inequities in efforts to improve health around the world. This programme has a unique focus on the complexities of global health and its relation to technological innovation and social, political and economic change. You'll develop a solid knowledge base and will learn the methodology and skills you’ll need to function effectively in this challenging interdisciplinary field.
Collaboration with international partners
Successful global health initiatives require intensive cross-border cooperation. Not only will you develop intercultural communication skills within the international academic community in Maastricht, but you will also gain first-hand experience in international collaboration by working closely with researchers and students at our six partner universities:
- Thammasat University, Thailand
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India
- McMaster University, Canada
- Rosario University, Colombia
- Afhad University for Women, Sudan
- University College of South-East Norway, Norway
These universities provide a broad range of expertise in globalisation and international health. You'll have the opportunity to interact with their expert researchers while conducting independent research and field work. You'll also participate in various projects and exchanges, including:
- joint online courses and seminars
- shared virtual projects in intercontinental teams
- an annual two-week summit in a low income country
- a 12-week elective at one of the partner universities (optional; the amount of available places will be determined each year with the respective partner universities.)
Global Health master's student Aqsa 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 and internship
During the second and third term of the programme, you'll do an internship and complete a master’s thesis under the close supervision of the academic staff. You can do your thesis research abroad, arrange your own project or choose from a diverse range of topics. In the past, students have written theses on topics such as:
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examining the effects of a health intervention in a low income region in South America
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using new health technologies to reach a remote community in Africa
Global Health research at Maastricht University
Maastricht University conducts leading research projects in the field of globalisation and international health. These projects are executed within various faculties and schools. The master's programme in Global Health is a place where related research efforts converge and new joint research programmes are established. You'll be able to interact with researchers from the following faculties, schools, and institutes:
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
- Maastricht School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI)
- Maastricht School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM)
- Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (MGSoG)
- The International Centre for Integrated Assessment and Sustainable Development (ICIS)
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS)
Health of people in local communities across the world is highly impacted by rapidly changing globalisation processes. Understanding and handling upcoming challenges in the field, requires integrated multidisciplinary thinking and new forms of governance, accountability and leadership. The master's in Global Health will provide you with the competences to become such a leader.
International advisory board
In order to ensure their quality, the master’s programmes in Global Health at Maastricht University, McMaster University (Canada), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (India), Thammasat University (Thailand), the University of South-Eastern Norway (Norway), Universidad del Rosario (Colombia) and Ahfad University for Women (Sudan) receive advice from a joint international advisory board. The Advisory Board Global Health was installed on the initiative of Maastricht University and McMaster University and consists of expert representatives from international businesses, governmental and non-governmental organisations and the professional field. In light of her special relationship with Canada (she was born in Ottawa) and her interest in healthcare issues, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands acts as Honorary Chair of the Advisory Board Global Health. The board convenes regularly either in Canada or in the Netherlands.
Current members of the board are:
- Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands (Honorary Chair)
Honorary Chair of the Netherlands Red Cross Society and former Member of the Board of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Netherlands - Dr. Thijs Teeling (Chair)
Director of consulting company Covalence and Honorary Chairman of the Task Force Health Care, the Netherlands - Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer
Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), former Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and former Member of Provincial Parliament, Canada - Dr. Luis Barreto
President of Luis Barreto & Associates (consultancy for vaccine development, immunization, science policy, global health and biotechnology), Canada - Mrs. Mary Heersink
Food safety advocate and co-founder Stop Foodborne Illness, United States of America - Mr. Jeff Mainland
Executive Vice President, Strategy, Quality, Performance and Communications of SickKids: The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada - Dr. Priscilla Reddy
Deputy Executive Director within the Population Health, Health Systems and Innovations (PHHSI) Research Programme at the Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa
Global Health Newsletter
The Global Health Newsletter introduces you to the Global Health study programme and its community (e.g. faculty members, students, advisory board members).
Editions
GH Newsletter 2018-2019
GH Newsletter 2017-2018
GH Newsletter 2017
GH Newsletter 2016
GH Newsletter special insert 2016
GH Newsletter winter/spring 2015
GH Newsletter summer/fall 2015
GH Newsletter 2014
GH Newsletter summer/fall 2013
GH Newsletter winter/spring 2013
GH Newsletter 2012
GH Newsletter fall 2011
GH Newsletter summer 2011
Specials
GH Newsletter special student experiences
Our differences are our greatest strength
At Maastricht University, learning takes place in the International Classroom, a place where our differences become our strengths. From day one, you will be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over the world. Your worldview will be enhanced by this interaction, bringing you closer to the programme’s goal of teaching students not only facts and concepts but also international accessibility and understanding. Roughly 45% of the students in the Global Health programme come from outside the Netherlands. They represent over 20 different nationalities, bringing a broad range of perspectives and experiences to the study of Global Health.
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
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?
Programme highlights
- There’s a unique focus on the complexities of global health and its relation to technological innovation and social, political and economic change.
- You will work in intercontinental teams with students at McMaster University in Canada, Thammasat University in Thailand, Manipal University in India, Ahfad University for Women in Sudan and Rosario University in Colombia. Through virtual project work, you’ll gain insight into different perspectives and the skills needed for cross-cultural collaboration.
- You can follow a 12-week elective track at one of the partner universities in Canada, Thailand, India, Sudan, Colombia or Norway.
- You will have the opportunity to participate in a yearly Learning Symposium in a low income country to gain practical field orientation.
- Global Health received the Distinctive Quality Feature of Internationalisation by the NVAO.
- You’ll have excellent career prospects to become a leader, manager or policymaker in health contexts around the globe.
With my background in nutrition, knowledge of global health and fluency in five languages, I’d love to solve problems on a higher level
We should support low- and middle-income countries in providing universal healthcare
The university’s optimism absolutely lifts my energy!
International team work is so important in global health
I want to achieve equity and equality in health across the world
I plan on going back to Kenya, work for an NGO and contribute towards the greater good by implementing health-related projects
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