MSc in Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology
University of Groningen
Key Information
Campus location
Groningen, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,314 / per year **
Application deadline
01 May 2024*
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* Dutch and EU/EEA students: May 1 - non-EU/EEA students: March 1
** EU/EEA students: €2,314 | non-EU/EEA students: €20,700
Introduction
Do you want to learn how health systems influence prevention and health outcomes at the population level? Then the Health Systems and Prevention (HSP) track is the right choice for you!
HSP is one of the two specialized tracks from the research master's in Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology.
Responding to current health issues
This track combines cutting-edge interdisciplinary research with practical policy questions, aiming to solve complex public health problems related to societal issues like an aging population, increasing levels of chronic diseases, widening health inequalities, migration, and urbanization.
An interdisciplinary approach
In this track, you learn to tackle issues like these from various academic disciplines, as you are taught and supervised by experts in economics, spatial sciences, psychology, sociology, and medicine. The track is a small-scale selective program and is an initiative of the University Medical Center Groningen and the Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health.
Applying research to real-world situations
A unique element of the program is the internship, a learning period during which students can collaborate with national and/or international societal partners such as the Ministry of Health, health insurers, municipal health services, occupational health services, and social security institutes. In this setting, you will develop skills for putting research into practice, in order to make a measurable impact on public health.
Why study this program in Groningen?
When selecting the Health and Prevention track you can look forward to:
- Focusing on future public health challenges
- Combining cutting-edge research with real-world policy issues to develop evidence-based prevention strategies
- Being involved in pioneering research alongside leading researchers
- Taking part in and contributing to projects of a non-academic (health) organization through an internship
- Becoming part of a close-knit international cohort of a maximum of 35 students
- Engaging in a stimulating multidisciplinary and intercultural approach to problem-solving
- Receiving ongoing individual guidance and mentorship for your personal and professional growth
Research
Research within the HSP track aims to contribute to strengthening the organization of health systems including the capacities of healthcare professionals, to deal with the demographic and societal changes, and to protect populations at risk for adverse outcomes. In this track, we focus our research in particular on the future public health challenges, for example aging population, increasing levels of chronic disease, widening inequalities, migration, and urbanization.
Examples of research questions from previous HSP students:
- Physical Accessibility to Public Healthcare Facilities and Undernutrition in Children Under 5 in Uganda
- Towards a stratified approach of population colorectal cancer screening: An analysis of literature and family history in a high-risk population and general population (Lifelines)
- A long-term prediction of multidimensional social inclusion in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder
- Country score tool for readiness assessment and evidence generation of immunization programs in aging adults in Europe
- Labour Market Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examining the Prevalence and Determinants of Poor Labour Market Outcomes Using the Lifelines COVID-19 Cohort
Curriculum
Year 1
The first year starts with solidifying your basis in psychology, medicine, and epidemiology. Strong attention is also given to epidemiological research methods and statistics.
- Basics Courses (8 EC)
- Clinical Epidemiology (10 EC)
- Master Thesis project proposal (13 EC)
- Psychosocial Epidemiology (12 EC)
Year 2
- Coaching Groups (5 EC)
- Master Thesis Project (39 EC)
- Research Tools (7 EC)
- Seminar and Research Meeting (2 EC)
- Specialization Courses (11 EC)
- Writing a successful research proposal (8 EC)
Study load
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
Curriculum
Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology consists of both mandatory and elective courses.
Depending on your knowledge, you will learn about the basics of medicine or the basics in psychology and psychosocial factors. Apart from broadening your knowledge in the field of health and the determinants of health, you will explore the fields of Public Health, Health Psychology, Community and Occupational Medicine, and Psychiatric Epidemiology. Strong attention is given to epidemiological research methods and statistics. You will be able to choose additional courses to suit your particular interests. Your individual development as a researcher is central to the program and therefore you will be conducting research side by side with scientists who are leading experts in their field. Moreover, CPE is situated in the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), which means that you can benefit from a unique and interesting clinical setting and a unique availability of large data cohorts.
During the second year, you will write your master thesis, which can function as the basis of your own Ph.D. proposal. High-ranking students will be offered a full scholarship to continue with a fully funded three-year Ph.D. program!
Study abroad
Study abroad is optional
An internship (abroad) is among the possibilities. Our international network stretches across Europe, and from Latin America to Asia!
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Your master thesis can function as the basis of your own Ph.D. proposal. High-ranking students will be offered a full scholarship to continue with a three-year Ph.D. program at the UMCG!
If you do not wish to continue as a researcher, there are plenty of other opportunities. Alumni currently work as consultants for the World Health Organization (WHO), policy officers in the government, consultants for pharmaceutical or biotechnological companies, or as university teachers.
For those students interested, you can choose to take courses to become a registered Epidemiologist.