MSc Vitality and Ageing Leiden University

You will learn and work together in small groups with students with different study backgrounds and with diverse nationalities. You will gain knowledge about biology of ageing, learn about the implications of ageing on an individual and societal level and you will acquire knowledge about health management of an ageing population. Furthermore, you will also develop academic and personal skills, such as communication, leadership and research. Because of the relatively small scale of the programme, there is much individual guidance, such as mentoring and professional development sessions. Throughout the programme you will collaborate with senior citizens, visit (inter)national potential employers, attend network events, and give presentations for actors in the field. By the end of the master’s, you will combine your gained knowledge and skills in a scientific thesis and internship. Quite some students take the opportunity to do their internship abroad. The master’s Vitality and Ageing is an intensive one-year fulltime programme. Since 2022-23, it is also possible to follow the programme part-time, where you follow the same curriculum, spread over two years.

What does this master’s programme entail?

The international Master's programme Vitality and Ageing looks in-depth at the ever growing ageing population. A challenge in many countries and a diverse, upcoming field that needs young academics. There’s more to growing old gracefully than staying as healthy as you can for as long as you can. Maintaining your independence and continued participation in valuable social activities are equally as important.

When it comes to getting old, our one-year programme will equip you with the kind of knowledge and dedicated academic skills that will enable you to enhance the lives of our senior citizens. Your expertise in the area of ageing will be enriched in three main areas: biological, individual and societal. As no other, you will be primed to play a key role in improving the future of our ageing society. As a student you will be working in a fast-paced interdisciplinary environment alongside top international experts as well as, students from various bachelor's and nationalities and older adults. You will be equipped with scientific insights on ageing, extensive training in transferable academic skills and career orientation! The programme is offered by Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and Leiden University. The LUMC is a modern academic medical center in which research, education and patientcare are combined with a high quality profile and a strong scientific orientation.

Why a Master Vitality and Ageing in Leiden?

• The interdisciplinary programme blends knowledge of several disciplines like the biological and social aspects of the aging process (gerontology), medical care for elderly people (geriatrics) and organization (healthcare management).
• The programme combines theoretical and practical knowledge and skills; both scientific literature on vitality and aging, as well as the training in scientific and personal skills, including the communication with elderly (older people participate in the programme).
• The English programme is followed and taught by many international students and teachers with interdisciplinary backgrounds.

Does the Master Vitality and Ageing suit you?

• Do you have a background and experience in health?
• Do you want to broaden and deepen your knowledge of the biological, individual and societal perspectives on vitality and aging?
• Do you want to study in a highly international interdisciplinary environment?
• Do you want to play a role in improving the future of our aging society?

The Master Vitality and Ageing in Leiden might then just be what you are looking for!