General information

Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology

*_{A scholarship, covering part of the tuition fee, may be made available to qualified candidates. 
   EEA = European Economic Area: all EU countries + Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland}

 

Outline

Epidemiology, the discipline investigating the associations between determinants and health outcomes, is the cornerstone of research in the Medical and Health Sciences. The number of people with a chronic disorder, is rapidly increasing. Psychosocial factors are important determinants of the increasing ‘epidemic’ of chronic diseases.

This program focuses on epidemiology in the area of chronic diseases, with an emphasis on psychosocial factors, including quality of life, public mental health, and psychiatric epidemiology. The students are guided from basic concepts through advanced issues to the completion of a Master’s thesis. The curriculum moves from providing basic knowledge of clinical and psychosocial epidemiology in mandatory group-oriented modules to individual Master’s theses programs with a tailored selection of specialized modules.

The core of the Master program is conducting a research project resulting in a Master’s thesis. This project starts in the first year and the emphasis is on hands-on experience in undertaking research, so that students gain expertise and experience in the full process of research. For the research projects, students are individually linked with senior researchers in one of the participating research groups, based on the student’s preference. The participating research groups are selected on the basis of their proven quality of research,and include health sciences (for example clinical and psychiatric epidemiology, public health, drug utilization studies, general practice), social sciences (for example health psychology), and clinical sciences in chronic diseases (for example oncology, psychiatry, pulmonology, cardiology, endocrinology, rehabilitation). The opportunities offered will change over time due to the progression in the research activities of the participating groups. To stimulate scientific thinking and reasoning, small coaching groups will meet once a week during the entire two-year program under the supervision of a scientific coach. The scientific coach will also advise students on issues, such as choice of modules and of thesis project, and will monitor their study progress.

 

Career prospects

Graduates are well-qualified to conduct research in Epidemiology. They are well equipped for a PhD project and various other positions in public or private organizations.

 

Admission

The admission procedure includes an entrance exam. Pre-selected candidates are invited for an interview with the Admissions Board. A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Medical Sciences or another health science-oriented program, sufficient knowledge of the English language, and a positive motivation and attitude towards a career in science or science-related positions in society are prerequisites.

 

RUG information

For general RUG information about the RUG, Groningen, the Netherlands, practical information and scholarships click here. 

 

More information

Ms D.F. Jansen PhD
+31 50 3639076
E-mail: MastersGSMS@umcg.nl