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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Interdisciplinary Research in Health Dynamics - Research
Header image Interdisciplinary Research in Health Dynamics
Research master - full-time

Interdisciplinary Research in Health Dynamics

Health is more than just the absence of disease. It is shaped by body, mind, lifestyle—and the world around us. It is not a fixed state of complete well-being, but an ongoing ability to adapt, self-manage, and maintain or regain balance in the face of life's challenges.

Why do some people recover quickly from illness while others struggle? How can societies support healthier lives for everyone, at every age? And how do science, technology, and policy influence our health, functioning and well-being? In the Research Master Interdisciplinary Research in Health Dynamics (IRHD), you'll dive into these questions and many more.

Our programme invites you to:
  • Explore health from multiple disciplines – from biomedical to psychosocial sciences
  • Work side-by-side with experts – receive personal guidance from leading researchers.
  • Get hands-on experience – apply what you learn in real research projects
Shape your own journey– choose one of two tracks:
  • Mechanisms of Lifecourse Health: discover how individual health develops, changes, and recovers throughout life, and how we can improve functioning and well-being
  • Strategies for Population Health: learn how population health is shaped by environmental and health system factors, and how to reduce inequalities for a healthier society

By joining the Research Master IRHD, you'll develop into a skilled, independent researcher who views health as a dynamic process, ready to make a meaningful impact in science, healthcare, and society.

IRHD builds on the extensive expertise developed through the Research Master Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology, as well as the MSc Sport Sciences and MSc Human Movement Sciences.
Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Interdisciplinary Research in Health Dynamics
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 EC)
Croho code
60399
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Medical Sciences
Apply now

Why study this programme in Groningen?

Choosing the Interdisciplinary Research in Health Dynamics (IRHD) programme in Groningen means stepping into a unique research ecosystem where your ideas can truly make a difference. Here’s why this is the place to be:
  • Tap into rich datasets – Work with world-class resources like Lifelines and other regional data cohorts to explore real-life health dynamics
  • Collaborate across sectors – Join forces with academic, clinical and public health partners in the north of the Netherlands, where strong regional ties fuel impactful research
  • Earn professional recognition – Upon graduation, you’ll meet the criteria to register as an epidemiologist, opening doors to career opportunities in research and policy
  • Learn from leading experts – Be guided by renowned researchers who challenge you to think critically and innovate
  • Make your research matter – Conduct hands-on projects that connect directly to societal needs, from mental health to population well-being
  • Shape your own path – Choose a track and research topic that match your interests and ambitions
  • Thrive in a supportive environment – Be part of a close-knit cohort with personalized mentorship and room to grow

Programme

The first year of the Research Master is structured around four core phases of the research process: Explore, Unravel, Resolve, and Impact. This structure is inspired by the empirical cycle, providing a strong foundation for developing a research-oriented mindset. Each phase reflects a key step in designing, conducting, and translating health research:
  • Explore – Identifying relevant problems and framing research questions
  • Unravel – Understanding underlying mechanisms through theory and evidence
  • Resolve – Designing and testing interventions or solutions
  • Impact – Evaluating outcomes, and focusing on dissemination and implementation in real-world settings
Throughout the first year, students follow a combination of generic and track-specific courses. The generic courses provide a solid foundation in research methods, statistics, academic skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives on health and functioning. These are followed by more specialized courses that reflect the content and methodologies of your chosen track, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and skills in a focused area of interest.
Courses
The second year is focused on applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the first year to your own research projects, with the Master’s Thesis as the central component.

For your thesis project, you can choose from a wide range of topics and tailor your learning experience by selecting elective courses that align with your area of interest, prior background, and thesis subject. Projects are embedded within the participating research groups across various disciplines, including:
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  • Health Psychology
  • Human Movement & Sport Sciences
  • Primary and Long-term Care
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health
This structure allows you to specialize further, gain hands-on research experience, and work closely with experts in your chosen field.



Study load

40 hours of class and self-study per week on average

Programme options
Mechanisms of Lifecourse Health (track)

Are you curious about how people's health is shaped by life experiences and circumstances, and how underlying mechanisms influence health and functioning across the life course? Or how patients can receive the most effective intervention with the best outcomes? In this track, you'll explore how individual and environment factors interact to influence health, functioning and well-being throughout life.

This track gives you the opportunity to:

  • Learn how to systematically investigate the mechanisms underlying health and functioning
  • Explore how knowledge of lifecourse mechanisms can inform personalized prevention and intervention strategies
  • Collaborate with clinical and societal partners to promote, maintain, or regain health and functioning across the lifecourse
Strategies for Population Health (track)

Do you want to understand what makes certain neighborhoods healthier places to live and how prevention programmes can reduce the need for health care? In this track you'll explore how population-level health is shaped, and how health, functioning and well-being can be improved in schools, workplaces, sports organisations and within communities.

This track gives you the opportunity to:

  • Learn how to tackle health inequalities by addressing the needs of vulnerable and underserved populations.
  • Explore which preventive strategies actually work, using real-world data for evaluating, and how to improve them.
  • Collaborate with professionals and policymakers to create sustainable solutions that make a real difference in society.

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!

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You are admissible with a bachelors degree in Bio(medical) Sciences, Biology, Demographical Sciences, Econometrics, Economics, Health Sciences, Human Movement Sciences, Life Sciences, Pedagogy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Sociology. If you have another similar degree background the selection committee will determine whether your background meets the admission requirements. Feel free to contact us for advice.
grade list

You will need to provide your official university transcript. It should include a list of all the courses you've taken, with the credit hours for each, the final grades you received, an explanation of the grading system used, and your class rank if available.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)

You will need to send us an up-to-date CV
assessment interview

During the interview you'll be asked to give a short presentation on a research project you undertook as part of your previous studies and to elaborate on your motivation to apply for the MSc Interdisciplinary Research in Health Dynamics programme and the track of your choice.
entry test

The entrance examination will be a test of your statistical knowledge. In preparation of this exam, a mock version and several teaching videos will be made available. If you pass the entrance exam, you will be invited for an interview. Students who have a degree from the University of Groningen in Psychology or Human Movement Sciences are exempt from this test.
language test

Please consult our 'How to Apply' page for more information about the accepted language tests and the required minimum scores.
(motivation-) letter

The motivation letter is an opportunity for you to convey your enthusiasm, goals, and suitability for the MSc Interdisciplinary Research in Health Dynamics programme. Make sure to describe your expectations for the programme and the track of your choice and how it aligns with your future career plans. Additionally, emphasize the qualities and experiences that make you the right fit for this programme.
other admission requirements

We prioritize high-quality education and provide a small-scale learning environment to ensure personal attention and the growth of our students. That is why, to ensure the best fit and experience for our students, we have a thorough selection procedure as part of the admission process. Find out more on our dedicated page.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business Economics - Business EconomicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Human Geography and PlanningUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Spatial Planning and DesignUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Global Responsibility & LeadershipUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Psychologie (NL)University of GroningenNo additional requirements
Pedagogical SciencesUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Human Movement SciencesUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
MedicineUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Human Movement SciencesUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
MedicineUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
PsychobiologyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Health and SocietyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Economics and GovernanceAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Bio-Farmaceutische WetenschappenAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Liberal Arts and SciencesAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global ChallengesAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Health and Life SciencesAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Data Science & SocietyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Liberal Arts and Sciences (joint degree)All Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Life Science and Technology (joint degree)All Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Data Science (joint degree)All Research universitiesNo additional requirements
PharmacyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Biomedical EngineeringAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Life Science and TechnologyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
EconomicsAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
MedicineAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
GezondheidswetenschappenAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
SociologyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Psychologie (NL), Psychology (EN)All Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Pedagogical SciencesAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Human Geography and Urban and Regional PlanningAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
BiotechnologyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
BiologyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Artificial IntelligenceAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Geography, Spatial Planning and EnvironmentAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
BewegingswetenschappenAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Pharmaceutical SciencesAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Biomedische WetenschappenAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Biomedical SciencesAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
BiologyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Data ScienceAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements

Registration procedure

You will find below a quick overview of the application and selection procedure. Make sure to visit our "How to Apply" page for more detailed information .

  1. If you have a Dutch bachelor's degree, you will first need to apply via Studielink.
  2. You will then need to send an email to irhd umcg.nl and request further instructions about the application procedure.
  3. Your application will then be evaluated by the MSc Interdisciplinary Research in Health Dynamics Admissions Board.
  4. If you are selected, you will be invited to take the entrance examination
  5. If you pass the entrance examination, you will be invited for an interview, which can be conducted online or in-person.
  6. After all the interviews are completed the Admissions Board will review each application and inform you of the results. You should expect to hear from us within 2 to 3 weeks after the interview.

Selection procedure

We prioritize high-quality education and provide a small-scale learning environment to ensure personal attention and the growth of our students. That is why, to ensure the best fit and experience for our students, we have a thorough selection procedure as part of the admission process.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202601 September 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 March 202601 September 2026

Please note: All applicants with a non-Dutch bachelor qualification will have to pay an application fee.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You are admissible with a bachelors degree in Bio(medical) Sciences, Biology, Demographical Sciences, Econometrics, Economics, Health Sciences, Human Movement Sciences, Life Sciences, Pedagogy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Sociology. If you have another yest similardegree background the selection committee will determine whether your background meets the admission requirements. Feel free to contact us for advice.
grade list

You will need to provide your official university transcript. It should include a list of all the courses you've taken, with the credit hours for each, the final grades you received, an explanation of the grading system used, and your class rank if available.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)

You will need to send us an up-to-date CV
assessment interview

During the interview you'll be asked to give a short presentation on a research project you undertook as part of your previous studies and to elaborate on your motivation to apply for the IRHD programme and the track of your choice.
entry test

The entrance examination will be a test of your statistical knowledge. In preparation of this exam, a mock version and several teaching videos will be made available. If you pass the entrance exam, you will be invited for an interview. Students who have a degree from the University of Groningen in Psychology or Human Movement Sciences are exempt from this test.
language test

Please consult our 'How to Apply' page for more information about the accepted language tests and the required minimum scores.
(motivation-) letter

The motivation letter is an opportunity for you to convey your enthusiasm, goals, and suitability for the IRHD programme. Make sure to describe your expectations for the programme and the track of your choice and how it aligns with your future career plans. Additionally, emphasize the qualities and experiences that make you the right fit for IRHD.
other admission requirements

We prioritize high-quality education and provide a small-scale learning environment to ensure personal attention and the growth of our students. That is why, to ensure the best fit and experience for our students, we have a thorough selection procedure as part of the admission process. Find out more on our dedicated page.

Language requirements

ExamMinimum score
C1 Advanced (formerly CAE)C1
C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE)C2
IELTS overall band6.5
IELTS listening6
IELTS reading6
IELTS writing6
IELTS speaking6
TOEFL internet based92

Registration procedure

You will find below a quick overview of the application and selection procedure. Make sure to visit our "How to Apply" page for more detailed information .

  1. If you have a Dutch bachelor's degree, you will first need to apply via Studielink.
  2. You will then need to send an email to irhd umcg.nl and request further instructions about the application procedure.
  3. Your application will then be evaluated by the MSc Interdisciplinary Research in Health Dynamics Admissions Board.
  4. If you are selected, you will be invited to take the entrance examination
  5. If you pass the entrance examination, you will be invited for an interview, which can be conducted online or in-person.
  6. After all the interviews are completed the Admissions Board will review each application and inform you of the results. You should expect to hear from us within 2 to 3 weeks after the interview.

Selection procedure

We prioritize high-quality education and provide a small-scale learning environment to ensure personal attention and the growth of our students. That is why, to ensure the best fit and experience for our students, we have a thorough selection procedure as part of the admission process.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202601 September 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 March 202601 September 2026

Please note: All applicants with a non-Dutch bachelor qualification will have to pay an application fee.

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 24900full-time
EU/EEA2026-2027€ 2695full-time
non-EU/EEA2026-2027€ 24900full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students

After your studies

Job prospects

Job market
About 40% of our students remain in academia after graduation, while and 60% pursue careers in the public sector or in industry. Through the Career Perspective workshops offered during the programme, you'll be introduced to a wide range of possible opportunities to help you navigate your professional future.

Potential careers
​After completing IRHD, you will be able to become a(n):

PhD Researcher
Continue your academic journey with a PhD in fields such as public health, epidemiology, psychology, or movement sciences.
Workplace options: UMCG, other universities, international research institutes.

Public Health Analyst
Use data to uncover health trends and advise on prevention strategies.
Workplace options: RIVM, GGD, WHO, health insurers.

Applied scientist
 Provide scientific knowledge to coaches and professionals in practical contexts.
Workplace options: rehabilitation centers, (para)medical centers, occupational health services, sports clubs and associations.

Policy Advisor
Translate research into actionable policy, for example to promote healthier cities, increase sports participation, or prevent chronic diseases.
Workplace options: ministries, municipalities, municipal health services.

Epidemiologist (Registered Epidemiologist A-level)
Design and conduct epidemiological research to support disease surveillance, evaluate health interventions, and inform evidence-based policy.
Workplace: hospitals, public health institutes, governmental organisations.

Lecturer
Teacher foundational health-related topics and research methodology in higher education.
Workplace: universities, universities of applied sciences.

Data Scientist
Apply advanced statistical and computational techniques to large datasets and health registries.
Workplace options: academic labs, tech-health startups, consultancy firms.

Strategic Advisor
Help organisations design and evaluate health programs, for example digital health tools, lifestyle interventions, assistive technologies or integrated care models.
Workplace: UMCG, health insurers, tech companies, NGOs.

Research

At IRHD, you become part of a vibrant research community from day one. You’ll work alongside leading scientists on real-world, complex health challenges—drawing from disciplines such as epidemiology, health psychology, human movement sciences, primary and long-term care, psychiatry, public health, and sport sciences.​

Together, we explore health as a dynamic, lifelong process shaped by biological, psychological, social, environmental, and health system factors.
Apply nowBrochureEventsContact

Contact

Testimonial of Thaint Thaint Thwe
What I find the most fascinating about the CPE programme is that we all came from different educational and cultural backgrounds and met together in the same place, with the same goal which is to tackle health issues in a multidisciplinary approach.
– Thaint Thaint Thwe

As a Burmese student, the transition from Burmese education system to Dutch was very tough for me in the beginning but throughout these 2 years, the CPE programme helped me grow both academically and personally, I must say.

The CPE programme itself is multidisciplinary in nature and it enabled me to view and solve health problems in multidisciplinary perspectives and sharpened my critical thinking skills. I got a chance to work together with senior researchers who are the top researchers in their field. What I find the most fascinating about the CPE programme is that we all came from different educational and cultural backgrounds and met together in the same place and with the same goal, which is to tackle health issues in a multidisciplinary approach. We, CPE students, are freely allowed to design our own projects for the master thesis project and PhD proposal and our supervisors are very supportive and attentive. Most importantly, the CPE programme trained me to be ready for real world research experiences. Overall, I had wonderful and unforgettable experiences working together with my fellow CPE students and supervisors.

Study associations

VIP

VIP is the study association for the Psychology students at the University of Groningen.
VIP organizes study-related and social activities. As a VIP-member, you receive a discount on study books as well as a discount on VIP activities. On this website, you can find more information about VIP, our events, committees, and the book sale.
https://www.vipsite.nl/
Study support

Each student is assigned to a mentor who is responsible for the evaluation of the student's progress, abilities, and limitations. The mentor and student have at least one scheduled meeting every three months.

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