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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes CPE Track Lifecourse Health Development - Research
Header image CPE Track Lifecourse Health Development

CPE Track Lifecourse Health Development

Are you interested in understanding the intricacies of health throughout a person's life? Do you want to be part of a community of motivated and socially conscious students, all working towards a healthier future? Then the LHD Track is designed just for you.

LHD is one of the two specialized tracks from the MSc Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology (MSc CPE). It delves into the many factors influencing an individual's mental as well as physical health and explores how it evolves over time.

Addressing current health challenges

The programme focuses on improving prevention and treatment strategies to address the health challenges faced by today's society. Through a comprehensive lifecourse perspective, you'll gain valuable insights into the processes underlying changes in health and well-being. Over the two years of the programme, you will develop a valuable set of research and professional skills for your future career.

A multidisciplinary programme

In the LHD track, you'll have the opportunity to closely collaborate with leading researchers and clinicians from various disciplines, including (para)medics and psychologists. Together, you'll investigate in-depth how health processes are influenced by factors of risk and resilience as well as by one's age or stage of illness.

Cutting-edge analytical methods

The development of chronic diseases is a complex process with determinants at multiple levels. These factors not only influence each other but also vary over the life course. By combining lifecourse epidemiology with cutting-edge analytical methods, you'll unravel the multifaceted health issues that span from genetic factors or psychological processes to the broader social and physical environment. You will have access to long-term data sets and have the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the evolution of health over time.

A meaningful career

As the world grapples with increasingly complex health challenges, there is a growing need for researchers to help untangle these intricate issues. Through a tailored curriculum, we aim to equip you to address current pressing social health issues, such as socio-economic health disparities or the rise of chronic health conditions, and teach you how to deal with new emerging health challenges while ensuring you're well-prepared for a career dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

Questions? Reach out at cpe umcg.nl or via WhatsApp . For news and updates on CPE follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn . We look forward to connecting with you!

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology (research)
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60399
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Medical Sciences
Why study this programme in Groningen?

When selecting the Lifecourse Health Development track you can look forward to:

  • Becoming part of a close-knit international cohort of a maximum of 35 students
  • Engaging in a stimulating interdisciplinary and intercultural approach to problem-solving
  • Accessing long-term studies and data sets
  • Collaborating with top researchers in various disciplines
  • Receiving ongoing individual support and mentorship for both your personal and professional growth
  • Developing valuable professional skills for your future career
Programme

The programme is set up in such a way that every student will either have or develop a basic foundation of both medicine and psychology, making sure that whatever your academic background, you are fully equipped to proceed with the programme.

The first year starts with solidifying your basis in psychology and epidemiology, as well as methodology and statistics. Then you will follow two Lifecourse Health Development-specific courses to learn the key concepts, terminology, and analytical methods specific to applying a life course perspective to health.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Chronic Disease Epidemiology
Complex intervention research
Development and evaluation of health measurements instruments / Clinimetrics
Elective Courses
Interdisciplinary Research
Lifecourse Health Development - specific courses
Professional development training
Project-based learning
Scientific Integrity
Study Design
Understanding behavior changes

The second year mainly consists of the master thesis research project. The master thesis project provides ample opportunity to get deeply involved in a research topic related to Lifecourse Health Development and to experience the daily challenges of researchers in the area of public health. During the master thesis project, you can choose elective courses based on their area of interest, background knowledge, and research project topic.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Introduction into R
Master Thesis Project

Study load

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

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

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

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You are admissible with a bachelors degree in bio(medical) sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Human Movement Sciences, Life Sciences, Biology, Sociology, Econometrics, Pedagogy, Economics, Demography and spatial sciences. If you have another 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. Make sure to include the grades for courses you didn't pass as well.

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 CPE programme and the LHD track .

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. More details here: https://tinyurl.com/SelectionCPE

language test

Please make sure to consult https://www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-medical-sciences/master-programmes/how-to-apply/language-requirements for more information about the accepted language tests and the required minimum scores.

reference letter

You will need to submit one letter of recommendation written by an academic or previous supervisor

(motivation-) letter

The motivation letter is an opportunity for you to convey your enthusiasm, goals, and suitability for the MSc Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology programme. Make sure to describe your expectations for the programme and the LHD track 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. In order to maintain an engaging learning experience, our programme has a limited number of spots available each year, accepting a maximum of 35 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.

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 cpe umcg.nl and request further instructions about the application procedure.
  3. Your application will then be evaluated by the CPE 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 CPE admissions board will review each applications and inform you of the results. You should expect to hear from us within 2 to 3 weeks after the interview.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students01 March 202401 September 2024

Applications for 2024-2025 will open in October 2023, the application deadlines are as follow:

  • Early bird deadline for all students: Monday 15 January 2024
  • Deadline for non-EU/EEA students: Friday 1 March 2024
  • Deadline for EU/EEA students: Wednesday 1 May 2024

Please note: All applicants with a non-Dutch bachelor qualification will have to pay an application fee. More information about the application fee can be found on this page: https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/procedures/application-informatie/with-non-dutch-diploma/application-fee

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You are admissible with a bachelors degree in bio(medical) sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Human Movement Sciences, Life Sciences, Biology, Sociology, Econometrics, Pedagogy, Economics, Demographical Sciences. If you have another 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. Make sure to include the grades for courses you didn't pass as well.

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 CPE programme and LHD track.

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. More details here: https://www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-medical-sciences/master-programmes/how-to-apply/clinical-psychosocial-epidemiology

language test

Please make sure to consult https://www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-medical-sciences/master-programmes/how-to-apply/language-requirements for more information about the accepted language tests and the required minimum scores.

reference letter

You will need to submit one letter of recommendation by an academic or previous supervisor

(motivation-) letter

The motivation letter is an opportunity for you to convey your enthusiasm, goals, and suitability for the MSc Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology programme. Make sure to describe your expectations for the programme and the MSc CPE-LHD track and how it aligns with your future career plans. Additionally, emphasize the qualities and experiences that make you the right fit for CPE.

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. In order to maintain an engaging learning experience, our programme has a limited number of spots available each year, accepting a maximum of 35 students. To ensure the best fit and experience for our students, we have a thorough  selection procedure as part of the admission process .

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 based90

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 non-Dutch degree, you will first need to register on Studielink, then you will be invited to finalize your application in the online Progress Portal of the University of Groningen.
  2. Once you've completed the registration process, the Admissions Office will conduct an initial review to ensure that all required documentation is complete and verify your educational background.
  3. The CPE admissions board will then review your application.
  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 Selection Committee will review each applications and inform you of the results. You should expect to hear from us within 2 to 3 weeks after the interview.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students01 March 202401 September 2024

Applications for 2024-2025 will open in October 2023, the application deadlines are as follow:

  • Early bird deadline for all students: Monday 15 January 2024
  • Deadline for non-EU/EEA students: Friday 1 March 2024
  • Deadline for EU/EEA students: Wednesday 1 May 2024

Please note: All applicants with a non-Dutch bachelor qualification will have to pay an application fee. More information about the application fee can be found on this page: https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/procedures/application-informatie/with-non-dutch-diploma/application-fee

Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 20700full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 24200full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies
Research

Examples of research questions from previous LHD students:

  • Dealing with distress after a cancer diagnosis: a daily diary study
  • Health literacy and the onset and progression of hypertension-related multimorbidity: the mediating role of self-management
  • The effect of exercise and diet on the glucose metabolism in patients after kidney transplantation: a Randomized Controlled Trial and Observational study
  • Who Will I Be? The Work Expectations of Dutch Adolescents and How They Relate to Mental Health and Work Outcomes in Young Adulthood
  • Causal effects of heart rate variability on hypertension: A Mendelian randomization study
  • A personal predictive model for sleep disturbances in older patients with cognitive impairments and depression – an idiographic study
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Contact

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/
Read more
Student profile

Are you curious, critical, and eager to help tackle urgent health issues? Do you want to grow as a researcher, learning scientific methods to get unbiased answers? Do you like breaking down complex problems into clear, testable ideas, and do you have a knack for statistical analysis?

At CPE we welcome students from many different academic backgrounds including medicine, health-, life-, and social sciences. Together, we address today's health challenges by combining their unique perspectives. There are many reasons why students join our programme, but whatever your motivation and ambition are, If you are specifically interested in understanding and improving health from clinical perspectives, studying mechanisms of how people develop, manage, or recover from health issues, then LHD is the right track for you.

More interested in health policy development, implementation and evaluation? Check our Health Systems and Prevention track: https://www.rug.nl/cpehsp