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Name of the Masters programme
Global Health (Research)
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Global Health (Research) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Are you eager to unravel the complexities of global health challenges like COVID-19, maternal mortality and mental illness?
Do you want to learn how to analyse global health problems and develop solutions? Do you want to contribute to better and more equitable health for all? During the research master’s in Global Health, you will study cross-cutting aspects of health problems and healthcare systems with students from all over the world. You will explore latest developments regarding topics such as infectious and chronic diseases, child and elderly care, and the financial burden of healthcare costs. You will learn to apply inter- and transdisciplinary approaches and a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods. And you will gain experience in designing, implementing and ‘measuring’ interventions that address complex health challenges.
More information on this programme? Visit the website!
Global Health (Research)
Improving health and achieving equity in healthcare
The study, research and practice of global health is geared towards improving health and achieving equity in healthcare. If you are eager to look beyond national boundaries and disciplinary distinctions when it comes to health and healthcare, then our master’s programme in Global Health may be a good fit for you.
The research master’s in Global Health is a small-scale programme with a ‘hands-on’ approach. It brings together students and staff from all over the world with a wide variety of academic backgrounds. This diversity of perspectives enriches the discussions in your courses and your team projects. Through intensive individual and group research assignments and the two internships, you will have ample opportunity to discover where your passions lie within global health.
COVID-19 pandemic
With the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are facing one of the greatest global health challenges of our time. This has created an ‘all hands on deck’ situation with our researchers and students to understand this enormously complex challenge and to develop innovative solutions. Within the Athena Institute, we are currently working on different research project on COVID 19. Find out more by visiting our dedicated website about COVID-19.
Large-scale, sustainable impact
Analysing health problems locally usually leads to small-scale changes that are not very sustainable. In this programme, you work to achieve a larger-scale and sustainable impact by taking a systems approach, by looking beyond the local level to the different ways of institutionalising and influencing policies. Understanding problems and developing solutions at this level requires interacting with a lot of actors during your research, including health professionals, patients, policymakers, and other public- and private-sector stakeholders. In this programme, you will learn how to identify the relevant stakeholders, how to interact with them, and how to co-create solutions. Global health research is far from sitting behind a desk and crunching numbers; it’s about working with a variety of others to solve health problems that affect the lives of many people around the world.
More information on this programme? Visit the website!
Global Health (Research)
Whether you’re looking to become a researcher, public health advocate or policy advisor, the opportunities are endless.
Employers recognise that Global Health graduates from VU Amsterdam are adept at the skills required to face global health challenges, such as:
- critically assessing research designs and researc, h proposals
- designing, implementing and ‘measuring’ interventions that address complex health challenges
- analysing and comparing different healthcare systems
- bringing together a variety of stakeholders to generate innovative solutions
As a Global Health graduate, you can work in many different types of jobs, including:
- lecturer
- researcher
- policy advisor
- public health advocate
You will also be well-equipped for a PhD programme at a university or research institute.
More information on this programme? Visit the website!
Global Health (Research)
I have an international degree
The Global Health programme is open to both Dutch and international Students. The Faculty’s Admission Board will decide upon your admission after having evaluated your complete online application.
In order to gain admission to the Global Health Master’s programme, you will need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university including at least three full years of academic study amounting to a minimum of 180 ECTS or equivalent. We do not require a GRE or GMAT test score. A Bachelor degree obtained at an applied university or higher vocational education (HBO in Dutch) in most cases does not grant direct access to the programme (only exceptionally high ranking students stand a chance of admission).
Specific requirements for the Global Health Master’s programme
A successful applicant should possess the following skills and qualities:
- Good academic achievement
- Aptitude for critical analysis and logical thinking
- Experience with several scientific disciplines (for instance studying medicine, but doing work with social care during elective)
- High motivation
- Social responsibility
- Excellent social and communication skills (in English).
We assess these skills and qualities through the specific admission requirements listed below:
- A Bachelor’s degree in one of the disciplines linked to Global Health (e.g. Medical Biology, Health Sciences, Medical Anthropology, Medicine, Health Economics, Health Management, Pharmacy, Psychology, Nursing, Public policy) with basic knowledge of epidemiology/statistics (preferably at least 6 ECTS). A deficiency in the knowledge of Epidemiology can be compensated by taking additional courses (before the commencement of the study).
- A GPA of 3.0 (7.0 in the Dutch grading system) or higher. For non-EU students, the transcript and the quality of the Bachelor’s program are evaluated by the VU International Office. If the diploma or a previous study program is not known by the International Office, the file of the student is sent to the NUFFIC office for additional evaluation and advice.
- Motivation letter stating the reasons for applying for this Research Masters
- Comprehensive CV with a list of extra-curricular activities focusing on social responsibility, e.g. volunteer work or other activities showing the social qualities of the student.
- Two reference letters (one from the supervisor of the bachelor thesis or internship).
- A sufficient score on the web-based entry examination. Examination consists of an open essay question regarding a video discussing the aspects of Global Health and some scientific literature readings.
- Receive a positive recommendation on the basis of an interview with the program director and/or master coordinator (held in person or via Skype depending on the location and possibilities of the student).
- For those who have not completed previous studies in English a minimum score of 560 for the paper version of the TOEFL test (or an equivalent measuring the level of C1 in ‘Common European Framework of References for languages’ (CEFR)).
General English language proficiency requirements
VU Amsterdam requires all applicants to take an English test. You can, however, begin your application without having the test results. Exceptions are made for students who have completed a Bachelor's or Master's in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia.
The minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission to this Master's programme are:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall
- TOEFL Internet-based test: 92 overall
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): A, B, C
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A, B, C
I have a Dutch university level (WO) bachelor’s degree (VU bachelor's degreeor bachelor's degree at another university)
A successful applicant should possess the following skills and qualities:
- Good academic achievement
- Aptitude for critical analysis and logical thinking
- Experience with several scientific disciplines (for instance studying medicine, but doing work with social care during elective)
- High motivation
- Social responsibility
- Excellent social and communication skills (in English).
We assess these skills and qualities through the specific admission requirements listed below:
- A Bachelor’s degree in one of the disciplines linked to Global Health (e.g. Medical Biology, Health Sciences, Medical Anthropology, Medicine, Health Economics, Health Management, Pharmacy, Psychology, Nursing, Public policy) with basic knowledge of epidemiology/statistics (preferably at least 6 EC). A deficiency in the knowledge of Epidemiology can be compensated by taking additional courses (before the commencement of the study).
- A GPA of 3.0 (7.0 in the Dutch grading system) or higher. For non-EU students, the transcript and the quality of the Bachelor’s program are evaluated by the VU International Office. If the diploma or a previous study program is not known by the International Office, the file of the student is sent to the NUFFIC office for additional evaluation and advice.
- Motivation letter stating the reasons for applying for this Research Masters
- Comprehensive CV with a list of extra-curricular activities focusing on social responsibility, e.g. volunteer work or other activities showing the social qualities of the student.
- Two reference letters (one from the supervisor of the bachelor thesis or internship).
- A sufficient score on the web-based entry examination. Examination consists of an open essay question regarding a video discussing the aspects of Global Health and some scientific literature readings.
- Receive a positive recommendation on the basis of an interview with the program director and/or master coordinator (held in person or via Skype depending on the location and possibilities of the student).
- For those who have not completed previous studies in English a minimum score of 580 for the paper version of the TOEFL test (or an equivalent measuring the level of C1 in ‘Common European Framework of References for languages’ (CEFR)).
Language requirements
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam requires international students and students with a HBO degree to pass an English language proficiency test. This requirement can be met if no longer than two years before the start of the programme the applicant has successfully completed one of the following examinations with the minimum scores indicated:
- IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (due to Covid-19 the IELTS Indicator will also be accepted for admissions in 2020)
- TOEFL paper based test: 580
- TOEFL internet based test: 92
- VU TOEFL ITP: 580
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): A, B, C
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A, B, C
Exceptions are made for students who:
- have obtained a Dutch vwo-diploma including English, or an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma
- have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university,
- have completed previous education in Canada, Ireland, UK, USA, Australia or New Zealand.
More information on this programme? Visit the website!
Overview of Masters programmes - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
More information on this programme? Visit the website!
Institution
Location: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam
Niederlande
Nord Holland
| T | +31 20 59 89898 | |
| E | international@vu.nl |
Facts about the Masters programme
Location
Amsterdam
Field of study
Medicine & Health Sciences
Degree
Master of Science
Language
English
Start
winter semester
Type of study
Full-time
Duration of study: 2 years
Tuition fees EU: 2168 EUR / year
Tuition fees Non EU: 15320 EUR / year
Facts about the Masters programme
Location
Amsterdam
Field of study
Medicine & Health Sciences
Degree
Master of Science
Language
English
Start
winter semester
Type of study
Full-time
Duration of study: 2 years
Tuition fees EU: 2168 EUR / year
Tuition fees Non EU: 15320 EUR / year