Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the discipline which studies the occurrence of health related events and conditions in populations and attempts to make links to predictive and/or influencing characteristics. It does not focus on diagnosis and treatment, but on the factors influencing the infection and on the way diseases spread. As a result, epidemiology is closely related to the field of public health.

The University of Antwerp’s Master of Epidemiology is unique in Flanders.

Your future

Epidemiologists have become indispensable in:

• the design, performance and analysis of applied medical scientific research
• the application of medical scientific knowledge in the development of public health policy

Model Path part 1

Compulsory courses

• Introduction to Epidemiology
• Introduction to Statistics
• Study Design
• Data Management and Statistical Software
• Research Project part 1
• Seminars 1
• Classic and Modern Methods of Data Analysis
• Metrics: Exposure and Outcome Assessment
• Research Project Part 2
• Internship 1

Track 1: Clinical Epidemiology

• Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology of Tropical Diseases

Track 2: Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases

• Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology of Tropical Diseases
• Environmental Epidemiology
• Genetic Epidemiology

Model Path part 2

Compulsory courses

• Public Health, Policy and Practice
• Seminars 2
• Internship
• Master Thesis
• Introduction to Qualitative Research
• Seminars in Epidemiology 3
• Readings in Epidemiology: Journal Club

Requirements

• Applicants should hold an academic Bachelor’s degree in the related area. Students who are still completing their Bachelor’s degree are also encouraged to apply. They should submit an official letter in English from their university confirming that the student is expected to finalise her/his Bachelor’s studies at the end of the current academic year, and submit up-to-date authenticated transcripts with the results of the previous years.
• Applicants are also required to submit a GMAT or GRE test score. Both the verbal and quantitative score will be taken into consideration.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): paper-based TOEFL level of minimum 550, a computer-based TOEFL level of minimum 213 or an internet-based TOEFL level of minimum 80. You can find more information about TOEFL at www.toefl.org
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): a minimum score of at least 6.5, and on each part minimum 6.0. You can find more information about IELTS at www.ielts.org;
• A copy of your valid passport or identity card/a curriculum vitae
• A motivation letter
• A legalised copy of your degree certificate (please read more information on legalisation)
• Applicants that are enrolled in the final year should submit an original and signed letter from their college or university confirming that they are expected to finalise the program at the end of the current academic year
• A copy of your academic transcripts, provided with a stamp of the university

Scholarships

• VLIR-UOS: scholarships for students from developing countries: Scholarships are available for students from 54 scholarship countries in Africa, Asia and Latin-America to follow a training or master programme at the University of Antwerp.
• ASEM-DUO: Scholarships are available for students from China, India, South-Korea and Vietnam.
• Transition Fellowship Programme: Scholarships are available for students from 4 countries in transition (Brazil, Morocco, South Africa and Turkey).
• Mastermind: Scholarships are available for international students who want to take up a master degree programme.
• Global Study Awards: An individual global study award with a maximum value of £10000

The Master's degree in Epidemiology at the University of Antwerp offers an in-depth study of the principles and practices involved in understanding and controlling health-related issues at both the individual and population levels. This program is designed for students passionate about public health, disease prevention, and health data analysis. The curriculum encompasses a broad range of topics including biostatistics, research methodology, infectious disease epidemiology, chronic disease epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, and health informatics. Students will develop skills in designing epidemiological studies, analyzing complex data sets, and interpreting research findings to inform health policies and interventions.

The program emphasizes practical training through case studies, internships, and a final thesis project, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. Collaboration with public health institutions, hospitals, and research organizations provides students with valuable networking opportunities and hands-on experience. The program also incorporates training in advanced statistical software and data analysis techniques, preparing graduates to handle large datasets and utilize modern epidemiological tools.

Graduates of this program are equipped for careers in public health organizations, research institutes, policy advisory roles, and healthcare services. They will have gained a comprehensive understanding of epidemiological methods, enabling them to contribute to disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, health promotion strategies, and policy development. The multicultural environment of the University of Antwerp fosters international collaboration, preparing students for global health challenges.

The program is typically structured over one or two years, depending on whether a student pursues a full-time or part-time arrangement. Admission requirements generally include a relevant bachelor's degree, proficiency in English, and motivation for working in the public health sector. Graduates receive an MSc degree in Epidemiology, which is recognized internationally and qualifies them for advanced research or professional roles in health sciences. The University of Antwerp regularly updates its curriculum to reflect current developments in epidemiology and public health, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the field.