Health Education and Promotion

Do you like working with certain groups - children, older people, employees, patients? Do you want to help make environments and organisations conducive to healthy living? Are you interested in why people smoke, drink, or overeat - an in helping to change these behaviours? The programme combines aspects of psychology, communication, epidemiology, biomedicine, sociology, political science, management & statitics to help you in promoting health and wellbeing. You address questions like: How can we change our surroundings to make it easier to engage in health behaviour? How can we use social networks to promote health? Why do so many people intend to do something, but fail to actually do so? This is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme taught in English.

Instruction modes

case study, practicum, lecture, self study, literature study, research, research project, research proposal, group assignment, oral presentation, group discussion, individual assignment

Accreditation: NVAO

Erasmus Mundus program: This is an Erasmus Mundus program.

The Master’s programme in Health Education and Promotion at Maastricht University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate health education initiatives and policies aimed at improving public health outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating aspects of psychology, sociology, public health, and communication to understand the complex factors influencing health behaviors and health inequalities. Throughout the programme, students delve into theories of health behavior change, health promotion strategies, and evidence-based practice, enabling them to effectively design interventions tailored to diverse populations and settings.

Students engage in both theoretical coursework and practical projects, fostering the application of academic concepts to real-world health promotion challenges. The programme offers courses on research methods, health communication, program planning and evaluation, and ethical considerations in health promotion. Participants learn to analyze health data, develop persuasive health campaigns, and collaborate with community stakeholders to foster healthier lifestyles within various communities. Special attention is given to issues related to vulnerable populations and health disparities, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to reducing health inequalities.

The programme encourages international perspectives through collaborative projects and exchanges, ensuring students acquire the cultural competence required to operate effectively in global health contexts. Practical training is integrated into the curriculum, including internships with healthcare organizations, government bodies, or NGOs, offering students valuable hands-on experience. Graduates of the programme are well-positioned to pursue careers in public health departments, healthcare organizations, non-profit organizations, research institutes, or continue their academic journey at the PhD level. By the end of the programme, students are capable of applying a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to health education and promotion, making a meaningful impact on community health and well-being.

Admission requirements

Admissions: 1. a bachelor's degree issued by a university in a relevant domain 2. a bachelor's degree issued by a University of Applied Sciences in a relevant domain. For these students additional requirements may apply.

Other requirements

1. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Admissions: 1. a bachelor's degree issued by a university in a relevant domain 2. a bachelor's degree issued by a University of Applied Sciences in a relevant domain. For these students additional requirements may apply.
2. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Admissions: 1. a bachelor's degree issued by a university in a relevant domain 2. a bachelor's degree issued by a University of Applied Sciences in a relevant domain. For these students additional requirements may apply.

Funding options for the Master's in Health Education and Promotion at Maastricht University are diverse and designed to support international and domestic students in pursuing their studies. Tuition fees are a primary consideration, with the university offering transparent information on the costs involved. For EU/EEA students, the tuition fee is generally around €2,300 per year, while non-EU/EEA students pay approximately €16,000 annually. These fees cover access to high-quality education, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive support services. Additional costs may include living expenses, insurance, books, and study materials. Maastricht University encourages prospective students to explore various funding sources to ease financial burdens. Scholarships are available for outstanding candidates; these are awarded based on academic merit and, in some cases, financial need. The university offers several scholarship programs, such as the Maastricht Excellence Scholarship and other faculty-specific awards, which students can apply for during the admission process. Furthermore, students are advised to seek external funding opportunities, including government scholarships, private foundations, and international organizations that support students studying abroad. Erasmus+ grants are particularly relevant for European students attending Maastricht University, providing financial support for mobility and exchange programs within Europe. Part-time work opportunities are also available in the Netherlands, which can help students supplement their income. International students hosting family or friends might seek additional financial support through loans or parental assistance. Students should also consider living costs in Maastricht, which can vary depending on lifestyle but typically range from €800 to €1,200 per month. Support from the university’s Student Service Centre can assist students in identifying funding options, managing budgets, and navigating applicable visa and work regulations. It is recommended that applicants thoroughly research all available funding channels and start their scholarship applications early to maximize their chances of securing financial assistance. Overall, financing your studies in Health Education and Promotion at Maastricht University involves combining institutional scholarships, external funding, personal savings, and part-time employment to make the educational journey financially sustainable.

Health Education and Promotion at Maastricht University is a comprehensive master's program designed for students interested in advancing public health through education and behavioral change strategies. The program emphasizes the development of skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate health education programs tailored to diverse populations. It provides students with a solid grounding in health sciences, behavioral sciences, and health communication, preparing them to work effectively within healthcare organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions.

Throughout the program, students explore various topics including health psychology, health communication, behavioral theories, and evidence-based intervention strategies. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, often involving case studies, project assignments, and internships. Students learn to analyze health issues, develop targeted interventions, and utilize modern communication tools to promote healthy behaviors across different settings and communities.

Maastricht University adopts an innovative problem-based learning approach, encouraging active participation and collaborative learning. The program also emphasizes international perspectives, preparing students to address global health challenges with cultural sensitivity and adaptability. International students benefit from a diverse learning environment, where they can exchange ideas and experiences with peers from around the world.

Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills to pursue careers in health promotion, health education, and policy development. They are capable of working on initiatives aimed at disease prevention, health advocacy, and improving quality of life among various populations. The program also prepares students for further academic research or doctoral studies in related fields.

The program is delivered primarily in English, ensuring it is accessible to a wide, international student body. With a combination of theoretical coursework, practical training, and research components, the Health Education and Promotion master’s degree at Maastricht University offers a rigorous and fulfilling educational experience that equips graduates to make meaningful contributions to public health worldwide.