Global Health (Research)

The MSc in Global Health (Research) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for impactful careers in global health research and policy. This programme focuses on understanding the complex, interconnected factors that influence health outcomes across different populations and regions worldwide. Students will explore a diverse range of topics, including infectious and non-communicable diseases, health systems strengthening, health inequities, epidemiology, health economics, and social determinants of health. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the programme encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative approaches to address pressing global health challenges.

The programme is tailored for students who aspire to contribute to research, policy development, and implementation strategies that improve health outcomes globally. It fosters an international perspective by integrating case studies and research projects from various countries and contexts. Students will engage with faculty members who are experts in their fields, participate in seminars, workshops, and collaborative research activities, and gain experience in designing and conducting empirical research. The curriculum also emphasizes ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling health issues.

Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped with advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, a solid understanding of global health frameworks, and the ability to analyze complex data. They will be prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, governmental agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and consultancy firms involved in global health initiatives. The programme's flexible structure allows students to tailor their learning experience according to their interests and career goals, including specialization options in areas such as infectious disease control, health policy analysis, or health economics.

Located in Amsterdam, a vibrant international city known for its inclusive and progressive environment, VU University provides a stimulating setting for students to build networks and engage with global health professionals and organizations. The MSc in Global Health (Research) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is committed to developing future leaders in global health research and practice, contributing to a healthier and more equitable world.

The MSc in Global Health (Research) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program designed to prepare students for a career in global health research and policy. The program focuses on understanding the complex and interconnected factors that influence health outcomes worldwide, including social, economic, political, and environmental determinants. Students will develop advanced research skills, equipping them to analyze health issues critically and contribute to innovative solutions that promote health equity across different populations.

Throughout the program, students will engage with a wide range of topics such as infectious and non-infectious diseases, healthcare systems, health policies, and global health governance. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches. Students have the opportunity to design and implement their independent research projects, applying their skills to real-world health challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries as well as high-income nations.

The program emphasizes collaborative learning and often includes case studies, guest lectures from leading experts, and fieldwork opportunities. Students will learn to work effectively in multicultural teams, adapt their research to diverse contexts, and communicate findings clearly to different audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public. The program also covers ethical considerations in global health research, ensuring students conduct studies responsibly and with cultural sensitivity.

Graduates of the MSc in Global Health (Research) will be well-positioned to pursue careers in academia, research institutes, NGOs, international organizations, government agencies, and healthcare institutions. They will be equipped with the analytical skills, contextual understanding, and research expertise necessary to contribute meaningfully to global health initiatives and policy development. Overall, this program provides a rigorous academic environment and valuable practical experiences to support students in becoming future leaders in global health research and advocacy.

Admission requirements

Non-Dutch students for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate adequate results in an English language proficiency test: IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test: 580 TOEFL computer-based test: 237 TOEFL Internet-based test: 92-93 Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): A, B, C Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A, B, C

Other requirements

1. intake gesprek Met alle kandidaten voor de (pre)master wordt een intakegesprek gehouden om o.a. de inhoud van het programma te bepalen.
2. ingangstoets Alle HBO-bachelors moeten het HBO-assessment afleggen om toegelaten te kunnen worden tot de premaster HMS.
3. schriftelijk verzoek Kandidaten die niet direct toelaatbaar zijn, dienen bij aanmelding een motivatiebrief en vakkenlijst in te leveren
4. minimum kennis (ISPAC: overige vereisten) Om toegelaten te worden tot de Master Human Movement Sciences: Sport, Exercise and Health heb je een Bachelordiploma nodig en basiskennis van Anatomie, Fysiologie en Psychologie. Daarnaast heb je voldoende onderzoeksvaardigheden en kennis van Wiskunde en Natuurkunde nodig. Uiteraard beheers je het Engels op voldoende niveau.
5. taaltoets cijfer Non-Dutch students for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate adequate results in an English language proficiency test: IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test: 580 TOEFL computer-based test: 237 TOEFL Internet-based test: 92-93 Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): A, B, C Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A, B, C

The Global Health (Research) master’s program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for the program are established annually by the university and differ depending on the student's nationality. For EU/EEA students, the tuition fee is approximately €2,200 per year, whereas non-EU/EEA students are charged around €18,000 per year. These fees cover access to all academic resources, participation in seminars, and integration into research activities.

Financial aid opportunities are available for eligible students. The VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) offers scholarships to outstanding international students, covering partial or full tuition fees based on academic merit and financial need. Applicants must submit a detailed motivation letter and demonstrate high academic achievement to be considered for these scholarships. Additionally, the Holland Scholarship is available for non-EU/EEA students, providing a one-time grant to assist with living expenses, thus alleviating some financial burdens.

Students can also explore external scholarship options such as the Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme, which aims to attract talented students from specific countries, and the Erasmus Mundus scholarships for joint programs. The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam encourages students to seek external funding from their home countries or international organizations, many of which offer grants or stipends for students enrolled in global health research programs.

Apart from scholarships, students often finance their studies through student loans, which are available via national loan schemes in their home countries, or through part-time work during the academic year. The university’s location in Amsterdam provides numerous opportunities for internships and paid research assistant positions, enabling students to gain practical experience and partial financial support simultaneously.

Cost of living in Amsterdam should also be considered when planning finances. Estimated living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, amount to approximately €1,000 to €1,200 per month. The university provides guidance on affordable housing options and financial planning resources to help students manage their budgets effectively.

In summary, financing a master's degree in Global Health (Research) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam involves tuition fees that vary based on nationality, the possibility of scholarships and external funding, and the potential for part-time work. It is recommended that prospective students research all available options early in the application process to ensure comprehensive financial planning and to maximize available support.

The Master's in Global Health (Research) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a comprehensive programme designed for students who aspire to work at the forefront of global health research and policy. This programme emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from healthcare, social sciences, policy analysis, and epidemiology to address complex global health challenges. Students will develop a robust understanding of the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health across different populations and regions. The curriculum is structured to provide advanced research skills, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies, data analysis, and critical assessment of scientific literature. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to engage with current global health issues such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health disparities, and health systems strengthening.

The programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in academic research, governmental agencies, international organizations, and NGOs. It offers opportunities for closely supervised research projects, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. The research-oriented nature of the programme entails a significant component of thesis work, which may involve fieldwork, data collection, and analysis on topics ranging from health policy evaluation to epidemiological studies.

Students benefit from the university's strong connections with global health institutions and practitioners, gaining exposure to international health protocols, ethical issues in research, and policy development. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of effective communication and teamwork skills necessary for collaborative research environments.

Admission requirements typically include a relevant bachelor's degree, proficiency in English, and motivation for research in global health issues. The programme is designed to be completed in one academic year for full-time students. Upon graduation, alumni are equipped with cutting-edge research expertise and critical thinking skills, enabling them to contribute effectively to solving global health challenges and advancing health equity worldwide.