Management, Policy-Analysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences

The Master's program in Management, Policy-Analysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers an interdisciplinary and highly relevant education for students seeking to develop advanced skills in managing complex health and life sciences organizations. This innovative program is designed to equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare sector, combining strategic management, policy analysis, and entrepreneurial thinking to address pressing challenges in health and life sciences industries. Students will engage with a curriculum that covers key topics such as health systems management, health policy development, innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare, organizational behavior, and strategic decision-making. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, the program prepares students to operate effectively within diverse healthcare environments, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, policy institutes, and startups. The program promotes critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, enabling graduates to influence health policies and foster innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. The academic approach encourages teamwork, project-based learning, and close collaboration with industry professionals, facilitating a strong professional network and practical experience. With lecturers and researchers who are experts in health sciences, public health, and business management, students receive a rigorous education grounded in current academic research and real-world healthcare challenges. Upon completion, graduates are prepared for leading roles in health organizations, consultancy, policy advisory, or entrepreneurial ventures in the health and life sciences sectors. They will possess the strategic insight, analytical skills, and entrepreneurial mindset necessary to contribute significantly to the development of sustainable, innovative, and effective health services and policies worldwide. This Master's program is ideal for students passionate about improving health systems, driving healthcare innovation, and shaping future policies that benefit society at large.

The Master’s programme in Management, Policy-Analysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers an in-depth and comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the complex challenges faced by the health and life sciences sectors. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become innovative leaders and effective policy makers in the rapidly evolving field of healthcare. Throughout the programme, students will engage with a diverse curriculum that combines management principles, policy analysis, and entrepreneurial skills, all tailored to the unique context of health and life sciences industries.

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, beginning with an introduction to the fundamentals of health systems, including their structure, financing, and regulation. Students explore the various stakeholders involved, such as government bodies, private companies, healthcare providers, and patients, gaining insights into how these actors interact within complex networks. The programme emphasizes evidence-based policy analysis, teaching students how to critically evaluate health policies and develop innovative solutions to current issues, such as healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality improvement.

A key component of the programme is entrepreneurship in health and life sciences, where students learn to identify market opportunities, develop viable business models, and bring innovative health ideas from concept to implementation. Practical skills are further strengthened through case studies, real-world projects, and internships that provide hands-on experience in developing entrepreneurial ventures, managing healthcare organizations, and navigating regulatory environments.

Students are encouraged to adopt an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating knowledge from economics, management, public health, and ethics. The academic staff, consisting of experienced researchers and practitioners, guides students in applying their learning to real-world scenarios, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and strategic thinking. The programme also offers opportunities for international collaboration, equipping graduates with a global outlook necessary for addressing worldwide health challenges.

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to pursue careers in health policy consulting, management positions within healthcare organizations, entrepreneurial ventures in the health tech sector, or further academic research. With its unique combination of theory and practice, the Master’s in Management, Policy-Analysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam provides a solid foundation for making a meaningful impact in the health and life sciences domain on both national and international levels.

Admission requirements

motivation, cv and references

Other requirements

1. schriftelijk verzoek motivation, cv and references
2. cijferlijst transcript
3. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) BSc in health sciences or life sciences or equivalent.

The MSc in Management, Policy-Analysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers students a variety of financing options to support their studies. International students are encouraged to explore scholarships, grants, and bursaries available through both university-specific and external funding bodies. The university provides partial scholarships for outstanding applicants, which are awarded based on academic excellence and motivation. Additionally, students can apply for Dutch government grants, such as the Dutch-Turkish Student Scholarship Programme, and other international scholarship programs that support students studying in the Netherlands.

Students are also advised to consider student loans available through their home country or international financial institutions. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has partnerships with various organizations to facilitate internships and part-time employment opportunities, which can help students finance their studies while gaining professional experience. The university provides guidance on applying for such opportunities to ensure students can make the most of these resources.

Furthermore, the program's relatively flexible structure allows students to work part-time during their studies, which can significantly aid in financing living expenses. The university's career services assist students in finding relevant part-time jobs and internships within the health and life sciences sectors. International students are permitted to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer months, providing additional financial support.

Students are also encouraged to explore external funding options, including private foundations and sector-specific grants offered by health organizations and industry partners. The university's financial aid office offers dedicated support to applicants in identifying suitable funding sources and navigating complex application procedures.

Overall, the combination of scholarships, part-time employment opportunities, external funding, and financial planning advice provided by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam aims to ensure that students can finance their studies effectively and focus on completing their degree successfully.

Management, Policy-Analysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a multidisciplinary master's program designed to equip students with the skills necessary to address complex challenges in the health and life sciences sectors. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, emphasizing the development of managerial competencies, analytical skills, and entrepreneurial mindset. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the organizational, policy, and market dynamics within healthcare and life science industries. The curriculum integrates coursework in health policy, management sciences, innovation, and entrepreneurship, allowing students to specialize according to their interests and career goals. Throughout the program, students engage in case studies, project work, and internships to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, fostering critical thinking and strategic decision-making. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds such as health sciences, business, and social sciences. Graduates are prepared for careers in healthcare management, policy analysis, health innovation, and entrepreneurial ventures in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors. The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners, ensuring that education remains aligned with current industry trends and challenges. International perspectives are emphasized, with an active cohort of students from various countries, providing a rich learning environment. The university’s strong links with industry partners, healthcare organizations, and government agencies offer students networking and internship opportunities that enhance their professional development. The program is delivered in English, and students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and support services. Whether students aim to influence health policies, manage healthcare organizations, or launch innovative health startups, this program provides a solid foundation and a comprehensive skill set to succeed in the evolving landscape of health and life sciences.