Medical Epigenomics

Medical Epigenomics is an innovative interdisciplinary master's degree programme offered by Radboud University that focuses on the study of epigenetic mechanisms and their crucial role in human health and disease. This programme aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to understand how gene expression is regulated without changes to the underlying DNA sequence, and how these epigenetic modifications influence development, disease progression, and therapeutic interventions. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics including DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and chromatin structure, as well as the molecular techniques used to analyze epigenetic changes in biological samples. The curriculum integrates fundamental concepts of molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics with the latest advancements in epigenomic research, providing a robust scientific foundation for students interested in biomedical research, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

The programme emphasizes a hands-on learning approach, complemented by laboratory training, project work, and collaborations with leading research institutes and healthcare organizations. Students will learn to interpret complex epigenetic data, apply bioinformatics tools, and develop research proposals aimed at solving real-world biomedical challenges. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme encourages collaboration across fields such as medicine, biology, bioinformatics, and pharmacy, fostering a comprehensive understanding of how epigenetic factors contribute to disease susceptibility, progression, and response to treatment. Graduates of Medical Epigenomics will be well-prepared for careers in academia, biotech and pharmaceutical industries, clinical research, and diagnostic laboratories, where they can contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools, epigenetic therapies, and personalized treatment strategies.

Radboud University's strong research environment and distinguished faculty provide an excellent setting for cutting-edge education in this rapidly evolving field. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, extensive research projects, and opportunities to engage with international experts through seminars, workshops, and conferences. Upon completion of the programme, graduates will possess the expertise and practical skills necessary to pursue further research or to make impactful contributions to healthcare innovation, ultimately improving patient outcomes through the application of epigenomic knowledge. This master's programme is designed to prepare students not only for current scientific challenges but also for future developments in the emerging field of medical epigenomics, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Key courses: Epigenetics in Health and Disease; Protein Dynamics and Networks; Computation for Biologists; Trends in Medical Biosciences 1 & 2.

A completed Bachelor's degree

An international degree has to be equivalent to a Dutch university diploma. The Examination Board will determine if an international student has the required knowledge to be admitted, and if the student is required to follow specific courses from the Bachelor's programme to eliminate possible deficiencies. Entering the Master’s requires a Bachelor’s degree in:

• Medical Biology
• Molecular Life Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biology, with a minor in Medical Biology, Neurobiology or Medicine
• ...or equivalent

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English** without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based)
• An IELTS score of ≥6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

** Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,060 in 2018/2019). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,060 in 2018/2019). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The Master's programme in Medical Epigenomics at Radboud University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying human health and disease through the study of epigenetic processes. This programme integrates fundamental principles of genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and clinical research to prepare students for careers in biomedical research, diagnostics, and personalized medicine. The programme emphasizes understanding how epigenetic modifications influence gene expression without altering DNA sequences, and how these processes are implicated in various medical conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic diseases.

Students enrolled in this programme will engage with cutting-edge research topics such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and the impact of environmental factors on epigenetic regulation. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical laboratory skills, including the analysis of epigenomic data using advanced bioinformatics tools and techniques. The programme also aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to work closely with experts from biology, medicine, and computational sciences.

The programme typically includes modules on epigenetic mechanisms in health and disease, epigenetic biomarkers, epigenomics technologies, and clinical applications of epigenetic research. Students may have opportunities for internships or research projects within Radboud University’s state-of-the-art laboratories, or through collaborations with hospitals and industry partners. This real-world experience enhances their understanding of translational research and prepares them for roles in academic, clinical, or industrial settings.

Graduates from the Medical Epigenomics programme will be equipped with the skills needed to interpret complex epigenetic data and to contribute to the development of personalized treatment strategies based on epigenetic profiles. They will be prepared for further academic research, PhD programmes, or careers in biomedical industries focused on diagnostics and therapeutics. The programme’s interdisciplinary approach ensures that students gain a broad perspective, combining molecular biology, clinical sciences, and data analysis to address contemporary challenges in medicine.

Radboud University’s strong emphasis on research excellence, combined with its close ties to healthcare institutions, ensures that students receive education that is both scientifically rigorous and practically relevant. The programme aims to build a new generation of scientists and clinicians who are capable of advancing our understanding of epigenetic influences on health and disease and translating this knowledge into improved patient outcomes.