Epidemiology Postgraduate
| Duration | Full-time in Utrecht | 1.5 years |
|---|---|
| EC | 90 |
The Master's programme Epidemiology Postgraduate is a 90 EC research programme designed for students who already hold a Master's degree. With a strong emphasis on practical, patient-oriented research, the programme begins not from theory, but from real-world clinical questions.
The programme is offered full-time and part-time. The table below showcases shortly the difference of credits for the compulsory components of this programme.
| Component | Full-time (1.5 years) | Part-time (3-5 years) |
| Compulsory courses | 21 EC | 20 EC |
| Specialisation courses | 13 EC | 14 EC |
| Research Project | 56 EC | 56 EC |
| Total | 90 EC | 90 EC |
Full-time programme (1.5 years)
Year 1 - theoretical foundation (34 EC)
The first year is focused on developing a strong theoretical and methodological foundation in epidemiological research. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills in clinical research design, data analysis, and the application of epidemiology to public health and patient care. This year prepares you for independent research and lays the groundwork for your internship.
Compulsory components
Compulsory courses (21 EC)
- Introduction to Epidemiology (BMB402914)
- Introduction to Statistics (BMB404014)
- Study Design in Etiologic Research (BMB403615)
- Classical Methods in Data Analysis (BMB403314)
- Modern Methods in Data Analysis (BMB417014)
- Presentation and Writing Research Proposals (BMB422016)
- Research Ethics and Society (BMB506714)
Specialisation courses (13 EC)
Within this Master's programme you choose one out of seven specialisation programmes, each with its own specific composition of courses (for details, please check the EER).
- Clinical Epidemiology
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
- Medical Statistics
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology
- Pharmacoepidemiology
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- General Epidemiology
Year 2 - Research Project (56 EC)
The second year is fully dedicated to your Research Project, where you will apply your theoretical knowledge in a real research setting. This practical phase allows you to conduct patient-oriented research, either as a standalone project or, if you are pursuing a PhD, as part of your doctoral research. Research projects can also contribute to global health efforts, including in low and lower-middle income countries.
Compulsory components
Part-time programme (3-5 years)
Year 1-2 - theoretical foundation (34 EC, flexible timing)
The first part is focused on developing a strong theoretical and methodological foundation in epidemiological research. You will gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills in clinical research design, data analysis, and the application of epidemiology to public health and patient care. These online courses offer flexibility for professionals, with interactive modules, peer discussion, and tutor support.
Compulsory components
Compulsory courses (20 EC)
- Introduction to Epidemiology (BMB507711)
- Introduction to Statistics (BMB404014)
- Study Design in Etiologic Research (BMB403615)
- Classical Methods in Data Analysis (BMB403314)
- Modern Methods in Data Analysis (BMB417014)
- Presenting your Research Confidently (BMB505915)
- Writing Research Proposals (BMB422116)
- Research Ethics (BMB500916)
Specialisation courses (14 EC)
Within this Master's programme you choose one out of seven specialisation programmes, each with its own specific composition of courses (for details, please check the EER).
- Clinical Epidemiology
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
- Medical Statistics
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology
- Pharmacoepidemiology
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- General Epidemiology
Year 3-4 - Research Project (56 EC)
You will conduct a Research Project that can be aligned with your current work or PhD topic, allowing you to directly integrate academic learning with real-world impact. The programme offers a flexible timeline, making it possible to study part-time alongside professional responsibilities. All research projects are subject to approval by the Board of Examiners to ensure academic quality and relevance.
Compulsory components
Additional information
The Master's programme Epidemiology Postgraduate meets the registration requirements for Epidemiologist B according to the current criteria of the Dutch Society for Epidemiology, provided you have sufficient medical knowledge and complete our PhD programme Epidemiology.
As part of the course Presentation and Writing Research Proposals, face-to-face students will actively participate in the annual seminar held at a professional conference venue, where you present and discuss research proposals and posters with fellow students and senior staff.