Study programme

You can create your own Master’s programme of 90 European Credits (EC) to suit your interests. The components of the programme (presented in the table below) can be followed in any given order. 

Study programme

Theoretical component

21 EC face-to-face programme

20 EC online programme

Specialisation courses

13 EC face-to-face programme

14 EC online programme

Research project

56 EC

Curriculum Epidemiology Postgraduate programme - face-to-face (1.5 years)

Theoretical courses (34 EC)

In this programme, you will spend about six months completing compulsory theoretical courses, the core courses. You will spend 13 EC (face-to-face programme) or 14 EC (online programme) to the specialisation courses.

Research Project (56 EC)

You are required to complete a research project during your studies.

Curriculum Epidemiology Postgraduate - Online programme (3 - 5 years)

The aim of this 90 EC postgraduate MSc Epidemiology programme is to provide students (with a previous Master's degree in biomedical or life sciences) with extensive knowledge and practical skills in patient-oriented research design, implementation, quantitative analysis and its application to human or veterinary medicine. The knowledge and skills gained form a solid basis for health research and disease control programmes, including application in developing countries. The difference between the face-to-face and the online programme is the learning method. The course content of the face-to-face programme (Epidemiology Postgraduate) is identical to the online programme (Epidemiology Postgraduate Online). All courses within Epidemiology Postgraduate Online are offered by the platform of Elevate.

The Epidemiology Postgraduate Online programme offers three specialisations:

  • Clinical Epidemiology
  • Veterinary Epidemiology
  • General Epidemiology

The research project will be conducted under guidance of a UU supervisor, preferably at the location of the researcher.

Educational Methods

Educational methods differ per course and can  include:

  • Lectures
  • Webinars
  • Computer practicals
  • Group discussions
  • Group and individual presentations
  • Group and individual  assignments
  • Self-assessments

Group Size

About 30 students start the programme yearly. MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate students share the classroom with MSc Epidemiology students (total of about 60 students).
MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate Online students follow their courses online.

Examination Methods

Assessments vary per course. Computer exams have been introduced using Test Vision. However, assignments, presentations, participation, and paper exams are also used as forms of examination.

MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate Online students take their exams under supervision of a proctor.

Extra opportunities

Are you looking for an extra challenge?Utrecht University offers several honours programmes for students looking for an extra challenge. Honours education is followed on top of your regular Master’s programme and goes beyond the regular curriculum. Honours programmes are available at both faculty and interdisciplinary level and allow you to go deeper into subjects or work on projects that transcend your own discipline.

Read more about the honours programmes