Degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO)

This is a selective Master's programme. You will be considered for admission to the Master's programme Biology of Disease if you hold a Bachelor's degree of a Dutch University of Applied Sciences and can demonstrate:

1. A relevant Bachelor’s degree
   Bachelor’s programmes that most likely meet the requirements are:
   • Biologie en Medisch Laboratoriumonderzoek (Life Sciences)
   • Other relevant science programmes
      
2. Relevant knowledge, insight and skills
   • Basic knowledge in the field of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and statistics.
   • In depth knowledge and insight in the field of (patho)physiology of organs and organ systems.
   • In depth (advanced Bachelor's level) knowledge of and insight in:
     • cell pathology,
     • immunopathology,
     • oncopathology,
     • cardiovascular pathology.
        
3. Academic performance: high overall score (average grade, grading tables), and high grades for relevant courses*.  
    
4. High level of academic competences, specifically:
   • Time to degree in previous education*
   • Study progress (grade development over the years)*
   • The ability to design, carry out and report on research projects*
      
5. Personal competences
   • A clear motivation for participation in this Master’s programme and the specific track.
   • Genuine research interest in the translation of a clinical problem (disease) into a scientifically secure experiment or model in order to study the underlying mechanism of the disease.
   • A broad interest in performing disease-related research in co-operation with clinical and pre-clinical staff in medical, biomedical, biological, industrial and veterinary labs.
   • Relevant extracurricular activities.
   • Pro-active and independent.
      
6. Oral and written proficiency in English at an advanced level (view below).

*If you fail to meet some of the requirements 3-4, please indicate why you feel you are still eligible for admission in your motivation letter

Selection procedure

The Admissions Committee reviews all requests for admission and selects students that meet the entry requirements. The Admissions Committee also assesses whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the set time frame. This means the decision on your application is based on a thorough analysis. 

The programme admits a maximum of 30 students each year. If the number of selected candidates exceeds the number of available places, the Admissions Committee will select only the most eligible candidates. As a consequence,  students who are eligible may not be admitted. Ranking takes place based on the entry requirements and an intake interview in English in case of an irregular or deviant curriculum in the pre-education. 

You will receive a written notification of the decision of the Admissions Committee. You will also be notified when you are placed on a waiting list and/or if you still have to fulfill certain conditions. Applicants are notified in a timely manner; however, applicants are not notified at exactly the same time.

English language requirements​

As a graduate from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences you do not have to fulfil any extra language requirements for this programme.

Questions?

You can contact the Programme Coordinator with questions about your eligibility.

Utrecht University is not offering a pre-master's programme for Biology of Disease.

For admission in September (deadline April 1)

We will begin accepting applications from October 1. We recommend that you apply as early as possible. The absolute latest date by which we can receive and process your application is April 1.

For admission in February

We will begin accepting applications from July 1. We recommend that you apply as early as possible. The absolute latest date by which we can receive and process your application is October 15.

Complete your application in time!

In addition to applying online, you are asked to submit a number of forms and documents. Please submit your application with all required documents well before the latest date of application. If your file is incomplete at that time, we will be unable to consider your application.

When can you expect a decision?

We strive to inform you of our decision within four to six weeks after the application deadline.

This programme is no longer open for applications. For the September 2023 enrolment, students can apply for the new Master’s programme Cardiovascular Health and Disease.