Testimonials

An alumna of this programme, now Professor Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy, recommended that I come to Utrecht to strengthen my research foundation. Interestingly, the very page I am editing now is the same page I once returned to repeatedly, trying to understand what epidemiology really was, what lay ahead of me in Utrecht, and how it could shape my research journey. At that time, I did not even know how to formulate a research question, something fundamental to research, yet entirely new to me. This programme addressed that gap from the very beginning.

The curriculum truly takes you on a journey: from developing a research question, to understanding research methods, study designs, and statistics, and finally applying this knowledge in real-world research. What makes the programme exceptional is not only its structure, but also the passionate teachers who bring a wealth of experience and mentorship into every aspect of learning.

The programme is incredibly diverse, combining lectures, hands-on practical sessions, research proposal seminars, and a major research internship that brings everything together. It is a true master’s-level education, seamlessly integrating theory and practice. Equally enriching is the international learning environment, with students from all over the world contributing diverse perspectives and experiences.

Beyond shaping my academic path, the programme helped me build lasting friendships, work alongside excellent epidemiologists during my research project and writing assignment, and reflect meaningfully on future career pathways and possibilities.

Now, as a PhD candidate, I can confidently say that I would not have developed such a strong understanding of clinical research without this programme. I once wondered how research questions were even created; today, I find myself naturally thinking in research questions, shaped by the way this programme trains your mind. This is truly where my research journey began."

Before studying for my Master’s I trained in epidemiology in infectious diseases and obtained a PhD in Russia. I was working at one of the country’s top universities as an associate professor, teaching epidemiology and conducting research into the spread and prevention of infectious diseases in humans. Of considerable interest to me was the investigation of outbreaks, their drivers, and how best to respond to them.

Two years ago I decided to expand my knowledge and skills in clinical epidemiology with a Master’s from Utrecht University. One of the immense attractions of this particular programme was the mix of epidemiology courses and biostatistics. This programme has an outstanding curriculum, and is taught by researchers with a huge amount of expertise in both the theory and practice of epidemiology. They are enthusiastic professionals who actively participate in epidemiologic research and make significant contributes to the science, thus improving our healthcare systems.

I was positively surprised by the illuminating lectures, discussions and challenging computer practicals and seminars.

A highlight of the programme was the research project. Under the supervision of truly inspiring senior colleagues, I had the chance to work all the steps of a research project, with its pitfalls, and with the immense reward of obtaining relevant results."