Health and Environment

Are you interested in both health issues and environmental impact on health, and can't choose? This Master combines both in this interdisciplinary programme which includes one of three in-depth tracks: Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology and Exposure Science or One Health.

Health and environment are undeniably strongly related. Global trends, such as climate change, chemical pollution, biodiversity loss, urbanisation and deforestation pose grand challenges to society as a whole. What these challenges have in common is that they are serious threats to human, veterinary, wildlife, and ecosystem health. Are you ready to address these global challenges in this interdisciplinary Master’s programme?

An integration of multiple disciplines

During this Master’s programme, you will first learn about the fundamentals of the separate disciplines within Health and Environment and more importantly the added value of the integration of these disciplines. After this introduction, you will have the possibility to pick one of these three in-depth tracks: Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology and Exposure Science or One Health. This will prepare you for the research projects that will follow. Whether you are motivated to become a researcher or professional at the interface between humans, animals and the environment, this Master’s programme will be a perfect fit.

We offer a Master’s programme in Health and Environment that is unique in its interdisciplinary approach. Leading experts in toxicology, epidemiology, and the One Health principle share their knowledge and experience with you. You will be encouraged to achieve synergy between these disciplines. Moreover, 80% of the programme is focused on research, giving you the opportunity to work independently on up to two research projects. These projects will provide you with valuable experience of working within an internationally connected research group. You will be encouraged and supported to use this international network to find internships – or future positions – at prestigious research institutes, governmental institutes and companies all over the world.

Why you should study Health and Environment at Utrecht University

• It offers a unique interdisciplinary combination of toxicology, environmental epidemiology, exposure science and one health.
• It addresses the positive and negative human, animal and environmental health effects of chemical, physical and infectious and non-infectious biological agents.
• Freedom to design your own programme, by choosing a research project and electives that best fit your interests. You also select 1 out of 8 thematic profiles which are designed to equip you with skills for your future career.
• At Utrecht University’s Lili's Proto Lab, you can turn your ideas into working prototypes—whether through 3D printing, woodworking, or soldering. Have a research concept you would like to explore hands-on? Bring your idea, and they’ll help you make it yourself.

Study at UMC Utrecht

Students are able to follow their Master’s programme at UMC Utrecht, one of the largest academic medical centers in the Netherlands. UMC Utrecht focuses on a number of strategic research programs; selected students get educated by some of the best researchers in these research areas. Students get ample opportunities for internships both at UMC Utrecht and abroad with our international partners. They also have access to the large research infrastructure and research network of the focus areas.

Introducing the Graduate School of Life Sciences

Life Sciences is one of the four strategic themes of Utrecht University and is organised in the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS). The GSLS brings together the research expertise and facilities of the faculties of Science, Medical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, in cooperation with UMC Utrecht. Research at the GSLS is highly interdisciplinary, because scientific breakthroughs take place where physics, medicine, chemistry and biology interact. The graduate school offers 15 Master’s programmes with each a different focus. As a school we also offer one course for all students. During your first week the GSLS will offer you a (mandatory) one week introduction for all students: Introducing Life Sciences (part of the course Life Sciences Academy).