Program Details

Start Date September
Duration 1 Year (full-time)
Tuition €2,530 (EU/EEA students, 2024-2025 statutory fee); €16,900 (Non-EU/EEA students, 2024-2025)
Format On-campus
Credits 60 ECTS

Program Statistics

Acceptance Rate Not publicly disclosed%
Employment Rate Not publicly disclosed for this specific specialization; however, Erasmus MC graduates generally have strong career prospects in research, academia, public health organizations, and policy-making.%

The Master of Science in Health Sciences with a Public Health Specialization at Erasmus University Rotterdam is a rigorous, one-year full-time program designed to equip students with the scientific knowledge and research skills necessary to address complex public health challenges. Rooted in the strong research environment of Erasmus MC (University Medical Centre Rotterdam), this specialization focuses on the scientific foundations of public health, preparing graduates for careers in research, policy development, and practice at national and international levels.

Students delve into key areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, health policy, and research methodology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to analyze health issues, evaluate interventions, and contribute to evidence-based public health strategies. The program emphasizes a quantitative approach to public health, fostering critical thinking and analytical capabilities essential for advancing public health knowledge and improving population health outcomes. Graduates are prepared for doctoral studies or professional roles in academic institutions, governmental organizations, NGOs, and the private sector.

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Program Details (Verified 2026)

The public health master’s at Erasmus University Rotterdam is offered through the Erasmus MC Graduate School (formerly the Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences, NIHES, founded 1992 and integrated into Erasmus MC in 2022). The flagship route is the Research Master (MSc) in Health Sciences—a 2-year, 120 EC, full-time program with specializations including Public Health Epidemiology and Clinical Epidemiology.

  • Degree type: MSc (research master)—the European equivalent path to U.S. MPH/MSPH training, with a stronger quantitative-research emphasis. See how these compare in our guide to the difference between MPH, MSPH, and MSc public health degrees.
  • Duration & credits: 2 years full-time, 120 European Credits (EC).
  • Application deadline: typically 1 April for the autumn start; places are limited and selection is competitive.
  • Careers: international research, and executive/advisory roles in public health, clinical medicine, pharma research, and health policy.
  • Considering the U.S. instead? Compare CEPH-accredited MPH programs or flexible online MPH options.

Always confirm current tuition, deadlines, and admission requirements on the official Erasmus MC Graduate School pages before applying.

Curriculum

The 60 ECTS curriculum typically includes a combination of core courses, specialization-specific modules, and a Master's thesis. Key components include:

  • Core Courses: Advanced Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Research Methodology, Health Policy and Economics.
  • Specialization Modules: Topics related to specific public health challenges, intervention strategies, and evaluation methods. These may include areas like infectious disease epidemiology, chronic disease prevention, global health, or health promotion.
  • Electives: Opportunities to select courses based on individual interests, potentially from other related Master's programs.
  • Master's Thesis: A significant individual research project culminating in a written thesis, often involving data analysis and scientific reporting, under the supervision of an academic staff member.
  • Seminars and Workshops: Participation in departmental seminars, guest lectures, and practical workshops to enhance research skills and professional development.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university in a relevant field such as Health Sciences, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Economics, or Social Sciences with a strong health-related focus.
  • A solid academic record, typically demonstrated by a strong GPA.
  • Proficiency in English, proven by an official test score (e.g., IELTS Academic: overall 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0; TOEFL iBT: overall 90 with no sub-score below 20).
  • A strong motivation to pursue a career in public health research or policy, articulated in a motivation letter.
  • A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Specific prerequisite knowledge in statistics or research methods may be required, or can be compensated for during the program.

Application Process

The application process generally involves the following steps:

  1. Online Application: Start your application via Studielink, the Dutch national online application system, and then complete the application in the Erasmus University Rotterdam's dedicated application portal.
  2. Document Submission: Upload all required documents, including academic transcripts, diploma (or proof of expected graduation), English language test scores, CV, and motivation letter.
  3. Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee (if applicable).
  4. Evaluation: The admissions committee will review your application based on academic merit, relevant background, and motivation.
  5. Admission Decision: Applicants will be notified of the admission decision via email.
  6. Enrollment: Admitted students will proceed with enrollment procedures, including visa application (for non-EU/EEA students) and tuition fee payment.

Application Fee: €100

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