Program Details

Start Date September
Duration 2 Years (full-time)
Tuition EU/EEA: €2,530 (2024-2025); Non-EU/EEA: €20,100 (2024-2025)
Format On-campus
Credits 120 ECTS

Program Statistics

Acceptance Rate Not publicly available%
Employment Rate Not publicly available%

The two-year Master of Science in Public Health programme at Leiden University is designed to equip students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills necessary to become experts in addressing complex health challenges at local, national, and global levels. This interdisciplinary programme provides a strong foundation in public health principles, focusing on evidence-based approaches to health promotion, disease prevention, and the improvement of public health systems within a societal context.

Students will delve into core public health disciplines, including advanced epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, health policy, and social and behavioural sciences. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, advanced research methodologies, and the practical application of knowledge through case studies, projects, and an extensive internship. Leiden University’s strong research environment allows students to engage with cutting-edge public health research.

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Graduates of the MSc Public Health programme are prepared for diverse and impactful careers in governmental health agencies, non-governmental organizations, international health bodies, research institutions, and the private sector. The programme fosters a holistic understanding of public health issues, enabling alumni to develop, implement, and evaluate effective interventions and policies that contribute to a healthier and more equitable society.

Curriculum

The 120 ECTS Master of Science in Public Health programme is a full-time, two-year curriculum structured around core courses, elective options, a practical internship, and an independent Master's thesis research project.

  • Year 1: Focuses on building a robust foundation in essential public health disciplines. Core modules typically include Advanced Epidemiology, Biostatistics for Public Health, Health Economics, Health Policy and Systems, Social and Behavioural Sciences in Public Health, and Research Methods. These courses provide the theoretical and methodological bedrock for understanding and addressing public health challenges.
  • Year 2: Involves more advanced and specialized coursework, culminating in a significant practical and research component. Students undertake a mandatory internship (20 ECTS) to gain real-world experience in a public health setting. The programme concludes with the Master's thesis (30 ECTS), an independent research project where students apply their acquired knowledge and skills to investigate a specific public health issue.
  • Electives: The curriculum offers flexibility through elective courses, allowing students to delve deeper into areas of personal interest such as Global Health, Health Promotion, Health Data Science, or specific disease prevention strategies. The programme emphasizes a research-driven approach, preparing students for both academic and professional roles.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • A relevant academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a research university. Suitable fields include, but are not limited to, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, or Law.
  • A strong academic record, typically demonstrated by a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 (Dutch system) or equivalent.
  • Proficiency in English, evidenced by:
    • IELTS Academic: overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 for each component.
    • TOEFL iBT: overall score of 100 with no less than 20 for each component.
    • Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: minimum score of 185.
  • A compelling motivation letter outlining your interest in public health and the Leiden programme.
  • A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Two academic letters of recommendation.
  • Official academic transcripts and a copy of your Bachelor's diploma.

Application Process

The application process generally involves the following steps:

  1. Start your application: Create an account in Studielink, the Dutch national application system.
  2. Complete online application: Submit your application through Leiden University's online application portal (uSis).
  3. Upload required documents: Carefully upload all necessary supporting documents, including your academic transcripts, Bachelor's diploma, detailed CV, motivation letter, proof of English proficiency, and two letters of recommendation.
  4. Pay application fee: If applicable (for applicants who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree at Leiden University), pay the non-refundable application fee.
  5. Await decision: The Admissions Office will review your application, and you will be notified of the admission decision via the online portal.

Application Fee: €100 (for applicants without a Leiden University Bachelor's degree)

Apply Now

Interested in this program? Use the form below to request more information or start your application.

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