Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about the master Health sciences
We collected the frequently asked questions about the general Master's programme in Health Sciences and about the application and registration.
General programme information
Are the Master’s courses taught in English?
All Master’s courses are taught in English, except for one optional course: Health Law.
When does the Master’s programme start and when does it end?
The Master’s programme starts at the end of August 2012 and ends at the end of June 2013.
Is it possible to start the programme at a different moment?
No, you can only start the Master's programme at the beginning of the academic year (September).
Is it possible to work alongside the Master’s programme?
The Master’s programme is a full time study. It is up to each individual student to decide whether this is feasible in combination with the demands of their job.
Is it possible to follow the Master's programme part time?
No, the Master’s programme is full time. There are no plans for a part time programme.
Is there a registration limit for the Master’s programme?
No, there is no limit. Anyone who meets the entry requirements can participate in the Master’s programme.
What are the tuition fees for the Master’s programme Health Sciences?
For more information about tuition fees follow this link.
What is the structure of the Master’s programme Health Sciences?
From September until the end of January the programme consists of five full time courses of one month each. After these courses the Master continues with five months of internship. Take a look at the schedule for the complete Master's programme.
Application and registration
What are the deadlines for application and registration?
If you are a non-EU student, you have to register at VU University Amsterdam before 1 March, EU-students before 1 April, and Dutch students before 1 July.
Which knowledge is required to be accepted as a Msc-student in the Health Sciences?
To be admitted as a Msc-student in Health Sciences you need to have a thorough knowledge of Statistics and Epidemiology, Biomedical Sciences and some knowledge in Social Sciences and the organization of the public health system.
How do I apply for one of the programmes?
First check if you meet the admission requirements by contacting Master coordinator Health Sciences, dr. Marianne Donker: marianne.donker@falw.vu.nl. After this check, you can apply at the central VU website.
What are the admission requirements for students holding a Dutch Bachelor or Master?
In the following schedule you can find the requirements per Bachelor and Master degree: (the schedule will follow later).
Is it possible to follow a Master's Programme Health Sciences with a diploma of a professional university (HBO-V, Fysiotherapie, etc.)?
It is possible to follow a Master Health Sciences, after you have taken a premaster year. Information about the premaster you can find at the tab premaster. This premaster year can only be followed by Dutch speaking students, as it is taught in Dutch.
What TOEFL or IELTS score do I need to meet the requirements for application?
Students whose native language is not English are required to have adequate results in an English language proficiency test: a TOEFL score of 580 (237 in the TOEFL computer-based test) or an IELTS score of 6.5, or they must obtain one of these qualifications upon applying to VU University Amsterdam. If you have another English qualification, please enclose relevant information and, if possible, a photocopy of the diploma, so that the examination board can take these factors into consideration. See: information for foreign students
I will not receive my Bachelor’s certificate until after 31 August. Will I still be able to join the Master’s programme?
If you have not obtained your certificate by 31 August but have successfully completed all your subjects and internship (obtaining 180 ECTS credits), you can request a statement from the examination board of your own university which confirms that you obtained the necessary 180 ECTS.
When do I have to decide which Master’s programme I want to follow?
Towards the end of the Bachelor’s (end of June), students decide between one of the five specializations within the one-year Master’s programme in Health Sciences and the two-year Master’s in Lifestyle and Chronic Disorders. You can switch until the end of September with the exception of International Public Health and Lifestyle and Chronic Disorders. Please note: the two-year Master’s programme requires a separate application procedure.
Will I be given any help in deciding which Master’s programme to follow?
General information about the different programmes can be found on the website: health-sciences specialization. Specific course information can be found in the digital study guide on the internet at health-sciences study guide and if you have further questions you can send an e-mail to the Master coordinator Health Sciences, Dr Marianne Donker (see 'contact').
