Future transdisciplinary researchers and professionals not only require cognitive skills, but an understanding of the social dynamics and psychological processes in organisations and society as well. They need to be able to deal with different personalities and cultures, and to adjust their strategies accordingly. Therefore, the Athena Institute offers various (faculty- and university-wide) educational programmes at the interface of life sciences and social sciences, and of theory and practice.
Athena Graduate School
The Athena Institute's PhD programme is part of the Athena Graduate School. Here, we aim to provide a stimulating scientific environment in which young researchers, experienced staff and international scholars mutually inspire one another. Find more information on the Athena Graduate school webpage.
Master's programmes
Full Master programmes
The Athena Institutes coordinates two full Master's programmes:
- Management, Policy Analysis and Entrepreneurship in the Health & Life Sciences (MPA)
- Research Master Global Health (RMGH)
International Public Health Track
We offer an International Public Health track to all master students in Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and MPA.
Studypath Science, Society and Communication
The Athena Institute offers a study path for Faculty of Science students at VU Amsterdam (18EC or 48EC with an internship).
Specialization in Science in Society or Science Communication
We offer two specializations for VU students in Biomedical Sciences (54EC) and two majors for UvA Faculty of Science (FNWI) students (60EC).
Bachelor's programmes
Major: Sustainable Health and Care is available to all Health & Life Sciences students at the VU.
Minor: Global Health is a university-wide minor, open to all VU students.
Course: History of Science
We offer History of Science courses, specified for students in Earth Sciences, Pharmaceutical Science, Medical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.
Courses
Interdisciplinary Community Service Learning (ICSL) is a university-wide course, open to student's of any Master's programme.
Science and Society in Historical Perspective is open to Faculty of Science Master students.
Science, Society and Communication courses are available as electives to master students within the Faculty of Science at the VU as well as students from any faculty and university.
Action Research for Change Agents the Athena Institute now offers professional education courses to introduce the theory and practice of action research [Dutch only].