Master of Science in Health Sciences - Specialization in Epidemiology

Epidemiology plays an integral role in applying medical research to populations, interacting with almost every other specialism. Epidemiology studies the incidence, causes, consequences, and control of disease, as well as people, patients, and populations. It is a fundamental discipline for clinical medicine and public health. It may, together with basic science and clinical research, provide tools to learn about the etiology and consequences of diseases, the possibilities for prevention and treatment, and the risk profiles of individuals and populations. Using advanced methods such as statistical analyses, field research, and complex laboratory techniques, epidemiologists map various elements of disease and the ways they are related.

The objective of the epidemiology programme is to prepare candidates for a research position (e.g. a PhD project) in the area of clinical medicine or public health, or for example a more health policy oriented career. The programme comprises compulsory courses directed at study design, biostatistics, and data analysis. In addition, further specialization in specific areas of epidemiological research is needed. Extensive training in widely used statistical packages is also an important part of the curriculum. A large part of the programme is devoted to research.

Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (NIHES) is an international academic research institute that provides all courses and programmes in English.

Erasmus University Rotterdam is the founding organisation of the Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (NIHES). NIHES was established in 1992 to further improve scientific research on determinants of diseases and health, the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare and services, and the theory and methods of health sciences. NIHES is a centre for quantitative research that provides graduate and postgraduate education in medicine and health sciences. The Institute also provides comprehensive research training for health professionals through the large array of courses in various disciplines. The programmes combine theoretical training and practical research training to prepare participants for research, executive and advisory positions. NIHES holds a very strong international position. It cooperates with a global network of leading research centres in Europe, Asia, Latin America and the USA.