Master of Science in Health Sciences - Specialization in Public Health Epidemiology

Public health epidemiology is the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts of society. Whereas clinicians and general practitioners provide care for individuals, public health interventions are directed at whole populations. Many improvements have resulted from successful public health initiatives: vaccination and other forms of infectious disease control, safer working environments, preventive mother and childcare, safer and healthier foods, family planning, improved traffic safety, and tobacco control. To achieve or preserve access to effective health care services in society, there is a considerable need for public health expertise.

The objective of the public health epidemiology programme is to prepare public health professionals to draw upon the knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines in order to define, evaluate, and resolve public health problems. Participants will be prepared for research and for positions at staff and executive levels. Topics included in the programme will be health promotion and health intervention, international health, health policy and management, and occupational and environmental health.

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.