Bachelor in European Public Health

European Public Health

Many of the most important determinants of health fall outside of the reach of medicine. Identifying and influencing these factors to protect and promote health is the goal of public health. European Public Health (EPH) starts by giving students a high-quality public health education at bachelor level. Learn all about the health status and healthcare systems of European countries, as well as the authorities, institutions, and laws of the European Union.

EPH is for those who are interested in sustainable public health and healthcare systems, but also in national and international politics, administration and management, policy and strategy, communication and media. You’ll learn to bridge the gap between public health and national and European public health policy. You’ll also develop the skills you need to work in governmental or healthcare-related organisations, or in EU or WHO units, in positions such as a policy advisor, health officer or prevention specialist.

Fast facts

• Unique bachelor's programme in Europe.
• Public health & healthcare in a European context.
• International study experience: international classmates, minor and internship abroad.
• Honors program for further deepening.
• For a career at a government or health-related organization.
• 3-year, full-time bachelor's, taught in English.
• Starts in September.

Why this programme?

How do we prevent a virus (e.g. Corona, SARS) from becoming an epidemic? How do we formulate a policy on patients receiving treatments abroad? The role of the EU is only going to grow in the coming years, also in the healthcare sector. This affects the way we approach the themes within public health and healthcare. National policy is only effective if it’s also coordinated with international authorities.

European Public Health (EPH) is about preventing disease and promoting healthy lifestyles for all Europeans with clear European policy - because diseases, pathogens and other factors that influence health aren’t stopped by borders.

This programme is the only programme of its kind in Europe. It is also very internationally oriented. From the first day, you’re part of an international study environment in which you work with students from all over the world (at least 20 different nationalities).

hy this programme?

The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences started on 1 January 2007. The faculty was the result of a merger between the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine.

Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine was the first faculty to be established at Maastricht University. The University was officially established on the 9th of January 1976, although the first medical students began their studies in September 1974. The Faculty of Medicine was the second in the world that applied the Problem-Based Learning method. The other faculties of Maastricht University , i.e. Arts and Culture, Economics and Business Administration, General Sciences, Health Sciences, Law, and Psychology adopted educational systems and research organisations akin to that of the Faculty of Medicine.

The Faculty developed into a community with a staff of around 1200 (academics, administrative and support staff), and approximately 1950 medical students. Since 1992 staff and students are based at the complex of buildings of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, and the University Hospital (Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht) which opened in 1991.

Health Sciences

The Faculty of Health Sciences offered a broad range of disciplines that made the faculty unique, not only in the Netherlands but also in Europe. The format allowed students to integrate their discipline and research work into all areas related to society, sickness and health. By way of research and specific (undergraduate and postgraduate) education, the Faculty of Health Sciences contributed to the quality improvement in healthcare.

At the moment the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences has some 2,500 students enrolled in its broad spectrum of educational programmes leading to a Bachelor's and/or Master's degree. Health Sciences examines the relationship between health, lifestyle, disease prevention, care and cure. The Health Sciences curriculum covers the entire field of health sciences: biological, behavioural and social health sciences. Three questions take centre stage throughout the course:

1) What is health? 2) Which factors influence health? 3) How can we influence these factors?

To ensure a good quality of health care not only doctors are needed, but nurses and paramedics are also important, too. But also the expertise of other professionals is essential: the health scientists.