Master of Science in Health and Environment
Utrecht University
Key Information
Campus location
Utrecht, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,209 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* Dutch and other EU/EEA students statutory fee, full-time 2022-2023; Non-EU/EEA students institutional fee 2022-2023: € 20,750
Scholarships
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Introduction
Health and the environment are undeniably strongly related. Global trends, such as climate change, chemical pollution, biodiversity loss, urbanization, and deforestation pose grand challenges to society as a whole. What these challenges have in common is that they are serious threats to human, veterinary, wildlife, and ecosystem health. Are you ready to address these global challenges in this interdisciplinary Master’s program?
An Integration of Multiple Disciplines
During this Master’s program, you will first learn about the fundamentals of the separate disciplines within Health and Environment and more importantly the added value of the integration of these disciplines. After this introduction, you will have the possibility to pick one of these three in-depth tracks: Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology, and Exposure Science or One Health. This will prepare you for the research projects that will follow. Whether you are motivated to become a researcher or professional at the interface between humans, animals, and the environment, this Master’s program will be a perfect fit.
Why in Utrecht
We offer a Master’s program in Health and Environment that is unique in its interdisciplinary approach. Leading experts in toxicology, epidemiology, and the One Health principle share their knowledge and experience with you. You will be encouraged to achieve synergy between these disciplines. Moreover, 80% of the program is focused on research, giving you the opportunity to work independently on up to two research projects. These projects will provide you with valuable experience of working within an internationally connected research group. You will be encouraged and supported to use this international network to find internships – or future positions – at prestigious research institutes, governmental institutes, and companies all over the world.
Program Outcome
Why You Should Study Health and Environment at Utrecht University
- It offers a unique interdisciplinary combination of toxicology, environmental epidemiology, exposure science, and one health;
- It addresses the positive and negative human, animal, and environmental health effects of chemical, physical and infectious, and non-infectious biological agents;
- It trains you in an interdisciplinary approach to complex problems;
- It provides a chance to collaborate with partners in innovative research projects, allowing you to do your internship at prestigious partner institutions and carry out hands-on research projects at renowned research groups;
- It combines interdisciplinary knowledge and expertise of leading academic faculties within the Utrecht Graduate School of Life Sciences such as Veterinary Medicine (#3 of QS Subject Ranking), Biological Sciences (#54 on QS Subject Ranking), and Medicine (#62 on QS Subject Ranking).
Curriculum
Tracks
You will have the opportunity to explore one of three tracks, allowing you to gain in-depth knowledge in either Toxicology, Exposure Science, and Environmental Epidemiology or One Health. A track entails two weeks of advanced coursework. During the remainder of this program, you can choose to combine these tracks, allowing for a broad and interdisciplinary choice of education. Moreover, the contents of research projects can overlap between the different tracks.
Toxicology
The Toxicology track allows you to dive deep into the molecular mechanisms underlying toxic actions of chemicals and physical hazards in humans and animals. During the course, you will learn how exposures, like microplastics and environmental pollutants, specifically interfere with the immune, neuronal, and/or endocrine system. Research projects include the entire range of toxicology topics from the cell to the whole organism – from humans to animals and from fundamental to applied research.
Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology
The Exposure science and environmental epidemiology track will give you insight into the exposome concept and state-of-the-art data analysis methods and models used to analyze associations between environmental exposures and health. Research projects include fieldwork, ranging from collecting air, water, and soil samples or measuring exposure to pesticides near residential areas. You can also conduct occupational exposure experiments, such as assessing exposure to electromagnetic fields in electric bus drivers. Data-driven students can immerse themselves in analyzing epidemiological data from many of our in-house cohort studies under the supervision of our experienced researchers and epidemiologists.
One Health
The One Health track allows you to further explore the integration of different disciplines to study the health and well-being of humans and animals related to their cohabitation, taking into account environmental, social, ecological, and economic aspects. During the course, you will learn more about core concepts of microbiology and infectious diseases, including antimicrobial resistance, molecular epidemiology, and (re)emerging infectious diseases. Research projects include the entire range of both non-infectious and infectious One Health topics. Both experimental and observational studies lie within possibilities. Collaboration within and between different research projects will be stimulated.
Career Opportunities
Completion of this Master’s program will provide you with a strong research background and a broad knowledge in toxicology, epidemiology, and the field of One Health, with ample opportunity to go more in-depth into a specific field of your choice. This will prepare you for a career in academia (Ph.D.) or in a more applied direction including research and development (R&D), communication, and consultancy.
Academic Careers
Many Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) graduates pursue a career in academia by applying to a Ph.D. position. Some of them stay with Utrecht University by enrolling in one of the GSLS Ph.D. programs or other groups within Utrecht University. Currently, Health and Environment graduates are working on their Ph.D. research with a wide range of Dutch and international universities. Other possibilities for research include research assistants and junior researchers at universities, medical centers, and governmental agencies.
Professional Careers
A Master’s degree in Health and Environment will provide you with many career opportunities other than academia. Here are a few examples of professional careers you could pursue:
Risk assessor
European legislation demands that risk assessments are available for all new and existing chemicals imported, produced, and applied in Europe. Risk assessments focus on the general population, consumers, workers, and the ecosystem. With a Master’s degree in Health and Environment, you can work with industry, governments, and consultancies on these risk assessments.
One Health specialist
Society has a need for interdisciplinary experts that can connect the various specialisms relevant in One Health.
Environmental health specialist
In municipal and regional public health services, experts are needed with a background in environmental health. Graduates from our program hold positions with these health services both in the Netherlands and abroad.
Occupational health specialist
Some of our graduates work as occupational hygienists with regional or national occupational health services and institutes. They work on the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, control, and prevention of hazards from work that may result in injury, illness, or affect the well-being of workers.
Examples of institutes and companies that offer these vacancies: The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Public Health Service (GGD), The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Netherlands Centre for One Health (NCOH), KWR, CTGB, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Chemical Agency (ECHA), Feed companies, EU, World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).