Are you interested in both health issues and environmental impact on health, and can't choose? This Master combines both in this interdisciplinary programme which includes one of three in-depth tracks: Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology and Exposure Science or One Health.

Health and environment are undeniably strongly related. Global trends, such as climate change, chemical pollution, biodiversity loss, urbanisation 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 programme?

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Choose between three tracks
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Interdisciplinary master by three faculties

An integration of multiple disciplines

During this Master’s programme, 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 programme will be a perfect fit.

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 of 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).
  • Freedom to design your own programme, by choosing the track, research project and electives that best fit your interests. You also select one out of 9 thematic profiles which are designed to equip you with skills for your future career in a direction that appeals you most.

We offer a Master’s programme 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 programme 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.

Graduate School of Life Sciences

Life Sciences is one of the four strategic themes of Utrecht University and is organised in the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS). The GSLS brings together the research expertise and facilities of the faculties of Science, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, in cooperation with UMC Utrecht. Research at the GSLS is highly interdisciplinary, because scientific breakthroughs take place where physics, medicine, chemistry and biology interact.

Introducing Life Sciences 

Every year all new Master’s students of the Graduate School of Life Sciences start their academic year with a mandatory introduction week. Introducing Life Sciences (ILS) is part of the course Life Sciences Academy and covers aspects of academic education, including science integrity, career development and valorisation & industry.

UMC Utrecht

Students are able to follow their Master’s programme at UMC Utrecht, one of the largest academic medical centers in the Netherlands. UMC Utrecht focuses on a number of fields; selected students get educated by some of the best researchers in these research areas. Students get ample opportunities for internships both at UMC Utrecht and abroad with our international partners. They also have access to the large research infrastructure and research network of the focus areas.

World class university

Choosing Utrecht University means choosing one of the best universities in the country. Several renowned international rankings place Utrecht University among the 100 best universities in the world. The teaching environment at Utrecht University is international: half of the Utrecht Master's programmes are taught in English. The existing and former academic staff of Utrecht University include twelve Nobel Prize laureates.

City of Utrecht 

The University is situated in Utrecht, a lively student city located in the heart of the Netherlands. It is considered the ‘gateway to Europe’. An inspiring city which nurtures talent and creativity.

Canals of Utrecht by daytime

Key facts

Degree: 
Biomedical Sciences
Language of instruction: 
English
Mode of study: 
Full-time
Study duration: 
2 years
Start: 
September
Tuition fees: 
Dutch and other EU/EEA students (statutory fee, full-time) 2024-2025: € 2,530

Non-EU/EEA students (institutional fee) 2024-2025: € 23,765

More information about fees
Croho code: 
66990
Accreditation: 
Accredited by the NVAO
Faculty: 
Medicine
Graduate school: 
Life Sciences