Master of Epidemiology (M.Sc.)
Antwerp, Belgium
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 1,181 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 1181.4€ for EEA nationals | 7800€ for non-EEA nationals (for 60 ECTS credits or one year of full-time study) (subject to yearly revision)
Key Summary
How fast is the coronavirus spreading and how can we slow it down? What makes people sick? Certain genes? Certain behaviour? Other determinants?
How do we best diagnose diseases? What are the consequences of a disease? Is an effective medicine also effective when used in daily practice? How is it used?
As an epidemiologist, you learn to formulate an answer to these questions. Epidemiology is the discipline which studies the occurrence of health-related events and conditions in populations and attempts to make links to predictive and/or influencing characteristics. It does not focus on diagnosis and treatment, but on the factors influencing the infection and on the way diseases spread. As a result, epidemiology is closely related to the field of public health.
Epidemiologists have become indispensable in:
- the design, performance and analysis of applied medical scientific research
- the application of medical scientific knowledge in the development of public health policy
The University of Antwerp’s Master of Epidemiology is unique in Flanders.
This Master’s programme is unique in Flanders. It will give you knowledge, skills and competencies to design and conduct epidemiological research addressing questions on aetiology, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment or prognosis of the disease (illness), or on the enhancement or maintenance of health. You will be immersed in scientific research and you will immediately learn to translate it into practice and policy.
The Master's programme is carried and supported via a VLIR-UOS scholarship programme by the Global Health Institute, one of the University's interdisciplinary research centres focussing on improving peoples health globally, building capacity for global health research, and engage in the implementation of evidence-based interventions for health problems affecting low- and middle-income countries.
- How fast is the coronavirus spreading, and how can we slow it down?
- What makes people sick? Certain genes? Certain behaviour? Environmental hazards? Other determinants?
- How do we best diagnose diseases? What is the prognosis of a disease? What improves or worsens the prognosis?
- How effective are interventions in daily practice?
As an epidemiologist, you learn to formulate an answer to these questions.
Epidemiology studies disease occurrence and health states in diverse populations, and is the core science in the field of public health. Epidemiologists have become indispensable in:
- the design, performance and analysis of applied medical scientific research
- the application of medical scientific knowledge in the development of public health policy
Are you interested in applied medical scientific research? Do you want to learn how to translate that into practice and policy? Then our epidemiology programme may be for you!
The University of Antwerp’s Master of Epidemiology is unique in Flanders.
Thanks to the support from VLIRUOS, the Flemish Interuniversity Council, students from 31 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin-America can apply for a full scholarship to follow a Master's programme at a Flemish university or university college in Belgium. We can thus provide 10 full scholarships that cover all expenses related to the Master of Epidemiology.
The VLIR-UOS scholarship includes of an air ticket, visa costs (subject to approval) and a monthly allowance to cover living expenses, accommodation, the course fee and insurance.
This Master’s programme is unique in Flanders. It will give you knowledge, skills and competences to design and conduct epidemiological research addressing questions on etiology, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment or prognosis of disease (illness), or on the enhancement or maintenance of health. You will be immersed in scientific research and you will immediately learn to translate it into practice and policy to improve the health of people and populations.
The Master's programme is carried and supported via a VLIR-UOS scholarship programme by the Global Health Institute, one of the University's interdisciplinary research centers focussing on improving peoples health globally, building capacity for global health research, and engage in the implementation of evidence-based interventions for health problems affecting low- and middle-income countries.
What to expect?
- 120 ECTS-credits (2 years full-time or 4 years part-time)
- Taught in English
- Organised by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Courses take place on Campus Drie Eiken
The University of Antwerp is a young, dynamic university where innovative research, high-quality education, and societal impact come together. With a strong focus on sustainability, inclusion, and academic freedom, UAntwerp prepares students optimally for the challenges of tomorrow. Thanks to its international outlook, student-centered approach, and strong commitment to interdisciplinarity, it ranks among the most forward-thinking universities in Flanders and far beyond.
As a young research university, UAntwerp confirms its strong position with a 12th place in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024—clear evidence that talent here is given every opportunity to grow.
Detailed information about our rankings is published on https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/about-uantwerp/organisation/facts-figures-rankings/rankings/.
The Master has insight in the basis of and knows the main developments in epidemiology and performs empirical research concerning socially relevant and complex problems related to health and healthcare on an individual and at population level.
Epidemiologists are mainly employed in public health, health policy, medical scientific research or education institutes or organisations.
The epidemiologist’s field has greatly expanded over the last decennia. Whereas epidemiologists mainly used to focus on research in preventative medicine and public health, their methodological expertise is increasingly being called upon nowadays.
The Master of Epidemiology is also a good base if you are interested in participating in clinical scientific or applied molecular/genetic research in a position as an applied clinical researcher.
Are you interested in research? Then a PhD might be something for you. With a PhD, you can work as a researcher and teacher at the university.
Why study Epidemiology in Antwerp?
- Focus on epidemiological methods. You will learn how to design studies, measure occurrence and association and assess bias. You will also acquire competencies in statistics.
- Link with public health. You will learn to identify and propose solutions to health problems in society by conducting epidemiological research.
- Translate research into policy and practice. You will also gain insight into converting research results into practice and how this can influence policy.
- International classrooms. You will join a group of students from all over the world with different backgrounds. This diversity will broaden your view.
- Green campus and the city within reach. Your classes are held on Campus Drie Eiken. You will receive lectures in large, modern auditoriums and practice your skills in well-equipped practical rooms.
Full-time on campus