Are you interested in understanding the intricacies of health throughout a person's life? Do you want to be part of a community of motivated and socially conscious students, all working towards a healthier future? Then the LHD Track is designed just for you.
LHD is one of the two specialized tracks from the MSc Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology (MSc CPE). It delves into the many factors influencing an individual's mental as well as physical health and explores how it evolves over time.
The programme focuses on improving prevention and treatment strategies to address the health challenges faced by today's society. Through a comprehensive lifecourse perspective, you'll gain valuable insights into the processes underlying changes in health and well-being. Over the two years of the programme, you will develop a valuable set of research and professional skills for your future career.
In the LHD track, you'll have the opportunity to closely collaborate with leading researchers and clinicians from various disciplines, including (para)medics and psychologists. Together, you'll investigate in-depth how health processes are influenced by factors of risk and resilience as well as by one's age or stage of illness.
The development of chronic diseases is a complex process with determinants at multiple levels. These factors not only influence each other but also vary over the life course. By combining lifecourse epidemiology with cutting-edge analytical methods, you'll unravel the multifaceted health issues that span from genetic factors or psychological processes to the broader social and physical environment. You will have access to long-term data sets and have the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the evolution of health over time.
As the world grapples with increasingly complex health challenges, there is a growing need for researchers to help untangle these intricate issues. Through a tailored curriculum, we aim to equip you to address current pressing social health issues, such as socio-economic health disparities or the rise of chronic health conditions, and teach you how to deal with new emerging health challenges while ensuring you're well-prepared for a career dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
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When selecting the Lifecourse Health Development track you can look forward to:
The programme is set up in such a way that every student will
either have or develop a basic foundation of both medicine and
psychology, making sure that whatever your academic background, you
are fully equipped to proceed with the programme.
The first year starts with solidifying your basis in psychology and
epidemiology, as well as methodology and statistics. Then you will
follow two Lifecourse Health Development-specific courses to learn
the key concepts, terminology, and analytical methods specific to
applying a life course perspective to health.
CoursesCourse Catalog > |
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Advanced statistics
In this course, you learn to tell a compelling story with data. You will refresh and deepen your knowledge of statistics. You learn to apply sophisticated statistical techniques such as multiple linear least square regression or survival analysis. You will be introduced to problem-solving practices in biostatistics and epidemiology in a data-driven manner. |
Complex health interventions
In this course, the development, adaptation, feasibility, evaluation and implementation of complex interventions will be introduced. Complex interventions are delivered and evaluated on different levels (e.g. patients, healthcare professionals, organisation). Understanding how interventions work, where it works and for whom are key elements of this course. You learn about co-creation methods and how diverse stakeholder perspectives can be included in intervention research. You learn about the methods to adapt interventions to to a new context, and the evaluation of effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and implementation processes. |
Development and evaluation of health measurement instruments
In this course, you will delve into the fundamentals of creating and assessing measurement instruments. The focus will encompass key themes, including understanding various types of measurements and the process of operationalizing them. Additionally, attention will be given to crucial aspects such as validity and factor analyses, reliability, responsiveness, and interpretability. Various challenges will be addressed such as measurement of mental health disorders and cross-cultural adaptation of questionnaires. |
Health behavior change
Using topics in health psychology and psychiatric epidemiology, this course will delve into the dynamics of behavior change, considering diverse perspectives such as those of patients and healthcare professionals. It will incorporate concepts and models from psychology to comprehensively address the complexities of behavior change within prevention and healthcare contexts. |
Interdisciplinary Research
In this course, you explore health challenges in society through the lens of different disciplines such as medicine, public health, psychology, sociology, demography and health economics. The aim is to enhance your interdisciplinary thinking by closely examining and analysing a specific health issue through the perspectives of various relevant disciplines. The course covers key concepts, theories, and research methods from different fields, shedding light on the strengths and challenges unique to each discipline. Examples of novel interdisciplinary research will be discussed |
Life-course approach to health: early life (LHD1)
In this course, you learn the basics of a lifecourse approach to health. The focus lies on the early phases of life, i.e., the pre- and perinatal period, childhood and adolescence. You explore key concepts of the approach, such as critical periods, and explore the interactions between mental and physical health. Working in small groups, you bring the newly learned knowledge into practice. |
Life-course approach to health: later life (LHD2)
Whereas the first LHD course focuses on the early phases of life, this course focuses on adulthood and later life. You extend your knowledge on key lifecourse concepts by working with concepts like accumulation or chains of risk, multimorbidity, frailty and resilience. You combine the knowledge of the two track-specific courses in a final group assignment. |
Professional Skills training
Leadership, communication, collaboration and creative problem solving skills may influence the quality and impact of research. During this course you will strengthen and acquire valuable professional skills. A variation of strategies are used to strengthen skills, such as lectures, self-assessment tools, workshops, assignments and pizza-meetings. The skills training is complemented by mentor meetings in small groups (6-8 students) and individual coaching. |
Project-based learning
In the project-based learning you use research methods, knowledge, models and frameworks from separate disciplines to address a complex health challenge. In each project, you start with a challenging problem or question connected to a real-world challenge. You will take part in 4 projects during the first year. Policy makers, healthcare professionals, patients and other experts play an important role in this project-based learning. In these projects, you will try to solve challenging research problems by learning about and applying the key concepts introduced in the courses. The project-based learning provides you with relevant practical experiences as a researcher. |
Study Design
In this course the principles and practice of epidemiological research are taught. Different study designs will be introduced and different sources of bias in epidemiological studies will be assessed. By the end of this course, you will have gained the essential scientific and methodological knowledge to effectively engage in epidemiological studies. |
The second year mainly consists of the master thesis research project. The master thesis project provides ample opportunity to get deeply involved in a research topic related to Lifecourse Health Development and to experience the daily challenges of researchers in the area of public health. During the master thesis project, you can choose elective courses based on their area of interest, background knowledge, and research project topic.
Please note that we are currently updating the programme. As a result, the ocasys courses system may not be fully up-to-date. However, you can find the available courses for the 2024/2025 academic year in this PDF document: msc-cpe-courses-description.pdf (rug.nl)CoursesCourse Catalog > |
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Electives
The aim of the elective courses is to broaden and deepen your knowledge and skills in the field of clinical and psychosocial epidemiology. Students can choose courses that match their own learning goals and contribute to their development as a researcher in this field. Ideally, the elective courses support the master thesis project, but this is not a strict requirement. |
Introduction into R
First you will learn the basics of R through short lectures and many computer exercises. The following topics will be treated: the R language, R variables (objects), R data structures, reading and writing data files, manipulating datasets, making graphs, performing basic statistics (only one day!), simulations, and creating functions. In week 3, students work on a case study, in pairs. This case study is an integrated set of exercises in R that build on the knowledge that they gained during the first eight days of the course. The goal of the exercises is to determine whether students are able to use R without hands on instructions in order to answer a scientific research question and visualize results. The final result of the case study will be the R-script that performs all assignments and answers all questions. |
Master Thesis Project
The aim of the Master Thesis project is to conduct a research project and to analyze, describe and interpret the results in the master thesis. During the conduction and writing of the results, students will gain experience in the full research cycle by (a) carrying out the master thesis project, (b) describing the results in a scientific way, and (c) presenting and defending the results during a scientific symposium. |
Writing a research proposal
The academic knowledge and research skills acquired during the CPE programme culminate in the final phase of the programme, during which students design and write their own PhD research proposal. Most often, the PhD research proposal builds on the Master's thesis project. The primary aim of the PhD research proposal is to set up a PhD research project that can be carried out in a period of three years. Specific aims are (a) to set up and describe the PhD research project, taking into account current developments in the area of research and at least one other different discipline and taking into account relevant methodologies, (b) to write this as a scientific research proposal, and (c) to present, discuss and defend the proposal during a scientific symposium. |
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
You are admissible with a bachelors degree in bio(medical) sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Human Movement Sciences, Life Sciences, Biology, Sociology, Econometrics, Pedagogy, Economics, Demography and spatial sciences. If you have another degree background the selection committee will determine whether your background meets the admission requirements. Feel free to contact us for advice. |
grade list |
You will need to provide your official university transcript. It should include a list of all the courses you've taken, with the credit hours for each, the final grades you received, an explanation of the grading system used, and your class rank if available. Make sure to include the grades for courses you didn't pass as well. |
Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
You will need to send us an up-to-date CV |
assessment interview |
During the interview you'll be asked to give a short presentation on a research project you undertook as part of your previous studies and to elaborate on your motivation to apply for the CPE programme and the LHD track . |
entry test |
The entrance examination will be a test of your statistical knowledge. In preparation of this exam, a mock version and several teaching videos will be made available. If you pass the entrance exam, you will be invited for an interview. More details here: www.rug.nl/applycpe |
language test |
Please make sure to visit www.rug.nl/applycpe for more information about the accepted language tests and the required minimum scores. |
reference letter |
You will need to submit one letter of recommendation written by an academic or previous supervisor |
(motivation-) letter |
The motivation letter is an opportunity for you to convey your enthusiasm, goals, and suitability for the MSc Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology programme. Make sure to describe your expectations for the programme and the LHD track and how it aligns with your future career plans. Additionally, emphasize the qualities and experiences that make you the right fit for this programme. |
other admission requirements |
We prioritize high-quality education and provide a small-scale learning environment to ensure personal attention and the growth of our students. In order to maintain an engaging learning experience, our programme has a limited number of spots available each year, accepting a maximum of 35 students. That is why, to ensure the best fit and experience for our students, we have a thorough selection procedure as part of the admission process. Find out more on our dedicated page. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Human Movement Sciences | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Biomedical Sciences | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Biomedische Wetenschappen | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Biology | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Biology | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Bio-Farmaceutische Wetenschappen | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Artificial Intelligence | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Biomedical Engineering | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Biotechnology | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Data Science (joint degree) | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Data Science & Society | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Data Science | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Operations Research | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Economics | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Economics and Governance | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Pharmaceutical Sciences | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Pharmacy | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Medicine | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Geography, Spatial Planning and Environment | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Health and Life Sciences | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Gezondheidswetenschappen | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Health and Society | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Liberal Arts and Sciences | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Liberal Arts and Sciences (joint degree) | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Life Science and Technology | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Life Science and Technology (joint degree) | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Academic training primary school teacher | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Psychobiology | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Psychology (EN) | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Sociology | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Academic training primary school teacher | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Human Movement Sciences | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Biology | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Biomedical Engineering | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Data Science & Society | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Operations Research | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Pharmacy | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Medicine | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Global Responsibility & Leadership | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Human Geography and Planning | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Liberal Arts and Sciences | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Life Science and Technology | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Pedagogical Sciences | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Psychology (NL) | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Psychology (EN) | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Sociology | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Spatial Planning and Design | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
You will find below a quick overview of the application and selection procedure. Make sure to visit our "How to Apply" page for more detailed information .
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 March 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
Applications for 2024-2025 will open in October 2023, the application deadlines are as follow:
Please note: All applicants with a non-Dutch bachelor qualification will have to pay an application fee. More information about the application fee can be found on this page: https://www.rug.nl/(...)loma/application-fee
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
You are admissible with a bachelors degree in bio(medical) sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Human Movement Sciences, Life Sciences, Biology, Sociology, Econometrics, Pedagogy, Economics, Demographical Sciences. If you have another degree background the selection committee will determine whether your background meets the admission requirements. Feel free to contact us for advice. |
grade list |
You will need to provide your official university transcript. It should include a list of all the courses you've taken, with the credit hours for each, the final grades you received, an explanation of the grading system used, and your class rank if available. Make sure to include the grades for courses you didn't pass as well. |
Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
You will need to send us an up-to-date CV |
assessment interview |
During the interview you'll be asked to give a short presentation on a research project you undertook as part of your previous studies and to elaborate on your motivation to apply for the CPE programme and LHD track. |
entry test |
The entrance examination will be a test of your statistical knowledge. In preparation of this exam, a mock version and several teaching videos will be made available. If you pass the entrance exam, you will be invited for an interview. More details here: https://www.rug.nl/(...)osocial-epidemiology |
language test |
Please make sure to consult https://www.rug.nl/(...)anguage-requirements for more information about the accepted language tests and the required minimum scores. |
reference letter |
You will need to submit one letter of recommendation by an academic or previous supervisor |
(motivation-) letter |
The motivation letter is an opportunity for you to convey your enthusiasm, goals, and suitability for the MSc Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology programme. Make sure to describe your expectations for the programme and the MSc CPE-LHD track and how it aligns with your future career plans. Additionally, emphasize the qualities and experiences that make you the right fit for CPE. |
other admission requirements |
We prioritize high-quality education and provide a small-scale learning environment to ensure personal attention and the growth of our students. In order to maintain an engaging learning experience, our programme has a limited number of spots available each year, accepting a maximum of 35 students. To ensure the best fit and experience for our students, we have a thorough selection procedure as part of the admission process . |
Exam | Minimum score |
---|---|
C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) | C1 |
C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE) | C2 |
IELTS overall band | 6.5 |
IELTS listening | 6 |
IELTS reading | 6 |
IELTS writing | 6 |
IELTS speaking | 6 |
TOEFL internet based | 92 |
You will find below a quick overview of the application and selection procedure. Make sure to visit our "How to Apply" page for more detailed information .
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 March 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
Applications for 2024-2025 will open in October 2023, the application deadlines are as follow:
Please note: All applicants with a non-Dutch bachelor qualification will have to pay an application fee. More information about the application fee can be found on this page: https://www.rug.nl/(...)loma/application-fee
Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
---|---|---|---|
EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 24200 | full-time |
EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 24900 | full-time |
Practical information for:
Examples of research questions from previous LHD students:
Are you curious, critical, and eager to help tackle urgent health issues? Do you want to grow as a researcher, learning scientific methods to get unbiased answers? Do you like breaking down complex problems into clear, testable ideas, and do you have a knack for statistical analysis?
At CPE we welcome students from many different academic backgrounds including medicine, health-, life-, and social sciences. Together, we address today's health challenges by combining their unique perspectives. There are many reasons why students join our programme, but whatever your motivation and ambition are, If you are specifically interested in understanding and improving health from clinical perspectives, studying mechanisms of how people develop, manage, or recover from health issues, then LHD is the right track for you.
More interested in health policy development, implementation and evaluation? Check our Health Systems and Prevention track: https://www.rug.nl/cpehsp