Double Degree master - full-time

Health and Service Management

Study health and service management in Groningen and Porto to gain knowledge about the structuring and dynamics of the health sector and excel as a service management expert.

In this 2-year Double Degree Master’s programme you will start with a semester in Groningen, where you dive into the particularities of the health sector and the managerial and innovation challenges involved. Next, you move to Porto for a semester of core management competencies and then specialize in service management at the Católica Porto Business School for another semester. In Porto, you will learn to master state-of-the-art service management, understand the specificities of services requiring differentiated management approaches, and master concepts, practices and tools that will enable you to impact the management of service activities and organisations .

Upon returning to Groningen for your last semester, you will continue to study how to analyze and deal with strategic tensions in the health sector such as meeting the quantitatively and qualitatively increasing demand for care, while facing workforce shortages and the need to control costs. The programme integrates a multidisciplinary approach with special attention to relevant themes related to health and healthcare in our society, one of which you will focus on in your master’s thesis.

After successful completion of this double degree programme, you will graduate with two diplomas from highly ranked universities: Master of Science in Management from Católica Porto Business School (CPBS), Universidade Católica Portuguesa, and MSc Business Administration, Health profile from the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen.

Facts & Figures

Degree: MSc in Business Administration
Course type: Double Degree master
Duration: 24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code: 60644
Language of instruction: English
Start: September
Faculty: Economics and Business

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Why study this programme in Groningen?

The Service sector, among which Healthcare, now accounts for over 70% of most developed economies' GDP. Disruptive digital technologies and AI are expected to accelerate this growth. A challenge for future professionals is to improve service activities' quality, efficiency, and innovation by implementing appropriate management practices tailored to service-specific characteristics. That's what we teach you how to do.

The programme tailored for the health sector is unique for the North of the Netherlands. It equips you with the competencies to become an in-demand professional who can combine the analysis of hard evidence with softer insights and skills.
Joining our programme means you will be part of our diverse learning community. Our students have backgrounds ranging from business and economics to medicine and pharmacy . This diversity prepares you for the reality of the workplace.
To put into practice what you study, you will engage in a stakeholder roleplay or in teamwork on a practitioner's real-time challenge.
In healthcare, we need professionals who can build bridges between disciplines.You will have opportunities to join courses taught by UMCG Groningen, Faculty of Spatial Sciences and learn from studying abroad (Double Degree Master's in Porto).
You can benefit from our lively health research community that is well-connected with health organizations in the Northern Netherlands, but also insurers and technology suppliers.
Groningen and the Católica Porto Business School have both been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.

Programme

Year 1
Depending on where you start the programme, you will follow different study paths.

For University of Groningen students:
You will start with the first semester MSc Business Administration - Health. Below you can see the courses you will take. For the second and third semesters, you will for a year at CPBS in Porto . For the fourth and last semester, you will return to Groningen to finish the programme. Check the courses you will take at CPBS.

For CPBS students:
You start with semesters 1 and 2 of the MSc in Management, specialization Service Management. After that, you study two semesters at the University of Groningen . You can see the courses you will follow here .

	Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >	1a	1b
Healthcare Purchasing and Supply Chains (5 EC)
Innovation in Healthcare Organizations (5 EC)
General electives (B-list) MSc BA Health (5 EC) A few examples are: Business Ethics; Sustainability: Strategy, Innovation & Change; Pharmaeconomics: Capita Selecta; Digital Transformation Strategy; Stress, Health and Sustainable Working Life. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.
Health electives (A-list) MSc BA Health (5 EC) Strategic Collaborations in Healthcare; Challenges in Healthcare; E-Health; Population, Health and place; Financial and Economic Organization of Healthcare Markets. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.
Research & Skills for MSc BA (5 EC)

Year 2
Depending on where you are (Porto or Groningen), you will follow different study paths.

For University of Groningen students:
You will start with the first semester MSc Business Administration - Health. Below you can see the courses you will take. For the second and third semesters, you will for a year at CPBS in Porto . For the fourth and last semester, you will return to Groningen to finish the programme. Check the courses you will take at CPBS.

For CPBS students:
You start with semesters 1 and 2 of the MSc in Management, specialization Service Management. After that, you study two semesters at the University of Groningen . You can see the courses you will follow here .

	Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >	1a	1b	2a	2b
Economic Evaluation in Healthcare (5 EC)
Healthcare Operations (5 EC)
Master's Thesis MSc BA Health (20 EC)

Study abroad

Study abroad is required

Our double degree partner is Católica Porto Business School, Portugal .

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	Students who wish to study the double degree option starting at the University of Groningen (UG), need to apply for admission to and meet the entry requirements of the MSc Business Administration - Health, see https://www.rug.nl/masters/business-administration-health/. Please note that admission to the MSc Business Administration - Health does not automatically grant you access to the double degree option. There is a limited number of places available for the double degree option, and after you have applied for admission to the MSc Business Administration - Health, you can submit your application for one of these places to the double degree coordinator, dr. Marjolein van Offenbeek at m.a.g.van.offenbeek rug.nl (deadline July 1). This procedure applies to students already registered in an undergraduate programme (BSc or pre-MSc) at UG that grants direct admission to the MSc Business Administration Health. All other students need to apply through the CPBS admissions office. Application deadlines may differ from the University of Groningen (UG) application deadlines below (see Double Degree with University of Groningen). You need to submit: a motivation letter; a resume (with a telephone number where we can reach you); a copy of your (temporary) bachelor transcripts (list of completed courses and grades). an indication that you have completed your undergraduate programme or providing evidence that it will be completed before the double degree programme starts. To decide on acceptance, students can be invited for a personal interview. The coordinator will inform the students as soon as possible and before August 20 whether they receive an offer to join the double degree programme or not. If you have any questions concerning admission, please contact the Admissions Office https://www.rug.nl/admissions. If you have any questions concerning admission to the double degree option with CPBS, please contact the double degree coordinator, dr. Marjolein van Offenbeek at m.a.g.van.offenbeek rug.nl. Application deadline: 1 July, 2025.

Specific requirements

More information

previous education

Students who wish to study the double degree option starting at the University of Groningen (UG), need to apply for admission to and meet the entry requirements of the MSc Business Administration - Health, see https://www.rug.nl/masters/business-administration-health/.

Please note that admission to the MSc Business Administration - Health does not automatically grant you access to the double degree option. There is a limited number of places available for the double degree option, and after you have applied for admission to the MSc Business Administration - Health, you can submit your application for one of these places to the double degree coordinator, dr. Marjolein van Offenbeek at m.a.g.van.offenbeek rug.nl (deadline July 1).

This procedure applies to students already registered in an undergraduate programme (BSc or pre-MSc) at UG that grants direct admission to the MSc Business Administration Health. All other students need to apply through the CPBS admissions office. Application deadlines may differ from the University of Groningen (UG) application deadlines below (see Double Degree with University of Groningen).

You need to submit:

a motivation letter;
a resume (with a telephone number where we can reach you);
a copy of your (temporary) bachelor transcripts (list of completed courses and grades).
an indication that you have completed your undergraduate programme or providing evidence that it will be completed before the double degree programme starts.

To decide on acceptance, students can be invited for a personal interview. The coordinator will inform the students as soon as possible and before August 20 whether they receive an offer to join the double degree programme or not.

If you have any questions concerning admission, please contact the Admissions Office https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

If you have any questions concerning admission to the double degree option with CPBS, please contact the double degree coordinator, dr. Marjolein van Offenbeek at m.a.g.van.offenbeek rug.nl.

Application deadline: 1 July, 2025.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

All Universities of applied sciences

Tilburg University

University of Amsterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam

VU University Amsterdam

Maastricht University

University of Groningen

All Research universities

Wageningen University

Leiden University

University of Twente

Radboud University Nijmegen

Utrecht University

Nyenrode New Business School

Study programme	Organization	Transition
	All Universities of applied sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC More information: Below you will see a table with 'transfer options'. Please check the entry requirements for your Bachelor's degree (from a research university of a university of applied sciences). If your degree is not mentioned in the table below, you can still apply via a Pre-Master's programme. For information o

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Econometrics and Operations Research	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
International Business Administration	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Economics	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	Tilburg University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Econometrics and Data Science	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Analytics	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Actuarial Science	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Administration	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Econometrics and Operations Research	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Gezondheidswetenschappen	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
International Business Administration	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Business Administration	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Analytics	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
International Business Administration	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Administration	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Analytics	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Business Engineering	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
International Business	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	Maastricht University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Sociology	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors.
Business Administration	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Life Science and Technology	University of Groningen	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: There is a customized entry package for students with a university-level background in life sciences. More information: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/mscba-health-entrypackage
Dentistry	University of Groningen	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: There is a customised entry package for students with a university-level background in dentistry. More information: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/mscba-health-entrypackage
Econometrics and Operations Research	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Psychology (EN)	University of Groningen	No additional requirements More information: In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors.
Business Administration	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Pharmacy	University of Groningen	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: There is a customized entry package for students with a university-level background in pharmacy. More information: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/mscba-health-entrypackage
International Business	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Psychology (NL)	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Biotechnology	All Research universities	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: Are you interested in the MSc Business Administration – Health, but do you not meet the requirements for direct entry? We offer a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-ba-health?lang=en
Medicine	All Research universities	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: Are you interested in the MSc Business Administration – Health, but do you not meet the requirements for direct entry? We offer a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-ba-health?lang=en
Life Science and Technology	All Research universities	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: Are you interested in the MSc Business Administration – Health, but do you not meet the requirements for direct entry? We offer a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-ba-health?lang=en
Bewegingswetenschappen	All Research universities	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: Are you interested in the MSc Business Administration – Health, but do you not meet the requirements for direct entry? We offer a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-ba-health?lang=en
Pharmacy	All Research universities	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: Are you interested in the MSc Business Administration – Health, but do you not meet the requirements for direct entry? We offer a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-ba-health?lang=en
Dentistry	All Research universities	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: Are you interested in the MSc Business Administration – Health, but do you not meet the requirements for direct entry? We offer a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-ba-health?lang=en

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Management and Consumer Studies	Wageningen University	No additional requirements
Economics and Governance	Wageningen University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Computer Science	Leiden University	No additional requirements More information: For profile Informatica & Economie.
Public Administration Science	Leiden University	No additional requirements More information: For profile Economics, Public Administration and Management.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Gezondheidswetenschappen	University of Twente	No additional requirements
International Business Administration	University of Twente	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Economics and Business Economics	Radboud University Nijmegen	No additional requirements
Business Administration	Radboud University Nijmegen	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Economics and Business Economics	Utrecht University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	Nyenrode New Business School	No additional requirements
Accountancy	Nyenrode New Business School	No additional requirements

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
Dutch students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026

Please note that it is only possible to start this DDM programme via the September intake for our MSc Business Administration - Health programme. It is not possible to commence this DDM programme in February.

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	Students who wish to study the double degree option starting at the University of Groningen (UG), need to apply for admission to and meet the entry requirements of the MSc Business Administration - Health, see https://www.rug.nl/masters/business-administration-health/. Please note that admission to the MSc Business Administration - Health does not automatically grant you access to the double degree option. There is a limited number of places available for the double degree option, and after you have applied for admission to the MSc Business Administration - Health, you can submit your application for one of these places to the double degree coordinator, dr. Marjolein van Offenbeek at m.a.g.van.offenbeek rug.nl (deadline July 1). This procedure applies to students already registered in an undergraduate programme (BSc or pre-MSc) at UG that grants direct admission to the MSc Business Administration Health. All other students need to apply through the CPBS admissions office. Application deadlines may differ from the University of Groningen (UG) application deadlines below (see Double Degree with University of Groningen). You need to submit: a motivation letter; a resume (with a telephone number where we can reach you); a copy of your (temporary) bachelor transcripts (list of completed courses and grades). an indication that you have completed your undergraduate programme or providing evidence that it will be completed before the double degree programme starts. To decide on acceptance, students can be invited for a personal interview. The coordinator will inform the students as soon as possible and before August 20 whether they receive an offer to join the double degree programme or not. If you have any questions concerning admission, please contact the Admissions Office https://www.rug.nl/admissions. If you have any questions concerning admission to the double degree option with CPBS, please contact the double degree coordinator, dr. Marjolein van Offenbeek at m.a.g.van.offenbeek rug.nl. Application deadline: 1 July, 2025.
language test	IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

Specific requirements

More information

previous education

You need to submit:

a motivation letter;
a resume (with a telephone number where we can reach you);
a copy of your (temporary) bachelor transcripts (list of completed courses and grades).
an indication that you have completed your undergraduate programme or providing evidence that it will be completed before the double degree programme starts.

If you have any questions concerning admission, please contact the Admissions Office https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

If you have any questions concerning admission to the double degree option with CPBS, please contact the double degree coordinator, dr. Marjolein van Offenbeek at m.a.g.van.offenbeek rug.nl.

Application deadline: 1 July, 2025.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
Dutch students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026

Tuition fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
non-EU/EEA	2024-2025	€ 20800	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 21400	full-time

Please note that there are additional tuition fees for DDM students. You can find more information on our Double Degree tuition fees here.

Practical information for:

Dutch students International students

After your studies

While your service management degree promotes career opportunities in classical organisations providing services and in industrial companies with relevant service components, you are specifically equipped for the health sector. Across Europe, healthcare expenditures are high and health services are still growing as an employment sector. Therefore, managerial knowledge is in high demand to organize all the disciplines and stakeholders involved and motivate them into a coordinated effort.

Job prospects

As a graduate of MSc BA Health, you will have the analytic and stakeholder management skills crucial in diagnosing and intervening in the organization of care and issuing advice about its economic environment.

Future employment opportunities may include healthcare organizations such as hospitals and homecare organizations, (inter)national pharmaceutical companies, consultancy agencies, insurance companies, government and semi-state organizations, health technology suppliers, and research institutes.

Job examples

Management trainee in a larger healthcare organization
Manager within a healthcare organization, such as a hospital, mental health institute, nursing and care home, or primary care network
Consultant specialized in the health sector
Healthcare purchaser, e.g. for a municipality or health insurer
Project manager for a health insurance company
Policy analyst or advisor within a government agency

Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Linking education to research and career preparation
Our education is research-driven, leading to fresh insights being fed into the courses. An analytical, critical mind and problem-solving capabilities are important qualities in any career our students aspire to. To develop such qualities, we work with lecturers who are active in research and discuss academic research right from the start of the degree programme.

In doing so, clear links with professional practices are made. Through case assignments, guest lectures, and other activities, students apply what they learn to practical healthcare management and health economics problems. As such, you engage in your development as a future professional.

In collaboration with external partners, the faculty conducts research on topical issues such as improving patient logistics; the effectiveness of organizational interventions; implementation and adoption of technological and managerial innovations; continuous quality improvement in healthcare; buyer/supplier relationships between insurance companies and healthcare providers; reducing health inequalities; economic evaluation of innovations or treatments; prevention management issues considering early life conditions and later-life health.

Much of this research is conducted in the Centre of Expertise Healthwise, providing students with numerous links to the outside world. Moreover, many of the lecturers participate in the Aletta School of Public Health, a large multidisciplinary research community.

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Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.

The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.

https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. However successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.

Health and Service Management

Why study this programme in Groningen?

Programme

Study abroad

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Transfer options

Application deadlines

Admission requirements

Application deadlines

Tuition fees

After your studies

Job prospects

Job examples

Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Contact

Study associations

EBF

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