NEW: Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity

Public Health and Health Equity in a Changing Environment

Health systems in low- and middle-income countries face a wide range of complex challenges. These include, among other challenges, the inequalities in health and healthcare; the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases; the unfolding demographic transition; and the health needs in fragile and conflict-affected settings. These challenges disproportionately affect disadvantaged populations worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Addressing these issues requires well-trained professionals, capable of solving complex public health problems systematically, in either a public or private sector organisation responsible for public health. To this end, the MPH-HE programme specifically focusses on health equity in low-resource settings and in high-resource settings with disadvantaged populations, using a gender and inclusive approach.

Programme Objectives

The MPH-HE is designed to enable mid-career professionals, working at any level (subnational, national, international, global) within the health system, to use an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to address public health issues. In all programme components, participants are encouraged to interact with participants from other backgrounds and countries, who may face similar issues but with alternative solutions.

After completing the Master’s programme, you will be able to:

• Critically examine current and emerging health issues, and analyse determinants and identify needs, in different population groups.
• Appraise the role of health systems in terms of goals, functions, actors and performance.
• Identify research needs, appraise research methods and results, generate ethically sound evidence, and translate results into policy and practice.
• Develop, implement, and monitor and evaluate, cost-effective, quality, and community-centred programmes and interventions.
• Analyse, influence, and develop policies, taking into account evidence and context.
• Professionally collaborate, and network and effectively communicate in a multi-disciplinary, inter-sectoral and multi-cultural setting.
• Work towards and advocate for the principles of equity and human rights.
• Critically self-reflect and professionally develop your attitudes, motivations, practices, and values, to act as an agent of change.

Second trimester

2. Specialisation Courses (20 EC)

Three initial ‘specialisation courses’ are common across the full-time tracks (Epidemiology, Health Systems and Policy, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights):

• Qualitative Health Systems Research
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
• Health Planning and Programming

The tailor-made track (full-time) and the Selected Challenges and Solutions in Public Health track (full-time or part-time) allow for a flexible choice of specialisation courses.

All tracks have specific ‘advanced specialisation courses’, presented below.

Third trimester

3. Thesis (20 EC)

The third trimester consist of the following three parts:

• Study tour
• Thesis
• Oral examination

The thesis focuses on a topic relevant to your chosen track and current or envisaged work environment. Guided by a thesis advisor, you will write a thesis on a significant health issue in your country or another geographical scope, systematically analysing the core problem and suggesting solutions based on qualitative and quantitative data or literature review or both.

Learning methods

The content of the course is practice-based and oriented as much as possible to the working situation of participants. Staff/student contact is intensive throughout the course. Students learn through lectures, discussion, group work, individual presentations, case studies, exercises, study visits, an internet-based virtual learning environments and ‘serious gaming’, self-reflection, self-study and written assignments including a thesis.

They receive study material before each module. During the lessons they share information about health issues of countries in which they have worked in and compare experiences. Online repositories are used for learning material; laptops and/or tablets are required.

Study load

A total of 60 EC credit points must be accumulated for successful completion of the MPH-HE programme. The European Credit Transfer System (EC) facilitates transfer of course credits between institutions at the same academic level. 1 EC requires 28 hours of student time, which includes class time and independent study.

Graduation requirements

Each module is assessed by means of either a written examination or a take-home assignment. At the end of the programme an independent external examination committee will assess the thesis and the candidate’s oral examination.

If the overall assessment is satisfactory the degree of Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity is awarded. Candidates who do not fulfill the requirements for the degree may be eligible for a certificate of attendance.

Admission criteria

The admission criteria are the same for all tracks:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent academic training in either medicine or another field related to health care, such as health sciences, health economics, social sciences, or nursing.
• A minimum of three years of health-related working experience in health systems, not limited to (organisation of) individual patient care, but including an involvement with public/global health, in resource constrained settings and/or with marginalized communities, and proven interest in these areas.
• Proof of English language proficiency, in the form of English academic TOEFL or IELTS test obtained no more than 2 years before the start of the programme.
  TOEFL paper based test: minimum 550, TOEFL internet based test minimum: 80, TOEFL computer based test: minimum 213, TOEIC listening and reading minimum 865, writing minimum 335, IELTS 6.0.
  (See below for exceptions and other accepted language tests).
• Computer literacy is essential: we use a virtual learning platform and digital tools in our education and assignments and exams are conducted online.

The number of places in this programme is limited. Because there are always more applicants than places in the course, a selection must be made of those meeting the above mentioned criteria. The selection committee takes into account country of origin, experience and professional background in order to compose a group with a mixture of professional and geographical backgrounds.

Application procedure

The application deadline is two months before the start of the course (unless you need a visa, then it is due 3 months before start of the course).

Please upload your application online.

The following documents should be uploaded:

• A one-page letter of motivation
• Copies of your diplomas
• Copies of academic transcripts, that are part of your diploma
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae and a list of publications if applicable
• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable, see exemptions below)

What we expect from your motivation letter:

Please indicate in your motivation letter why you want to follow this specific course, why you want to follow the course at KIT Amsterdam, what do you expect to learn and how you will apply your newly gained competencies from the course in your work, what kind of benefits will it bring to your future career, etc. Describe a relevant problem you have experienced in the last two years that you would like to discuss during this specific course. Your motivation should be about ½-1 page. Please do not repeat your CV again.

Exceptions English proficiency test
Applicants who are exempted from the proof of English language proficiency:

• completed an English-taught secondary or higher education degree in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, Philippines, India, Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or
• have earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an English-taught programme accredited by NVAO in the Netherlands, or have earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an accredited English-taught programme in another member state of the European Union
• Note: For Dutch participants academic training is sufficient.

According to the Code of Conduct for International Students in Higher Education the educational institute will determine the minimum language requirements that the international student must meet and make sure that they have satisfied these requirements. The scores as mentioned below are the minimum requirements.

TOEFL paper based test: minimum 550
TOEFL Internet based test minimum: 80
TOEFL computer based test: minimum 213
TOEIC Listening and reading minimum 865, Speaking and writing minimum 335
TOEFL iBT Traditional & Paper Edition 80
IELTS Academic score 6.0

Please note that candidates must take the Academic test and not the General one.

Other accepted language tests (taken in an examination centre!)

Cambridge English: First (FCE) – Grade B (scale 173 – 175) First (FCE) – Grade C (scale 169 – 172)

LanguageCert (Academic) 65

Pearson (PTE Academic) 61

The only online language test that we can accept is TOEFL iBT Home Edition. This online language test may only be administered as an exception. An exception is when the applicant cannot use a regular language test (see above) because the onsite language test centre cannot be reached or is closed because of unsafe situations in that country.

TOEFL iBT Home Edition 80

For more details about TOEFL, IELTS or one of the other language tests, please check the websites below:

https://www.ets.org/toefl.html
http://www.ielts.org/
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/first/
https://www.languagecert.org/en
https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academic

Please note: We only accept official test results which are not older than 2 years!

Note: Participants with a source of guaranteed financing have until 1st of July of the starting year of their studies to apply to the master programme. However, the course is often already full. Also visa applications are time-consuming and can take several months to process. Therefore candidates are therefore advised to apply and complete the financial process as early as possible.

Visa requirements

Citizens of most EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands. Visit the Nuffic website for the latest information on visa requirements.

Participants from other countries who will stay for longer than three months in the Netherlands will need a visa and residence permit. This visa should be applied for through KIT.

Participants admitted to the course will receive detailed information as well as a list of documents KIT requires to secure their visa. Applicants should take into account that in some countries this procedure may take several months.

Insurance requirements

The Netherlands has no national health insurance. According to Dutch law, all participants of international courses and any accompanying dependents are required to have health, accident and third party insurance.

Unless their current insurance policy covers their stay in the Netherlands, participants must insure themselves and their dependents in the Netherlands. Dutch insurance companies offer reasonable rates to foreign students. KIT can assist with arranging insurance for participants.

European Credit

The European Credit Transfer System (EC) facilitates the transfer of course credits between different institutions of the same academic level. A module comprising 28 hours of formal teaching and private study is equivalent to one EC credit point.

Accreditation

The Master of Public Health and Health Equity (MPH-HE) is organised by KIT Institute and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and is accredited under VU by the Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO) under CROHO code 70229.

Code of Conduct

KIT Institute follows the Code of Conduct International Student in Dutch Higher Education. By signing the Code of Conduct, the institutions of higher education oblige themselves to offer international students education of good quality.

• Full document of the Code of Conduct Rules and Regulations
• More information on complaints procedures.

In addition KIT has a formal complaint procedure in place that is fully in line with the Code of Conduct and guidelines of VU. Students receive these complaints procedures in the KIT Study Guide and exam regulations before the start of the academic year.

Funding

The arrangement of financial support to cover all study costs is the responsibility of the applicant.

Some candidates are sponsored by their own governments, universities or employers while others apply for fellowships offered through the United Nations and its specialised agencies such as UNICEF, WHO, WB, UNDP or through other international programmes, such as those of OECD, EU or OAS. There are scholarship opportunities from World Bank, MENA and KIT Fund. For more information on these and other possibilities,  go to the KIT scholarship web page.

Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)

Unfortunately the OKP programme has ended. For 2024-2025 there are no scholarship rounds.

• Up-to-date approach to complex public health issues
• Practice-oriented
• Exchange between disciplines
• Interactive Education
• Development of personal and professional competencies
• Network building

• Participants from diverse backgrounds and countries
• Personal tutoring
• Teaching by highly qualified specialists
• Positively reviewed by tropEd
• KIT: international centre of excellence in international health and development
• Accredited by NVAO