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Genes in Behaviour and Health (Research), Master Degree, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

the Netherlands

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Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
Master DegreeFull-time2 yearsSeptemberEUR 2694 per yearEUR 17480 per year

About Genes in Behaviour and Health (Research), Master Degree - at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Nature and nurture: how do they interact and correlate? Is health and wellbeing in our genes or is the environment the most important source of differences between people? And can we use DNA to predict our health?

Both twin studies and molecular genetic studies have highlighted the influence of our genetic code on behaviour and health. To adequately understand and influence behaviour and health, we need to increase our knowledge of the way our genes play their part, by themselves and when interacting with our environment.

During the two-year Genes in Behaviour and Health Research Master's programme, you'll delve into these questions in depth to understand the influence of our genetic code on behaviour and health.

Learn more about Genes in Behaviour and Health (Research), Master Degree - at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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Entry requirements

We are looking for highly motivated students with an interest in the application of genetics in the behavioural or health sciences, with sufficient background in statistics, biology and psychology.

The general requirements for admission to the Research Master's programme are:

  • An academic Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Educational Science or a closely related subject area
  • An active interest in research as demonstrated in research oriented courses, internships and/or thesis
  • Education must have included research oriented courses (methods, statistics) (12 EC)
  • Good average grades. Your average grade for your academic bachelor's is 7.5 or higher (or the international equivalent, e.g. a B+ or a GPA of 3.3). In its assessment, the admission board focuses at the grades obtained for courses on statistics, research methods, courses related to more biologically orientated courses (biological psychology, neuropsychology, neuroscience, genetics) and thesis. Please note: Exceptions are possible for students who demonstrate a great motivation for the Research Master Genes in Behaviour and Health.
  • Highly motivated as demonstrated by motivation letter.
  • Proficiency in English. English language skills for those who did not follow earlier English-language education will need to be demonstrated, as reaching an IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL paper-based test score of 580, a TOEFL Internet-based test score of 92-93 or Cambridge Advanced English classification of A , B or C.

The Admissions Board will evaluate your application, which includes a written motivation and two letters of reference.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Need financial assistance? Read about scholarships: Scholarships for Master's programmes

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Masters Webinar

Each year, we organise an online session for aspiring Master's students that covers everything you need to know about the application process and beyond. This year, the International Master's webinar took place on Tuesday, October 15, at 16:00 (CET). You can watch the recordings all year.

During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Discover what it is like to study at VU Amsterdam;
  • Learn everything you need to know about the admission and application process;
  • Get the latest insights on scholarship opportunities;
  • Hear first-hand experiences from one of our current international students about being a student in the Netherlands' dynamic capital city.

Register here

Bachelors Webinar

Each year we organise an online session for aspiring Bachelor's students that covers all you need to know about the application process and beyond. This year, the International Bachelor's webinar took place on Thursday 24 October at 16:00 (CET). You can watch the recorder version all year.

During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Discover what it is like to study at VU Amsterdam;
  • Learn everything you need to know about the admission and application process;
  • Ask all your questions about the housing market in Amsterdam;
  • Hear first-hand experiences from one of our current international students about being a student in the Netherlands' dynamic capital city.

Register here

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View all 183 courses at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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