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Genes in Behaviour and Health (Research Master), 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 Degree	Full-time	2 years	September	EUR 2694 per year	EUR 17480 per year

About Genes in Behaviour and Health (Research Master), 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.

The interplay of genes and 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 causes of individual differences in behaviour and health and learn about the interplay of genes and environment.

Team of excellent researchers

You will be taught by an extraordinary group of top researchers.

Summer School

Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.

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

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Entry requirements

1. Academic requirements

Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years).

2. Programme specific requirements

An academic Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Educational Science, Biology, Sociology or a closely related subject area.
GPA of 7.5 (Dutch grading system) or international equivalent thereof (B or a GPA of 3.6). Students with a lower average grade may still be admitted. In its assessment, the admission board focuses at the grades obtained for courses on statistics, research methods, courses related to more biologically orientated courses and thesis. Please note: Exceptions are possible for students who demonstrate a great motivation for the Research Master Genes in Behaviour and Health.
12 ECTS in more biologically oriented courses (biological psychology, neuropsychology, neuroscience, genetics)
12 ECTS in research methods/statistics
Before we approve an application, there will be a 20-minute interview with the Genes in Behavior and Health admission committee, to get to know you as a student and to make sure that our study program fits your expectations. We advise you to prepare all questions that you have about the master and take a careful look at the study program beforehand.

3. English-language proficiency requirements

You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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

Student reviews of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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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.

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.