After graduation
Here you can read about possible Master鈥檚 programmes, PhD research, future employers and possible careers.
With an internationally recognised Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, you can enter one of the Master鈥檚 degree programmes at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视, such as Drug Innovation, Neuroscience and Cognition, Infection and Immunity, Science and Business Management, or similar programmes at other universities anywhere in the world.
Do you want to know how you can predict the effectiveness of different medical treatments? How can you use social media data to detect the emergence of extremist behaviour? How can you predict environmental conditions using camera data? Or how you can find out the wants and needs of the audience, so you can tailor content to them?
In this one-year fast-paced academic Master鈥檚 programme, you鈥檒l learn how to apply data science techniques in five different focus domains (Health Science, Economics, Geoscience, Social and Behavioural Science and Media Studies). This knowledge will be combined with your own domain-specific knowledge to create considerable added value.
Are you fascinated by the possibilities of 3D printing? Do you want to know more about its applications in the medical field?
Study 3D printing technology with a biomedical approach. Biofabrication combines advanced fabrication techniques with biological systems to prepare designed tissue constructs. You will be equipped with a toolbox to innovate within this multidisciplinary field, and become an expert with thorough understanding as well as operational experience of processes such as 3D bioprinting, biomaterials, 3D cell culturing, computer models and imaging.
Do you want to know how you can discover novel genes that cause a particular disease? How you can understand the origin and functioning of complex life on earth? How can you develop or apply computational algorithms to answer these questions by harnessing the wealth of biological big data?
The Master鈥檚 programme consists of two components: Bioinformatics and Biocomplexity. Bioinformatics is used to analyse the multitude of biological 'big data' that originate from observations and experiments investigating living matter. Biocomplexity is focused on developing mathematical and computational models to simulate these processes and thereby unravel the building blocks and interactions responsible for the observed dynamic behaviour. By bringing these disciplines together, we offer you the opportunity to learn two highly powerful and complementary approaches to study the most complex system on our planet: life.
What can we learn from blood vessel systems in relation to crowd control and solutions for traffic jams? How do the compound eyes of insects reduce light pollution? How can we create a building functioning like a living organism or ecosystem? How to make the world more circular and sustainable by learning from nature?
This Master's programme is for students with an interest in design, research and systems-thinking. The first year of the programme is research-based, while the second year focuses on the application of knowledge in innovation.
Do you have a clear and specific interest in cancer, stem cells or developmental biology? This programme combines research in oncology, molecular developmental biology and genetics. Discover the mysteries of embryonic growth, stem cells, signalling, gene regulation, evolution, and development as they relate to health and disease.
Given that fundamental developmental processes are so often impacted by disease, an understanding of these processes is vital to the better understanding of disease treatment and prevention. Adult physiology is regulated by developmental genes and mechanisms which, if deregulated, may result in pathological conditions.
Read more about Cancer, Stem Cells and Developmental Biology
Cardiovascular diseases are a major burden worldwide. This programme challenges you to reduce this burden by unravelling cardiovascular disease mechanisms, developing treatments and therapies, and investigate riskmanagement and preventive strategies.
Cardiovascular Health and Disease positions you at the cutting edge of basic and clinical science, in the cardiovascular research field. You study the cardiovascular system in the broadest sense and learn to conduct cardiovascular-related research on a basic, translational, or (pre)clinical level.
Societal challenges are incorporated in this Master鈥檚 programme, such as diversity, health equity, development of animal-free models, prevention, and patient participation in cardiovascular research.
Do you want to know how you can develop new drugs to combat drug-resistant microorganisms? Reducing the side effects of treatment by finding new ways to deliver drugs directly onto the tumor? Or how you can update and speed up the drug regulatory process?
Drug innovation is an interdisciplinary field, which pulls together expertise from the bioinformatics, chemical, biological, physical, and medical sciences. This interdisciplinarity is key to the search for new solutions to currently incurable diseases.
You become skilled in the development of new vaccines, gene therapeutics, the application of organoids, and medical nutrition. Additionally, you are trained to establish new methods and criteria for evaluating the quality, efficacy, safety, and performance of drugs.
Make a difference in health care. With evidence-based medicine setting new standards, highly trained academic specialists are needed for the design, data collection, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological and health research.
The Master鈥檚 programme Epidemiology is an excellent opportunity if you have a strong interest in applied medical or biomedical research, as well as human or veterinary medicine. Examine the distribution and determinants of health and morbidity in specific populations. This scientific discipline is increasingly in demand in clinical research, industry and policymaking.
Dutch-taught programme to become a pharmacist.
Het onderwijsprogramma is opgebouwd rond de kerntaken van de apotheker in de zorg, de industrie en het onderzoek: medicatiebegeleiding, medicatiebeleid, bereiden, beheren en afleveren van geneesmiddelen en de farmaceutische bedrijfsvoering. Het programma kenmerkt zich door multidisciplinaire blokken, een vroege kennismaking met de praktijk, een onderzoeksstage en de keuze voor een geneesmiddel- of pati毛ntprofiel.
Je krijgt te maken met de meest recente ontwikkelingen in het farmaceutische vakgebied die relevant zijn voor de beroepspraktijk. Activerende onderwijsvormen zoals probleemgestuurd onderwijs en projectonderwijs staan centraal.
Are you interested in both health issues and environmental impact on health, and can't choose? This Master combines both in this interdisciplinary programme which includes one of three in-depth tracks: Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology and Exposure Science or One Health.
Health and environment are undeniably strongly related. Global trends, such as climate change, chemical pollution, biodiversity loss, urbanisation and deforestation pose grand challenges to society as a whole. What these challenges have in common is that they are serious threats to human, veterinary, wildlife, and ecosystem health
Do you want to know what science means for society, especially in these times? Do you want to study a variety of disciplines and figure out their underlying systems of thought? Learn about the theory behind the theory? And are you always asking the next question and looking for the bigger picture?
The two-year Master鈥檚 programme History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) offers a unique opportunity to study the foundations, practices, and culture of the sciences and humanities. The programme combines historical and philosophical perspectives to study past and present science. In addition the fundamental structure of theories such as general relativity, quantum mechanics, evolution, and genetics are covered.
Well-trained and creative minds help us solve the public health problems of the future. Do you see yourself tackling the increasing incidences of allergies and autoimmune disease, working on emerging infections such as SARS-CoV2 and MRSA? Would you like to spend time on developing personalised medicine to treat cancer or chronic inflammatory diseases?
Emerging infectious are a threat to human and animal well-being. An increasing number of allergies and chronic inflammatory diseases have major impact on individuals and society as a whole. Knowledge of the immune system provides you with the know-how to develop potential health care solutions for cancer, transplantation and downregulation of a hyperactive immune system as for example in rheumatoid arthritis.
This Master鈥檚 programme covers a variety of topics such as fundamental and clinical immunology, vaccines, immunotherapy, mechanisms of infectious diseases, molecular epidemiology of infections, virulence factors of microorganisms, and resistance to treatment. You contribute to the accumulation of knowledge that is directly or indirectly leading to faster diagnosis of diseases and better treatment options.
Innovation is the engine that drives progress. It opens doors to exciting new opportunities, fuels sustainable economic growth and offers powerful solutions to some of the world鈥檚 biggest challenges 鈥 like climate change, food security and sustainable health.
In this two-year Master鈥檚 programme, you will learn how new ideas, knowledge, and technologies are transformed into marketable products and services. You will analyse innovation management in companies, as well as how companies together with governments, universities, NGOs, etc. drive innovations.
This interdisciplinary programme is of particular interest to students with a background in technology, natural sciences, life sciences or industrial engineering, who wish to extend their technical background with knowledge on innovation and societal challenges. Further, the programme is also highly relevant for students with a background in management and economics.
The field of medical imaging is evolving rapidly, since diagnosis and treatment are increasingly supported by imaging procedures. The Medical Imaging Master鈥檚 programme combines elements from physics, mathematics, computer science, biomedical engineering, biology and clinical medicine. Master鈥檚 students will attain a high level of knowledge and skills in various areas of medical imaging, such as image acquisition physics, quantitative image analysis including artificial intelligence/deep learning, computer-aided diagnosis, and image-guided interventions.
The programme is offered in close collaboration between the imaging division of the and . Two leading organizations at the forefront of health care and technology. This collaboration tops a solid technological basis with strong links to research performed in a clinical setting.
Do you want to know how organisms function, develop, and interact with their environment? How you can understand and advance our knowledge of cellular processes at the molecular level? Or how you can develop advanced experimental and computational methods to study biomolecules or biological processes?
The Master鈥檚 programme Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences (MCLS) is research oriented and takes a multidisciplinary approach to study molecules related to health and disease in cells and organisms. Although, thematic research often has a fundamental character, such as the study of protein folding or cellular dynamics, it can also have a more applied character: such as the development of new strategies for crop improvement or the 'development' of enzymes to be used in industry. By the end of the programme you will be ready to start a career in biochemical, biomedical, and biotechnological research.
Neuroscience and cognition trains you to become a multidisciplinary neuro and/or cognition scientist, fully equipped to face the challenges of modern research in the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience and cognition. With ample knowledge of the scope of brain and cognitive functioning, you will be prepared to join an international research team investigating the most complex organ of our body.
During the Master's programme of Neuroscience and Cognition you will develop the ability to synthesise information from different disciplines in order to plan experiments; to collect, interpret, and analyse data; and to better understand how the brain functions. A basic function, such as sight, can demonstrate the complexity of neuroscience. Many elements of the brain and other processes are involved when you see something familiar, including cognition (the ability to recognise something), plasticity of neurons (the ability to remember), signal transduction (鈥渢ranslating鈥 what you see), and behaviour (acting because of what you see).
Pick Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience or Cognitive Neuroscience as your track of choice and explore fundamental principles and techniques. You get to work in multidisciplinary teams together with students from various bachelor backgrounds such as Biomedical Sciences, Neuro- and Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, or Artificial Intelligence.
This Master鈥檚 combines fundamental disciplines such as stem cell biology, materials science and biomechanics with more applied disciplines such as cell therapy, implantations and imaging. New collaborations amongst these disciplines assist in innovation in fundamental life sciences research but also in new patient therapies and clinical applications with the ultimate goal to restore lost tissue or organ function.
Regenerative Medicine and Technology is a cooperation between Utrecht 木瓜福利影视, the and the at Eindhoven 木瓜福利影视 of Technology (TU/e). The combined expertise, various state-of-the-art laboratories and research groups equip you with an understanding of processes ranging from specific cell culturing techniques, the use of biomaterials to computer models and imaging modalities.
Do you want to know how you can take scientific research and products to the market? How you can apply your scientific knowledge in commercial companies? Or how you can combine your passion for science and business?
A solid understanding of science is essential to bring science-based products to the market. In this Master's, you will build on your academic background in science while adding knowledge of business processes and practical skills for commercial settings. Importantly, you will also focus on the strategic value and applicability of scientific research. The programme will equip you with the knowledge and tools to identify, manage, and overcome problems that arise in each phase of an innovation process.
The first year comprises a science-focused programme, in which you will receive training in a research environment within your area of expertise. In the second year you will obtain business management skills and learn about operations management, organization and strategic management, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship and effective communication in a business environment. You will apply your skills at the final stage of the Master's, during an internship at a national or international company of your choice. Read more about Science and Business Management
Do you have solid knowledge when it comes to one of the sciences? Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge and would you like to deepen your insight into education and communication processes?
This Master鈥檚 programme offers two tracks:
- Research and Development in Science Education and Communication; In this programme, you will gain theoretical insights and practical skills in both formal and informal educational practices. Your science discipline will be put in a broader societal perspective, and you will develop your own views on how your discipline should be relevant to secondary education and to the public at large
- Teacher Degree (in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science). This two-year Master's programme (120 EC) will train you to become a first-degree teacher in secondary education. This means that you can work in all classes of secondary education (vmbo/havo/vwo), senior secondary vocational education and adult education.
Dutch-taught medicine and medicine research programme.
SUMMA is een vierjarige master die je opleidt tot arts 茅n klinisch onderzoeker. Het onderwijs biedt naast medische theorie en praktijk daarom ook een stevige onderzoekscomponent. Na de master ben je basisarts 茅n klinisch onderzoeker en bij uitstek geschikt om pati毛ntenzorg en wetenschappelijk onderzoek te combineren.
De eerste drie jaar raak je vertrouwd met de wijze waarop artsen informatie verzamelen en verwerken en vervolgens tot een diagnose, behandelplan, advies en prognose komen. Bijzonder aan de opleiding is dat je vanaf het begin in aanraking komt met de praktijk. Je leert aan de hand van echte pati毛nten en hun verhalen. In het vierde jaar krijg je in de semi-arts stage een meer verantwoordelijke en zelfstandige rol.
Voor je wetenschappelijke vorming is het niet alleen van belang dat je nieuwe ontwikkelingen in de geneeskunde volgt en snel op waarde kan schatten, maar ook dat je er zelf aan kunt bijdragen. De vragen die spelen binnen de dagelijkse gezondheidszorg leer je vertalen naar zowel klinisch als fundamenteel wetenschappelijk onderzoek en in te passen in de zorg. Jij vormt de schakel tussen klinische praktijk en theorie.
Businesses increasingly face significant challenges and opportunities related to environmental and social issues such as climate change, energy and water use, human rights, sustainable resource use and global land use. Business stakeholders 鈥 such as governments, shareholders, business customers, local communities, consumers, employees, and NGOs 鈥 are increasingly demanding that companies become more focused on sustainability for themselves and the communities they impact.
The Sustainable Business and Innovation programme offers you a challenging multidisciplinary setting in which to become a sustainability change agent. As a sustainability change agent, you will understand how to help business and organisations in their journey toward making societies more sustainable.
PhD research
Once you have finished your Master鈥檚 and would like to continue as a researcher, it is customary to become a PhD student. This means that you will publish a doctoral thesis about your research that you will defend before a committee. Afterwards, you can use the title PhD behind your name. PhD students make an important contribution to academic research. A PhD project lasts four years and during these four years you will receive a salary.
Future employers
After their Master鈥檚 and possibly a PhD, CPS graduates have been employed in these fields:
- Universities and academic hospitals
- Pharmaceutical or biomedical (research) institutes such as the Dutch Cancer Institute and the Dutch Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- (Dutch) offices of pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies such as AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genmab, GSK, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Lundbeck, Merck Group, Novartis, ProQR Therapeutics and en Tiofarma
- Companies linked to the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry such as 3mensio Medical Imaging, Aescap, Cytel, IQVIA, Medstone Science, PNO Innovation Netherlands and ProPharma
- The Medicine Evaluation Board (), that assesses if medicines can be allowed on the market
- Government institutes such as
Possible careers
Possible career opportunities after finishing CPS followed by a Master鈥檚 degree (and possibly combined with a doctorate) are:
- Biomedical or pharmaceutical researcher
- Medicinal chemist
- (Pharmaco)-epidemiologist
- Clinical research associate
- Medicines regulator
- Science-related professions: teacher, journalist, manager, administrator
That investigative thought process is ideally suited to the ambiguous nature of the life of a consultant: when a project starts, you often don鈥檛 even know what the assignment will be.