Health, Ageing and Society (MSc)
Parttime programme
Since 2021, the Master’s programme is available to follow parttime; a parttime degree programme involving 2-3 days per week, one of which is a set, mandatory day, spread over a period of two years.
Why a parttime programme?
Everyone has their own reason for opting for the 2-year variant. Health professionals can refresh or broaden their knowledge or start a career change. For example, more focus on older individuals, or in fact more focus on policy. The insight and the way of thinking can be applied immediately. Employers can encourage and advise employees to take up this Master’s in order to increase the professionalism of the employees and the organisation.
Programme and subjects
The content of the parttime programme (2 years) is the same as the fulltime variant (1 year). The table below gives an impression of the timetable for the students in 2023/2025 and 2024/2026.
Set-up of the programme
Recordings are available of all the lectures, so students can easily study in their own time and at their own pace. The skills trainings, working groups and mentoring sessions take place on campus on Fridays. This day is also used for presentations on assignments. Students are expected to attend these days on campus. After all, talking to each other in the classroom makes the learning much easier.
Part of the programme is followed together with the fulltime students. This could include excursions, symposia, meetings with the senior citizens of the Elderly Board, etc.
Take a look at the course content for further details about the programme.
Kirsten Klijnsma
Parttime student
"I have been working with older people since writing my thesis about different types of dementia a long time ago. I love working, helping and treating older people, but I see a lot of things that can and need to be changed in the care for older individuals. This master will give me the knowledge and skills to hopefully make some needed changes in the future."
Laura Klaassen
Parttime student
"During my work as a dietician, I experienced that I have an affinity for working with older individuals. This master seemed to me the perfect choice. Especially the combination of the different perspectives on growing older in good health, public health, and health management drew my attention. I like that I can follow the Masters part-time."
Isolde Spies
Kinesiologist, specialised in elderly movement programmes | Parttime V&A student
Interested and intrigued by the hallmarks of ageing is what initially attracted me to the Master's in Vitality and Ageing. Leiden University follows an interactive and physical approach between student and study subjects, and create snapshot experiences of ageing including weekly student collaboration.
I have personally followed a hands-on-approach in my career, therefore this Master's felt like a perfect fit. The possibility of following a parttime Master's has provided me with an opportunity to continue earning a living whilst improving my academic knowledge. The hybrid format and asynchronous lecture material makes it possible to easily follow from Canada, while still ensuring interaction and constructive collaboration with multi-professional fellow students.
It is evident that this degree will enable me to make positive changes to my methodology and approach when working with older clients as a kinesiologist/exercise physiologist which allows me to support and serve my active elderly community better. In addition, the university regularly shares exciting opportunities in the field of Gerontology.
So far I have thoroughly enjoyed being a parttime Master's student in Vitality and Ageing here at Leiden University.
More information
We have many answers to many questions!
- Email your question to masterhas@lumc.nl
- For upcoming events, meetings or other informative opportunities, see information activities