Health, Ageing and Society (MSc)

Parttime programme

Since 2021, our Master's programme is also available in a part-time format. This option allows students to engage in 2-3 days of self-study per week, with one dedicated day on campus. The programme is spread over a period of two years, offering a structured approach to advanced education while providing flexibility for students.

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.

HAS parttime | student experiences

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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

Skills training, working groups, and mentoring sessions are primarily held on campus every Friday. Occasionally, lectures are also scheduled on these days. Fridays are dedicated to assignment presentations, encompassing both individual and group work. Students are expected to attend these on-campus sessions, as in-person interactions significantly enhance the learning experience. Additionally, recordings of all lectures are available for students to watch at home as self-study material.

Part of the programme is followed together with the fulltime students. This could include excursions, debates, meetings with the Older Person Advisory Elderly Board, etc.

Take a look at the course content for further details about the programme.

Want to start in February?

It is possible to start the master's programme in February. The programme will be slighty different than when you start in September. Click here for more information or see the FAQ's on this topic.

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
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