Population Health Management (MSc)
“I gained a broader view of public health”
Starting next academic year, part of the master's in Population Health Management will be available at the University of Birmingham in England. What is the advantage of studying at both universities? Master's student Ferdiko Hutamadella studied in Birmingham as well as Leiden before the partnership and tells more.
Why did you want to study Population Health Management?
“I wanted to gain experience both in the clinical field and in healthcare management. On Leiden University's website, I saw that the master's had combined these aspects, so I also learn more about data science, governance and syndemics. Syndemics means that people can have multiple diseases at the same time that, in the context of inequality, can reinforce each other in a negative way. This master's program has a little bit of everything needed in healthcare. I can use this later as a healthcare professional in Indonesia, where I am from.”
Why did you want to do part of your master's in Birmingham?
“In Birmingham they give an even broader view of public health. For example, what I'm very interested in myself is global health. That's about cooperation between different countries, for example in the field of vaccine distribution. You also learn more about scientific publications, health economics and there are more courses on epidemiology. Health economics is very interesting because it is a challenge to understand the benefits of health outcomes on the economy. We still like to underestimate those benefits sometimes.”
What did you like most about studying at Birmingham?
“The campus is fantastic! They have their own area with buildings and housing for students. The library is open 24 hours a day. They even have a blanket for when you stay overnight! In addition, they teach academic English to improve it and you can practice your communication skills, such as how to deliver arguments well. Even though the campus is outside the center of Birmingham, the university has its own train station. You are in the city center within 5 to 10 minutes.”
What are your future plans?
“I want to finish my master's first and then maybe work in the Netherlands for a while through an orientation year. After that, I want to specialize in Indonesia. My dream is to become an ophthalmologist. I hope to later work both in the clinic and involve the elements from the master's in Population Health Management in my work.”
What elements do you think about?
“One is to not see the patient as a number, but also to look at the context. That social aspect alongside the medical aspect is very important. And that there is not one way to solve health problems, but that there are always multiple sides to it. Moreover, it's important to be honest when something doesn't go well, evaluate and see how you can do it better.”
Do you have any tips for students who want to do part of their master's in Birmingham?
“Contact study advisor as soon as possible. And if you want to visit other cities like London, Manchester or Edinburgh, the rail card is very useful. You can use it for a year with a discount.”
From September 2025 Leiden University offers the possibility to combine the Master Population Health Management (PHM) at the Health Campus in the Hague with the Master of Public Health at the University of Birmingham. The Master of Public Health is all about preventative public healthcare, while the master Population Health Management looks at how the healthcare system works and could be improved. The University of Birmingham is a prestigious institution, consistently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide. Want to know more? Take a look here.