A health scientist is aiming to increase the efficiency and/or effectiveness of healthcare by studying healthcare processes at three levels: (1) patient, (2) organization, (3) healthcare system. Results of this evaluation may be converted into customized healthcare solutions and in this way healthcare processes may be (re) designed, implemented and evaluated. What is the best way to make a diagnosis? How to optimize the healthcare process for the patient? What is the best treatment and how can new technologies contribute? These are questions that you will answer while taking this minor. Since the unique motto of the University of Twente is ‘High Tech Human Touch’ you will be able to define the value of technology within the healthcare from a multi-disciplinary perspective of relevant stakeholders.

This transfer minor dominantly aims at preparing you for the master of science (MSc) degree programme Health Sciences (see also Entry requirements below). 

3rd Quartile (Taught in English)

Course 1 (5 EC): eHealth development in context (202100284)

The course starts with a general introduction to eHealth. What is it? What kinds of eHealth exist? And what are benefits of and barriers for eHealth technology? The CeHRes Roadmap offers a framework for a human-centered and iterative development process, that makes use of persuasive design to support users in achieving sustainable behaviour change. Based on the CeHRes Roadmap, we discuss the different stages of development and design of technologies to change behaviour. In doing so, we pay attention to some of the most influential theories and models for eHealth development and implementation. In this course, (online) lectures are given, in which the theory is not only explained, also examples of practical applications of that theoretical knowledge are provided.

Course 2 (5EC): Research Methodology and Descriptive Statistics (202001402)

This course introduces the basic principles of empirical research in the social sciences. The role of research in the context of the empirical cycle (i.e. testing theories) and research in the context of problem solving and design will be discussed. Students will learn to formulate clear and answerable empirical research questions. They will also learn to select from various correlational and experimental research designs and different data collection methods to answer these research questions. During the course, students will develop a first understanding of the concepts of validity and reliability, and will comprehend factors that may undermine (measurement/internal/external) validity of research. Finally, they will get a basic understanding of descriptive and inferential data.

Course 3 (5EC): Economic Analysis and Evaluation in Healthcare (202100266)

This module will consist of two parts (1) Healthcare Economics and financing and (2) Economic Evaluation in Healthcare

A. Healthcare Economics and Financing

The course Healthcare Economics and Financing introduces students to the principles and core concepts of economics applied to the healthcare sector. By recognizing the importance of scarcity and incentives, this course will focus on the critical economic issues in producing, financing and delivering healthcare. In particular, the course will analyze the determinants of demand for healthcare, the role of physicians in guiding and shaping the allocation of resources in medical care markets; and how healthcare resources are generated, pooled and used to purchase services.

 B. Economic Evaluation in Healthcare

The course Economic Evaluation in Healthcare provides an understanding of the basic principles of health economic evaluation (in particular cost-effectiveness analysis) in the context of welfare economics. It will help the student understand the various approaches to economic evaluation together with their strengths and weaknesses. An in-depth assessment is made of available methods (cost-minimization, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, cost-benefit) and the development of skills such as performing a critical appraisal of published economic evaluations, designing an economic evaluation study, and developing a (simple) health economic model.

4th Quartile (Taught in Dutch)

Optimalisatie van de zorg (202100325) 15 EC

Het liefst biedt de zorgsector elke patiënt de best mogelijke zorg zonder wachttijden, tegen lage kosten of zelfs gratis. Helaas kan dat niet en moet de zorgsector compromissen sluiten. Deze module gaat over de volgende vraag: wat is optimale zorg en hoe kunnen we dit het beste organiseren? In deze module worden verschillende onderdelen theoretisch besproken: (1) kwaliteit en veiligheid, (2) operations management in de zorg, (3) zorginformatiesystemen, (4) strategisch personeelsmanagement en (5) project, practicum en stage. De theorie (1-4) geeft je inzicht in het goed organiseren van processen. In het project, practicum en stage pas je de kennis toe verkregen in de vakken.

To enter this transfer minor, you need to have completed 120 EC’s in your current bachelor program. Besides, you need to provide a recent grade overview which is signed by the institute you are currently studying at. Without this information your application cannot be processed.

We expect that you are competent in English and math at a level of student from pre-university secondary school (‘vwo’) in the Netherlands. We do not provide language or math testing prior to admission, this is your own responsibility. We advise you to take a refreshing course if you do not feel competent about your English/math level.

For those who want to pursue the master Health Sciences, please notice the following:
In order to determine whether your current study is sufficiently related to health science, please check: https://doorstroommatrix.nl/and check the master Health Sciences website for the full program https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/master/programmes/health-sciences/. For those whose current bachelor’s study involves a non-related programme, admission is determined on an individual basis by the HS Admission Board.

The most up-to-date information about the courses  and the literature which will be used in the course can be found in Osiris. 

• This full time transferminor of 30 EC's covers 1 semester.
• Each Quartile lasts 10 weeks.

202001402 (5 EC): 2 exams (average grade leads to final grade)

201800481 (5 EC): Exam & Project work

202100325 (15 EC): Exams & Project work

202000872 (5 EC): Exam

Please send by email to a.h.prins@utwente.nl:

1. Your learning agreement, signed by you and the exam committee;

2. A recent grade list including obtained EC's.

Send us the complete document, otherwise we cannnot process your learning agreement.