Philosophy, Bioethics and Health Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Overview

What are the ethical considerations behind palliative care and euthanasia? Where do we draw the line between preventing serious handicaps in children and creating “designer babies”? Who determines whether a patient’s personality has changed after neurological surgery?

The field of bioethics has surged in recent years due to breakthroughs in medicine and technological advances. But these have also led to new and puzzling questions – not just for scientists and doctors but for society as a whole.

This Philosophy, Bioethics and Health programme from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is especially designed for students with a health-related background – such as health sciences, medicine, psychology or biomedical sciences – and a deep interest in the ethics behind medicine and health. 

It’s a challenging proposition because you’ll follow another Master’s programme at the same time, meaning that you can come out with two Master’s degrees – one in Philosophy and another in a health-related subject. A unique selling point, as you’ll have an all-round training that’s both broad and deep – as well as being a very attractive offer for future employers, like healthcare organizations. 

Various job opportunities

Graduates from the programme have gone on to do many different things: some have obtained PhD positions at VU Amsterdam, VU Medical Centre or other universities. Some have become researchers – for example at the Rathenau Institute, a technology assessment organisation. 

Some have gone on to work as clinical ethicists or advisors to the management and board within healthcare organisations, health insurance companies, medical ethical committees and other organisations dealing with societal and ethical issues in healthcare. And others have become policymakers for government departments.