Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, making a deeper understanding of their underlying mechanisms essential for improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The track is closely embedded in Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), connecting you to a broad community of basic and clinical researchers across Amsterdam UMC. Through your courses, research projects and electives, you can shape your own scientific profile and develop towards becoming an independent cardiovascular researcher.  

Is Cardiovascular Sciences right for you? 

This track will suit you if you: 

• Are fascinated by how the heart and vasculature develop, function and interact; 
• want to understand the fundamental mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease;  
• enjoy asking scientific questions and finding ways to answer them;  
• are curious, driven and willing to take initiative in your own research;  
• want close contact with researchers while developing the independence expected of a scientist.  

One track, many research directions 

Cardiovascular Sciences gives your MSc a clear focus without limiting you to one narrowly defined area. Within ACS, cardiovascular research ranges from vascular inflammation and aortic disease to cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, heart failure, diabetes, hypertension and pulmonary vascular disease. Your research projects give you the opportunity to explore where within this spectrum your own interests lie.  

The track is part of the Master's in Biomedical Sciences: Medical Biology, a two-year, full-time programme of 120 EC. 

Why cardiovascular research matters 

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Better understanding of the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms behind these diseases is essential to develop new approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. In Amsterdam, you study these questions in an environment where fundamental cardiovascular research is closely connected to clinical expertise and patient-related research.