Anniversary: 10 Years of the Joint Master’s Program in Health Services Science

The 10th anniversary of the joint Master’s program in Health Services Research at the Institute for Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science (IMVR) was recently celebrated with a special anniversary symposium.

Health services research makes a central contribution to the evidence-based advancement of the healthcare system and to equity in healthcare. A master’s degree in Health Services Research provides the scientific and theoretical foundation and methodological expertise needed to apply health services research findings to science, practice, and policy. In light of demographic change, increasing resource scarcity, and growing societal skepticism toward scientific evidence, health services research is of particular importance today. With its scientific findings, it can help ensure sustainable, needs-based healthcare.

The University of Cologne recognized the importance of interdisciplinary health services research early on and established Germany’s first joint master’s program in health services research 10 years ago. The program is jointly offered through a unique inter-faculty partnership between the Faculty of Human Sciences, the Faculty of Medicine, and the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. It is led by Prof. Nicole Ernstmann (Faculty of Medicine) and Prof. Christian Heuser (Faculty of Human Sciences). Since its inception, the program has been very successful. Each year, approximately 80 interested applicants apply for a spot. Many of these are admitted, so that on average, about 30 students begin their studies each year in the winter semester.

This success was specially recognized on October 29, 2025, on the occasion of the program’s 10th anniversary. The Vice Rector for Teaching and Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Beatrix Busse, opened the event and emphasized in her welcoming remarks the growing systemic relevance of health services research. She underscored the value of interdisciplinary and cross-faculty collaboration to strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system in light of future societal challenges. Representatives from the three participating faculties also highlighted this central feature of the Cologne joint degree program in their welcoming remarks. Prof. Dr. Stephanie Stock spoke on behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Birgit Weber on behalf of the Faculty of Human Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Daniel Wiesen on behalf of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. All three praised the program’s success and the great commitment of the faculty and students. This was followed by an engaging program featuring academic presentations by internal and external guests. Particular mention should be made of the contribution of the program’s very active student council. It supports students through numerous events, information, and collaborative activities.  

Further information about the program can be found here. For questions regarding the program, please contact the Academic Office (lehrsekretariat-imvr@uk-koeln.de) or the program director, Prof. Dr. Christian Heuser (christian.heuser1@uk-koeln.de).

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