https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/AM_471123During Internship II the student applies competences acquired to a research project on a higher level of complexity of the issue studied and research methods used and exercises greater independence in the conduct of the research than in the first internship. More specifically, during internship II:The student learns to independently conduct scientific research.The student improves their capacities regarding the independent search for scientific information and the evaluation/ assessment hereof for use in the context of their own research question.The student improves their ability to apply scientific methods and knowledge, to answer research questions and to generate evidence‐based knowledge.The student improves their ability to formulate a research question, to choose, to implement and to evaluate the (appropriate) research method, and to phrase the obtained results in report.The student improves their ability to cooperate with researchers of various disciplines.The student improves their ability to orally present the research results and to discuss the findings.The student obtains a good impression of a potential future field of career.The internship is a compulsory part of the Master MPA. The duration of the internship is 5 months (30 EC). An internship placement must provide the student with the opportunity to learn how to conduct research under supervision. The onsite supervisor of the internship is linked to an academic or research institution. Internships can be done at various locations such as the government organizations (e.g., the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports, the Public Health Inspectorate, the Health Council), medical or sustainability organizations such as the municipality health service (GGD), consultancies, industry organisations, and several research institutes, such as universities or e.g. the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) or the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL). An internship typically has three phasesIn the first phase, you write your research proposal consisting of an introduction, background, theoretical/conceptual framework, research questions and your research methodology.In the second phase, you collect your (qualitative and/or quantitative) data.In the third phase, you do your final analysis and present your findings both orally and in a report. The presentation seminar is a compulsory part of this third phase.Research internshipReport: grade 1-10, weight = 55% Oral presentation: grade 1-10, weight = 15% Execution: grade 1-10, weight = 30% Attitude: pass/fail Within six weeks after the start of the master internship, an interim evaluation will take place to assess whether there is a reasonable chance of the placement being brought to a successful completion. The internship is supervised and assessed by two lecturers. Both lecturers are members of the academic staff at VU University Amsterdam. The onsite supervision can be carried out by a PhD candidate, postdoc or researcher.Students MSc MPA year 2Participation in this compulsory component is only permitted if the student meets the relevant requirements for admission. These requirements are detailed in the Internship guideline MPA (on Canvas) and in the Academic and Examination Regulations. The work-based placement is subject to the BETA Faculty document: “Student placement (internship) and literature regulations”. These regulations state that internships can only start when the draft research proposal and application and agreement form is approved and signed by the specialization coordinator. If the draft proposal is of sufficient quality, you can start your internship. If not, you’ll need to adapt your draft proposal and send it for approval again. You can only start your internship after your draft research design has been approved. Information on Master internships is made available on Canvas.