Master’s Research

Arranging the master’s research project 
Following the Methods of Research (MVO) block, you will arrange a master’s research project. On the Canvas overview page 'Zaken' you’ll find a manual on how to start your master’s research project in OSIRIS Zaak. Please consult the Education and Examination Regulations (OER) for all requirements regarding MVO and the research project. General information is also available on the EUR website. 

Application deadline and approval 
You choose your research project within a medical discipline and arrange it yourself with a receiving department. Approval from the central master’s research coordinator is always required beforehand. At least four weeks before your intended start date (either in the Netherlands or abroad), you must submit an approval request via OSIRIS Zaak. You can only register for the research project once all parts of your bachelor’s degree are completed and processed in OSIRIS. A selection of potential research topics is listed on Canvas under the heading 'Database with topics'. 

Position within the education program 
You may schedule your research project at the start or end of the master’s program. It can also be combined with your elective and/or senior clinical rotations. See the OER and the knowledge item 'Elective and senior clinical rotations' for more details. 

Mandatory preparatory education 
Before starting your research, you must have followed the Methods of Research block and participated in the corresponding exam. You do not need to pass the exam to begin your research, but you must pass it before graduating. All conditions are described in the OER. More information can be found in the knowledge item 'Methods of research'. 

Master’s research procedure 

• You arrange your master’s research project independently. You may choose from a list of suggested topics on Canvas, or submit your own research plan for a project either in the Netherlands or abroad.
• You register the research project (including abroad) via OSIRIS Zaak, accessible through OSIRIS. A manual is available on Canvas under the OSIRIS Zaken overview page. Your registration must be submitted no later than four weeks before the start of the research project.
• The application is assessed by the central master’s research coordinator, Dr. ir. Boersma. Feedback will be provided via OSIRIS Zaak.
• Your research project must begin after the MVO exam (teaching start date + 4 weeks). Participation in the MVO block (formerly MA1A) and the exam are prerequisites to begin.
• The research plan must be submitted via OSIRIS Zaak within four weeks after the start. You’ll find the form on the forms page in Canvas.
• The research project lasts 18 or 20 weeks, depending on the start of your clinical rotations (see Canvas for details). 
  Note: for students starting in cohort 3-2023 (academic year 2023–2024), the research duration is reduced from 20 to 18 weeks. See the item 'Geriatric Medicine rotation' for more info.
• Officially, the only permitted break is during the Christmas holiday. Planning other leave (up to two weeks)? Indicate this on the request form. For leave longer than two weeks, approval from the Examination Board is required (examencommissie@erasmusmc.nl).
• To prove the originality of your work, you must submit the final version of your thesis to Turnitin (via Canvas) for plagiarism checking. You need to enroll in the Turnitin course using the 'Join this course' button.
• Assessment forms and Turnitin are available via Canvas. General information is also available on the EUR website. 

Osiris Zaak 
 Have you submitted a case but it hasn’t yet been processed in OSIRIS and you need to change something (e.g., supervisor email or project dates)? Fill out a contactform for Education & Student Affairs and mention which change it concerns.
 
Having technical difficulties submitting a case? Send a screenshot of the issue to Education & Student Affairs so they can help effectively. 
 
If your supervisor didn’t receive the link to the case or can’t approve it, do not create a new case. Contact Education & Student Affairs to have them forward the case or assist with the approval process. 
 
Note! You are responsible for monitoring your application process and taking action if it stalls. Starting your research without permission is at your own risk. 

HiX 
In your OSIRIS Zaak application, you can indicate if you need HiX access for your master’s research. Education & Student Affairs will notify the HiX department of the required department and timeframe for your authorization. 
 
Using HiX for the first time? You will receive an invitation via your EMC account to complete HiX e-learning. This must be completed before your authorization is finalized. Didn’t receive the e-learning? Email hix.training@erasmusmc.nl. 
 
More HiX info can be found in the STiP item: HiX or Erasmus MC card for medical interns. 

Exemption from MVO 
Do you have an exemption from the MVO block and are starting the master’s research without an appointment yet? Fill out a contactform for Education & Student Affairs, and they will arrange an appointment for the research project. This appointment is required to obtain, for example, HiX access. 

Access to ‘My Workplace Erasmus MC’ 
Some departments allow part of the master’s research to be done from home. To work from home within the Erasmus MC network, you need access to 'My Workplace'. You must request this physically at the Servicedesk desk, located next to the entrance of the Education Centre (long white desk). You need: 

• Microsection number
• Mobile phone number
• Valid ID (ID card, passport, or driver’s license) 

You’ll find a manual on working via ‘My Workplace Erasmus MC’ on Canvas. 

Abroad 
It is possible* to do your master’s research abroad. Submit your request via OSIRIS Zaak. Various exchange programs are available. Need advice or a signature on an international form? Contact details are here.  
 
More information is also available in the STiP item: Studying/internships abroad. 

Travel and housing costs 
There is no reimbursement for travel or housing costs related to the master’s research project. 

Withdrawing from the MOZ 
If you stop your master’s research, you must formally inform Education & Student Affairs and the central coordinator (masteronderzoek@erasmusmc.nl). CC your supervisor(s) and mention the date you are stopping. 

Assessment 
To complete your master’s research project, upload the following via OSIRIS Zaak: 

• Master’s research final assessment form
• Assessment form for research report
• The report (in PDF) 
  Forms must be filled in digitally. The final assessment must be completed no later than 10 working days after the agreed deadline and submitted the next working day via OSIRIS Zaak. If this is not possible, contact masteronderzoek@erasmusmc.nl. 

To start your A-series clinical rotations, the following is required: If you complete MVO before your rotations, the master’s research assessment must be submitted before the teaching period leading into the A-series rotations. 

(Interim) changes 
Make sure the supervisor and project dates on your assessment form match your application. This avoids your form being sent back for correction. 
Has your supervisor or project period changed between application and assessment? Or was the assessment done by someone else? Fill out a contactform for Education & Student Affairs and CC your supervisor(s). 

• Changing the period? CC your main supervisor and indicate if your HiX access needs adjusting.
• Changing the supervisor or if someone else assessed it? CC your old and new supervisor/assessor. Important: if you change your main supervisor, check in advance whether the new one meets the criteria in your original OSIRIS Zaak application. 
  Note: If your project is delayed by more than two weeks, you need permission from the Examination Board. For delays under two weeks, contact the central master’s research coordinator at masteronderzoek@erasmusmc.nl. 

Exemption 
If you are doing a Research Master within Erasmus MC, you may request an exemption. See the OER for all conditions. 

Contact 
Do you have content-related questions about the master’s research project? Contact the central master’s research coordinator via masteronderzoek@erasmusmc.nl. 

PhD trajectory 
Before, during, or after your master’s research, you may have the opportunity to begin a PhD track. Carefully consider what terms are important to you. Read more about this on the STiP page of the Graduate School.