Erasmus Mundus Master's in Rare Diseases Care and Well-Being

ongoing

The RARE-Well initiative addresses the urgent shortage of specialised health and social care professionals trained in rare disease care. With 30 million EU citizens affected by rare diseases, these conditions present complex medical and psychosocial challenges, yet professional training pathways remain limited. Recognising the multifaceted challenges of rare diseases, healthcare professionals must have interdisciplinary competencies in genetics, psychological care, digital health, patient-centred approaches, and evidence-based practice. However, limited educational opportunities hinder the advancement of clinical expertise and leadership, preventing the full implementation of international best practices in line with national and multinational health policies and strategies. To bridge this gap, RARE-Well aims to co-design a transformative, international Master’s programme (120 ECTS) in Rare Diseases Care and Well-Being. This initiative is coordinated by University College Dublin, Ireland, in collaboration with a consortium of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, University of Porto, University of Tallinn, Queen’s University Belfast, Kristianstad University, Trinity College Dublin, and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland. The curriculum is person-centred, inclusive, and grounded in equity, accessibility, and academic excellence. Key stakeholders—including patients and families, healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocacy groups, and educators—are actively engaged to ensure the programme is academically rigorous, relevant, and aligned with the real-world needs of the rare disease community. By leveraging cross-border expertise and real-world applications, RARE-Well will equip graduates with a holistic, international perspective on rare disease care and management. The programme fosters a global professional community that drives excellence in patient care and outcomes.