Looking for an internationally respected master programme that will open up exciting career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry and research? Potential employers hold our Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology programme in high regard thanks to its broad curriculum.
On the master programme, you enhance your methods-based and problem-solving competencies, putting you in a position to overcome the challenges associated with developing and producing innovative treatments for cancer, autoimmune conditions and neurodegenerative diseases. You use cutting-edge and interdisciplinary methods, such as culturing “mini tumours” to help predict the effects of cancer treatments.
Degree
Master of Science in Engineering
Organisational form
full-time / 4 semesters / 120 ECTS
Language
English
Study fee
363.36 EUR
Important dates
Date end
15.05.2025
15.04.2025
Info for non-EU nationals
A formula for success: theoretical knowledge + practical experience
The programme is built on three pillars.
Semesters 1 & 2
Advanced courses
While the Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology bachelor programme has a strong focus on the natural sciences, the emphasis shifts to the methods-based and problem-solving skills required in the field in the master programme.
In the first two semesters, you’ll build on the knowledge you acquired in our bachelor degree or another related programme. Modules include Health, Disease and Therapeutical Strategies, Process Design, Bioprocess Technology and Analytical Methods in Life Sciences. You’ll also start preparing for your research semester in semester 1.
On top of this, the Institute of Biotechnology hosts its annual Life Science Meeting, which is designed to be a very broad-based scientific conference. There’s always an exciting international atmosphere at this event, where you’ll benefit from the insights of globally respected scientists from research and industry. The programme also features presentations by our students and graduates.
Semesters 1–4
The electives
Right from the first semester, you have the opportunity to tailor your degree according to your specific interests. You select one of two electives: Bioprocess Engineering or Advanced Therapeutics Development.
Both of these will give you an overview of the current research landscape: you will learn about numerous research projects connected to your specialism and the Institute of Biotechnology’s research focuses.
This is a fantastic opportunity to become an expert in your chosen field: the elective you select will help give your professional profile a sharper focus. Ideally, in the next semester you will choose a research topic and internship placement linked to your specialism.
Semesters 3 & 4
The research semester and master thesis
The research phase is a core element of the master programme. You can start the research work for the master thesis already after the 2nd semester as the lectures of the 3rd and 4th semesters are online lectures and with that spend up to one year at a respected biotechnology company or research facility in Austria or abroad. Examples include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States or Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The work will focus on a project that forms the basis for your master thesis.
After your research semesters, you only have to return to university to take your final master examination. So, if you’re offered a permanent job or a Ph.D. position by your internship provider, there’ll be nothing standing in your way.
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Application and admission
Is our degree programme just what you’re looking for? Here are your next steps!
We’ve put together all the relevant information for you.
What are the admission requirements for master programmes?
To qualify for a master programme, you must have completed a bachelor degree – with a workload of at least 180 ECTS and lasting at least six semesters – in a related subject, or hold an equivalent degree from a recognised Austrian or foreign higher education institution.
If your undergraduate studies are not sufficiently relevant, for instance if you’ve completed a degree in an unrelated subject, your qualifications will be assessed after we have received your completed application.
What language skills are required for this English language master degree programme?
Your English language skills will be assessed during your admission interview. No additional proof is required.
Important
Do you still need to complete your military or alternative service? If you’re a male Austrian citizen, we strongly recommend completing your compulsory national service before beginning your studies. This will allow you to finish your degree with no interruptions and start your career without delay afterwards.
Everything revolves around the students on our master degree programmes. That’s why we’d like to get to know you personally.
As part of the online application you will have to write a statement of motivation. Predefined questions about your motivation can be found in the online application. In your answers, which have to be entered in the provided input fields of the online application, you deal with the questions and explain your motivation to study the selected master degree programme
Your statement of motivation and your CV (curriculum vitae) form the basis for your application interview. The admission interview is a one-to-one interview, usually with the degree programme director.
In addition to getting to know you personally, your motives for the master degree programme will be discussed, as well as your professional background and the skillset you have acquired so far. Special attention will be paid to your previous academic and professional experience, your methodological and language skills and your general suitability with regard to your intended master degree programme.
The application interview is held in the language of instruction of the degree programme and can take place online via Microsoft Teams or in presence.
What are the dates for the interview?
There are usually a selection of dates to choose from, with quotas allocated for each date. You can select a date and time slot during the online registration process. We therefore recommend that you complete your application in good time so that you can benefit from the full selection of dates.
Once you have successfully completed your online application, it will be checked for completeness and accuracy. As soon as this process is finished, we will inform you via email and confirm your admission date.
There are no dates available at the moment.
| Application deadline for EU nationals | 15/05/2025 |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for non-EU nationals | 15/04/2025 |
No application possible.
Application for the next study year possible from 1 December.
Application for the next study year possible from 1 December.
Team
Prof.(FH) Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Harald Hundsberger
Head of Institute Biotechnology / Programme Director Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Details of person
Prof.(FH) Priv. Doz. Mag. Dr. Andreas Eger
Deputy Head of Institute / Institute Krems Bioanalytics
Details of person
Hon.-Prof.(FH) DI (FH) Rita Seeböck, PhD
Scientific Projekt Staff Institute Biotechnology
Details of person
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Franz Herzog
Endowed Professor / Head Mass Spectrometry / Institute Krems Bioanalytics
Details of person