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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Biomedical Sciences
Header image Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical Sciences

What causes disease? What is the genetic or epigenetic background of disorders? How do microorganisms in the intestine contribute to health and disease? What are the underlying mechanisms of diseases and what novel strategies can we design to cure disease?

During the selective Master's degree programme in Biomedical Sciences you will be trained to find answers to these questions. The programme is strongly oriented towards the scientific background of health, disease and preclinical research. You will encounter an interdisciplinary environment of basic scientific research at the faculty of science and engineering and a more medically oriented environment at the University Medical Center.

We offer tracks related to the biology of cancer and the immune system, the biology of food and nutrition, the biology of healthy ageing and disease, and neuroscience. We also offer the unique option of creating a custom-made biomedical science programme that matches your ambitions. This could be a programme dedicated to virology and microbiology, to regenerative medicine, to genetics or big data science as well as to many other fields in which the University of Groningen occupies a leading global position.

For those who have the ambition to go into industry or policy making, to become a consultant or to pursue a biomedical career in any other field NOT related to research, we offer the Science, Business and Policy (SBP) track. Both the research programmes and the SBP track are tailored to align with the ambitions and career perspectives of the individual student and are designed under supervision of an experienced (associate) professor.

A unique aspect of the research programme is that up to 60% to 70% of the programme can be spent on independent research projects in which you join a research group to experience science according to the principle of 'learning by doing', under the guidance of an expert in the field. You will be embedded in a research group and fully experience what it takes to be a researcher. For those that have the aspiration to become an industrial researcher, there is also an option to do a research project within a company.

In addition to offering research projects, we provide a variety of courses to learn about microbiota, big data science and any other novel area in the emerging field of biomedical sciences. Apply to our degree programme if you are looking for a dynamic and unique Master's degree with great career perspectives.

This master's degree programme in Biomedical Sciences is selective. If you have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant biomedical area you can apply for our two-year programme and advance your career as a biomedical researcher or biomedical specialist. We offer a pre-master for excellent Biomedical Laboratory students from Universities of Applied Sciences. Only students with a GPA of 7.5 or higher and a strong motivation are admitted to this pre-master.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Biomedical Sciences
Course type
Master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
66990
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Science and Engineering
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Mentor system in which a dedicated (associate) professor guides you through the programme
  • Unique option to compose a programme that fits your personal interests, ambitions or career
  • The option to conduct a research project abroad, using the extensive global network of our scientists
  • Tracks in “Biology of healthy ageing and disease”, “Biology of cancer and immune system”, “Biology of food and nutrition” and “Neuroscience”
  • Unique multidisciplinary setting of leading scientists and biomedical specialists
  • Our faculty is the home of the 2016 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, Ben Feringa, and the Nobel Prize winner in Physics, Frits Zernike
Programme

Curriculum

2-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.

Programme options
Biology of Healthy Ageing and Disease (track)

The track Biology of Ageing provides training as a researcher mainly in the field of ageing and age-related pathologies.

For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/66990-5520

General research programme (track)

Tailor-made programme of master modules, electives and research projects in the wide scope of biomedical research.

For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/66990.5518

Biology of Cancer and Immune System (Research track) (track)

This track provides courses and internships on cell processes related to cancer and immune defense in different conditions.

For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/66990-5513

Biology of Food and Nutrition (Research track) (track)

This is your track if you are interested in how food and nutrition influence metabolism, your gut microbiota, ageing and behavior.

For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/66990-5512

Neuroscience (Research track) (track)

This track trains you in all you want to know about how the brain works and influence your behavior and well-being.

For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/66990-5519

Science, Business and Policy (track)

Interested in the business side of science? You can combine this Master's programme with the Science Business & Policy profile. The SBP profile includes a six-month internship as a scientific advisor.

For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/66990-5505

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is recommended
  • For an average of 20 weeks
  • Maximum of 60 EC

Exchange: All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
BiologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

You may apply for the Masters programme Biomedical Sciences when you have a Bachelor in Biology with a main focus on knowledge and skills at the interface of molecular and cellular biology, organic chemistry and biochemistry, integrative physiology and behaviour, and medical sciences.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Biomedische WetenschappenAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

You may apply for the Master's programme Biomedical Sciences when you have a Bachelor with a main focus on knowledge and skills at the interface of molecular and cellular biology, organic chemistry and biochemistry, integrative physiology and behaviour, and medical sciences

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

A University Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences or related field focusing on knowledge and skills at the interface of integrative physiology and behaviour, neurobiology, molecular and cellular biology and medical sciences.

Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students from a Dutch HBO institute is published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission

knowledge minimum

Sufficient English proficiency on VWO level is required.

other admission requirements

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

Registration procedure

The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

Please fill out the checklist to describe your pre-education.

Selection procedure

Note that this is a selective Master. This means that an applicant must both meet the admission requirements and successfully complete a selection procedure in order to be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

A Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences or related field, focusing on knowledge and skills at the interface of immunology and physiology, molecular and cellular biology, possibly with elements of behavioural neurosciences. Laboratory experience and proof of academic scientific writing skills (such as thesis or research report) are required. The Admissions Board determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the Master programme.

additional subject

The Admissions Office will advise the Board of Admissions on your application, after which the board will decide if you meet the admission requirements in terms of general level of previous education and specific background knowledge. Please note that this Master's programme has a selection procedure.

language test

MAKE SURE TO VISIT http://www.rug.nl/fwn/fmns-programme/admissions/msc/language-requirements for all the necessary information about required language tests and minimum scores.

other admission requirements

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

Note that this is a selective Master.

Registration procedure

The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

Please fill out the checklist to describe your pre-education.

Selection procedure

Note that this is a selective Master. This means that an applicant must both meet the admission requirements and successfully complete a selection procedure in order to be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 20700full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 24200full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Your career prospects are researcher in a variety of organizations such as:

  • Universities
  • Academic and general hospitals
  • Biomedical, pharmaceutical or food industries

Positions linking biomedical sciences to a business or policy strategy in a social organization, such as the Heart Foundation and the Diabetes Fund. You can also work for the government in an advisory position.

Research

At least 60% to 70% of the Master's Programme is conducting independent research

Within the Master's degree programme Biomedical Sciences you can conduct research in the following areas of expertise:

- The mechanisms of inflammation and immunity, allergies and tumours
- The transplantation applications of embryonic stem cells
- How nutrition influences health
- Diseases of the brain and nervous system
- The biological aspects of emotional and affective disorders such as depression, anorexia nervosa and obesity
- The molecular cellular biology underlying age-related pathologies.
And much more!

Please have a look at the websites of the research institutes related to the programme such as:

Research school of behavioural cognitive neurosciences

Research Institute GUIDE

European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact

Contact

  • Academic Advisors FSE (For questions regarding the programme)
  • studyscience@rug.nl Study Science (For students who are interested in a Campus Tour or who have other general questions)
    Email: studyscience rug.nl
  • 
						Testimonial of Inés Paniagua Cabana

    Passionate about the molecular genetics of ageing

    – Inés Paniagua Cabana
    Read more

    After completing my Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology at the University of León in Spain, I decided that I wanted to pursue a research focused career. Undeniably, there was a particular reason that brought me to Groningen: the opportunity to join a specialized master's programme focused on the molecular genetics of ageing, the topic that I am most passionate about.

    The BMS program allows students to shape their own programme to best suit their own personal goals; a characteristic that is very appealing to many students. Right now, I’m doing a research project at ERIBA under the supervision of Dr. Michael Chang. Taking into account that I’ve become really involved with the project and the fact that there aren't any defined working hours, has made it so that the research project has taken up a lot of my free time lately. Nevertheless, one hobby that has remained constant since I came to Groningen has been singing in a jazz band called “Quiet Room”. Becoming a member of this group not only has been unbelievably rewarding and fun, it has also enhanced my sense of community and creativity!

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of Renske Karsenberg

    This Master's programme allows me to combine my expertise in the field of biomedical sciences with my passion for teaching

    – Renske Karsenberg
    Read more

    I chose the Master’s in Biomedical Sciences so that I could delve into the medical aspects of biology. As a Biomedical Sciences student, you research how symptoms build up rather than why they occur. For me, it was essential not to have to immediately commit myself to one specific direction. I was still deciding whether I wanted to pursue a career in teaching. This Master’s programme allows me to combine my expertise in the field of biomedical sciences with my passion for teaching. I have already stood in front of a class as part of a project and I see myself doing so in the future, even though I am probably in the minority of those who choose the science path.

    In the meantime, I have specialized in immunology and oncology and have done research on asthma.

    Compared to other Master’s programmes, this one is quite flexible as you are not forced to go on to do research later. This Master’s demands a lot of you and you need to be aware of that. Above all, I recommend being careful when searching for suitable practice projects and supervisors. That will determine how much you can take away from those experiences. If you demonstrate a proactive attitude, you can go far.

    As clichéd as it sounds, I look forward to using the knowledge and experience that I have gained during this Master’s to help students in my role as teacher.

    Close

Study associations

GLV Idun

Groninger LevenswetenschappenVereniging Idun is the study association for Biology, Life Science & Technology, Biomedical Engineering, and their connecting master programs.
The association organises various activities, from social activities, like our weekly drinks, or even traveling abroad. In addition, Idun also organizes career/education-related activities like company visits and lunch lectures. GLV Idun contributes to a fun student time by bringing students together, and preparing her members for their career ahead!
https://www.idun.nl/home
Read more