Fascinated by molecules and the phenomenon of life? Join the biotech revolution in our advanced-level molecular biology programme at the crossroads of chemical, biological, physical and computational sciences at VUB.

Admission requirements and student profile:

The interuniversity master’s programme in Molecular Biology puts a high emphasis on the theoretical and practical skill set of young scientists. This programme especially hopes to attract young scientists from developing countries who are already involved in either human or animal health care or agricultural research. Indeed, in the second year, students have the choice between three distinct profiles: human health, animal or plant production. Each profile consists of compulsory and elective courses.

What do you learn in the master's programme? 

Do you have a bachelor's degree in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, bioengineering or biomedical science, and can’t get enough of the biochemical unity that underlies the world's biological diversity? This two-year inter-university master of science in Molecular Biology is just the programme you’re looking for! Given the diverse background of our students, we organise a pre-test in week 1 of the 1st year to assess prior knowledge in mathematics, statistics, biochemistry, molecular biology and practical research skills. Any deficiencies are covered by compulsory orientation towards certain electives. By the end of year one, you’ll be right up to speed and ready to continue with the advanced common core and specialised courses in year two. You'll also be armed with all the laboratory skills you need to prepare a thesis in year two, thanks to our intensive training.

Research Management Skills:

You’ll learn to perform and manage research in a multidisciplinary and international context. We’ll train you in various aspects of research communication and research management with our specific courses on Research Communication Skills and Project Writing and Management.

Dissertation or Master's Thesis:

Supervised by a promoter, you’ll carry out an independent research project and produce a written dissertation of your research and results. During the experimental part of the thesis, you master the art of planning and performing experiments and interpreting results. You also learn to report both orally and in writing, prepare presentations, and summarise literature data. Finished? Then you’ll present your work in public and answer questions from a jury and the audience. There are many potential research projects offering real contributions to molecular biology, so you can select any lab, even beyond the three partner universities.

The strengths of our Molecular Biology programme:

• VUB has already earned a strong reputation in training and basic and applied research in molecular biology and biotechnology.

• Thanks to dedicated courses, you’ll be trained in indispensable research communication and management skills in a multidisciplinary and international context.

• You’ll conduct an independent research project, in which you’ll master valuable skills for the future, such as project writing and performance, planning and experimentation, critical interpretation and presentation.

After graduation:

This master's degree opens many doors to an exciting future. It may be in a university, hospital, private or governmental research laboratory or patenting bureau, or in the R&D department of a pharmaceutical, food or biotech company. Work on environmental protection, develop state-of-the-art equipment in biotechnology or join a sales and marketing department. Be a lecturer, consultant, or advisor to policy makers. Or, why not stick around in the Brussels-Capital Region for some scientific research in your favourite highly specialised sector or advanced technologies? You could also continue your academic career as a Ph.D. researcher in Belgium or abroad. Whatever you choose, molecular biology is a rapidly developing discipline in modern life science, and companies need ambitious and knowledgeable scientists. And naturally, we’ll help you with your first steps towards employment.