Biotechnology / Bioengineering

This interdisciplinary Master’s programme builds on Bachelor’s studies in Biotechnology, allowing you to further your knowledge and refine your profile by engaging with specific biotech fields. At Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, you can also expect a strong emphasis on practical application. Practical studies at partner companies in the life sciences and engagement with other life sciences students open up new perspectives and interesting activities, especially in the biotech, pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries.

The Master’s degree programme in Biotechnology / Bioengineering is a collaboration between the Bioengineering department at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) and the Applied Sciences and Mechatronics department at Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM). Thanks to our partner company Roche Diagnostics, we offer valuable insights into industry practice in “red” and “white” biotechnology. “Red” biotechnology centres around medical applications, while “white” biotechnology focuses on the industrial application of biotechnological insights, including in production processes for detergents or cosmetics.

The first two semesters of the Master’s in Biotechnology / Bioengineering are module-based:

• Compulsory modules: These modules provide a broader base of fundamental knowledge in biotechnology and bioengineering. They cover protein engineering and immunological applications, bioanalytics, biotechnology with cell cultures, industrial bioprocess engineering and intelligent data analysis.
• Subject-specific elective modules: We offer a catalogue of at least 15 subject-specific elective modules, from which students select four. This allows you to further your expertise in areas such as microtechnology and nanotechnology or pharmaceutical biotechnology.
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• Interdisciplinary elective modules: We offer a catalogue of at least five interdisciplinary elective modules, from which students select at least one. These modules convey interdisciplinary skills such as project management or quality management. 

The third semester is dedicated exclusively to preparing your Master’s thesis.

Offering numerous compulsory electives allows students to define the focus of their studies – perhaps towards “red” or “white” biotechnology, or concentrating on biomedical engineering, bioinformatics or biophysics.

While biotechnology and bioengineering are now an integral part of research and development work in many industries, they also form part of day-to-day production activities. Whether it’s developing or producing new drugs, diagnostic tools, plastics, cosmetics, textiles, fuels or plants – after graduating, you will be prepared to take on challenging specialist and management roles in the biotech, pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries.

Career prospects after completing the Master’s programme:

• Each year, Roche Diagnostics supports at least four students on the M. Sc. in Biotechnology, who complete paid practical assignments and write their Master’s thesis at Roche in Penzberg.
• Thanks to excellent international contacts with various universities and research institutions, graduates from the the Master’s degree programme can study for a doctorate.
• You also have the opportunity to enrol on the cooperative doctorate programme in the BayWISS Joint Academic Partnership “Life Sciences and Green Technologies”.

Students who meet the following admission criteria  are welcome to apply for the Master’s degree programme:

• Relevant, completed Bachelor’s degree worth 210 ECTS or at least 180 ECTS subject to certain conditions, i.e. a Bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences or engineering, a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from HSWT  or a Bachelor’s in Bioengineering from HM
• Fundamental knowledge from undergraduate study of the following subjects: biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, process engineering / chemical engineering and instrumental analysis – worth 5 ECTS each and totalling at least 45 ECTS
• Relevant practical experience of at least 18 weeks through completion of a practical semester or work experience clearly related to biotechnology or bioengineering, either in industry or at research and development institutions
• Above-average final degree grade with an overall examination grade of at least “good” (i.e. better than 2.6 in the German grading system) or in the upper 50% of graduates
• Basic German language studies or proof that you possess the minimum level of language proficiency, i.e. Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• Preliminary Review Documentation (Vorprüfungsdokumentation – VPD) from uni-assist if you completed your undergraduate degree outside of Germany

If you intend to  apply for the Master’s programme in Biotechnology / Bioengineering, please note the deadlines set out on the general application information page. The key details at a glance:

• Online applications must be submitted by 15 January or 15 July. Submitting your Bachelor’s certificate upon application is not essential. Check out our application information page for the current submission deadlines for our Master’s degree programmes.
• The Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) Examinations Office will review your documents  in a process coordinated by the Joint Examination Board with Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM).
• Admission: If your application is complete and fulfils all admission requirements, we will offer you a place at our university. Matriculation takes place at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences and, subsequently, at Munich University of Applied Sciences.
• If you have any subject-specific questions, please contact the Subject Advisory Service.