Biomedical Sciences

What causes disease — and how can we prevent or cure it? What role do genetics, immune cells, or the microbiome play in human health? Are you ready to uncover the biological mechanisms behind disease and design interventions to improve health? Then the Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Groningen is for you.

What to expect from the Master’s programme in Biomedical Sciences

✔ Investigate real-world health challenges at the cutting edge of research
✔ Specialise in areas such as oncology, neuroscience, and immunology
✔ Conduct up to 70% of your programme in research labs at the University of Groningen or abroad, including industry options
✔ Customize your own multidisciplinary programme for careers in science, business, or policy

This international two-year Master’s programme trains you to become a biomedical expert ready to contribute to the future of medicine. You’ll study topics such as immunotherapy and neurological diseases, using targeted approaches and big data. Choose from pre-designed tracks or select topics aligned with your interests, such as virology, regenerative medicine, or biomedical data science.

With strong links to the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and a flexible, research-rich curriculum, this selective programme prepares you for a PhD or high-level career in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, or health care institutes.

Choose from the following tracks

Science, Business and Policy
Biology of Cancer and Immune System (Research track)
General research programme

Want to learn more?

Visit us at the Master’s Week
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
Create your own brochure

Facts & Figures

Degree: MSc in Biomedical Sciences
Course type: Master
Duration: 24 months (120 EC)
Croho code: 66990
Language of instruction: English
Start: September
Faculty: Science and Engineering

Apply now

Study MSc Biomedical Science at the University of Groningen: What our students have to say

Please to see this video

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.

Extracurricular activities

In addition to this master's programme, you can apply for the extracurricular FSE High Tech Systems and Materials Honours Master (1.5 years, 20 ECTS), developed in close collaboration with industry. This programme offers multidisciplinary collaboration, hands-on product development for a company, masterclasses and workshops from experts. Upon completion, you will receive a mention on your diploma supplement.

BYOD Policy
Please be advised that students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes. For more detailed information on our BYOD policy, please visit our webpage .

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) 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) 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

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More 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
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.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

University of Groningen

All Research universities

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Biology	University 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 programme	Organization	Transition
Biomedische Wetenschappen	All 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

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.

Do you prefer an early decision on your request for admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September). Application deadlines with the corresponding decision deadlines are as follows:

Application - Decision:

1 December– 15 January
1 February – 1 March
15 March – 15 April
1 May - 15 June

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 student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More 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' for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirement. 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.

Do you prefer an early decision on your request for admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course starting on 1 September). Application deadlines with the corresponding decision deadlines are as follows:

Application - Decision:

1 December– 15 January
1 February – 1 March
15 March – 15 April
1 May - 15 June

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 student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026

Tuition fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 2601	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 24900	full-time
EU/EEA	2026-2027	€ 2695	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2026-2027	€ 24900	full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch students International students

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 now Brochure Events Contact

Dutch diploma International diploma

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

Passionate about the molecular genetics of ageing
– Inés Paniagua Cabana

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!

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

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.

Study MSc Biomedical Sciences at the University of Groningen: What our students have to say

Please to see this video

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

Biomedical Sciences

What to expect from the Master’s programme in Biomedical Sciences

Want to learn more?

Why study this programme in Groningen?

Programme

Curriculum

Extracurricular activities

Study abroad

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Transfer options

Registration procedure

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Admission requirements

Registration procedure

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Tuition fees

After your studies

Job prospects

Research

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

Contact

Study associations

GLV Idun

Follow us!