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

Biomolecular Sciences

Are you interested in unravelling essential processes in living cells in order to understand 'life' at a molecular level? Would you like to excel in biomolecular sciences and use frontier know-how to solve fundamental questions or develop biobased industrial or medical applications?

This Master's programme has a selection procedure. For more information about the selection procedure, please check here .

Biomolecular sciences is a very internationally oriented research and development field that benefits from strong multidisciplinary know-how in genetics, microbiology, molecular cell biology, computational and structural biology, biochemistry, and systems biology. During this Master’s programme, you will acquire in-depth knowledge and skills through upper-level theoretical and practical training. You will become highly competent in molecular biology, as well as in the more applied aspects of these fields. This will give you excellent prospects for an independent career in an academic, medical, or industrial research environment, or as a scientific consultant for the public or private sector.

The programme content is organized by the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB) and obviously teaching is closely related to the research performed at this institute. Research at GBB is strongly fundamental and curiosity-driven and contains specializations in the following areas:

This selective Master's degree programme is designed for students primarily aiming for a career in research. The programme has been designed for a start at the beginning of the academic year. Students who would like to start during the academic year and/or aim for a career that focuses on the business and policy side of science are referred to our Master’s programme in Biology.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Biomolecular Sciences
Course type
Master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60616
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Science and Engineering
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Linked to the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), which has an excellent international reputation in molecular biology and biotechnology, covering the fields of systems, chemical, and synthetic biology.
  • Internationally oriented research and business domain, with a network in R&D at academia and (biotech) industry
  • Possibility to join the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition in Boston
  • Over one year of the Master's programme is entirely
  • Our Faculty is the home of Ben Feringa, the 2016 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, and Frits Zernike, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.
Programme

Curriculum

The selective Master's programme is specifically designed for students primarily aiming for a research career.

This is a 2-year programme with 60 ECTS credits per year; most courses are 5 ECTS. The programme starts with a series of advanced theory courses and state-of-the-art techniques in biomolecular sciences, followed by a series of optional specialist-topic or skills-courses that are tailored to the individual preferences of the student. A large part of the programme is devoted to two research projects. During these research projects, students are fully embedded in a research group of their choice to conduct their own research. To guarantee optimal supervision and a first-class research environment, the first project (30-40 ECTS) has to be carried out at the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB). The second project (30 EC) should be conducted in a different research group, either at the GBB, the University of Groningen, or elsewhere, to learn new techniques and scientific approaches, and to extend the scientific network. If desired, this second project can also be done at a biotech company and/or abroad. The Chemical Biology specialization comprises 20 ECTS in dedicated courses.

Check the content of the programme here: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60616

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 .

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is recommended
  • For an average of 30 weeks
  • Maximum of 60 EC

Exchange: All our science and engineering programmes offer possibilities to study abroad 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. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
BiologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This Master's degree is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure.

Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This Master's degree is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure.

Read more about entry requirements for the new curriculum: https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/ter/

ChemistryUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This Master's degree is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
BiologyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This Master's degree is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure.

ChemistryAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This Master's degree is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure.

Life Science and TechnologyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This Master's degree is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Other comparable university Bachelor's degree on decision of the Admissions Board. Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students from a Dutch HBO institute is published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission

An academic Bachelor's degree with a specialization in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or Molecular Genetics. This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The Admissions Board determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the Biomolecular Sciences programme.

other admission requirements

Note that this is a selective master. Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation to determine if you will be selected for the master's programme. After you have registered in www.studielink.nl (before May 1st) your application will be passed on to the Admissions Board of the programme.

More information about the application procedure: https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/msc-admissions/

Registration procedure

This Master's programme has a selection procedure, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

For a more elaborate explanation of the selection procedure, please have a look here. You will need to fill out the checklist to explain why you are applying for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined on the form).

Provide two reference letters (non EU applicants) or provide the names of those we may contact for reference (EU applicants) using the application form.
Provide a bachelor thesis or another individually written report of an academic assignment. If such a report is not available an assignment will be given by the Board of Admissions.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

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

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

This Master's degree programme has a selection procedure; read the information below.

An academic Bachelor's degree with a specialization in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or Molecular Genetics. This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The Admissions Board determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the master programme for which you applied.

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

Note that this is a selective master. Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation to determine if you will be selected for the master's programme. After you have registered in www.studielink.nl (before May 1st) your application will be passed on to the Admissions Board of the programme.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at: https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/?lang=en for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

Registration procedure

This Master's programme has a selection procedure, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

For a more elaborate explanation of the selection procedure, please have a look here. You will need to fill out the checklist to explain why you are applying for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined on the form).

Provide two reference letters (non-EU applicants) or provide the names of those we may contact for reference (EU applicants) using the application form.
Provide a Bachelor thesis or another individually written report of an academic assignment. If such a report is not available an assignment will be given by the Board of Admissions.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

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

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Biomolecular scientists, graduates of the Master's degree programme in Biomolecular Sciences, can pursue:

  • A PhD in the areas of biomolecular sciences, biomedical sciences, life sciences, biochemistry or molecular biotechnology
  • An R&D position in life sciences or the medical, pharmaceutical or food industries
  • A role as scientific advisor in a company
Research

Become familiar with state-of-the-art developments in Biomolecular Sciences

The Master's degree programme Biomolecular Sciences is closely linked to the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB). The GBB is a research institute at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen. GBB also acts as an accredited Dutch Research School and since 2010 is embedded in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

The research institute GBB performs research of the highest standard in the following fields:

Biomolecular sciences

* With a strong focus on proteins/enzymes in relation to their function in living cells

* Researching the fundamental properties of proteins, genes and other biomacromolecules, and microorganisms that are relevant in health and disease and for application in the areas of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Biotechnology.

Synthetic Biology

* Combined with other disciplines, the goal in this area is to design and develop novel functional biological and semi-artificial systems

* GBB has a strong national and international reputation in protein structure determination, protein engineering, biochemistry, enzymology, molecular (micro)biology, molecular genetics and bioinformatics

Various research questions in these key areas relate to human health and disease, including:* Research on peroxisome homeostasis with the aim of understanding the biogenesis, ageing and turnover of peroxisomes in yeast, a suitable model for detrimental peroxisome-related diseases
* The production and modification of (synthetic) antibiotics with respect to eminent demand for new and better antibiotics
* The structure function determination of microbial proteins and cell processes that play a key role in the development of Parkinsons disease and mobility of immune cells, respectively
* Understanding the role of the microbiome and its metabolites in human health, in particular the gut-brain axis

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Campus TourMore information
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information

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
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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