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Requirements and Target Group
The part-time master’s degree course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is aimed at professionals with a first university degree in the biosciences or related fields who wish to deepen their expertise in the biopharmaceutical sector in a targeted manner. The target group includes laboratory specialists, scientific staff from research, development or production, as well as engineers in biotechnology who want to take on leading roles in the pharmaceutical industry or adjacent areas. The course is also suitable for individuals preparing for activities in regulatory affairs, quality assurance, or project management within the biopharmaceutical industry.
You should meet these formal admission requirements
To be admitted, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade of 2.5
- At least 240 ECTS credits in the completed first degree
- Academic orientation of the first degree in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry or a related subject
- If fewer than 240 ECTS credits were obtained in the first degree, the missing credits must be made up through a bridging course
- For a foreign degree, equivalence to the German university degree must be proven
Independent employment during the studies is expected, as the study model is part-time. Academic-level German language skills are required, since the language of instruction is German.
You should have a strong interest in bioscientific research and development as well as a willingness to engage with regulatory and ethical issues in the pharmaceutical sector. Practical experience in laboratory work or biotechnological processes is an advantage. For part-time study, you need well-developed self-organisation, the ability to work in a team, and analytical thinking skills. A basic understanding of project management and the ability to present and document scientific content clearly are helpful.
Detailed Course Content
In the Master's degree programme in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, you deepen your knowledge of biotechnological processes in the pharmaceutical industry. You learn methods of biopharmaceutical analytics, control and optimisation of production processes, as well as quality management and project management. The central subject areas include:
- Overview of the pharmaceutical industry and global structures
- Bioprocess engineering: planning, control and optimisation of bioreactors and production workflows
- Biopharmaceutical analytics: development and application of modern analytical methods, quality control and data interpretation
- Process optimisation and project management in pharmaceutical production
- Laboratory practice: independent execution of practical laboratory tasks in modern, well-equipped laboratories
- Preclinical development: regulatory and ethical frameworks, evaluation of biotechnological products
- Master’s thesis and defence: independent scientific treatment of a question from pharmaceutical biotechnology
You develop the ability to formulate scientifically grounded solutions, assess economic and regulatory aspects, and design innovative production and analytical methods in practical contexts.
Course Structure
The programme is organised as a part-time Master's course and extends over 3 semesters (a total of 60 ECTS). The sessions take place in small teaching groups at the Idstein campus and are scheduled in such a way that they are compatible with employment.
- Standard period of study: 18 months, starting each winter semester
- Combination of face-to-face sessions, laboratory practicals and independent project work
- Practical components take place in the modern, well-equipped laboratories of the university
- Final phase with Master’s thesis and defence
Additionally, you benefit from individually tailored further training offers (e.g., language courses, personal development, career workshops) via the StudyPLUS portal. The structure of the programme promotes exchange between participants with practical experience and enables you to directly apply what you have learned to your professional life.
Career Prospects & Job Opportunities
With a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, you open up diverse career paths in the biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries as well as in research and development. Typical fields of work include:
- Laboratory coordinator for (inter)national biotechnological projects
- Pharmaceutical engineer specialising in the development and optimisation of pharmaceutical processes
- Employee in regulatory affairs departments for medicinal products
- Project management in research and development departments
- Quality management and GMP-compliant production supervision
- Consulting for pharmaceutical companies or contract laboratories
Graduates are particularly sought after by companies that develop or manufacture innovative medicines and biopharmaceuticals, due to the practice-oriented approach of the programme.
Campus Location: Your Campus in Idstein
The studies take place at Hochschule Fresenius in Idstein. The campus combines tradition and modernity: the laboratories for chemistry & biology are housed in the historic Building A, while modern classrooms and infrastructure are located in Building B. Idstein is regarded as a traditional university location in the Rhine-Main area with strong connections to companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. The good transport links allow comfortable commuting and exchange with stakeholders from research and industry.
Costs and Financing
The tuition fees amount to 550 euros per month, totalling 9,900 euros for the entire duration of the programme. A one-time registration fee of 250 euros is charged additionally. The price includes all courses, laboratory practicals as well as access to StudyPLUS offers (e.g., personal development, language courses, career development and networking events). For financing, you can use the following options:
- BAföG (if eligibility criteria are met, particularly relevant for career starters)
- Scholarship programmes for particularly high-achieving students
- Study loans from various banks (e.g., KfW study loan)
- Support from employers as part of continuing education investments
The student advisory service at Hochschule Fresenius provides individual assistance with choosing and applying for suitable financing options so that you can fully focus on your Master's studies.
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