Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Master of Science

Study Content in Detail

In the English-taught Master's programme Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at Hochschule Fresenius, you engage with the entire value chain of biopharmaceutical products. Central topics include an introduction to the pharmaceutical industry, sterile process and plant design, as well as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

You will learn procedures such as upstream processing, bioseparation, and downstream processing for the production of biopharmaceuticals. In addition, you will acquire knowledge in the qualification of technical equipment, pharmaceutical process validation, and biopharmaceutical analytics (e.g. ELISA, chromatography, mass spectrometry). The modules Pharmacology and Toxicology of Biopharmaceuticals complement the understanding of drug safety. Practical laboratory work and data science for pharmaceutical biotechnology complete the profile.

Furthermore, you will gain skills in project management, lean management, Six Sigma, as well as professional communication and presentation for specialists and executives in the life sciences sector.

Course Structure: How Your Master's Is Organised

The Master of Science comprises four semesters and is designed as a full-time on-campus programme at the Idstein location. The lectures are held in English and combine theoretical content with extensive practical laboratory experience. Three laboratory internships are an integral part of the course, enabling you to apply the acquired knowledge directly.

The modules focus on key areas such as biochemical process engineering, pharmaceutical analysis, industrial processes, data science, and quality management. Project-oriented work and workshops prepare you for independent scientific work and industrial challenges.

Career Prospects & Job Opportunities for Graduates

With a Master’s degree in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, you qualify for responsible roles in the biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Typical areas of employment include:

• Research and development in the field of biopharmaceuticals
• Manufacturing and production of (bio)pharmaceutical active ingredients and drugs
• Bioprocess engineering and optimised production methods
• Bioanalytics and quality control
• Product and process management
• Regulatory affairs (approval, monitoring and documentation)
• Consulting and advisory services for biotech and pharmaceutical companies

Due to the increasing importance of biopharmaceutical products and developments such as mRNA vaccines, very good employment prospects arise, especially at the intersection of science and industry. Entry into international companies, institutes or authorities in the field of drug development as well as the option of pursuing a doctorate are also possible.

Study Location: Your Campus in Idstein

The Master's programme is held at the main campus of Hochschule Fresenius in Idstein (Hesse). As a university town, Idstein offers a modern campus infrastructure focused on the life sciences and a close network with regional and supra-regional companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. The laboratories and lecture rooms are aligned with current industry requirements.

Personal exchange with lecturers and fellow students takes place on-site. Thanks to its location in the Rhine-Main region, there are excellent networking opportunities and connections to the cities of Wiesbaden and Frankfurt am Main.

Costs and Financing Options

The total costs for the Master's programme Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology amount to 21,120 euros, payable in monthly instalments of 750 euros over two years, plus a one-time registration fee of 695 euros. The costs include all lectures, laboratory internships, as well as the use of the university infrastructure. Various financing options are available:

• Education loans, for example from the KfW or other banks
• Federal funding programmes (e.g. Aufstiegs-BAföG for professionally qualified individuals)
• Scholarships for particularly gifted and committed students
• Possible support from employers within the framework of company sponsorship

Further advice on funding opportunities is available directly at Hochschule Fresenius.