Biochemical Engineering, Master of Engineering

Requirements and Target Group

The Master's degree programme in Biochemical Engineering (M.Eng.) is aimed at graduates with a scientific or engineering background who wish to specialise in challenging research and development tasks in the field of chemical and biochemical processes. The target group primarily includes Bachelor's degree holders in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy or related subjects who seek advanced qualifications for activities at the interface of laboratory, industry and process development. The programme is also of interest to career entrants who want to specifically prepare for international and interdisciplinary positions in the chemical, biotechnological or pharmaceutical industries.

What requirements must you meet for admission?

For admission to the Master of Engineering in Biochemical Engineering you need:

• A first professionally qualifying academic degree (e.g. Bachelor's) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy or a related subject.
• For the 120-ECTS variant: degree with at least 180 ECTS credits.
• For the 60-ECTS variant: degree with at least 240 ECTS credits.
• English language skills at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Personally, you should have a strong affinity for scientific and technical issues. Analytical thinking, a structured and solution-oriented way of working as well as initiative and the ability to work in a team are important. Experience in the laboratory, interest in interdisciplinary projects and willingness to engage with international specialist topics will support your success in the programme. Since the programme is offered in English, you should be able to use English confidently in a scientific context.

Detailed Study Content

In the Master's programme Biochemical Engineering at Hochschule Fresenius, you will acquire in-depth knowledge at the interface of chemistry, biotechnology and engineering sciences. Central topics include the development, simulation, optimisation and automation of biochemical processes for industry and research. The curriculum includes, among others:

• Biochemical Process Engineering I & II: Planning, implementation and optimisation of biochemical processes, analysis of metabolic pathways and process criteria.
• Biomedical and Statistical Data Science: Collection, evaluation and application of data for biochemical and technical questions, including modern statistics and software tools.
• Mechanical Process Engineering and Fluid Mechanics: Mechanical processes and fluid flows in biochemical systems.
• Process Simulation, Optimisation and Automation: Digital simulations, statistical design of experiments, automation of procedural steps for efficiency and quality assurance.
• Good Engineering Practice, Good Manufacturing Practice and Regulatory Affairs: Application of regulatory and industry-specific standards in experimental and production environments.
• Upstream and Downstream Processing: Techniques for pre- and post-treatment in biotechnological production.
• Analytical Methods in Biochemical Process Engineering: Testing and selection of analytical methods for monitoring and controlling production processes.
• Business Administration for Chemists: Economic fundamentals for work in industrial and research-related sectors.
• Lab work I-III: Intensive practical work in the laboratory with a focus on independent research and teamwork.
• Project Management: Planning, implementation and control of technical projects in a biochemical context.
• Final Thesis: Master’s thesis with a scientific question from process or development contexts.

Through the combination of theory, practice and data-driven working methods, you will develop methodological, analytical and engineering competencies. After completing your studies, you will be able to manage complex biochemical production processes, meet regulatory requirements and develop innovative solutions.

How is the programme organised?

The Master's programme Biochemical Engineering is offered full-time at the Idstein campus. It comprises 120 ECTS credits and is designed to be completed over four semesters. Teaching and examinations are conducted entirely in English. The organisation includes:

• Full-time on-campus study with lectures, seminars and laboratory practicals at the campus.
• Three consecutive practical laboratories ensuring the practical implementation of the curriculum.
• Regular project work and exercises in process simulation and data analysis.
• Supervision by professors from chemistry, biotechnology and engineering sciences.
• In the final semester, you write the Master’s thesis, often in cooperation with an industrial partner or research institution.

Personal support is provided through small groups and access to modern laboratories, simulation software as well as additional services via the StudyPLUS portal. The course start is possible in the winter semester.

Career prospects & professional opportunities for graduates

After graduation, you will be qualified for demanding roles in various industrial sectors and research institutions. Areas of employment include, for example:

• Process Development Engineer: Development, testing and optimisation of industrial biotechnological processes focusing on sustainability and economic efficiency.
• Process Automation Engineer: Development, implementation and monitoring of automated production systems in biochemistry and biotechnology.
• Process Expert in Biochemistry: Analysis, improvement and management of biochemical production operations, often in the pharmaceutical, environmental technology, food or chemical industries.
• Research and development in companies or research institutes (e.g. as a research associate).
• Quality management, regulatory affairs or technology transfer in an international environment.

Your knowledge of GMP, process optimisation and automation makes you a sought-after specialist for modern industrial companies and research departments worldwide.

Study location: What to expect at the Idstein campus?

The programme is offered at the traditional main site of Hochschule Fresenius in Idstein (Hesse). The campus combines historic buildings with modern laboratories. Lectures, lab work and project tasks take place on site:

• Laboratories for chemistry, biology and process engineering in the centrally located building A.
• Modern lecture halls and seminar areas for theoretical and interdisciplinary modules.
• Good connections to the Rhine-Main metropolitan region (Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, Mainz), numerous accommodation options in Idstein and surrounding areas.
• Direct contact to corporate partners, e.g. for practical projects and final theses.
• Access to StudyPLUS, an additional service offering language courses, career development and networking events on campus.

The Idstein campus stands for a close connection of practice-oriented teaching, tradition and innovation in the Rhine-Main region.

How much does the programme cost and what financing options are available?

The monthly tuition fees amount to 880 – 900 euros; over a duration of four semesters (24 months) this results in a total sum of approximately 21,120 – 21,600 euros. In addition, a one-time registration fee of 695 euros applies. This includes all courses, laboratory practicals and access to additional services (e.g. StudyPLUS, language courses, career counselling).

• You can finance the Master’s programme through BAföG, scholarships and student loans.
• Hochschule Fresenius offers personal advice on all questions regarding study financing.
• A part-time job or working student position is generally possible without affecting your studies.

Furthermore, various support options are available such as the KfW student loan as well as scholarship programmes. For all financing questions, you will find support at the university’s advisory service.