Biomolecular Sciences: VU University Amsterdam

Course Description

The Master's in Biomolecular Sciences is a programme for students with a research-oriented profile. It trains students with Bachelor’s degrees ranging from biomedical sciences and biology to chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering, for a Master’s degree at the interface between these disciplines. Also a number of doctors, dentists, pharmacists and veterinary surgeons entered the programme, after obtaining their degree, in order to change their career to research.

The programme offers a choice between four specializations. It is possible to choose and combine two specializations within the Master’s programme:

• Cell Biology
• Biological Chemistry
• Biological Physics
• Systems Biology

Career prospects

There are many job vacancies for those with a Master’s degree in Biomolecular Sciences. Some graduates work for medical product manufacturers or pharmaceutical companies. Most of our graduates aspire a career in research and go on to earn a PhD. Others continue their studies as postdoctoral researchers, work as university lecturers or hold jobs in industry.

If you only have a Bachelor’s degree, your scope in this discipline is limited, especially in research. This scientific domain has burgeoned in recent years, so an additional Master’s programme is an absolute must. A Masters degree in Biomolecular Sciences is a great start for a scientific career. With this degree you will be prepared to conduct PhD research at any university or specialist institute.

Admission requirements

Direct admission to the Master’s programme in Biomolecular Sciences is possible with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or Biology from VU University Amsterdam. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or Biology from another university in the Netherlands or a Bachelor's degree in Medical Natural Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry you can also enter the Master's programme directly.

If you have another Bachelor’s degree from a university or a Bachelor’s degree from an institute of higher education in the Netherlands or abroad, the Examination Board will decide on your admission. The board may set additional requirements if necessary.

HLO applicants

A HLO education is an excellent preparation for the Master’s programme Biomolecular Sciences, especially for the specializations Cell Biology and Biological Chemistry. With a HLO Bachelor diploma you can start directly with the Msc without any premaster programmes or additional courses.

Language requirements

Foreign students for whom English is not the first language are required to have adequate results in an English language proficiency test: a TOEFL score of 580 (237 in the TOEFL computer-based test) or an IELTS score of 6.5, or to obtain one of these qualifications upon applying to the VU Amsterdam. If you have another English qualification, please enclose relevant information and, if possible, a photocopy of the diploma, so that the examination board can take that into consideration.