Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Programme in Biomolecular Sciences

The Master's degree programme in Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Groningen is designed for students who are fascinated by the essential processes within living cells and eager to understand life at the molecular level. This programme aims to deepen students' knowledge in biomolecular sciences and apply cutting-edge methods to answer fundamental questions and contribute to sustainable, biobased industrial or medical applications.

Programme Overview

The Master's programme in Biomolecular Sciences is a selective, two-year international programme that trains students to become independent scientists with strong expertise in molecular biosciences. The programme combines rigorous theoretical knowledge with practical research in advanced labs and offers the flexibility to tailor the curriculum to match research interests and career goals.

What to Expect from the Master's Programme

• Unravel the molecular basis of life — from the inner workings of cells to innovative applications in biocatalysis and nanopore sequencing
• Get hands-on with cutting-edge tools, including advanced cell imaging, structural biology, next-generation sequencing, single molecule biophysical methods, and computational modelling
• Conduct high-impact research at the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB)
• Prepare for academic, industrial, or applied science careers in a highly international environment

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.

Research Projects

• 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

Programme Options

• Biotransformation and Biocatalysis (specialization)
• Cell Biochemistry (specialization)
• Chemical Biology (specialization)
• Electron cryo-Microscopy (specialization)
• Host-Microbe Interactions (specialization)
• Membrane Enzymology (specialization)
• Molecular Cell Biology (specialization)
• Molecular Dynamics (specialization)
• Molecular Genetics (specialization)
• Molecular Immunology (specialization)
• Molecular Microbiology (specialization)
• Molecular Systems Biology (specialization)
• Biomolecular X-ray Crystallography Group (specialization)

Study Abroad

• Study abroad is recommended
• For an average of 30 weeks
• Maximum of 60 EC
• Exchange: All science and engineering programmes offer possibilities to study abroad at a number of partner institutions

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma
• International diploma
• An academic Bachelor's degree with a specialization in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or Molecular Genetics
• Note that this is a selective master; selection will be based on academic performance and motivation

Admission Requirements

• Previous education: An academic Bachelor's degree with a specialization in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or Molecular Genetics
• Language test: Required language tests and minimum scores are specified
• Other admission requirements: Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation

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
• Provide two reference letters (non-EU applicants) or provide the names of those who may be contacted for reference (EU applicants)
• Provide a Bachelor thesis or another individually written report of an academic assignment

Application Deadlines

• Type of student: Dutch students, EU/EEA students, non-EU/EEA students
• Deadline: 01 May 2026
• Start course: 01 September 2026

Tuition Fees

• Nationality: EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA
• Year:
• Fee: € 2601 (EU/EEA), € 24900 (non-EU/EEA)
• Programme form: full-time

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 a scientific advisor in a company

Research

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.

Research Areas

• Biomolecular sciences
• Synthetic Biology
• Biotransformation and Biocatalysis
• Cell Biochemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Electron cryo-Microscopy
• Membrane Enzymology
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Molecular Dynamics
• Molecular Genetics
• Molecular Immunology
• Molecular Microbiology
• Molecular Systems Biology
• Biomolecular X-ray Crystallography Group

Study Associations

Groninger LevenswetenschappenVereniging Idun is the study association for Biology, Life Science & Technology, Biomedical Engineering, and their connecting master programs. The association organizes various activities, from social activities to 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.