Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Programme in Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment

The Master's programme in Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment (MMIT) at the University of Groningen offers a deep understanding of human disease mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. This programme equips students with the tools to translate this knowledge into therapeutic strategies.

Programme Overview

• The MMIT programme is a full-time, 24-month master's degree that provides a unique advantage in combining fundamental, clinical, and translational research.
• Students become part of a small, close-knit cohort where every student receives personal guidance to reach their personal and professional goals.
• The programme offers the opportunity to dive into a research topic of interest and choose a specialization, although this is not mandatory.
• Specializations include Neuroscience, Oncology, Infection and Immunity, Metabolic Diseases, Systems Medicine, and Drugs and Devices.

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MSc in Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment
• Course type: Master
• Duration: 24 months (120 EC)
• Croho code: 60617
• Language of instruction: English
• Start: September
• Faculty: Medical Sciences

Why Study this Programme in Groningen?

• The MSc Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment aims to train motivated students in a challenging, high-quality, multidisciplinary programme to become the next generation of talented (bio)medical and pharmaceutical scientists in academia and the private sector.
• Students become part of a close-knit international cohort of a maximum of 35 students.
• The programme offers a stimulating multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, ongoing individual guidance, flexibility to select a specialization, and the opportunity to design one's own study path.
• High-quality teaching by renowned researchers and support for both personal and professional growth are key aspects of the programme.

Programme Structure

• Year 1:
  • Mandatory courses include Experimental Techniques in Research, Mechanisms of Disease and Innovative Therapies, Capita Selecta, Fit for Practice 1, Introduction Research Project I, and Research Project I.
• Year 2:
  • Electives (15 EC) in specialized courses related to MMIT specializations.
  • PhD Project Proposal (8 EC) to prepare students for becoming independent researchers.
  • Capita Selecta (5 EC) to gain comprehensive knowledge and insights into a specific research problem.
  • Fit for Practice 2 (2 EC) for personal and professional development.
  • Research Project II (33 EC) that substantially differs from the first research project.

Study Load and Curriculum

• Average study load: 40 hours of class and self-study per week.
• The curriculum covers medical, biomedical, or pharmaceutical topics and explores cutting-edge research methodologies.
• Students acquire valuable transferable skills, including critically analyzing literature, designing innovative research questions, and developing effective scientific communication skills.

Specializations

• Neuroscience: Focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders, organismal or central nervous system ageing, and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Oncology: Explores cancer biology, from fundamental basic research to (pre)clinical translational research and clinical trials.
• Infection and Immunity: Unravels the mechanisms underlying immune-mediated chronic diseases and translates basic immunological concepts into clinical practice.
• Metabolic Diseases: Covers both basic and (pre)clinical translational research related to metabolic diseases, focusing on the molecular basis of these diseases.
• Systems Medicine: Provides an overview of computational methods and strategies, including top-down approaches to analyze and model genome-scale data.
• Drugs and Devices: Contributes to the entire field of pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, from basic areas like drug discovery to (clinical) pharmaceutical practice and patient-oriented research.

Study Abroad

• Study abroad is optional.
• Maximum of 35 EC.
• Students can undertake their second research project (RPII) at renowned institutions abroad.

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma or international diploma.
• Specific requirements include previous education in relevant fields, grade list, Curriculum Vitae (CV), assessment interview, language test, and motivation letter.
• The programme has a selection procedure, accepting a maximum of 35 students each year.

Registration Procedure

• For Dutch students: Register on Studielink and send an email to request further instructions.
• For international students: Register on Studielink, then finalize the application in the online Progress Portal of the University of Groningen.
• The application will be evaluated by the MMIT admissions board, followed by an interview for selected applicants.

Selection Procedure

• The programme prioritizes high-quality education and provides a small-scale learning environment.
• A selection procedure is part of the admission process to ensure the best fit and experience for students.

Application Deadlines

• Dutch students: 01 May 2026
• EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026
• non-EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026

Tuition Fees

• EU/EEA: € 2601 (2026), € 2695 (2027)
• non-EU/EEA: € 24900 (2026 and 2027)

After Your Studies

• Job prospects: About 60% of students stay within academia, and 40% pursue careers in the industry.
• Potential careers: PhD, Post Doc, Oncology researcher, Scientific immunologist, Policy advisor, Strategy consultant, Science writer or editor, and more.

Research

• The programme covers the full spectrum of the research process, from fundamental to clinical research.
• Students are encouraged to participate in conferences and congresses, with an annual budget available for participation costs.
• The programme prepares students for future grant applications and provides the opportunity to write and defend their own research proposal.

Alumni Stories

• Noortje Van Dijk: Graduated in 2023, pursued an internship at the University of Oxford, and received the GUF-100 prize for best student of the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
• Marcel Vieira-Lara: Graduated in 2017, pursued a PhD in Systems Biology and Energy Metabolism, and is now an Assistant Professor at TU Delft.
• Anjana Sridharan: Graduated in 2019, appreciated the programme's guidance and support, and found the self-development sessions valuable.
• Theodora Grosu: Graduated in 2022, chose the Oncology track, and is currently pursuing a PhD degree in Medicine.

Study Associations

• GLV Idun: The study association for Biology, Life Science & Technology, Biomedical Engineering, and their connecting master programs, organizing social and career/education-related activities.

Student Profile

• The programme welcomes research-minded students from diverse educational backgrounds.
• Students are driven to become top (bio)medical researchers, enjoy problem-solving, possess a creative mindset, and thrive in an international setting.

Study Support

• The programme provides guidance throughout the application, admission, and starting process.
• Student counseling starts from the beginning of the curriculum, with an introduction to the programme, students, staff members, and the study advisor.
• A dedicated student advisor assists with study progression matters, and mentors discuss overall study progress annually.
• Career perspective workshops cover various topics to help students make informed decisions about their future career options.