The master’s degree is broken down into three semesters with students being awarded the “Master of Science” degree upon successful completion. The first two semesters convey a broad range of technical knowledge with selective areas of specialisation as well as core interdisciplinary qualifications through lectures, internships and excursions. In the third semester you work on your thesis. The purpose of the study programme is to qualify biotechnologists with a comprehensive overview of their specialist field. The demand for specialists is constantly increasing in the biotechnology industry as well as in production, quality assurance and research and development, with excellent career opportunities.
Biotechnology The key enabling technology of the future
Tackling today's societal challenges such as climate change and pandemics requires the development of innovative and sustainable solutions. Biotechnology is considered one of the key enabling technologies. Areas of bioanalytics as an interdisciplinary science are combined with process engineering and the utilisation of organisms and cells.
In the study programme, we prepare you for your future in biotechnology and also provide insights into the exciting marine environment, because this is where there is great potential for extracting new active substances, finding sustainable solutions for feeding humanity and much more.
The work and research opportunities offered by many regional and national companies provide a wide range of options for engaging with the biotechnological use of resources.
Why choose this programme
Your future in biotechnology
Activities, research and professional profile
Biotechnology is considered a cutting-edge, market-relevant technology.
With a Master of Science degree, biotechnologists have access to a broad range of activities in important fields of application in research, development, quality assurance and production.
Apart from continuing on to a higher doctoral degree, biotechnologists can work in the production of medications, the development of new pharmaceuticals or diagnostics. Another exciting field of work is bioeconomics, which develops and applies resource-efficient and environmentally friendly processes. This may be in the area of environmental technology or in the production of market-relevant bio-based molecules. Due to the marine focus of the degree programme, activities in marine research are also feasible.
Facts about the study programme
Degree of Studies
Master of ScienceStudy Form
Full-time studyTerm of Admission
admission-freeTerm of Admission
Winter and Summer semesterMain Course Language
GermanStandard Period of Study
3 Semester
Dive into biotechnology
The three-semester master's programme prepares students for roles in biotechnological professions in research and industry. In the first two semesters, the students deepen the knowledge they acquired in the bachelor's programme on molecular and cell biology, bioanalytics and bioprocess engineering, expanding it in focus areas such as protein analytics, bioinformatics, molecular ecology and methods for the study of marine resources and chemistry.
In the third semester, the students write their final thesis in the scope of a research project. This can take place at a company or research institution either at home or abroad.
A Master of Science degree attests your ability to work independently in an academic, application-oriented and interdisciplinary manner and to critically classify evidence-based findings.
Programme overview
The contents of the biotechnology master’s degree is particularly focussed on the analysis of biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, secondary metabolites and data. Students are introduced to the development, optimisation and standardisation of molecular biological diagnostics methods and learn the basics of programming and evaluating “Big Data”. An additional focus area is the commercialisation of the ocean. The goal is to convey a detailed understanding of the ocean’s ecosystem and the commercial use of the available resources. The degree provides the opportunity to participate in multi-day excursions on the Heincke research vessel operated by the Alfred Wegener Institute.
The biotechnology master’s degree provides the opportunity to combine the thesis with a period of study abroad. The lecturers and staff involved in the study programme are always happy to help students find a path that suits them: whether this is an internship at an institution, a semester abroad or a thesis abroad.
Admission and application
1. Requirements for admission are a bachelor’s degree (210 CP) in a natural sciences study programme, such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry or biotechnology, with an equivalent German grade of 2.7 or better. If a bachelor’s degree with only 180 CP has been completed, we will make special arrangements for the missing CP. The required equivalent German grade may also be increased by 0.3 for individuals who can provide evidence of at least 2 years of relevant professional experience after obtaining their bachelor’s degree.
2. Proof of English language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The admission requirement for foreign students is an C1 language level in German.
Further details are provided in the admission regulations.
The Biotechnology study programme (BioT) accepts students every semester. The application deadline for the winter semester is 15 August, while the deadline for the summer semester is 15 February. Please apply online through our ecampus application portal where you can upload all the necessary documents.
The Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is a member of UNI-ASSIST (Application Services for International Students). Prospective students who have gained their university entrance qualification or bachelor’s degree outside the European Union (EU) can therefore submit their application directly to UNI-ASSIST. To ensure adequate processing time, the application for the winter semester should be submitted to UNI-ASSIST by 30 June for the winter semester and 31 December for the summer semester. Following a successful review, this is forwarded on to the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. UNI-ASSIST charges applicants a fee to process the application.
You can find further information on the application procedure on the Registration and Examination Office’s website.
A number of events that provide information about the programme are held before its commencement. These are offered both prior to application as well as for successful applicants. Please also feel free to contact us directly. We look forward to hearing from you!
Learn more about the study programme
Biotechnology