Master’s in Molecular Life Sciences

The MSc Molecular Life Sciences takes two years of full-time study, worth a total of 120 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) points. The language of instruction is English. The programme consists of a common part, the specialisation, and free choice courses. Below, the three parts of the programme are briefly explained, and more details can be found in the study handbook of Wageningen University.

For more detailed information about this programme's profile and learning outcomes, check the Study Handbook.

Courses year one and two

In the first year, students start with foundational courses (12 ECTS): Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences and From Molecule to Designer Materials. Through these courses you will build essential skills and gain a broad understanding of the field. Students then move into the specialisation and free choice parts. Specialising with deepening courses (12 ECTS) to gain advanced knowledge in their chosen field and completing a research method course (3 ECTS) to develop research skills. Students have free choice courses (21 ECTS) which allow them to explore other subjects of interest or complement their specialisation. Finally, students participate in career preparation activities (12 ECTS) to prepare for professional life and future opportunities.

In the second year, students continue with a thesis (36 ECTS) as a major research project and participate in an internship (24 ECTS) outside of Wageningen University and Research. Completing all these components results in the full programme of 120 ECTS.

Within the master's programme, you can choose one of the following specialisations of Molecular Life Sciences to meet your personal interests. More information on the specialisations can also be found in the Study Handbook.  

• Specialisation Physical Chemistry
  The focus of Physical Chemistry is on the chemical and physical properties of molecules and molecular assemblies. For example, their behaviour in (bio)chemical processes, their interactions in complex systems, and their phase and interfacial behaviour. Nature is often taken as an example for studying and synthesising new compounds with interesting chemical or physical properties, so that they can be used in applications ranging from LCDs and biosensors to improving properties of food.
• Specialisation in Physical Biology 
  In the Physical Biology specialisation of the Molecular Life Sciences master’s, you will study molecular interactions using principles from physics, chemistry, and bioinformatics. Through (bio)physical techniques such as (micro)spectroscopy and magnetic resonance, you will gain practical skills to conduct experimental research and develop analytical tools for applications in biophysics, food, and pharmaceuticals.
• Specialisation in Biological Chemistry 
  This specialisation focuses on the (bio)chemical properties of molecules in living systems, combining principles from chemistry, biology, and bioinformatics. Topics include molecular regulation of growth, cell differentiation, signal transduction, genetics, enzymology, and molecular interactions. Research is conducted in vivo and in vitro across various model organisms, including plants, microorganisms, animals, and humans.
• Specialisation in Biomedical Research 
  The Biomedical Research specialisation offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge research, from studying disease-related genes and developing targeted treatments to designing DNA- and protein-based diagnostics and drug delivery systems. Medical topics are explored from biological, chemical, and physical perspectives, with practical training in virology, immunotechnology, and cell biology.

• Lectures: the lecturer delivers and clarifies the key concepts of the course.
• Labs: primarily wet lab, allowing you to learn different research techniques en research skills.
• Problem-Based Learning: a supervised group activity where you solve a case study together.
• Tutorials: you perform assignments individually or within a small group.
• Self-study: designated periods are included, though you may extend your study independently. 

At WUR, we prioritise direct guidance and meaningful contact. With more lecturers, study advisors, and student counsellors available than at most universities in the Netherlands, we make sure you have the support necessary to thrive. This approach minimises the risk of dropping out and adds a personal dimension that enhances your learning, reflecting our true commitment to you.

• The Master's in Biotechnology shares a similar focus on molecular biology and biochemistry, but with less focus on molecular physics and (an)organic chemistry. Biotechnology focusses more on application and bioprocess engineering, while molecular life scientists focus more on fundamental questions.
• A master's that also focuses on the molecular aspect of research, is the Master's in Food Technology. This master's contains more applied chemistry and less biology. Moreover, the MSc in Molecular Life Sciences has a broader focus than food chemistry alone, which is the case for the MSc in Food Technology.
• In the Master's in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, the focus lies on systems biology and designing algorithms that describe biological processes. The master Molecular Life Sciences focuses more on the integration of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in combination with experimental design of research to obtain molecular data.

Check for more information on Studiekeuze123.nl.

Most of the MSc Molecular Life Science students will have a career opportunity in the first few months after graduating. The majority, about 70 percent, starts their career by doing a PhD on subjects such as microbiology, physical chemistry, cell biology, organic chemistry, biotechnology, etc. Other jobs could be researcher in the industry, consultant, entrepreneur or teacher. The broad programme prepares students for many career paths, partially in the form of dedicated courses.

If you need help in your orientation towards your future career Student Career Services facilitates students towards the labour market. 

Interested in the master's programme Molecular Life Sciences? Find out whether your knowledge and skills match the entry level of the programme.

Purpose and reason for the admission requirements

The admission requirements for the master's programme Molecular Life Sciences are defined in such a way that prospective students should be able to complete the programme nominally in two years. The master's programme Molecular Life Sciences is a combination of physics, mathematics, chemistry, and molecular biology. Therefore, advanced bachelor's courses in these fields are required to follow the advanced courses in this programme. Additionally, for analyses of experimental data, a basis in statistics is necessary.

The criterion used for admission is

A WUR BSc degree in Molecular Life Sciences or Biotechnology, or a Dutch BSc in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, or equivalent.

The norm equivalence is

≥70 ECTS in total in the following topics and including one advanced course per topic:

• Chemistry (physical chemistry, biochemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry)
• Biology (cell biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, enzymology)
• Physics (thermodynamics, colloid science, biophysics, molecular structures, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy)

And ≥10 ECTS in total in the following topics:

• Mathematics (differentiation, integration, first order differential equations, calculus, linear algebra)
• Statistics (formulate hypotheses for population means, t-tests, confidence intervals)

Not all topics mentioned need to be mastered at the same level; they will be weighed by the Admission Board per individual application.

Method of assessment whether this norm is met

• Transcript of records displaying the content of previous course subjects and project work;
• Curriculum vitae displaying relevant work, internship and/or project experience on an academic level in a relevant field if applicable.

Scores attributed by the Admission Board

Admitted / not admitted / admitted under condition obtaining the BSc or MSc degree / not admitted with offer of pre-master's.

Ready to start your application process? Find everything you need to know about Application & Admission before applying for a master's.

The Admission Board may allow and/or suggest compensation of knowledge gaps by:

• a GPA≥7.0* for the previous education for small discrepancies as new knowledge is sufficiently easily acquired;
• a GPA≥7.0* and an individual pre-master's programme for larger discrepancies that can be compensated in ≤30 ECTS and one year of study.

*Check the  Application & Admission page for master's for the International credentials evaluation guide for international equivalencies to a Dutch GPA>7.0. This guide includes compensating factors for a slightly lower GPA the Admission Board may include in their judgement. 

Contact us to discuss the possibilities of a pre-master's or how to mitigate knowledge gaps if you are still in the process of obtaining your degree.

Find out more about  enrolment and fees of a pre-master's programme. 

Admissible study programmes

Study programmes of which the graduates may meet the knowledge requirements of Molecular Life Sciences are for example: Molecular Life Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Science and Technology, Biotechnology, and Life Science and Technology.

Explore more about Tuition fees and study finances.

Wageningen offers a diverse, enjoyable, and amiable student community. Despite being a small town, you get to know people from all over the world because of Wageningen University & Research's global atmosphere. Everything in town is relatively accessible by bicycle, and the campus is contemporary and green. Whether it's a sporting event, a party, or a laid-back evening with friends at one of the student associations, there's always something going on. Additionally, there are parks, forests, and a river nearby, so if you enjoy the outdoors, you're in the right area. It's a fantastic combination of learning, socialising, and taking in the scenery.

Explore more about Student life in Wageningen.