Introduction
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: Additional measures are being taken to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Our online education platforms are being utilized to the fullest extent while mandatory masks and social distancing protect our students on campus. Due to the uncertain nature of the pandemic we cannot determine whether these measures will be in effect during the next academic year. We will follow the guidelines provided by the authorities to ensure a safe environment for our international students.
The 21st century started as the century of molecular life sciences. Ever since the 1990s when scientists greatly improved our insights into the molecular basis of life processes, the life sciences have developed at a tremendous rate. Various breakthroughs, including the mapping of the human genome, are leading to the rapid development of inter-relationships between formerly autonomous scientific disciplines such as genetics, medicine, pharmacology, biology, and environmental science.
This creates new prospects for the academic and business worlds. Investments are huge: all over the world, universities, research institutes, and businesses are launching new research initiatives, teaching programs and business-related activities.
In accordance with its Lisbon Strategy, aimed at a more ambitious reinforcement of Europe’s knowledge-based economy, the EU strongly supports further development of genomics and biotechnology. And these are only two of many future scientific developments in the realm of the life sciences, including proteomics, bioinformatics, bioelectronics, and imaging, all of which have numerous applications for human health, wellness, and prosperity.
The Master of Biomedical Sciences focuses on state-of-the-art methodology, knowledge, insight and academic skills, enabling graduates to unravel the molecular mechanisms of health and disease as independent researchers. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for the proper design of a scientific research project.
Three specializations are offered:
Bioelectronics and Nanotechnology
Environmental Health Sciences
Molecular Mechanisms in Health and Disease
Strengths of the programme @UHasselt
The programme is strongly research-oriented with focus on fundamental research and dissemination of scientific findings.
You are trained in several specialized research domains.
The programme offers two internships for a total of 60 ECTS credits.
Topics for internships are available at top-level research groups at Hasselt University, Maastricht University or at other locations in Belgium and abroad (within ERASMUS programme together with universities in e.g. Italy, Finland, Spain, England and Germany)
You are trained in scientific English and writing a grant proposal as a preparation of the senior internship.
The programme strongly emphasizes lifelong learning and employability skills such as communication (writing and presenting), critical attitude, working in team.
The programme is based on student-centered education: small groups, individual guidance and feedback, ‘face-to-face’ education.
You have the opportunity to present your research findings in an international conference environment.
The programme has an international and multidisciplinary orientation.
Specific Admission Requirements
All applicants should hold at least a university diploma or degree certificate or a diploma of higher education equivalent to a bachelor degree (180 ECTS credit points), at the start of the master program in September.
Applicants should hold a bachelor degree or diploma in biomedical sciences, biology, medicine or chemistry. Applicants with a different educational background such as electronic- and medical engineering should contact the coordinator for specific regulations.
The Examination Board of the program evaluates each application individually concerning the applicant’s academic record.
Language Requirements
Sufficient knowledge of English is required and has to be confirmed by presenting a sufficient score on a language test (TOEFL or IELTS*) and by an intake interview at request of the programme coordinator. Native speakers or holders of a degree, obtained in the English language are exempt from a language test.
A TOEFL-score report (internet-based: score 89-90). For more information about the TOEFL, go to www.toefl.org. Students who take in the test are required to indicate institution code 9005, so that the results are transmitted to Hasselt University directly. Note that we only accept academic TOEFL or IELTS-test results.
IELTS-certificate (min. overall band score 6.5). For more information, go to www.ielts.org. On the day of the test, Hasselt University can be selected as the institution to which the test result should be sent, with reference to the contact person of the programme for which you wish to apply. Note that we only accept academic TOEFL or IELTS-test results.
Deadline for submission:
for EEA students: 15th of August
for non-EEA students: 1st of March
Online pre-registration is compulsory. The Examination Board will only consider duly completed application files.
Applicants will be notified of the Examination Board’s decision as soon as possible. The registration becomes active after payment of the tuition fee, augmented with a premium for health insurance for non-EEA students.
Career Prospects
Bioelectronics and Nanotechnology
Applied and fundamental research at universities, hospitals, and research centers in scientific and biomedical disciplines (PhD, research associate...) • Research and development in companies specialized in pharmaceutics, diagnostics, biotechnology, semiconductor and biomedical devices, and medical engineering (product specialist, process analyst, product engineer, service engineer...) • Governmental authorities and centers focusing on public health, environmental conservation, genetics, and information services (project manager, business developer, investment manager...) • Independent consultant and entrepreneur • Education (teaching assistant…)
Environmental Health Sciences
Fundamental and applied research at universities, hospitals, research centers
Government authorities and centers focusing on public health and environmental conservation
Food safety agencies
Research and development in companies specialized in pharmaceutics, diagnostics and environmental health science
Ph.D. programs in scientific and biomedical disciplines
Education
100 % of the graduated had a job in the above-mentioned fields within 1 year after graduation.
Clinical Molecular Sciences
Fundamental and applied research at universities, hospitals, research centers
Government authorities and centers focusing on public health, genetics and public relations agencies
Research and development in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
Ph.D. programs in scientific and biomedical disciplines
Education
