About the programme
The objective of this programme is to provide in-depth knowledge of the molecular and cellular processes that are active in micro-organisms, plants, animals and humans, on both a qualitative and quantitative level. Further, the programme trains the associated technologies to measure and influence these processes. The programme aims to transmit advanced scientific and solution-oriented knowledge, skills and attitudes towards biotechnological applications with living organisms that are both scientifically innovative and socially relevant. Opportunities are also offered, both inside and outside the curriculum, to work on your personal development. Finally, together with professional and ethics experts, the programme reflects on the place of biotechnology in society. Opportunities are also offered, both inside and outside the curriculum, to work on your personal development. Finally, together with professional and ethics experts you will reflect on the place of biotechnology in society.
Strengths
- You will acquire a broad knowledge base in both fundamental molecular and cellular biology and biotechnological techniques. In the course series "Applications of Biotechnology" fundamental scientific knowledge and techniques come together in a discussion of biotechnological applications.
- The Master is multidisciplinary, addressing the physiology of different organisms, technical advances, and computational analysis tools. The programme is driven by researchers active in several parts of a very socially relevant area of the applied sciences, namely where living organisms and technology meet.
- You will be thoroughly trained in molecular and cellular biology laboratory skills during both an extensive cross-disciplinary practical course as well as the master thesis.
- During this programme you will be coached in further developing your personal skills and attitudes thereby focusing on the following educational objectives: critical self-reflection, thinking and acting sustainably and ethically, intercultural communication and responsible leadership.
Programme Master of Bioscience Engineering: Cellular and Genetic Engineering
Curious about which courses you will follow or which options you will have? Do you want to know what a typical week will look like?
Webinar
Rewatch the webinar given during the Webinar Week about the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering programmes.
Admission requirements
The programme welcomes applications from holders of an academic bachelor's degree in engineering (bioscience engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, or any equivalent engineering degree), and holders of other bachelor's or master's degrees encompassing thorough coursework in at least mathematics and statistics, physics, biology and physiology.
Different requirements apply for students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community. Click the link below for detailed admission requirements.
Official and current admission requirements
Student profile
You should have a broad knowledge of and interest in science in general and in particular in a combination of biology, biochemistry, chemistry and engineering techniques. Advanced knowledge is required in the fundamental physical and chemical processes that take place in organisms and the molecular mechanisms that direct the functioning of cells and tissues. With respect to technology, interest in and knowledge of molecular techniques used to study and change the structure and functioning of genomes, genes and proteins in cells for applications in microorganisms, plants or animals are required.
Application deadline
For most recent - and only official - information on application deadlines, check KU Leuven - Application deadlines.
Application procedure
Check the application instructions for bachelor, master, postgraduate programmes and credit contracts. There is also a video that explains the application procedure from start to finish.
Tuition fees
It is worth noting that our tuition fees are cheaper than in many other European countries thanks to the generous financing of the higher education system by our government. Although all of our programmes are very affordable compared to equivalent universities around the world, the fees for any individual student are contingent upon their choice of academic programme and the nationality of the student. Check out our tuition fees for your particular programme.
Scholarships
Our aim is to offer afforable tuition fees for all students, which means we only have a limited number of scholarships available for students from particular backgrounds or studying in particular fields.
Excellent students who are eligible for a Master Mind Scholarship are invited to submit their application before 1 February.
Career perspectives
A Cellular and Genetic Engineering graduate is a life sciences professional who can apply this knowledge in both an industrial context to control and engineer bioprocesses, and in a research environment for fundamental and applied research.
With this diploma you gain access to a wide range of employment sectors. Partly due to the interest and training in scientific research, you can go on to train for a PhD and flow through to jobs in research and educational institutions (university, higher education, government). You can also move to a managerial or research position in the biotechnology, the pharmaceutical, the chemical or the agro- or food industry.
In Belgium, graduates of this programme are entitled to use the professional title of 'Bio-ingenieur' ('Bioscience Engineer').
Career support
Our Student Career Center is happy to put you on the right track towards your first work experience, but also coaches you in the search for an interesting job and helps you with job interviews.
Entrepreneurship
For students wanting to start their own business KU Leuven also has KICK, the KU Leuven community that encourages students with innovative and entrepreneurial ideas.
Our alumni network
As a KU Leuven graduate, you are part of a worldwide network of over 290 000 alumni. Stay in touch with your former classmates with the exclusive alumni platform KU Leuven Connect.
KU Leuven is one of Europe’s highest-ranked and most renowned universities. It boasts a long tradition of pioneering research and high-quality education. But KU Leuven has quite a few other strengths as well.
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