Master's Degree in Applied and Commercial Biotechnology

What kind of expertise will I gain?

The programme includes two spesialisation modules from which to choose. Spesialisation 1 (Experimental Biotechnology) is suitable for those interested in a career in research, education or another vocation in applied biotechnology. Spesialisation 2 (Commercialisation of Biotechnology) is directed toward those who wish to commercialise knowledge gained from biotechnology research to generate intellectual property, a product or a service.

About the programme

The programme, inluding both spesialisation modules, consists of coursework equivalent to 60 ECTS credits with the Master’s thesis comprising an additional 60 credits. Courses in Biotechnological Methods, Bioinformatics / Biostatistics, Bioethics, IPR Strategies & Biotechnology Regulation are obligatory for both modules.

Spesialisation 1 focuses on experimental biotechology, specifically within cell biology, molecular genetics and/or bioprocess technology. The thesis will be based on a research project performed in the laboratory.

Spesialisation 2 emphasises business plan development, and the thesis work will be carried out in collaboration with a biotechnology organisation, most commonly a company.

The language of instruction is English.

Admission requirements 

To enter the programme, you are required to confirm the achievement of either:

• A Norwegian bachelor’s degree, or an education recognized as being equivalent to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree.
• An education recognized as three years of higher education in Norway.
• Education approved as equivalent to the above-mentioned degrees according to university law § 3-4.

Note that bachelor’s degrees (3 years of study) from a number of countries are recognized only as 2 years of higher education in Norway. Among these are most South American countries, USA, Russia and a number of Asian and African countries like India and Nigeria. 

For both spesialisation modules of the programme, your degree from higher education must include:

• The equivalent of at least 80 ECTS credits in natural sciences and mathmatics, with a solid foundation in chemistry and biology.
• Minimum average grade of D in these courses.

For the spesialisation module in Experimental Biotechnology, your degree from higher education must additionally include:

• Completed coursework in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (may be included as part of the 80 ECTS credits described under point 1);
• Minimum average grade of C in these courses.

English language requirements:

All non-native English speakers must provide official documentation of English language proficiency at the level of Norwegian upper secondary school/high school.

English must have been the primary foreign language in at least seven years in primary, secondary and upper secondary school, alternatively an A-level exam in English.

Applicants who do not fill these requirements, or are not sure that they do, must take one of the following tests:

- TOEFL with a minimum score of 500 (written) 170 (computer based) 60 (internet based)

- IELTS with a minimum score of 5.0

No exceptions are made to this requirement. Scores lower than 500/170/60 (TOEFL) or 5.0 (IELTS) will not be accepted.

See national regulations (GSU-list)

 Further studies

The programme qualifies candidates for university Ph.D. programmes