Master of Bioscience Engineering: Cellular and Genetic Engineering
Leuven, Belgium
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English, Dutch
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,771 **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-EEA; June 1st for EEA | for the most recent – and only official – information on application deadlines, please check the KU Leuven webpage
** for non-EEA; EUR 1157 for EEA | for the most recent – and only official – information on tuition fees, please check the KU Leuven webpage
Introduction
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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 program 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 an extensive cross-disciplinary practical course as well as the master thesis.
- During this program, 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.
Curriculum
Master's Thesis
Option A
- Master’s Thesis Cellular and Genetic Engineering: Part I - Semester 1
- Master’s Thesis Cellular and Genetic Engineering: Part II - Semester 2
Option B
- Master’s Thesis Cellular and Genetic Engineering: Part I - Semester 2
- Master’s Thesis Cellular and Genetic Engineering: Part II - Semester 1
Major Segment
Fixed Major Package
- Advanced Genetics
- Microbial Physiology
- Plant Physiology
- Bioinformatics and Genome Technology
- Nanobiology
- Immunology
- Applied Computational and Systems Biology
- Integrated Practicals of Molecular Biotechnology
- European Perspectives on Religion and Meaning
- Animal Physiology
- Biotechnology in a Professional and Societal Context
Variable Package: Applications of Biotechnology
- Applied Biotechnology in Animal Science
- Applied Medical Biotechnology
- Applied Synthetic Microbiology
- Applied Plant Biotechnology
Minor Segment
Reorientation Minor
Students who were admitted to their master’s program on the condition of taking a reorientation minor, or students who took a different bachelor’s option than their master’s program, are requested to contact the study track advisor (e-mail) about the composition of their reorientation minor.
Minor
Students take one minor consisting of ± 20 ECTS (with 17 ECTS as an absolute minimum). The Dutch minors can only be chosen by students with a very good command of the Dutch language (both spoken and written).
- Minor levensmiddelentechnologie
- Minor voeding en gezondheid
- Minor biosysteemtechniek: technologie voor de agrovoedingssector
- Minor biosysteemtechniek: bionanotechnologie
- Minor biosysteemtechniek: Human Health Engineering
- Minor katalytische technologie: moleculaire technologie
- Minor katalytische technologie: procestechnologie
- Minor landbeheer: bos-, natuur- en landschapssystemen
- Minor landbeheer: productiebosbouwsystemen
- Minor landbeheer: bodem- en watersystemen
- Minor landbouwkunde: gewasproductie
- Minor landbouwkunde: dierproductie
- Minor landbouwkunde: bio-economie en beleid
- Minor milieutechnologie
- Minor Water Resources Engineering
- Minor Bioinformatics
- Minor Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering: Plant Production Systems
- Minor Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering: Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Minor Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering: Soil and Water Systems
- Minor Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering: Forest, Nature and Landscape Systems
- Minor Food Technology
- Minor Statistics
- Minor Human Health Engineering
Thematic Minor
Vast minorpakket
- Industrial Microbiology and Fermentation Technology
Variabel minorpakket
- Milieutechnische microbiologie
- Technologie van mouterij en brouwerij: basisaspecten
- Microbial Physiology
- Applied Synthetic Microbiology
- Bioconversion Technology
- Microbiologie van de levensmiddelen
- Microbial Processes for the Bio-based Circular Economy
Thematic minor: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Psychological and Social Aspects of the Management of Organisations
- Strategic IP Management
- Entrepreneurship and New Business Development
- Technology Trends and Opportunities
- Project Management
Thematic minor: Applications for Human Health Engineering
Compulsory courses
- Functional Anatomy of the Human Locomotor System
- Modelling of Biosystems
- Human System Physiology
Variable package – students complete their minor up to a minimum of 17 ECTS.
- Privacy and Big Data
- Research Topics in Human Movement Biomechanics
- Brain-Computer Interfaces
- Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning
- The Science of Nutrition and Health
- Seminars Human Health Engineering
- Inclusive Design
Gerichte minor milieucoördinator
- Milieu-economy
- Sociale aspecten van het milieubeleid
- Lawaaibeheersing
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Milieu en menselijke gezondheid
- Safety of Chemical and Biological Products and of Chemical Processes
Industrial management is only for students who have not completed this course in their bachelor’s program
- Inleiding tot bedrijfsbeheer
Ideal Students
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.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and also available in Dutch.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Science.
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their own research. In our FabLab, students can use a number of high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programmes as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student centre is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Program Leaders
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Accreditations
Gallery
Career Opportunities
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').