MBA & Engineering in Life Science Management

Overview

This internationally accredited Master’s degree combines science and management to prepare you for leadership roles in the global life science sector. The programme offers an integrated approach that builds on your academic background and adds industry-specific knowledge and managerial skills, so you can navigate both technical and business challenges across the life science value chain.

Programme focus

Taught entirely in English, the curriculum mixes academic modules with practical, industry-oriented projects so you learn to apply existing scientific or engineering expertise to real-world problems in biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals and related fields. Graduates leave ready to assume senior or managerial responsibilities in international work environments, with an emphasis on understanding processes across development, production and commercialization.

Industry links and career prospects

The programme works closely with leading applied companies to provide hands-on experience and professional contacts—students have collaborated with organisations such as Bayer, Pfizer, Biotronik, Capgemini, IGES Institute, TissUse and Thermo Fisher. More than 96% of graduates secure employment within three months of finishing the programme, reflecting strong employability in the sector.

Study location and student life

Based in Berlin—one of Germany’s main life science hubs—you’ll have easy access to biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical companies, research institutes and public organisations that support internships, projects and networking. Germany’s comparatively low tuition costs, safe study environment and high-quality universities make it an attractive destination for international master’s students.

Entry profile / key expectations

• Academically qualified professionals (master’s-level programme)
• Backgrounds such as engineering, natural sciences, business management, industrial engineering or similar
• Ability and motivation to develop branch-specific life science expertise and managerial competence
• Programme is taught exclusively in English (proficiency in English is expected)

Curriculum overview

This programme is structured to combine management training with engineering knowledge specific to the life sciences. In the first two semesters you complete 12 taught modules (some of which involve lab work or other hands‑on activities) and two project courses that apply engineering management principles to life‑science contexts. The final semester is dedicated to a colloquium/master’s seminar, your Master’s thesis and additional electives that deepen technical, commercial or legal expertise.

Key modules and learning outcomes

Core topics cover both business and technical dimensions: project management for production processes, corporate finance and controlling, human resources and leadership, and strategic marketing tailored to life‑science products and services. Engineering‑focused modules (Life Science Engineering I & II, Advanced Topics) and two practice‑based projects develop applied technical competence and problem‑solving in production or R&D settings. Regulatory affairs and clinical trial management, plus modules on intellectual property, contract law, business ethics and corporate governance, prepare you to handle the compliance, legal and ethical challenges common in life‑science industries. The programme culminates in a research or application‑oriented Master’s thesis supported by a seminar/colloquium.

Program requirements (modules at a glance)

• First & second semesters: 12 study modules in total (may include practical lab work)
  • Semester 1:
    • Special Topics in Business Administration
    • Project Management for Production Processes
    • Corporate Finance and Controlling
    • Project 1: Engineering Management
    • Life Science Engineering I
    • Elective Module 1
  • Semester 2:
    • Human Resources Management and Leadership
    • Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Trial Management
    • Strategic Marketing in Life Sciences
    • Project 2: Advanced Topics in Life Science Engineering
    • Life Science Engineering II
    • Elective Module 2
• Third semester:
  • Colloquium / Master’s Seminar
  • Master’s Thesis
  • Elective Modules (examples):
    • Advanced Processes in Life Science Industries
    • New Technologies and Products
    • Business Ethics and Corporate Governance
    • Intellectual Property Management and Contract Laws

For further details on module content and elective options, consult the programme’s official information page.

Graduates are prepared for senior and managerial roles within the international life science industry, able to make business decisions grounded in both scientific and management knowledge. The programme emphasises branch-specific management expertise and covers the full value chain, positioning alumni for functions such as project management, regulatory affairs, product and portfolio management, business development, and operations in biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical companies.

Strong industry ties and widespread uptake of internships/thesis projects with companies further support transition into the sector. Employers named in the programme (e.g. Bayer, Pfizer, Biotronik, Thermo Fisher) illustrate typical employer types and pathways into industry, consulting or leadership roles in research-intensive organisations and health-technology firms.