Biofabrication

This English-language, internationally focused Master's programme brings together engineering, chemistry, materials science, biology and medicine to train students at the cutting edge of biofabrication. The curriculum is deliberately interdisciplinary and practice-oriented, so you will develop both theoretical understanding and hands-on skills relevant to research and industry applications. A final Master’s thesis completes the degree, allowing you to carry out an extended research or development project.

The course content is organised around two core themes — Biomaterials and Biofabrication — plus advanced modules, transferable-skills training and optional international study components. Teaching includes core subject modules, elective options to tailor your profile, and assessed practical work; a detailed module handbook describes learning objectives, assessment types and the credit workload for every module. The programme also offers an international dimension through an optional advanced module at a partner university and a summer school.

This profile is well suited to students with a background in engineering, natural sciences or related fields who want to work in biomaterials, medical implant engineering, tissue engineering or related areas. As an international student you can expect instruction in English, close interaction with laboratory and project-based learning, and opportunities to develop innovation and scientific-working skills valued by researchers and employers.

Programme structure and requirements (overview)

• Main topic — Biomaterials: Biomaterials; Medical Implant Engineering; three core elective modules
• Main topic — Biofabrication: Biofabrication; Cell Biology; three core elective modules
• Advanced modules: either three advanced modules or one international advanced module at a partner university, plus participation in a summer school option
• Transferable skills: modules on Scientific Working and Innovation Management
• Final requirement: Master’s thesis (research project and written dissertation)
• Further details (credits per module, assessment formats and qualification objectives) are provided in the programme’s module handbook.

This Master’s programme is split into two consecutive phases: a foundational year and a specialization year. During the first year you cover the programme’s core topics — biofabrication and biomaterials — alongside modules on transferable skills. Teaching formats combine lectures, seminars and hands-on laboratory work to build both theoretical understanding and practical competency. A detailed study plan is provided to give an overview of all courses and their sequencing.

In the second year you focus on advanced, specialised modules and complete a research-based Master’s thesis that consolidates your learning and prepares you for independent research or industry roles. Courses in biofabrication are primarily offered in the winter semester, while biomaterials modules run in the summer semester. Transferable-skills and advanced modules are scheduled across both semesters depending on the specific course.

To prepare in advance, you can take the free audit track of the MOOC “Biomaterials and Biofabrication: Design, Engineering and Innovation” offered by the university. It’s a useful way to familiarise yourself with the lecture style and ongoing research; a paid verified track is available if you want a certificate after passing the exam.

Key modules and programme components

• Core modules in biofabrication (winter semester)
• Core modules in biomaterials (summer semester)
• Transferable-skills modules (offered in both semesters)
• Advanced, specialised modules (second year; offered across semesters)
• Practical laboratory courses (integrated throughout the programme)
• Master’s thesis (second year, research project)

Learning outcomes

• Solid grounding in the principles and techniques of biofabrication and biomaterials
• Practical laboratory experience in biofabrication methods and protocols
• Ability to apply advanced concepts to specialised research questions or industry problems
• Enhanced professional skills (communication, project management, interdisciplinary teamwork)
• Preparedness to carry out an independent, research-led Master’s thesis and to transition to doctoral studies or relevant professional roles

Practical note

• A detailed study plan is supplied by the programme to help you track course offerings and semester scheduling
• Consider taking the university’s MOOC as a free introduction; a paid certificate option is available if desired

Graduates are prepared for technical and research roles in biomedical engineering, medical device and implant industries, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, as well as in research institutions and academic PhD programmes. The combination of practical lab experience, materials- and cell-focused modules, and innovation management training also positions graduates well for roles in startups, product development and interdisciplinary project management within the life-science and health-technology sectors.