MSc in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences - BioTherapeutics

Leiden University

In the BioTherapeutics master's specialisation you focus on the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat immune-based disorders by applying systems immunological and metabolism methods.

The BioTherapeutics master’s specialisation focusses on research-oriented education into the development of state-of-the-art therapies using novel biologics, such as vaccines, therapeutic proteins and peptides, and gene therapy products for inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis and skin disease. Integration of experimental in-vitro and in-vivo data is aimed to aid a smoother and speedier transition from preclinical research to pharmacological interventions, and the delivery of drugs in the human body.

Why study BioTherapeutics at Leiden University?

• The master's specialisation BioTherapeutics is by the interdisciplinary research division of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) bearing the same name BioTherapeutics. The division focuses on a wide variety of research themes from vaccination and other immunotherapeutical and metabolic strategies for the treatment of atherosclerosis to the formulation of biopharmaceuticals and innovative research into skin barrier function and drug delivery via the skin.
• The strength of the programme is the research-oriented approach and the tailored programme designed for each student individually.
• You study in an internationally, top-ranked research institute.

BioTherapeutics: the right master’s programme for you?

If you are interested in research training in specific drug delivery techniques, and the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat immune-based disorders, such as atherosclerosis, metabolic disorders and inflammatory skin diseases, this master’s programme is the right choice.

Career prospects

In the Master’s programme in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences of Leiden University you are trained for a scientific career in drug research and development.

After graduating you are theoretically and experimentally trained in all relevant aspects of drug research. You have hands-on experience in specialized research project. The combination of expertise in drug research and academic skills makes you attractive for employers, irrespective of the chosen specialisation. All students who complete the master Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, regardless of the specialisation, are admissible to a PhD programme in Bio-Pharmaceutical, Biomedical or other Life Sciences.

Career

One finds graduates from Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences in the entire width of the (bio)pharmaceutical field. Their careers generally remain closely related to the field of drug discovery and design, or the development and production of drugs, including drug quality, safety and clinical trials. Jobs outside research include various functions in the pharmaceutical industry, in biotechnology companies, or with the government.

Many graduates from Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences choose a career in scientific research and pursue a PhD degree. After obtaining your PhD degree you can continue as a postdoctoral fellow and subsequently, via a tenure track position at university, develop further to assistant-, associate-, or full professor.