MSc in Life Science and Technology - Life Science and Business Studies

Leiden University

In the master’s specialisation Life Science and Business Studies, you combine high quality research in life sciences with training in management and entrepreneurship.

What does this master’s programme entail?

Business Studies bridges science and business by focusing on areas such as technology management, innovation, entrepreneurship, operations and decision making. In this master’s specialisation you combine life science research with Business Studies. You will learn about analytical frameworks and skills for managerial decision making. The emphasis of the business specialisation is on the application of these frameworks and skills in the context of R&D-intensive organisations. After completion, you have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to take on managerial responsibilities in your work.

Why study Life Science and Business Studies at Leiden University?

• The master's specialisation Life Science and Business Studies provides you with a full year of research training in Life Science and Technology followed by a year of training in business theory.
• You can design your own tailor-made LST programme adjusted to your own interests and ambitions related to Life Sciences, biomedicine and Chemical Biology.
• You have the opportunity to gain hands-on business experience working as an intern for a company. The real-life experience of the Business Studies internship often provides students an edge in securing competitive job openings.

Life Science and Business Studies: the right master’s programme for you?

Do you pursue a management career in industry from a LST research perspective? Do you want to learn all about technology commercialization and business development? Then, LST and Business Studies is the master’s specialisation of choice for you. It enables you to broaden your scope outside research in Life Science and Technology. The Business Studies specialisation offers training that is analytically rigorous and connected to practice through class discussions based on real-life business cases, company visits, guest speakers, and an internship experience.

Career prospects

Many students receive their first job offer during or right after their Business Studies internship. After graduation you can also aim for a career in Life Sciences research.

Acquired skills and competence

As a science student you have been trained to develop analytical skills, the attitude for problem solving and the ability to learn quickly as well as to apply creative thinking. This rather unique skill set is necessary to become a good researcher. At the same time, these qualifications are also valuable for industry and business. Many companies are looking for science graduates who will be able to fulfil challenging jobs requiring the above mentioned skills.

Career

The master’s degree Life Science and Technology is a stepping-stone for those graduates with the aspiration to pursue a PhD degree. Students with a desire to apply their life sciences and technology knowledge outside the university have good job possibilities in R&D departments in industry, business, public utility companies, teaching, consultancy and government bodies. Biotechnological-, food- and biopharmaceutical industries as well as healthcare and fundamental research institutions could be suitable employers. Many students eventually attain higher management positions.