Education

Biomedical sciences has undergone a spectacular evolution in the past decades. New diseases such as bird flu have appeared, and other diseases such as AIDS and diabetes have expanded. At the same time, scientific researchers are discovering new ways to fight these diseases. The human genome has been decoded, gene technology is booming and the first steps in the direction of stem cell therapy have been made. The laboratories at KU Leuven and the University Hospital Gasthuisberg deliver cutting-edge work in the field of disease and development of new therapies stretching from bench to bedside. The Master of Biomedical Sciences at KU Leuven allows students to live this journey themselves, hands on. The two-year programme will immerse you in scientific biomedical research. You will carry out research in a Belgian or foreign laboratory, gain in-depth knowledge of the field, strengthen your scientific skills and learn the newest methodologies. In the Master's thesis - the programme's capstone - all of these elements converge.

The Master of Biomedical Sciences is an initial Master's programme. You can follow this programme on a full-time or part-time basis.

Profile

Good health is our greatest treasure. Understanding the human body, healthy and diseased, is the stepping stone to finding tools to improving both longevity and quality of life. Do the workings of the human body fascinate you? Do you seek a career in biomedical research? Do you dream of working on the frontline of the on-going battle for better prevention and treatment options? Then KU Leuven's Master of Biomedical Sciences is for you. The programme provides exceptional preparation for researchers, but also for those seeking an optimal scientific biomedical background in order to work or teach in the area of human disease and health, including healthcare policy. A large variety of biomedical research areas are introduced and elaborated and the individually-tailored curriculum allows you to focus on areas you want to explore in greater depth. You will be taught by biomedical and clinical researchers in the field, keeping you closely involved and up-to-date with the latest research developments.

For specific admission requirements, click on the desired programme in the 'Choose your courses of study' section.

Objectives

The main goal of the curriculum is to train researchers in biomedical sciences by providing a rigorous scientific training based on the acquisition of knowledge, the collection and interpretation of information and the use of modern research techniques. This is expected to stimulate the critical thinking and independence required to address a specific research question related to (dys)function of the human body and its interaction with the environment. Furthermore, the curriculum provides broad, intellectually rigorous training allowing for a wide array of job opportunities in industry, research centres and society.
The aims of the curriculum follow the educational principles of KU Leuven, important among which is the independence of the student. For the acquisition of knowledge, the university uses its own high-quality interdisciplinary scientific research. KU Leuven aims to be a centre of critical thinking where, in addition to factual knowledge, people are stimulated to identify, define and solve problems.
The quality of the curriculum is guaranteed due to the strong interconnection between education and research in the Biomedical Sciences in the broadest sense. The faculty commits itself to a future-oriented educational project in an academic setting that is at once intellectually stimulating, socially supportive and student friendly.

After graduation

The world is our backyard! Internationalisation has become an integral part of the profile of researchers in biomedical sciences. International exchange is the key to opening mindsets to global solutions in health and disease. Graduates can expect to embark on international-level careers in very diverse areas touching on human health.

First and foremost, biomedical scientists are prepared for a personal career full of exciting scientific research in academic or pharmaceutical laboratories dedicated to improving knowledge in human health and finding prevention strategies and cures for diseases. Beyond this, there are many different directions open to you.

Many graduates go on to careers in consultancy, policy, sales and marketing, communication and management in areas related to human health, such as the pharmaceutical industry, scientific writing agencies, regulatory agencies and government administration. Graduates find rewarding work in a wide variety of sectors: the pharmaceutical industry, the academic or educational world, the government, healthcare, the environmental sector and food inspection, among others.

Holders of a Master of Biomedical Sciences from KU Leuven are in high demand in the pharmaceutical and medical industry. As a biomedical scientist, for example, you provide thoroughly prepared research, which is a crucial phase in the development of new drugs and other medical products. It is also possible to cooperate with the set-up and follow-up of preclinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry. The Master of Biomedical Sciences at KU Leuven gives you the perfect profile for clinical trial design, as well as the monitoring and conducting of these trials, on both the company and clinical sides of the process.

You can also work for service companies that deliver or develop products or equipment to the medical sector. Positions in government are also open to you, especially in the area of public health. Some biomedical scientists choose to specialise in the legislation around patents and the protection of biomedical discoveries, and others begin careers as biology, chemistry or biotechnology teachers. Additionally, there is a current need for experts who can clearly communicate scientific information and research results to non-specialists and the general public.

Information sessions

KU Leuven organises a Verderstudeerbeurs each spring. In addition, faculties also organise information sessions for many of their bridging and graduate programmes.

All information sessions for (future) Master's students

Contact

Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences
Anouk Desmet
O&N2, Herestraat 49 box 400
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium
tel. + 32 16 33 06 65
fax + 32 16 33 06 26
Anouk.desmet@med.kuleuven.be

General information
Study Advice Service
Naamsestraat 80 box 5415
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium
To contact us please complete the contact form on our website.

Useful links

Visit this programme's website.

Download this brochure

Download this Master's brochure.