Master of Science in Biotechnology (MBT)

Master of Science in Biotechnology (MBT)

Join in on the transition from an oil-based to bio-based industry and sustainable energy supply or find, for example, an innovative solution to secure the food supply of the world's population!

The English-taught Master's degree program in Biotechnology (MBT) provides you with the qualification to participate in the solution development for crucial issues of our future. The focus of the program is on bioeconomics, especially in the field of environment and nutrition. It is designed for three semesters of full-time study and awards the title of Master of Science.

The MBT program is organized jointly by Offenburg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn/Poland. It is the only internationally cooperative Master's program in biotechnology in the state of Baden-Württemberg and offers the opportunity to earn a double degree from the two partner universities.

The UWM in Poland is a traditional university with a strong focus on research. Offenburg is a smaller-sized institution, and students here benefit from more personal attention by instructors and staff, comprehensive support services, and close cooperation with the local industry and other business partnerships.

Study Program

The English-taught, Master's degree program in Biotechnology (MBT) prepares graduates for the growing market of biotechnology with detailed expertise in the field of bioeconomics, particularly food and the environment.

The program usually takes three semesters to complete. The courses of the winter semester are held in Offenburg, the summer semester at our partner university in Olsztyn/Poland.

In case a student's Bachelor's degree (which is required) comprised less than seven semesters, an additional semester for a scientific project or equivalent courses from a defined course catalog at Offenburg University has to be included as well.

Each of the partner universities offers a study semester in its respective field of study:

• Offenburg - Bioprocesses, and Bioeconomy

• Olsztyn - Food and Environmental Biotechnology

The Master's thesis can be prepared at any suitable institution of your choice:

• University of Warmia and Masury/Poland

• Offenburg University/Germany

• Another suitable university

• Research Institute

• Industrial company

Program at a Glance

Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Language of instruction: English

Duration of program: 3 semesters

Beginning of study program: Winter semester (October)

End of Application: May 31

Internship: Professional experience preferred

Selection procedure: Yes

Accreditation: In preparation

ECTS: 90 credits

Founded in 1964, as a "National School of Engineering," Offenburg University of Applied Sciences quickly established itself as a high-performance educational institution with a practical orientation. Today our University forms a thriving community, with over 4,300 students on two campuses. We offer Bachelor's and Master's degrees in four Departments: Business Administration and Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering and Process Engineering, and Media and Information.

International profile

Of­fen­burg Uni­ver­sity prides it­self on the in­ter­na­tional ori­en­ta­tion of its pro­grams. In 1998, it was one of the first in­sti­tu­tions of higher ed­u­ca­tion in Ger­many to in­tro­duce in­ter­na­tional Mas­ter's de­gree pro­grams through the Grad­u­ate School. Today, we offer five Eng­lish-taught pro­grams which cater es­pe­cially to in­ter­na­tional stu­dents, who com­prise about twelve per­cent of the total stu­dent body. Ad­di­tion­ally, the In­ter­na­tional Of­fice main­tains ac­tive ex­change pro­grams with more than 50 part­ner uni­ver­si­ties world­wide, giv­ing our stu­dents plenty of op­por­tu­ni­ties at study and in­tern­ships abroad. Thanks to our prox­im­ity with the French bor­der, we can also offer dou­ble-de­gree pro­grams with pres­ti­gious French uni­ver­si­ties.

Excellent study conditions

Of­fen­burg Uni­ver­sity of­fers a smaller cam­pus, and stu­dents ben­e­fit from the ad­van­tages of a more in­ti­mate ex­pe­ri­ence with smaller classes, in­di­vid­ual su­per­vi­sion and sup­port by fac­ulty and staff, as well as from hands-on teach­ing and a close in­te­gra­tion with the re­gional econ­omy. The Uni­ver­sity en­joys high rank­ings and was even awarded by the As­so­ci­a­tion for the Pro­mo­tion of Sci­ence and Hu­man­i­ties in Ger­many for being a re­formed tech­ni­cal col­lege.

Economic partnerships

The University maintains excellent relations with regional and national businesses, and there is a constant exchange of information between faculty members and industry professionals, providing continuing access to current know-how in the engineering field. The extensive business partnerships also provide resources for students in terms of gaining work experience, doing research, or even for future employment.

Research and Technology

The University's Institute for Applied Research (IAF) offers a combination of research and technology transfer. The IAF heads technology and innovative ideas from the fields of solar energy, medicine, robotics, and electrical mobility. Throughout the University, there is a great interdisciplinary mix of experts from different technological fields possessing special knowledge and modern laboratories. The application-oriented research activities and practical experience that the University offers are a testament to its high performance.

Services for International Students

Offenburg University's International Center offers a variety of services to its international students. Each of the Graduate School's study programs has a coordinator who provides comprehensive services and advice.

The International Center also encourages and provides opportunities for students to meet outside of the classroom. A variety of events and excursions are offered throughout the academic year.

Special services for international students include:

• Accommodation service
• Buddy program
• Orientation program
• Summer language course
• Cultural program
• Senior Service

Job Opportunities

Students who are EU-citizens are able to work in Germany without a work permit.

Non-EU students have two opportunities:

• Off-campus: 120 days per year, according to visa regulations for foreign students.
• On-campus: a limited number of assistantships and tutoring jobs are available.

Basic knowledge of German is required for most jobs.