26 Best Biology Master's Degree Programs in Italy for 2024

The Biomedical Sciences are one of the hottest and most dynamic areas of Biology, leading to continuous and exciting progress in scientific knowledge and its applications to human health.

Biotechnologies are called upon to solve many of the current challenges concerning human health, nutrition, quality of life, and the environment. Industrial biotechnologies represent the most advanced and applied aspect of this field.

The Master’s degree in Medical Bioinformatics prepares graduates for a career at the management and supervisory level in the design, development, maintenance, and management of information systems in medicine, biology, and health systems. In particular, this program will equip graduates with specific skills in the following areas: complex biomedical software in the field of scientific and technological innovation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes; complex information systems for the management of clinical and bioinformatics databases; software for processing medical and biological data in clinical decision support systems; health information systems with heterogeneous and complex architectures; visual interfaces for bioinformatics. The program, which is entirely taught in English, provides a theoretical foundation and the methodological and technological multi- and inter-disciplinary knowledge to address issues related to the design, analysis, and development of intelligent systems in medical informatics and complex bioinformatics.

Molecular and medical biotechnology has enormous potential for developing new solutions to improve human health. Through the understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of diseases, biotechnology plays an essential role in developing drugs, vaccines, therapies, and diagnostic tests. The Master’s degree in Molecular and Medical Biotechnology aims to produce skilled researchers in the field of molecular and cellular biotechnology who are capable of performing biomedical analyses, research, and development using experimental and computational approaches. These skills are developed through the study of cellular and molecular biology, genomics and diagnostics, pathology and pharmacology, and computational biology. The postgraduate program, which includes an integrated laboratory course based on a current topic in biomedical research, provides students with a solid technical background highlighting the impact of laboratory research on human health. The degree has a single curriculum, but its flexible approach enables students to tailor the program to their own needs and interests. This program - which is completely taught in English, allowing you to earn a degree that will be recognized in Italy and abroad, - welcomes international students, combining knowledge and experience from various cultural backgrounds. Graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce in either the public or private sector, or may choose to conduct their profession in consulting and design. Areas of possible employment include research and technological development for public bodies or in the industry (biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, etc.); regulatory activities; the creation and management of biotechnology entities in the public and private sectors; performing directive, management, and advisory functions in the pharmacological and biomedical fields; technical and scientific communication and information handling.

Designed for students passionate about Biodiversity and Ecosystems, the Coastal and Marine Biology and Ecology (CMBE). The course delivers qualified education on fundamental and applied biological and ecological marine sciences, integrating eScience and more traditional approaches with the aim of understanding the fundamental ecological mechanisms underlying phenomena occurring at various scales in coastal, transitional, and marine ecosystems.

The Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" of the University of Florence offers a new Master course in Advanced Molecular Sciences to train and educate the next generation of chemists on the cutting-edge aspects of research in Chemistry of Materials and Life Sciences that will give them the skills required for an advanced career in industry and academia. The Master will be conducted in English.

The Master's Degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Human Sciences is a newly established 2-year Master's course coordinated by the Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences of the University of Pavia (DBBS), and by the Cognitive, Social, and Behavioral Sciences Area of the University School for Advanced Studies (IUSS).

The Master's Degree in Neurobiology is an English-taught 2-year program that provides students who have first-level training in the biological or biotechnological field, with in-depth knowledge of the morpho-functional organization of the nervous system, the cellular and molecular correlates of neural functions, and modalities in which these functions are realized at the systemic level, as well as on the neurobiological bases of the pathologies of the nervous system.

The Department of Biology and Biotechnology offers a Course for a Master's Degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics. This 2-year second-level degree (Biology class) is an intensive, full-time graduate program entirely taught in English and designed for graduates at the BA level who are seeking a qualification in advanced areas of Biology, with special attention to Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry.

The master's in Cognitive Neuroscience is particularly suited to students interested in understanding the neural correlates of cognitive processes as well as the relationship between the development of the mind and the brain.

The Master's degree program places Biochemistry at the very center of the student’s educational path, making it the interpretative key to their future professional and working approach. The program aims to create a professional figure that operates at the interface between Biology and Chemistry, at the service of applied and basic research, and of the production of goods and services.

Over the last few years, there has been an extraordinary boom of genetics and molecular biology, two disciplines that have become progressively integrated to currently embody the core of modern biology. They are jointly used to investigate and understand the genetic-molecular bases governing the implementation of complex biological processes, such as cell development and differentiation both in animal and plant systems.

The master's degree course in Food Science and Technology aims to provide, on the basis of a solid preparation on the theoretical-scientific aspects acquired in the three-year degree in class L-26, advanced knowledge in the field of technical management of agri-food systems and supply chains .

The International Master's Degree in Neuroscience is the first Master’s Degree of its kind in Italy, and it is innovative by definition. The teaching staff comes from the former Faculties of Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, and Engineering of the University of Trieste, and it is organized in collaboration with neurobiology professors of the International School for Advanced Studies (ISAS-SISSA), with Italian and foreign experts from the pharmaceutical and biomedical industry and with "Visiting Professors" from prestigious European and USA universities. The International NS course is also included in the Network of European Neuroscience Schools.

The Master's Degree Course in Biology, belonging to the Degree Class L-6 Biology, has a duration of two academic years. All graduates in the class of the Bachelor's Degrees in Biological Sciences and (L-13) and Biotechnology (L-2) and related Degree Classes can access the Master's Degree Course in Biology.

The Master’s Degree program in Medical and Pharmaceuticals Biotechnologies prepares highly skilled graduates in the biomedical and pharmaceutical biotechnology fields

The Master Degree in Medical-pharmaceutical biotechnology provides an advanced scientific preparation on biotechnology topics oriented to medicine and pharmacology through the acquisition of integrated skills at the biochemical, biological-molecular and cellular levels.

The educational goal of Industrial Nanobiotechnologies for Pharmaceuticals master degree is to create highly specialized professionals able to satisfy the needs of research, manufacture and quality control in the area of nanotechnologies applied to industrial pharmaceutical biotechnology that merge into nanomedicine. This interdisciplinary science combines knowledges in the physical, biological and pharmaceutical and medical areas with the goal of treating human pathologies at atomic and molecular levels by exploiting the peculiar nanomaterial properties.

A Master's in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies focuses on advanced studies in biotechnology applied to pharmaceutical research and development. Students delve into molecular biology, biopharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, and drug discovery technologies. They acquire skills in bioprocess engineering, bioinformatics, and regulatory affairs in the pharmaceutical industry. The program emphasizes practical applications through laboratory work, research projects, and internships in pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms. Graduates pursue careers as research scientists, biotechnologists, process engineers, and regulatory specialists, contributing to advancements in drug development and biopharmaceutical innovations.

A Master's in Medical Biotechnologies focuses on applying biotechnological methods to medical research and healthcare. Students study molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and biopharmaceuticals relevant to medical applications. They gain expertise in diagnostic techniques, therapeutic interventions, and biotechnological innovations in medicine. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills through laboratory work, clinical internships, and research projects. Graduates pursue careers as medical researchers, biotechnologists, clinical laboratory specialists, and biopharmaceutical professionals, contributing to advancements in personalized medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutic treatments.