B.Sc. in Life Sciences (Liberal Arts and Sciences)
Rotterdam, Netherlands
BSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 May 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 5,800 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 15 January 2026 – regular application 1 May 2026 – late application
** * • €5,800 for EU/EEA students • €16,300 for non-EU/EEA students
Key Summary
Dive into Life Sciences majors from Erasmus University College. Choose from various biology subjects, ranging from molecular biology to physiology, evolution, health sciences, and medicine. EUC’s programme goes beyond the traditional boundaries of monodisciplinary Bachelor studies and leaves you with a broad foundation of skills and knowledge.
The overarching multidisciplinary character of the Life Sciences curriculum is exemplified by the advanced courses in the Life Sciences majors, where there is an integrative context, in which the Department of Life Sciences collaborates closely with the other EUC Departments (Economics & Business, Humanities, and Social & Behavioural Sciences).
Key Facts
Life Sciences offers four exciting majors:
- Life Sciences: Explore the breadth of biological sciences
- Molecular and Cellular Biology: Dive deep into the world of molecules and cells
- Neuroscience: Unlock the mysteries of the nervous system
- Pre-Med: Prepare for a future as a medical professional
Our program encompasses core courses in fundamental biological sciences, from molecular and cellular biology to plant biology, microbiology, and human physiology. You'll also find specialized tracks like genetics and applied life sciences, including ecology and evolutionary biology.
At EUC education goes beyond the traditional monodisciplinary bachelor. At Life Sciences we work closely with other Departments like Economics & Business, Humanities, and Social & Behavioral Sciences to create a rich and collaborative learning experience.
Erasmus University College is ideal for students who:
• Enjoy a small, close-knit community
• Have multiple interests or would like to combine disciplines
• Appreciate international settings
• Are motivated and independent learners
• Seek a challenging academic environment
Erasmus University College (EUC) offers several scholarships and grants:
- Rotterdam Talent Scholarship -For students who live and/or go to school within the municipality of Rotterdam who can prove a need for substantial financial assistance
- EUC Scholarship -The EUC Scholarship is meant for highly qualified students from any country who can prove that they require financial aid to be able to study at EUC
- NL Scholarship -The Holland Scholarship is meant for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
- Dutch Government Student Finance -Most Dutch students are eligible for student finance from the Dutch government. Under certain conditions, non-Dutch, EEA students may also qualify for such student finance
- Third-Party Grant -Depending on your nationality and your financial status, different types of financial aid are available
If you are not eligible for any of the above-mentioned scholarships, you can look at the financial aid options at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
In your first year, you will follow Academic Core courses from all four departments to give you a solid foundation and help you identify your ideal major. At the end of this first year, you will declare your major and (optional) minor to tailor your curriculum to your interests and ambitions.
In your third year, you will complete your Capstone Project, which explores a topic of your choice related to your major under guidance of one of EUC’s excellent academic staff.
The Life Sciences department offers four majors.
Major: Molecular Life Sciences
The Major in Molecular Life Sciences offers a dynamic, cross-disciplinary approach that combines essential biological principles. It goes beyond theory, delving into specialised areas like plant biology, ecology, epidemiology, sustainable agriculture, and neuroscience so that you are prepared to tackle real-world challenges in the biological sciences.
The versatility of this major makes it an excellent choice if you are aiming for careers in research, healthcare, environmental policy, or biotechnology.
With the growing demand for skilled professionals in the life sciences, this major not only opens doors to exciting career opportunities but also provides the skills and knowledge to drive innovation and contribute meaningfully to fields like medicine, conservation, and sustainable agriculture
Courses include:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular & Cellular Biology
- Molecular & Cellular Biology Lab
- Intermediate Statistics
- Human Physiology
- Micro- & Immunobiology
- Molecular & Clinical Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Major: Sustainability
Achieving sustainability is one of the main challenges of our times. The Sustainability major gives you the tools to think critically about our most pressing challenges and the skills to find creative solutions.
Each course is interdisciplinary, guiding you through different perspectives: from Life Sciences and Social Sciences to Economics and Humanities. You will develop research-oriented skills with a strong focus on solving multiperspective and multidisciplinary issues. This prepares you for a wide range of Master’s degrees and career paths.
Courses include:
- Plant Biology & Diversity
- Food & Nutrition
- Late Modernity: A Genealogy of Neoliberalism
- Intermediate Statistics
- The Climate Crisis: Ecology, Economy & Politics in the Anthropocene
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Principles of Ecology, Biodiversity & Nature-Inclusive Design
Major: Neuroscience
The major in Neuroscience offers you a multidisciplinary study of human behaviour and cognition and the way in which these are governed by our brains and our genes.
You will address these topics from a variety of disciplinary angles such as human and animal neurobiology, mental and neurodevelopmental disorders, genetics, psychology, science communication, music and economics.
The major offers several possible avenues by giving you several choices to tailor the content to your interests, opening the way to different Master’s degrees and career paths.
Courses include:
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
- Introduction to Programming: Python
- The Neuroscience of Everything
- Applied Game Theory
- Behavioural Economics
- Cognitive Psychology
- Child Development: Psychology & Health
- Intermediate Statistics
- Neuroscience: Cognition, Psychology & Health
Major: Pre-Med
Are you interested in a career in medicine and interested in taking a more interdisciplinary approach to your studies? The Pre-Med major prepares you for a career in medicine or another Biomedical master programme.
As a Pre-Med major, you will obtain a basic knowledge of the Life Sciences as well as
the Medical Sciences. Fields of study include:
- Fundamental biology, including human anatomy and physiology
- Selected issues of health and disease
- The medical process and the scientific basis of medicine
- Epidemiology and research methodology
- Medical statistics
- General clinical skills, including anamnesis, physical examination, clinical reasoning and
therapeutic skills - (Medical) professional behaviour
After graduating, you can apply to continue your Doctor of Medicine path taught in English at one of our partner universities, where you are prepared for U.S. medical licensing and careers in the U.S., Canada, and internationally.
You can also apply to the one-year, Dutch-language Premaster programme at Erasmus Medical Centre, followed by the three-year Medical Master (MMSc). 36 places are available to EUC graduates each year.
Courses include:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular & Cellular Biology
- Embryology & Developmental Biology
- Human Physiology
- Human Anatomy
- Micro- & Immunobiology
- Follow the Doctor
- Medical Ethics
- Life Support
- Clinical Psychology
- Child Development: Psychology & Health
- Paediatrics: Children’s Growth & Development
- Oncology
- Infection & Immunity
- Epidemiology & Global Health
- Molecular & Clinical Genetics
- Health Psychology: Understanding Health Behaviours
After EUC
- Postgraduate studies
EUC, being part of Erasmus University, offers the opportunity to easily transition into Master’s programs at Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam School of Management, or Erasmus School of Economics after graduation, based on the courses you choose.
Our graduates have also been accepted into Master programmes at universities such as: Bocconi University, King's College London, London School of Economics, Oxford University, Sciences Po Paris, University of Edinburgh and Utrecht University.
2. Career opportunities
You can also choose a career in the corporate world, public organizations, or even start your own venture. Employers value our graduates for their critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, research skills, and cultural awareness. These are the most common career paths of our alumni:
Top 5 work fields:
- Research
- Tech/IT
- Government
- Education
- Financial services
Top 5 positions:
- Consultant
- Researcher
- Manager
- Marketeer
- Policy advisor