Master of Biomedical Sciences: Neurosciences (M.Sc.)
Antwerp, Belgium
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 1,181 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 1181.4€ for EEA nationals | 7800€ for non-EEA nationals (for 60 ECTS credits or one year of full-time study) (subject to yearly revision)
Key Summary
The Biomedical Sciences programme trains highly skilled scientists who are able to conduct research in a wide biomedical field and supervise such research in academic, clinical or industrial settings.
In this specialisation, you study the neuronal structures and mechanisms of behaviour and memory as well as various neurological and psychiatric disorders. To do this, you learn to develop experimental research based on animal models.
The focus of this programme is on research.
Our laboratories work together with outstanding research institutes such as the Institute Born-Bunge for neurosciences. You will spend half of your study time on practical research while doing internships and on writing a dissertation.
In addition, you are offered the opportunity to study abroad for part of the programme.
Why choose UAntwerp?
Through collaboration with internationally recognised institutes and research clusters such as the Center for Molecular Neurology of the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, the Medical Genetics Centre, Institute Born Bunge, the Bio-Imaging Lab or the Theoretical Neurobiology and Neuroengineering Lab, the University of Antwerp is able to offer you a state-of-the-art Master’s degree.
Some graduates have been selected for prestigious PhD programmes at leading institutions in Europe and the US. About 25% of graduates find PhD positions at one of the participating research institutes in Antwerp.
Specialising in neurosciences
In the Neurosciences specialisation, you study the underlying neuronal structures and mechanisms of behaviour and memory as well as the diagnosis, appearance and pathogenesis of various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
You learn to develop experimental research, based on animal models, for example, with a view to investigating the neural substrate of behaviour and cognition.
More specifically, the research focuses on excitation, plasticity and the connectivity of neurons and how they function in brain circuits both in healthy individuals and sick individuals. Besides this, the research examines the autonomous nerve system and its central regulatory function.
You also learn to set up experimental research into the pathogenesis and pathological processes related to neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Depending on your research question, you will make use of behaviour observation, neurochemical, molecular biological, electro-physiological and microscopic techniques, and imaging techniques, which reveal the living brain and its functions in a non-invasive way.
You learn to apply neuroscientific insights in order to solve fundamental and medical questions using the techniques you have learnt, while also reporting your research results in scientific journals or during presentations.
The University of Antwerp directly participates in the selection process of certain scholarship programmes (Scholarships with UAntwerp participation). In addition students can also check if they are eligible for external funding opportunities (External scholarships). Scholarships are available for Bachelor, Master, PhD or for shorter stay programmes.
The University of Antwerp offers High Potential Incentives to a select group of international students.
Do check with the Belgian embassy in your country whether they have any funding options.
Note that the tuition fee for most of UAntwerp's study programmes is reasonable when compared internationally. The cost of living for students in Belgium is about €16,000 per year.
The field of biomedical sciences
The field of biomedical sciences studies both the healthy and sick human and the relevant animal models.
Biomedical sciences can be distinguished from biology, bio-engineering and veterinary sciences by means of the clear emphasis on humans.
The programme does not focus on acquiring clinical skills, as this is covered in medicine and pharmacy, but prepares you to conduct technological or scientific research in a clinical context.
In Antwerp, the biomedical sciences programme is a multidisciplinary programme taught by lecturers from the faculties of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Medicine and Sciences.
Specialising in neurosciences
In the Neurosciences specialisation, you study the underlying neuronal structures and mechanisms of behaviour and memory as well as the diagnosis, appearance and pathogenesis of various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
You learn to develop experimental research, based on animal models, for example, with a view to investigating the neural substrate of behaviour and cognition.
More specifically, the research focuses on excitation, plasticity and the connectivity of neurons and how they function in brain circuits both in healthy individuals and sick individuals. Besides this, the research examines the autonomous nerve system and its central regulatory function.
You also learn to set up experimental research into the pathogenesis and pathological processes related to neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Depending on your research question, you will make use of behaviour observation, neurochemical, molecular biological, electro-physiological and microscopic techniques, and imaging techniques, which reveal the living brain and its functions in a non-invasive way.
You learn to apply neuroscientific insights in order to solve fundamental and medical questions using the techniques you have learnt, while also reporting your research results in scientific journals or during presentations.
Assets
Using the basic knowledge taught on the Bachelor’s programme as a point of departure, the Master’s programme focuses on the research specialisations in which the University of Antwerp has come to excel.
The unique partnership between the university labs and the Institute Born-Bunge for neurosciences serves as a guarantee of research excellence and a diverse range of study options.
In addition, the university has a special core facility for experimental biomedical imaging which is exploring new horizons in molecular imaging of the brain as part of its research into behaviour and neurological disorders.
The Interfaculty Institute for Molecular Neurosciences, which is structured around the Department of Molecular Genetics at the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology and the labs at the Medical Genetics Centre, also supports our research in molecular and cellular biomedical sciences.
The University of Antwerp is a young, dynamic university where innovative research, high-quality education, and societal impact come together. With a strong focus on sustainability, inclusion, and academic freedom, UAntwerp prepares students optimally for the challenges of tomorrow. Thanks to its international outlook, student-centered approach, and strong commitment to interdisciplinarity, it ranks among the most forward-thinking universities in Flanders and far beyond.
As a young research university, UAntwerp confirms its strong position with a 12th place in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024—clear evidence that talent here is given every opportunity to grow.
Detailed information about our rankings is published on https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/about-uantwerp/organisation/facts-figures-rankings/rankings/.
The Master is familiar with the common scientific and practical aspects of preclinical drug research and with the main concepts of molecular and cellular research techniques in the field of Biomedical Sciences.
A Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences offers you many career opportunities. About 30% of graduates find PhD positions at one of the participating research institutes in Antwerp or abroad. Some graduates have been selected for prestigious PhD programmes at leading schools in Europe and the US.
In general, as a graduate you will work in/as:
- Fundamental research in the various areas of infectious and tropical diseases, epidemiology and drug research at universities and research institutes;
- Research and development in the pharmaceutical industry;
- Policy and management positions in science, industry and the healthcare sector;
- Clinical Research Associate in hospitals or other clinical settings
Orientation year
After completing your studies you can choose to look for work opportunities in Belgium. You can apply for an orientation year and extend your stay in Belgium by 12 months. Guidance and administrative assistance with this process is available through the university.
Our university is located in the city of Antwerp, in the heart of Belgium and Europe. The port of Antwerp is one of the biggest in the world. Antwerp is not just an ancient medieval and baroque city, full of history. It is also a bustling metropolis with a vibrant social scene, impressive architecture and cultural contrasts. Over 170 nationalities live here, more than in New York! This cosmopolitan vibe is also reflected at the University of Antwerp. English is widely spoken in Antwerp, though if you learn Dutch during your stay here you will become a local in no time.
First-rate research and education make the University of Antwerp a wonderful place to study and to work. We foster the nexus between research and education. Internationalisation is key to our mission. It is no coincidence that the University of Antwerp is a partner in the prestigious European university network, the Young Universities for the Future of Europe www.YUFE.eu.
As home away from home to over 23,000 students, the University of Antwerp prides itself on operating on a human scale. Our faculty and staff will welcome you into top-notch infrastructure on one of our four campuses. While you’re here you are also invited to enjoy our vibrant cultural programme, sports facilities and many student services.
Full-time on campus