11 Natural Sciences Master's Degree Programs in Belgium

Molecular biology is the discipline within the life sciences aimed at understanding the molecular basis of life in health and disease. It is a multidisciplinary area of study and deals with the structure and function of molecules as well as their interplay in creating the phenomenon of life. This programme is jointly organised by the University of Antwerp, the KU Leuven and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (coordinating institution). You can apply for this programme at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

The Master of Statistics and Data Science is quite unique in the sense that (1) it offers a statistics education with a good sense of general data science, and (2) it offers a data science specialisation with a very sound understanding of important statistical concepts and solutions.

The Master of Biomedical Sciences focuses on state-of-the-art methodology, knowledge, insight and academic skills, enabling graduates to unravel the molecular mechanisms of health and disease as independent researchers. The programme provides students with the knowledge and skills required for the proper design of a scientific research project.

Do you dream of standing on the frontline of the ongoing battle for better understanding of human health and diseases, leading to better prevention and treatment options? The Master of Biomedical Sciences at KU Leuven will truly immerse you in scientific biomedical research. By doing scientific research in a domestic or foreign laboratory you will gain thorough know-how, strengthen your scientific skills and learn the newest scientific methods.

This programme is a joint effort by KULeuven and UCLouvain, aiming to attract candidates from diverse academic backgrounds such as pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences, medicine, statistics, and more.

The Master of Statistics and Data Science is also fully offered as a distance learning (DL) programme. Enrolling for the DL programme means that as a student, you will take the programme from a distance, i.e. from home, workplace or virtually any place with access to the internet. The DL programme can be followed full-time or part-time, allowing for a flexible and feasible combination of work and study.

You are trained throughout the programme in fundamental biotechnology that will give you in-depth knowledge in areas as molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, nanobiology, physiologiy and immunology and its diverse applications. You also learn to place biotechnology in a social, economic and industrial context and to lead a social debate on biotechnology and genetic modification and their applications.

The programme focusses on the relevant nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry aspects for a medical physicist. You will become familiar with the structure and functioning of the human body, as well as with the biological effects and health risks and safety issues related with ionising radiation. You further get acquainted with basic techniques and specialised methods in radiotherapy, radiology or nuclear medicine.

The Master of Materials Engineering recognizes that materials change the world. Each engineering design needs to be ‘materialised’: smart phones, implants, solar cells, aircrafts, cars, bridges, all of it. Materials are at the heart of our quality of life and economic welfare, and that will increasingly be the case in the future, with an increased need to use resources wisely and contribute to a sustainable world.

Are you looking for a top international master in the innovative pharma-biotech field? Then, the new International Master in Sustainable Drug Discovery (S-DISCO), recently selected by the European Commission, is something for you.

This master’s programme provides in-depth, interdisciplinary training in chemical engineering as practised in various contexts and sectors. The programme’s main focus is learning to design, execute, test and improve industrial processes in a chemically and technologically responsible way. In addition to fundamental (bio)chemical coursework, the curriculum includes coursework in socio-economics, chemical process technology, surface chemistry, environmental technology etc.