Master in Life Sciences - Bioanalytics

School of Life Sciences

Would you like to become a specialist in modern Bioanalytics? The Master’s degree in Bioanalytics combines cutting-edge technologies such as proteomics, mass spectrometry and biomarker analysis with practical projects.

Factsheet

Degree: Master of Science in Life Sciences
Study mode: Full-time, Part-time/work-study
Learning mode: Onsite, Online
ECTS credits: 90
Next start: 22.2.2027
Duration: 3 semesters (full-time) / 6 semesters (part-time)
Teaching language: Englisch
Place: FHNW Campus Muttenz, Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132 Muttenz
Stay abroad: Possible
Application fee: CHF 200
Semester fee: CHF 750 / CHF 1 000 / CHF 5 000

At a glance

The latest technologies: Training in proteomics, genomics, chromatography, mass spectrometry, biomarker analysis and cellular imaging.
Practical thesis: An eight‑month thesis at industrial partners, hospitals or international research institutes in Switzerland or abroad.
International option: Possibility to earn a double degree at a partner university or complete your Master’s thesis abroad.

Why study this?

What career opportunities are open to you?

The Bioanalytics specialisation prepares you for demanding roles in industry, academia and medicine. The analysis of biomolecules - including drugs, metabolites, proteins, nucleic acids and microorganisms - is of increasing global importance.

Key role in research and development
Bioanalytics is key for quality control and product development in the pharmaceutical, food and medical technology industries. Technological advances such as high-end mass spectrometry and NMR are opening up new scientific strategies, for example in precision medicine.
High demand for skilled workers
Graduates are in high demand for R&D, regulatory positions, laboratory analysis, diagnostics and environmental monitoring. This programme equips you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enter the workforce directly.
Interdisciplinary openness and networks
You will build valuable interdisciplinary and global networks through cooperation modules in data analysis, management and innovation as well as through international partnerships.

Structure and programme contents

The Master’s degree in Bioanalytics provides a rigorous, practice‑oriented education tailored to current and future requirements in research, diagnostics and biomedical development.

You will gain advanced knowledge in the following areas:

Biomarker analytics: Analysis, detection and identification of biomarkers such as small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids and their combinations.
Modern molecular technologies: Application of advanced proteomics, genomics, molecular biology, microbiology and in vitro diagnostics methods.
Diagnostic procedures: Development and validation of methods for diagnostic use in a laboratory or clinical settings.
Elective modules: Specialisation opportunities in Analytical Chemistry, Applied Cell Biology, Biotechnology and Pharma Technology.

In addition to the specialist modules, interdisciplinary content strengthens your skills in:

Scientific project methodology: Planning, implementation and communication of scientific projects.
Data analysis and visualisation: Use of modern tools for the statistical evaluation and presentation of complex biological data.
International orientation and career planning: Preparation for global fields of activity through exchange opportunities and job-oriented content.

Details of the degree programme

Programme structure

The master’s degree programme consists of three key components: core skills, specialised training and the thesis. In the first part of your degree programme, you will complete modules totalling 50 ECTS. These include your chosen core skills modules (at least 12 ECTS) and specialised training, allowing for individual specialisation. This is followed in the final semester by the thesis, completed over eight months and worth 40 ECTS.

The following is an example of a programme structure for a full-time course (three semesters); part-time students generally take the modules in four semesters.

Full-time course

The master’s degree can be started in the spring or autumn semester and is designed as a full-time programme over three semesters. In the first two semesters, the focus is on lectures and expanding specialist skills.

From the third semester onwards, you will devote yourself to your eight-month MSc thesis, which concludes your studies.

The following is an example of the full-time course starting in the autumn semester:

Part-time study

The master’s degree programme can also be done part-time starting in the spring or autumn semester on a work-study basis. This generally takes six semesters.

Experience has shown that a workload of 50 to 60% is easily compatible with part-time studies.

As a part-time student, you attend tuition over several semesters and usually start your thesis after the fourth semester.

The following is an example of the part-time course starting in the autumn semester:

Module Groups for the Bioanalytics specialisation

A total of 50 ECTS credits (i.e. 17 modules each worth 3 ECTS credits) must be earned. Other modules can be selected: Module overview (English)

You can also plan your studies in advance with our MSc Life Sciences planning tool.

Bioanalytics

choose 5 of 7

Genomics
Proteomics and Protein Analysis
Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Cellular Imaging
Bioassays: Engineered Cells, Tissues and Organisms
Bioanalytics in a Regulated Environment

Electives

choose 5 of 10

Biostructures and Solid State Sciences
Molecular and Translational Imaging
Bioorganic and Bioconjugate Chemistry
Advanced Mass Spectrometry
Formulation of Biologics and Routes of Drug Delivery
Environmental Risk Assessment
Compound Profiling in Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery
Physiology and Immunotherapy
Gene and Cell Therapeutics
Process Analytical Technology

Core competence modules

choose 4 of 8

Handling and Visualizing Data
Business Administration for Life Sciences
Design and Analysis of Experiments
Management and Leadership for Life Sciences
Modelling and Exploration of Multivariate Data
Innovation and Project Management
Data and Ethics
Politics and Society

Thesis

The eight-month thesis is the core module of the MSc programme and comprises 40 ECTS. You will work on a challenging, application-oriented project with a direct link to current issues in research or practice. You may work in a company, university, a research institute in Switzerland or abroad, or at an institute of the FHNW School of Life Sciences.

International

Our master's programme opens up global horizons: whether aiming for a double degree, planning your master's thesis overseas or coming to us from abroad, we will support you every step of the way!

Outgoing Students: Doing your Master's thesis abroad: Information

Incoming Students: Studying with us as an international student: Information

Information about studying abroad: International Student Guide (PDF).

Requirements and admission

Direct admission requires:

a Bachelor’s degree in a related field from a university of applied sciences or university with a good grade (Switzerland: A, B or ≥ 5; Germany/Austria: at least “good”),

sufficient English proficiency.

If you do not fully meet the requirements, you may be invited to a personal interview.

Proof of sufficient English skills must be provided with one of the following certificates:

Type of certificate	Required level
CE (Cambridge English)	B2/FCE
IELTS (English Language Testing System)	5.5
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)	IBT 72
Spoken or Written Academic English (module in the bachelor’s degree programme at the School of Life Sciences)	4.5

If you are unable to provide evidence of the required command of English, you are obliged to improve it during the course of your master’s degree programme. You can either attend the advanced English course offered by the FHNW School of Life Sciences or other suitable language courses. At the end of the programme, proof must be provided that the required level of English has been achieved (see table above).

Organisational matters

The international Master of Science in Life Sciences is conducted in collaboration with other Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences: Berner Fachhochschule BFH, Haute Ecole Spécialisée de la Suisse Occidentale HES-SO and Zürcher Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften ZHAW.

Course start

The Master's programme starts in the autumn semester (calendar week 38). It is also possible to start the programme in the spring semester (calendar week 8).

Tuition fees

The following semester and registration fees are charged in accordance with FHNW regulations. Further details can be found in the FHNW fee regulations, valid from academic year 2025/26.

Tuition fees per semester:

CHF 750

Swiss citizens
Students legally resident in Switzerland at the start of their studies
Students whose parents are legally resident in Switzerland at the start of their studies
Recognised refugees and stateless persons who are legally resident in Switzerland.

CHF 1 000