This Master’s programme equips you to analyse complex biological, chemical and pharmacological data and derive meaningful insights, enabling you to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of molecular Life Sciences.
Factsheet
- Degree
- Master of Science in Life Sciences
- Study mode
- Full-time and Part-time
- Learning environment
- Online and Onsite
- ECTS points
- 90
- Next start
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 3 semesters (full-time) / 6 semesters (part-time)
- Language
- Englisch
- Place
- FHNW Campus Muttenz, Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132 Muttenz
- Staying abroad
- Possible
- Application fee
- CHF 200
- Semester fee
- CHF 750 / CHF 1 000 / CHF 5 000
At a glance
- Data literacy for the Life Sciences: Gain in-depth knowledge of statistics, machine learning and deep learning specifically applied to biological, chemical and pharmacological data.
- Practical project work: Work on real projects with industry and research partners and apply your knowledge directly in practice.
- Career-enhancing specialisation: Join a growing professional field with a high demand for data scientists in Life Sciences.
- International opportunities: Spend an exchange semester abroad or do your master's thesis at one of our partner universities.
Why study this?
What career opportunities are open to you?
High‑throughput technologies and large‑scale data have made Data Science central to modern research and development. It is now indispensable in drug development, molecular diagnostics and chemical analysis. Graduates are well prepared to tackle data‑driven problems in interdisciplinary teams and to develop innovative solutions for complex life science and analytical challenges.
Typical areas of employment for graduates are:
- Research and development laboratories: Analysis and interpretation of complex datasets to support scientific innovation.
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies: Data-driven development of new active ingredients and diagnostics.
- Clinical research institutions: Evaluation of medical and molecular data to improve therapies and diagnoses.
- Data analytics and IT departments: Development and application of bioinformatics and statistical methods.
- Start-ups in the field of digital health: Integration of life science data into digital platforms and personalised medical solutions.
Structure and programme contents
The programme offers a rigorous, practice‑oriented education tailored to the needs of research, industry and digital health technologies.
You will gain expertise in the following areas:
- Programming and algorithms: Elements and advanced methods for developing data‑driven solutions.
- Databases and data management: Efficient storage, retrieval and structuring of large datasets.
- Deep learning and AI: Machine learning for pattern recognition and prediction in biomedical data.
- Applied bioinformatics: Data‑driven analysis of genetic information and biological systems.
- Elective modules: Opportunities for specialisation in areas such as genomics, disease modelling or precision medicine.
Interdisciplinary modules complement the scientific content, strengthening your skills in:
- Scientific working and communication: Planning, implementation and presentation of data-based projects in an interdisciplinary context.
- Innovation and project development: Promoting creative thinking and entrepreneurial action in data-driven environments.
- Professional profile development: Preparation for challenging roles in research, start-ups and industrial companies – both nationally and internationally.
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:
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.
Module groups for the Data Science specialisation
Data Science
choose 6 of 7
- Programming, Algorithms and Data Structure
- Deep Learning
- Data Bases
- Human Machine Interaction and Bias Mitigation
- AI in Drug Discovery
- Computational Modelling Project
- Computer and Software Architectures
Compulsory electives
choose 2 of 8
- Genomics
- Biomarkers
- Proteomics and Protein Analytics
- Advanced Mass Spectrometry
- Molecular & Translational Imaging
- Process Automation
- Laboratory Automation in the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Process Analytical Technology
Cluster-specific
choose 3 of 7
- Modelling of Complex Systems
- Optimisation and Bioinspired Algorithms
- Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition
- Imaging for the Life Sciences
- Generative AI models in Life Sciences
- Bioinformatics Methods for Genomics and Applications
- Foodomics
Core skills
choose 4 of 5
- Handling and Visualizing Data
- Innovation and Project Management
- Design and Analysis of Experiments
- Modelling and Exploration of Multivariate Data
- Data and Ethics
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
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 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 begins in the autumn semester (calendar week 38 of the calendar). If you want to study part-time, starting the programme in the spring semester is also possible (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 schedule, valid from academic year 2025/26.
Tuition fees per semester:
CHF 750
- Swiss nationals
- Students legally resident in Switzerland at the start of their studies
- Students who provide proof that their parents are domiciled in Switzerland at the start of their studies
- Refugees of legal age and stateless persons, legally resident in Switzerland
CHF 1 000
- Students legally resident in the EU/EFTA at the start of their studies
CHF 5 000
- Students whose legal residence at the start of their studies is neither in Switzerland nor in an EU/EFTA country
In addition, a fee of CHF 100 per semester is charged for materials and licences.
Full fees are due unless deregistration is received within one week of the semester start.
Advising and information events
Contact
Prof. Dr. Georg Lipps
- Phone
- +41 61 228 54 52
- georg.lipps@fhnw.ch
Information events
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Registration
Register here for your chosen start date.
The Master's programme begins in the autumn semester (week 38 of the calendar). Part-time study is also possible in the spring semester (calendar week 8), but not full-time.
Master in Life Sciences - Data ScienceAutumn semester 2026
- Date
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 3 semesters (full‑time)/6 semesters (part‑time)
- Place
- FHNW Campus Muttenz, Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132 Muttenz
- Final application date
- 30.4.2026
Master in Life Sciences - Data ScienceSpring semester 2027
- Date
- 22.2.2027
- Duration
- 3 semesters (full‑time)/6 semesters (part‑time)
- Place
- FHNW Campus Muttenz, Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132 Muttenz
- Final application date
- 30.11.2026