Would you like to take molecular chemistry further and develop innovative systems in practice? This Master’s programme qualifies you for leading roles in research, industry and technology.
Factsheet
- Degree
- Master of Science in Life Sciences
- Study mode
- Full-time, Part-time/work-study
- Learning mode
- Onsite, Online
- ECTS credits
- 90 / 120 (Double Degree)
- 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
- State‑of‑the‑art synthesis technologies: Deepen your expertise in photochemistry, electrosynthesis, flow chemistry and (bio)catalysis with a practical, industry‑oriented focus.
- Functional nanosystems: Design and synthesise biomolecular conjugates, bioactive surfaces and functional (nano)systems for applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture and materials science.
- Customised study plan: Combine the core modules Organic Chemistry and Supramolecular Chemistry with electives from fields such as Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Pharma Technology and Chemical Engineering to tailor the course to your interests and career goals
- Practice‑oriented master’s thesis: Undertake your eight‑month thesis at an industry partner or partner university - an ideal opportunity to build a professional network and gain research insights.
- International opportunities: Earn a double degree at a partner university or complete your thesis abroad.
Why study this?
What career opportunities are open to you?
This specialisation links physical chemistry with the Life Sciences, preparing you for a career in research and development. Your broad education, supported by electives from related disciplines, allows you to target careers in industry, academia or specialist institutions. In‑depth expertise in organic and supramolecular chemistry is in demand across sectors, qualifying you for varied roles nationally and internationally.
Typical areas of employment for graduates are:
- Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies: development and quality control of medicines.
- Agrochemical industry: research and application in crop protection and yield enhancement.
- Materials science: development of new and functional materials.
- Environmental technology: design of environmentally friendly processes and substances.
- High‑end manufacturing: application of supramolecular systems in precision production.
- Universities and research institutions: basic and applied research.
- Technology‑oriented companies: innovation management and product development at the interface of chemistry and technology.
Structure and programme contents
The programme provides a sound, practice‑oriented education, combining organic and supramolecular chemistry with current challenges in research and industry.
You will gain advanced knowledge in the following areas:
- Modern organic chemistry: Concepts and applications such as multi‑component reactions, photochemistry, electrochemistry, flow chemistry and (bio)catalysis.
- Molecule and synthesis design: Planning and synthesis of complex molecules including drugs, agrochemicals, polymers and biomolecules.
- Functional systems and surfaces: Development of bioconjugates, bioactive surfaces and functional materials for therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
- Electives from related fields: Specialisation options in Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering or Pharma Technology to promote interdisciplinary skills.
In addition to a wide range of subject-specific content, further modules strengthen skills in:
- Scientific working and communication: Planning, implementation and presentation of research projects in an international environment.
- Interdisciplinary thinking: Work at the interfaces between chemistry, biology, technology and industry.
- Personal design of the course: Individual focus setting according to your interests and career goals – also through an optional semester abroad with the option of obtaining a second master’s degree.
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 Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry 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.
Organic & Supramolecular Chemistry
Choose 4 of 5
- Advanced Organic Chemistry
- Modern Technologies in Organic Synthesis
- Bioorganic and Bioconjugate Chemistry
- From Supramolecular Chemistry to Drug Discovery
- Reaction Technology
Compulsory electives
choose 4 of 7
- Biostructures and Solid State Sciences
- Proteomics and Protein Analytics
- Continuous Biomanufacturing
- Biomarkers
- Sustainable Process Development
- Formulation of Biologics and Routes of Drug Delivery
- Process Development and Technology
Cluster-specific
choose 3 of 5
- Polymers and Applications
- Green Chemistry
- Surface Characterisation
- Material Science
- Physicochemical Principles of Pharmaceutics
Core skills
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 for international students: 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
- Students resident in an EU/EFTA country at the start of their studies.
CHF 5 000
- Students resident outside Switzerland and the EU/EFTA.
An additional CHF 100 per semester is charged for materials and licences.
Full fees are due unless notice of deregistration is received within one week of the start of the semester.
Advising and Info Events
Contact
Prof. Dr. Georg Lipps
- Phone
- +41 61 228 54 52
- georg.lipps@fhnw.ch
Info Events
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Registration
Register here for your chosen start date.
Master in Life Sciences - Organic and Supramolecular ChemistrySpring semester 2027
- Date
- 22.2.2027
- Duration
- 3 semesters (full‑time)/6 semesters (part‑time)
- Place
- FHNW Campus Muttenz, Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132 Muttenz
- Notes
- Final application date: 30.11.2026
Master in Life Sciences - Organic and Supramolecular ChemistryAutumn semester 2027
- Date
- 20.9.2027
- Duration
- 3 semesters (full‑time)/6 semesters (part‑time)
- Place
- FHNW Campus Muttenz, Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132 Muttenz
- Notes
- Final application date: 30.4.2027