Study programme

The duration of the major research project is 39 weeks and counts for 51 EC (optional: 42 EC with 9 EC extra theoretical courses). This research project is performed within the research groups at either the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Veterinary Science, UMC Utrecht, the Hubrecht Institute or the associated research groups of the Graduate School Life Sciences or Natural Sciences. 

For more information visit the SBM-page Research project and the GSLS-page Research project / business internship.

Next to your research project you need to do a scientific theoretical course of 4 EC.

In the Orientation on Presentation and Career (B-MSBIRME, 2 EC) course, you learn to present your research work to a broad audience. You present your work of the research internship two times. During these sessions, feedback is received from fellow students in the group. In addition, an online module about public science communication is followed. You need to interview an expert in the (business) field of interest as well, preferably in line with your research project.

The Introduction to Science Based Companies (B-MSBISBC, 1.5 EC) course will introduce you to the basic business principles of science based companies. Lecturers, guest lectures and alumni will give lectures and workshops on patent law, entrepreneurship, ethics etc.  You will also be stimulated to work on your development or insight in your own motivation, preferences and perspectives. This will increase you effectiveness in the workplace and will help you to make career choices.

For more information visit the GSLS page Courses.

In the first semester of your second year you start with a compulsory and integrated set of Fundamentals of Business and Economics (FBE) course. This will be an intensive semester with lots of new content and skills with compulsory attendance; it is advised not to follow other courses next to these.

You will be contacted in advance for enrollment into FBE.  You do not have to register for each course yourself.

Subsequent to the compulsory management courses in year two, you will do a business internship of at least five months at a company or organisation outside Utrecht University. The internship must be business related and preferably have a link to science. Typical examples are doing a market research for a chemical company, carrying out a feasibility study at a life sciences consultancy firm or writing a business plan for a biotech start-up. The internship may include practical work like constructing a marketing database or designing a risk prevention system.