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With a rich history dating back to 1872, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) has evolved from its agricultural roots to become a dynamic hub of research and learning. Today, its campuses in Türkenschanze, Muthgasse, and Tulln are home to over 11,000 students. Its secret to growth is simple yet powerful: BOKU tackles real-world challenges with innovative solutions and anyone dedicated to shaping a sustainable future is welcome to join in.
The Master’s Programme in Biotechnology, which explores biology, chemistry, and technology, is an effective route to an impactful career. The combination teaches learners the ins and outs of using organisms, cells, and enzymes to manufacture, process, and prepare products from biogenic raw materials. Beyond the riveting coursework, here are five other reasons to pursue an advanced biotechnology qualification at BOKU.
1. Make a difference
Biotechnology is a key field addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges. On this programme, students are trained to contribute solutions to critical issues such as food security, healthcare advancements and environmental sustainability.
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The programme’s compulsory courses integrate core scientific principles with practical applications, ensuring students are well-prepared to tackle contemporary challenges and innovate for a sustainable future. For example, the Bioprocess Engineering course teaches learners to develop efficient and scalable bioprocesses. The Cell Factories course teaches them to analyse the challenges in producing different products in biological systems. There’s even a course on Patent Law and Strategic Patent Management, which helps learners protect their innovations through an overview of relevant regulations and procedures.
2. Customise your path
One size doesn’t fit all, and BOKU understands this. That’s why the biotechnology programme offers six specialised tracks, enabling learners to focus on the topics closest to their hearts. Specialisations include Bioinformatics, Bioprocess Engineering, Medical Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, and Protein Engineering and Technology. The Medical Biotechnology specialisation is offered in cooperation with the Medical University of Vienna.
3. Hands-on training
Hands-on training is essential for success in biotechnology. Therefore, BOKU University’s biotechnology programme fuses diverse delivery methods to ensure a robust and practical learning experience.
Beyond traditional seminars and lectures, it emphasises exercise and practical courses that help students develop skills in real-world settings under expert guidance. These practical components simulate real-world scenarios, enabling them to apply theoretical concepts through laboratory experiments, bioprocess simulations and bioengineering projects.
Through a compulsory internship, which lasts for a minimum of four weeks, students can immerse themselves in professional environments such as startups, research institutions, certification offices and consulting firms. To ensure success, BOKU offers a compulsory internship seminar, where students review and reflect on their work, share insights with peers, and receive feedback from faculty.
4. Vast employment opportunities
Hands-on training prepares BOKU’s biotechnology graduates to confidently add value in both the public and private sectors. Graduates are well-equipped to work in various fields, including startups, research institutions, certification offices, and consulting firms.
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The interdisciplinary nature of the master’s programme opens doors to a wide range of employment opportunities, from scientific research and development to the planning, control, and monitoring of biotechnological processes and applications. What’s more, graduates are adept at developing new processes for the production of biological substances.
The proof is in the numbers — a 2023 study by BOKU found that 50% of graduates estimate that they use the qualifications acquired during their studies to a (very) high degree. Four out of five see a close relationship between the degree they have completed and their professional field of work.
5. Study in Vienna
Beyond academic strengths, studying at BOKU means living in Vienna, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities — consistently ranked among the most livable worldwide. Renowned for its high quality of living, rich cultural heritage, and affordability, Austria’s capital offers the ultimate environment for rigorous academic pursuits.
Here, iconic landmarks, world-class museums housing masterpieces by renowned artists like Klimt and Schiele, and legendary venues such as the Musikverein and Opera House abound. Beyond its historical charm, Vienna exudes modern energy, boasting trendy cafes, lively clubs, avant-garde architecture, and eclectic music festivals catering to every taste. International students will be happy to know it’s safe here too. Great public transport ensures students can navigate the city with ease, even at night.
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