StudyQA — Master: Infectious Diseases Vaccinology and Drug Discovery

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The Master of Science in Infectious Diseases, Vaccinology, and Drug Discovery at the University of Basel offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to address current and emerging challenges in infectious diseases. This innovative programme integrates principles from microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, molecular biology, and medicine to provide a deep understanding of pathogen biology, host immune responses, and the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics. Students will explore the mechanisms of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and learn about the complex interactions between pathogens and the human immune system. The programme emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, offering training in cutting-edge laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis relevant to vaccine development and drug discovery processes. Throughout their studies, students will engage with current research trends, regulatory considerations, and ethical issues central to the deployment of vaccines and drugs in clinical settings. The curriculum includes coursework, laboratory work, and project-based learning, often involving collaborations with industry partners and research institutions. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in academia, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, public health organizations, and regulatory agencies. They will be capable of conducting independent research, designing and evaluating new vaccines and therapies, and contributing to the global efforts to prevent and treat infectious diseases. The programme fosters a multidisciplinary and international community of learners and researchers, encouraging collaboration and innovation. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty, students will gain a solid grounding in the scientific and practical aspects of infectious diseases, vaccinology, and drug development, positioning themselves at the forefront of biomedical research and healthcare solutions.

The Master of Science degree is a postgraduate degree that requires a successfully completed Bachelor’s program. The Specialized Master’s degree program Infectious Diseases, Vaccinology and Drug Discovery awards 90 ECTS credits and is a so called mono-course consisting of only one core subject. Supervised practical work over the course of one year constitutes the core of the studies. One ECTS credit point roughly equals 30 hours of studying.

The language of instruction is English. The Master’s thesis is written in English.

The program comprises 18 months of formal teaching and research work, of which students will spend the first 4 months (September to December) in Basel, Switzerland, attached to the Swiss TPH and the UoB-Biozentrum, before moving to Singapore for the research work and their selected course modules.

The following degrees allow for direct admission to the Specialized Master's degree program Infection Biology: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology or BSc in Biochemistry or BSc in Medicine or BSc in Veterinary Medicine or BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences; minimum average mark of 5.0 for all BSc degrees and basic knowledge in infection biology/microbiology of at least 4 CP are required.

Students with a BSc degree but insufficient mark can alternatively pass the GRE® subject test in “Quantitative Reasoning” or pass the GRE® subject test «Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology» or pass the GRE® subject test «Biology» with a score in the top 35 % (GRE = Graduate Record Examinations®).

Students with a BSc in a different branch will be assessed individually. Other Swiss university degrees have to be approved by the respective teaching committee. Foreign degrees have to be approved by the examination commission of the Faculty of Science.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

✔️ Flexible study schedule
✔️ Experienced teachers
✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The MSc in Infectious Diseases Vaccinology and Drug Discovery at the University of Basel offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. Typically, students can fund their education through a combination of personal savings, family support, scholarships, and student loans. The university encourages applicants to explore external funding opportunities, including government grants and private scholarships, which are often available for international students as well. The Swiss government and various European organizations provide scholarships for postgraduate students pursuing specialized programs like this one. Additionally, the university may offer limited scholarships or financial aid packages based on merit or need, which students are advised to apply for early. It is also possible for students to seek part-time employment during their studies, respecting the visa and work regulations applicable to international students in Switzerland. The program's duration is typically two years, and students are encouraged to plan their finances carefully to cover tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and study materials. Tuition fees for the program are competitive and are generally paid annually or per semester, with detailed information available on the university's official website. Students are advised to contact the university’s admissions office for up-to-date details on fees and financial support options. External funding sources, including Erasmus+ and other international mobility schemes, may also be available for eligible students. Prospective students are encouraged to start their financial planning early and to utilize the university's resources for financial counseling and scholarship search assistance. Overall, the financing for the MSc in Infectious Diseases Vaccinology and Drug Discovery is designed to be accessible to a diverse student body, emphasizing the importance of financial planning and the availability of multiple funding avenues to help students successfully complete their degree.

The University of Basel currently collects CHF 850 in tuition fees per semester, along with CHF 10 for the student body.

Please note that there are also costs for books and, of course, your personal living expenses. The following list provides a general indication of monthly living expenses if you are not living at home with your family.

Rent (room, shared living space, student dormitory)
Minimum: CHF 400; Average: CHF 600

Food, household, clothing
Minimum: CHF 450; Average: CHF 600

Insurance/healthcare
Minimum: CHF 200; Average: CHF 300