Microbiology

The Master's programme in Microbiology at Radboud University offers students an in-depth understanding of the microscopic world and its profound impact on human health, industry, and the environment. This program is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of microbial biology, including the structure, function, and diversity of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Students will explore the roles microbes play in natural ecosystems, their interactions with hosts, and their significance in disease processes. The programme emphasizes a strong foundation in molecular techniques, genomics, and bioinformatics, enabling students to perform advanced research and contribute to innovations in microbiology.

Throughout the programme, students will engage in a combination of theoretical lectures, practical laboratory sessions, and research projects. They will learn to apply modern microbiological methods to diagnose infections, develop new antibiotics, and engineer microbes for biotechnological applications. The curriculum covers various specialized areas such as medical microbiology, industrial microbiology, environmental microbiology, and applied microbiology, providing a broad scope of knowledge and skills. This multidisciplinary approach prepares graduates for careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental management.

The programme is characterized by a close collaboration with research institutes and industry partners, offering students unique opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects and internships. Faculty members are internationally recognized experts who mentor students through small-group instruction and personalized supervision. The Master's in Microbiology also focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional challenges or subsequent PhD research.

Graduates of this programme will be able to contribute significantly to advancing microbiological science and applying their expertise to address global challenges such as infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, and sustainable biotechnological solutions. With a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge and practical training, the Master's in Microbiology at Radboud University provides a robust platform for aspiring microbiologists aiming to make a positive impact in science and society.

Key courses: Introduction and Orientation in Microbiology; Microbial Physiology and Metabolism; Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology; Microbial Cell structure and Function; Host-microbe Interactions and Medical Microbiology.

A completed Bachelor's degree

All students must have passed preliminary examinations in the following subjects, containing the subject matter of the following well-known international textbooks (or equivalent literature):

• Experimental skills: 12 EC of practical courses or an experimental Bachelor’s thesis on Microbial Physiology, Microbial Ecology, or Microbial Genetics or Biochemistry
• General microbiology: 6 EC e.g. Brock Biology of Microorganisms (Pearson)
• Biochemistry: 3 EC e.g. Principles of Biochemistry by Nelson, Cox & Lehninger (Macmillan)
• Molecular Biology: 3 EC e.g. Molecular Cell Biology by Lodish et al. (W.H. Freeman)
• Chemistry: 3 EC e.g. Chemistry by McMurry & Fay (Pearson)
• Mathematics, statistics or physics: 3 EC e.g. College Physics by Serway, Faughn & Vuille (Brooks/Cole)
• Basic understanding of the following subjects is required:
  - Metagenomics or genomics
  - Bioinformatics
  - Immunology

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of >575 (paper based) or >90 (internet based)
• An IELTS score of >6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

Motivation letter

Please also supply a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) that includes:

• A short description of your previous education
• An explanation of why you want to take part in this specialisation
• An indication of your future ambitions

Letter of reference

You also need to include at least one letter of reference from an expert in a relevant field, preferably your Bachelor’s thesis advisor.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The Master's program in Microbiology at Radboud University is a comprehensive and research-oriented program designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of microorganisms and their roles in health, disease, and the environment. The program focuses on understanding the structure, function, and genetics of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, as well as their interactions with hosts and ecosystems. Students gain practical skills in microbiological techniques, including laboratory diagnostics, molecular biology methods, and bioinformatics analyses. The program emphasizes the importance of microbiology in addressing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, infectious disease outbreaks, and biotechnological innovations. It prepares graduates for careers in research, healthcare, industry, and academia by fostering critical thinking, experimental skills, and a strong foundation in the theoretical aspects of microbiology. The curriculum includes courses on microbial physiology, genetics, immunology, virology, pathogenic microbiology, and microbiological techniques, complemented by research projects and internships. Students are encouraged to develop an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating microbiology with molecular biology, systems biology, and environmental science. The program is taught in English and involves collaboration with national and international research institutes, providing opportunities for students to participate in cutting-edge research. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue PhD studies or careers in pharmaceutical, biotech companies, medical laboratories, and academic research groups, contributing to innovations in health and environmental sectors. Radboud University’s strong research environment and state-of-the-art facilities support students' learning and research activities, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic field of microbiology.