Would you like to combine scientific expertise with management and shape your career in the life sciences? The Master’s program in Biomedical Sciences & Management prepares you for challenging cross-functional roles in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and the pharmaceutical industry. This interdisciplinary program is designed for graduates with bachelor’s degrees in business, natural sciences, medical sciences, or related fields.
During the program, you’ll gain an understanding of the entire value chain in the life sciences: from research and development through manufacturing and quality management to regulatory approval, sales, and market access. Strategic topics such as innovation, transformation, and portfolio management will round out your skill set. Specializations in clinical drug development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and innovative medical devices allow you to tailor your focus to your individual interests. Practical projects, professional internships, or a dual degree program allow you to apply your knowledge directly.
The knowledge acquired in the Master’s program in Biomedical Sciences and Management enables graduates to take on specialized and leadership roles in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical technology industries, as well as in related fields (consulting and venture financing).
Graduates possess a diverse portfolio of skills that qualifies them to begin their careers in the highly complex life sciences sector - particularly in the areas of project and portfolio management, strategic planning, business development, R&D management, clinical operations management, CMC management, regulatory affairs, and quality management.
In the Biomedical Sciences & Management master’s program, we combine academic excellence with a strong practical focus. As part of our regular guest lecture series, renowned experts from academia and the pharmaceutical industry provide insights into current developments, challenges, and innovation strategies in pharmaceutical research and development. Anyone interested is cordially invited to participate in individual online lectures via Teams:
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Jan Marc Mainka, Competence Centerfor Pharma Innovation, University of St. Gallen:
The role of external R&D strategies in Pharma
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Dr Sebastian Kwisda, Global Lead Drug Development, Bayer:
Bridging scientific innovation and executable reality: The strategic role of modern Feasibility in integrated R&D
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Prof. Dr. Raphael Boemelburg, Professor at FHNW:
Collaborative Innovation: Insights from Pharma R&D and beyond
This module introduces core concepts of modern drug discovery. Topics include disease mechanisms, target and biomarker identification, therapeutic modalities, and AI applications in drug research. Practical examples and case studies link biomedical fundamentals with current technological advances.
This module provides an overview of healthcare systems, financing structures, and health economic evaluation methods. Students analyze costs, benefits, reimbursement processes, and market access strategies for pharmaceuticals.
The module focuses on innovation and R&D management in life sciences. Topics include innovation theories, R&D processes, pharma business models, and innovation strategies. Practical examples illustrate how ideas are translated into market-ready products.
This module teaches statistical foundations for data-driven decision-making. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, regression and time series analysis, and software-based analysis of real datasets, with a focus on interpretation and critical evaluation.
This module covers pharmaceutical quality management with a focus on GMP and GxP. Topics include quality systems, audits, product control, batch release, and regulatory documentation, with special attention to personalized medicine.
Students gain an overview of international and regional regulatory frameworks. Topics include drug approval processes, clinical trials, regulatory interactions, and intellectual property, linking legal requirements with strategic development considerations.
This module covers economic and strategic foundations of the pharmaceutical industry. Key topics include portfolio and pipeline management, product lifecycle strategies, business development, and licensing and contract negotiations.
The module focuses on pharmaceutical supply chains and their digital transformation. Topics include SCM fundamentals, regulatory requirements, digital technologies, data management, resilience, and sustainability, illustrated through practical examples.
The elective modules allow students to specialize in key areas of the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. Topics include clinical drug development, innovative medical devices and AI, pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, entrepreneurship, project and portfolio management, as well as pharma strategy and controlling. Practical projects and case studies support the transfer of theory into real-world applications.
The elective modules allow students to specialize in key areas of the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. Topics include clinical drug development, innovative medical devices and AI, pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, entrepreneurship, project and portfolio management, as well as pharma strategy and controlling. Practical projects and case studies support the transfer of theory into real-world applications.
The elective modules allow students to specialize in key areas of the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. Topics include clinical drug development, innovative medical devices and AI, pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, entrepreneurship, project and portfolio management, as well as pharma strategy and controlling. Practical projects and case studies support the transfer of theory into real-world applications.
In this project-based module, students work on real-world business and technology challenges. Teams design, analyze, and present practice-oriented projects, linking theory, applied research, and actionable recommendations.
This module teaches fundamentals of academic research. Topics include research questions, literature review, research design, data collection, and proper citation, enabling students to produce structured scientific work and present results effectively.
In the master’s thesis, students independently address a complex scientific or applied research question in biomedical sciences, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, or life‑science management. They apply appropriate methods, integrate scientific, regulatory, and economic perspectives, and present their results in an oral colloquium.
| 1. Semester | |
|---|---|
| 2. Semester | |
| 3. Semester | |
| 4. Semester |
The Biomedical Sciences & Management program comprises three part-time semesters. The fourth semester is reserved for the master's thesis.
In terms of content, the program is broadly divided into the subject areas of research and development, manufacturing, quality management, and sales, as well as approval and market access. This overview of the value chain is supplemented by the strategic aspects of innovation, transformation, and portfolio management. Many of the modules are accompanied by projects and partners from the field.
The degree program is currently undergoing the accreditation process administered by Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat (ELIAS).
The following qualifications must be proven for the Master's degree programme in Biomedical Sciences & Management (BSM):
It is possible to apply with less than 210 ECTS; however, proof of compensation of the missing 30 ECTS has to be provided no later than the end of the application period by means of:
NOTE: Please note that where documents are submitted to show evidence of practical professional experience or either practical or theoretical achievements worth 30 ECTS – in addition to a bachelor’s degree – the documents must clearly indicate that the 30 ECTS were obtain over and above the bachelor's degree programme. Confirmation can be provided by the university showing that the ECTS/internship were not counted towards the first degree. The duration of the practical professional experience gained outside the first degree should be equivalent to 20 weeks of full-time work. Furthermore, the internship reference must be submitted in officially certified form together with the other application documents. In both cases, we recommend to submit meaningful documents from which the Examination Committee can clearly understand the substantive aspects immediately.
Economics, quantitative methods and financial market analysis
Medicine and Microbiology
Economics and behavioral economics
Life Science Management
Supply Chain Management and Operations
Biotechnology and Management
Digital Health Management and Company Organisation
Courses are held during the lecture periods in the winter and summer semesters. Approximately 20 in-person days are scheduled for each of the first and second semesters, and approximately 25 in-person days for the third semester. Between these in-person days, supplementary online instruction is provided on a weekly basis. The online sessions are generally offered outside of standard core working hours. This allows students to pursue a career—for example, as a working student or as part of a trainee program—while studying, and at the same time benefit from a high-quality academic education. If you have any further questions about the organization of the program, the program directors will be happy to assist you.
No. The program can be completed with or without a corporate partner. The program is designed so that the master’s degree is completed over four semesters. This gives students greater flexibility in terms of time and allows them to tailor their studies to their individual life circumstances. Many students use the extra time to gain practical experience while studying, for example through a part-time student job, a trainee program, or internships. Others appreciate the opportunity to better balance their studies with family obligations. In addition, the program structure allows for time to pursue other personal, social, or professional activities. The program is therefore aimed at both students with corporate partners and those who wish to structure their studies independently of such partnerships.
Here you'll find more information relating to application.
A full list of documents is provided in the application tool. Here you will also find detailed requirements in terms of the form in which the documents have to be submitted. All documents initially have to be uploaded online. In the event of admission to the master's degree course, certain documents then have to be submitted as an original or as a certified copy.
The bachelor’s degree certificate can be submitted later provided evidence is submitted before the regular application deadline that the applicant will complete their first degree course at the end of the current semester with 210 ECTS points. This is done by uploading a recent transcript of records and proof of the final ECTS credits earned upon graduation (for example, excerpt study and examination regulation). Whatever happens, the final certificate or confirmation of successful completion of the first degree must be submitted no later than at matriculation.
Many universities offer the option of generating transcripts online.
Transcripts generated online will only be accepted if they include a verification code and web address for validation or if they bear the original seal and signature of your university.
Simply printing out a transcript generated online is not sufficient. The exception to this rule is the THI transcript from the student portal.
The program is organized as a block-based part-time course of study. This means that it is possible to complete it while working full-time. However, it is important to consider the overall workload involved: all master's courses require preparation and follow-up work. In addition, there are several project assignments to complete during the semester. When combined with full-time employment, this leaves little time for other private activities.
Do you have any questions about applications, admission, enrolment, student finance, accommodation or other general topics? If so, please use our contact form and select the relevant topic. This will ensure your enquiry is sent directly to the relevant contact person(s) and can be answered quickly and effectively.
Degree program director Biomedical Sciences & Management
Project Manager
Student mentor BSM
Student mentor BSM
Student mentor BSM
Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.)
Biomedical Engineering focuses on medical technology, electronics, computer science and biomedical fundamentals. The curriculum connects diagnostic devices, therapeutic systems and medical data processing. Its specialist profile is shaped by engineering expertise tailored to digital healthcare applications.
About the degree program![[Translate to English:] Medizininformatiker bei der Arbeit](/fileadmin/_processed_/image-enhancer/50507/BIMI_iStock-1050311464-1897x1264-crop-default-1-0-1897-1067.webp)
Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.)
On the Computational Life Sciences programme, you will seek solutions to medical challenges: digitalisation and computer science, image recognition software and the development of health apps. Career paths lead to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, colleges and universities, and medical research institutions.
About the degree program
Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.)
Engineering mechanics, human anatomy, ergonomics and human-machine interaction define the academic profile of Biomechanics. The programme brings together sports engineering, rehabilitation technology and body-centred product design. Its specialist profile is shaped by technical development grounded in the mechanics of human movement.
About the degree program
Master of Arts (M. A.)
The Master’s programme in Business Management at THI Business School is designed for graduates of business-related Bachelor’s degrees who want to advance their management expertise and prepare for leadership responsibilities. The flexible four-semester part-time format reduces weekly class commitments, creating valuable opportunities for internships, working student roles, or professional projects alongside study.
About the degree programWould you like to combine scientific expertise with management and shape your career in the life sciences? The Master’s program in Biomedical Sciences & Management prepares you for challenging cross-functional roles in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and the pharmaceutical industry. This interdisciplinary program is designed for graduates with bachelor’s degrees in business, natural sciences, medical sciences, or related fields.
During the program, you’ll gain an understanding of the entire value chain in the life sciences: from research and development through manufacturing and quality management to regulatory approval, sales, and market access. Strategic topics such as innovation, transformation, and portfolio management will round out your skill set. Specializations in clinical drug development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and innovative medical devices allow you to tailor your focus to your individual interests. Practical projects, professional internships, or a dual degree program allow you to apply your knowledge directly.
The knowledge acquired in the Master’s program in Biomedical Sciences and Management enables graduates to take on specialized and leadership roles in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical technology industries, as well as in related fields (consulting and venture financing).
Graduates possess a diverse portfolio of skills that qualifies them to begin their careers in the highly complex life sciences sector - particularly in the areas of project and portfolio management, strategic planning, business development, R&D management, clinical operations management, CMC management, regulatory affairs, and quality management.
In the Biomedical Sciences & Management master’s program, we combine academic excellence with a strong practical focus. As part of our regular guest lecture series, renowned experts from academia and the pharmaceutical industry provide insights into current developments, challenges, and innovation strategies in pharmaceutical research and development. Anyone interested is cordially invited to participate in individual online lectures via Teams:
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Jan Marc Mainka, Competence Centerfor Pharma Innovation, University of St. Gallen:
The role of external R&D strategies in Pharma
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Dr Sebastian Kwisda, Global Lead Drug Development, Bayer:
Bridging scientific innovation and executable reality: The strategic role of modern Feasibility in integrated R&D
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Prof. Dr. Raphael Boemelburg, Professor at FHNW:
Collaborative Innovation: Insights from Pharma R&D and beyond
This module introduces core concepts of modern drug discovery. Topics include disease mechanisms, target and biomarker identification, therapeutic modalities, and AI applications in drug research. Practical examples and case studies link biomedical fundamentals with current technological advances.
This module provides an overview of healthcare systems, financing structures, and health economic evaluation methods. Students analyze costs, benefits, reimbursement processes, and market access strategies for pharmaceuticals.
The module focuses on innovation and R&D management in life sciences. Topics include innovation theories, R&D processes, pharma business models, and innovation strategies. Practical examples illustrate how ideas are translated into market-ready products.
This module teaches statistical foundations for data-driven decision-making. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, regression and time series analysis, and software-based analysis of real datasets, with a focus on interpretation and critical evaluation.
This module covers pharmaceutical quality management with a focus on GMP and GxP. Topics include quality systems, audits, product control, batch release, and regulatory documentation, with special attention to personalized medicine.
Students gain an overview of international and regional regulatory frameworks. Topics include drug approval processes, clinical trials, regulatory interactions, and intellectual property, linking legal requirements with strategic development considerations.
This module covers economic and strategic foundations of the pharmaceutical industry. Key topics include portfolio and pipeline management, product lifecycle strategies, business development, and licensing and contract negotiations.
The module focuses on pharmaceutical supply chains and their digital transformation. Topics include SCM fundamentals, regulatory requirements, digital technologies, data management, resilience, and sustainability, illustrated through practical examples.
The elective modules allow students to specialize in key areas of the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. Topics include clinical drug development, innovative medical devices and AI, pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, entrepreneurship, project and portfolio management, as well as pharma strategy and controlling. Practical projects and case studies support the transfer of theory into real-world applications.
The elective modules allow students to specialize in key areas of the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. Topics include clinical drug development, innovative medical devices and AI, pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, entrepreneurship, project and portfolio management, as well as pharma strategy and controlling. Practical projects and case studies support the transfer of theory into real-world applications.
The elective modules allow students to specialize in key areas of the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. Topics include clinical drug development, innovative medical devices and AI, pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, entrepreneurship, project and portfolio management, as well as pharma strategy and controlling. Practical projects and case studies support the transfer of theory into real-world applications.
In this project-based module, students work on real-world business and technology challenges. Teams design, analyze, and present practice-oriented projects, linking theory, applied research, and actionable recommendations.
This module teaches fundamentals of academic research. Topics include research questions, literature review, research design, data collection, and proper citation, enabling students to produce structured scientific work and present results effectively.
In the master’s thesis, students independently address a complex scientific or applied research question in biomedical sciences, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, or life‑science management. They apply appropriate methods, integrate scientific, regulatory, and economic perspectives, and present their results in an oral colloquium.
| 1. Semester | |
|---|---|
| 2. Semester | |
| 3. Semester | |
| 4. Semester |
The Biomedical Sciences & Management program comprises three part-time semesters. The fourth semester is reserved for the master's thesis.
In terms of content, the program is broadly divided into the subject areas of research and development, manufacturing, quality management, and sales, as well as approval and market access. This overview of the value chain is supplemented by the strategic aspects of innovation, transformation, and portfolio management. Many of the modules are accompanied by projects and partners from the field.
The degree program is currently undergoing the accreditation process administered by Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat (ELIAS).
The following qualifications must be proven for the Master's degree programme in Biomedical Sciences & Management (BSM):
It is possible to apply with less than 210 ECTS; however, proof of compensation of the missing 30 ECTS has to be provided no later than the end of the application period by means of:
NOTE: Please note that where documents are submitted to show evidence of practical professional experience or either practical or theoretical achievements worth 30 ECTS – in addition to a bachelor’s degree – the documents must clearly indicate that the 30 ECTS were obtain over and above the bachelor's degree programme. Confirmation can be provided by the university showing that the ECTS/internship were not counted towards the first degree. The duration of the practical professional experience gained outside the first degree should be equivalent to 20 weeks of full-time work. Furthermore, the internship reference must be submitted in officially certified form together with the other application documents. In both cases, we recommend to submit meaningful documents from which the Examination Committee can clearly understand the substantive aspects immediately.
Economics, quantitative methods and financial market analysis
Medicine and Microbiology
Economics and behavioral economics
Life Science Management
Supply Chain Management and Operations
Biotechnology and Management
Digital Health Management and Company Organisation
Courses are held during the lecture periods in the winter and summer semesters. Approximately 20 in-person days are scheduled for each of the first and second semesters, and approximately 25 in-person days for the third semester. Between these in-person days, supplementary online instruction is provided on a weekly basis. The online sessions are generally offered outside of standard core working hours. This allows students to pursue a career—for example, as a working student or as part of a trainee program—while studying, and at the same time benefit from a high-quality academic education. If you have any further questions about the organization of the program, the program directors will be happy to assist you.
No. The program can be completed with or without a corporate partner. The program is designed so that the master’s degree is completed over four semesters. This gives students greater flexibility in terms of time and allows them to tailor their studies to their individual life circumstances. Many students use the extra time to gain practical experience while studying, for example through a part-time student job, a trainee program, or internships. Others appreciate the opportunity to better balance their studies with family obligations. In addition, the program structure allows for time to pursue other personal, social, or professional activities. The program is therefore aimed at both students with corporate partners and those who wish to structure their studies independently of such partnerships.
Here you'll find more information relating to application.
A full list of documents is provided in the application tool. Here you will also find detailed requirements in terms of the form in which the documents have to be submitted. All documents initially have to be uploaded online. In the event of admission to the master's degree course, certain documents then have to be submitted as an original or as a certified copy.
The bachelor’s degree certificate can be submitted later provided evidence is submitted before the regular application deadline that the applicant will complete their first degree course at the end of the current semester with 210 ECTS points. This is done by uploading a recent transcript of records and proof of the final ECTS credits earned upon graduation (for example, excerpt study and examination regulation). Whatever happens, the final certificate or confirmation of successful completion of the first degree must be submitted no later than at matriculation.
Many universities offer the option of generating transcripts online.
Transcripts generated online will only be accepted if they include a verification code and web address for validation or if they bear the original seal and signature of your university.
Simply printing out a transcript generated online is not sufficient. The exception to this rule is the THI transcript from the student portal.
The program is organized as a block-based part-time course of study. This means that it is possible to complete it while working full-time. However, it is important to consider the overall workload involved: all master's courses require preparation and follow-up work. In addition, there are several project assignments to complete during the semester. When combined with full-time employment, this leaves little time for other private activities.
Do you have any questions about applications, admission, enrolment, student finance, accommodation or other general topics? If so, please use our contact form and select the relevant topic. This will ensure your enquiry is sent directly to the relevant contact person(s) and can be answered quickly and effectively.
Degree program director Biomedical Sciences & Management
Project Manager
Student mentor BSM
Student mentor BSM
Student mentor BSM
Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.)
Biomedical Engineering focuses on medical technology, electronics, computer science and biomedical fundamentals. The curriculum connects diagnostic devices, therapeutic systems and medical data processing. Its specialist profile is shaped by engineering expertise tailored to digital healthcare applications.
About the degree program
Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.)
On the Computational Life Sciences programme, you will seek solutions to medical challenges: digitalisation and computer science, image recognition software and the development of health apps. Career paths lead to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, colleges and universities, and medical research institutions.
About the degree program
Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.)
Engineering mechanics, human anatomy, ergonomics and human-machine interaction define the academic profile of Biomechanics. The programme brings together sports engineering, rehabilitation technology and body-centred product design. Its specialist profile is shaped by technical development grounded in the mechanics of human movement.
About the degree program
Master of Arts (M. A.)
The Master’s programme in Business Management at THI Business School is designed for graduates of business-related Bachelor’s degrees who want to advance their management expertise and prepare for leadership responsibilities. The flexible four-semester part-time format reduces weekly class commitments, creating valuable opportunities for internships, working student roles, or professional projects alongside study.
About the degree program