Pre-master's in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics

Does your degree not give you access to the two-year UM master’s programmes in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics at the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE)? Maybe you are eligible to our pre-master’s programme! This pre-master’s is a preparation programme that bridges the gap between your previous education and the master's. It is a tailor-made programme based on your previous knowledge and skills. Upon successful completion within the semester concerned, you will directly qualify for admission to the UM master's in either Biobased Materials, Imaging Engineering or Systems Biology and Bioinformatics.

On this page, you will find important details of the application process for the pre-master's (such as deadlines, admission requirements, required documents and application assessment). Check if you qualify for admission to this pre-master’s programme.

It is not possible to apply directly for this pre-master. To determine if you need to complete a pre-master, you first need to submit your application in Studielink to the master's in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (see the admission requirements and application deadlines for the master's in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics). Complete your application for the master's programme as soon as possible, if you think you might be required to do the pre-master.
The Board of Admissions will thoroughly assess your application to determine if a pre-master is needed. Application for the pre-master will be taken care of after the acceptance for the master's programme together with/by the admissions officer.

Programme content

  • The pre-master's programme is tailor-made for each individual applicant and the courses you will follow depend on the knowledge and skills you have already obtained. 
  • The programme has a duration of one semester, which is equivalent to +/- 6 months (30 ECTS). 
  • The programme should be successfully completed within one semester.

Study fee

The pre-master's programme study fee is about half of the statutory tuition fee for the master's programme in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, for both EU/EEA & non-EU/EEA students.

General requirements: previous education

If you just fall short of meeting the admission requirements for the master's programmes in Systems Biology and bioinformatics, our pre-master's programme offers you the opportunity to obtain your starting credentials. 

Admission to this pre-master's programme is only possible for:

  • candidates with minor deficiencies or,
  • candidates who meet all the requirements but on a university of applied sciences level (Dutch HBO). 


Graduates from a Dutch HBO in a related field
The pre-master's programme is also a suitable option for students who have a degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO). You will follow a one-semester programme at our department, and gain access to the master's programme upon successful completion of the pre-master's programme. Our admissions office is your first point of contact.

Additional requirements

Language requirements for English-language programmes

As English is the language of instruction in this study programme, it is essential that your English language skills are good enough for you to undertake intensive and challenging academic courses that are taught and examined in English.

Answer the questions below to find out if you meet the language requirements.

Handling fee

Applicants for this study programme whose diploma is based on a non-EU/EEA curriculum are required to pay a handling fee. This applies even if the educational institution is located within the EU/EEA, as the fee is based on the curriculum, not the location of the institution. More information on this handling fee and how to arrange this payment can be found on the handling fee page.

How to apply

Ready to apply? Carefully read through the information provided and make sure to complete all tasks as soon as possible (and definitely before the indicated deadlines).

Please note: It is not possible to apply for the pre-master's programmes directly. You will have to apply for one of FSE's regular master's programmes first. If your credentials and educational background are insufficient for direct admission into one of our master's programmes, the Board of Admissions will determine whether a pre-master's programme can be offered.

Apply for the master's programme
To determine if you need to complete a pre-master, you first need to submit your application to the master's programme in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics. The Board of Admissions will thoroughly assess your application to determine if a pre-master is needed. Application for the pre-master will be taken care of after the acceptance for the master's programme.

See the admission requirements for the master's in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
How to apply for the master's in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics


Application deadlines
It is important that you inform yourself of the deadlines that you need to meet for a successful application.

The regular application deadlines for the master's programme in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics apply

How do we assess your application?

When you want to apply or are applying to this study programme, it is useful to know how we assess your application. You can find more information about this in this section.

To determine whether you qualify for admission to a pre-master's programme, our Board of Admissions will carefully evaluate your diplomas, academic portfolio and proof of proficiency in English.

After successful completion of the pre-master's programme, you will then be able to continue with the master's in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics.