Master in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at University of Milan
Two-year master at the University of Milan with an English-taught curriculum in Pharmacogenomics and Precision Therapeutics, covering biotech drug design, omics, biomarkers, cell and gene therapies and a lab training internship.
Master
2 years
Milan
Multiple
University of Milan
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is a two-year, 120 ECTS master (class LM-9-R) at the University of Milan in which the Pharmacogenomics and Precision Therapeutics curriculum is taught entirely in English, at Città Studi in Milan. Non-EU students with family income abroad pay a fixed fee by country group.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree in biotechnology (L-2) or an equivalent foreign degree.
- Graduates of other fields need set credits: at least 9 in chemistry, 12 in biochemistry and molecular biology, 6 in pharmacology, and 6 in physiology, anatomy or general pathology.
- English at B2 level or higher (CEFR).
- An evaluation of your academic record by the admission board, which may add an interview and/or a written test, in person or online.
- An application on apply.unimi.it with a €30 fee, your degree certificate, transcript or diploma supplement and passport.
About the programme
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is a two-year master's degree in class LM-9-R (medical, veterinary and pharmaceutical biotechnology) at the University of Milan, run by the Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences at Città Studi in Milan. The degree has four curricula: three are taught in Italian, and the fourth, Pharmacogenomics and Precision Therapeutics, is taught entirely in English. This page covers that English curriculum.
It prepares graduates for the development and use of the newest biotechnological drugs, with in-depth scientific and technical-production skills in biotechnology applied to human health. It suits biotechnology graduates, and graduates of other life science degrees who meet the credit requirements in chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology. Admission is open, after a check of your requirements.
What you will study
The Pharmacogenomics and Precision Therapeutics curriculum moves from physiology, biochemistry and disease biology to omics, bioinformatics and advanced therapies. Units in the 2026/27 study plan include:
- Molecular Biochemistry and Functional Biology (10 ECTS)
- Protein Engineering, Drug Delivery and Regulatory Aspects (11 ECTS)
- Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases (8 ECTS)
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling (8 ECTS)
- Omics: from Bench to Bedside
- Pharmacogenomics, Clinical Pharmacology, and Orphan Drugs
- Biomarkers: from Identification to Exploitation (10 ECTS, second year)
- Cell Therapy and Gene Silencing, and Nanotechnology Based Medicinal Products (second year)
How the programme is taught
Teaching is blended: the first month of the first year is online, and after that online and in-person lessons are combined with active-learning tools and virtual laboratories. Lab attendance is compulsory. The second semester of the second year is the lab training internship (10 ECTS) at university facilities or other public or private institutions or companies, which needs 56 credits already earned, followed by a 21 ECTS final exam. Erasmus stays of three to nine months are recognised for 20 to 45 credits.
Career paths
The degree gives access to the qualification for the profession of biologist. The official profiles cover research and industry roles such as:
- Researcher in universities, CNR and international research institutes
- Industry researcher in pharmaceutical and biotech research and development
- Production, quality control and formulation operator
- Clinical monitor and pharmacovigilance specialist in companies and CROs
- Regulatory affairs operator for industry or national and international agencies
- Marketing professional or science communicator
Fees and scholarships
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology falls in the university's fee Area B. With family income and assets abroad, you pay a fixed second instalment by country group, which for 2026/27 is €256 a year in Group A (countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh), €1,164 in Group B and €4,101.12 in Group C. The first instalment is €146 or more. Full winners of the Lombardy regional DSU scholarship, which the University of Milan runs, pay no fees: zero euro tuition for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
For 2026/27 the degree reserved 35 places for non-EU students living abroad, across all four curricula. You apply on apply.unimi.it with a €30 fee; the admission board reviews your record and may ask for an interview or a written test. Visa applicants applied from 22 January to 30 April 2026, and the 2027/28 dates were not yet published in September 2026.
If admitted, complete the Universitaly pre-enrolment (by 31 July for 2026/27) and apply for a type D study visa, which needs B2 English. Your degree then needs a comparability statement or a declaration of value.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is Pharmaceutical Biotechnology taught in English?
One of its four curricula, Pharmacogenomics and Precision Therapeutics, is taught entirely in English. The other three curricula are in Italian. You need English at B2 level or higher.
What does the English curriculum cover?
Biochemistry, disease biology, protein engineering and drug delivery, bioinformatics, omics, pharmacogenomics and orphan drugs in the first year, then biomarkers, cell therapy and gene silencing, and nanotechnology based medicinal products.
Is the course taught in person?
Partly. It is a blended course: the first month is online, then online and in-person lessons are combined. Lab attendance is compulsory at the university's facilities in Milan.
What bachelor's background do I need?
A biotechnology degree (class L-2) or another degree with at least 9 credits in chemistry, 12 in biochemistry and molecular biology, 6 in pharmacology and 6 in physiology, anatomy or general pathology.
Is there an entrance test?
There is no set test. The admission board evaluates your academic record and may request an interview and/or a written test, held in person or online.
How much are the fees?
For 2026/27, students with family income abroad pay a fixed second instalment by country group, from €256 a year in Group A, plus a first instalment from €146. Full winners of the regional DSU scholarship pay no fees.
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