Our current curricula include a bachelor’s in Science & Technology and a master’s in Bioengineering. We are also part of a PhD programme. During the DigiBio project, these programmes will be revamped to increase focus on digitalization, bioengineering, and transition to a biosustainable economy. Ten new and ten upgraded courses will be added (ten at BSc level, six MSc, and four PhD) with a strong academic and industrial component. This will broaden professional opportunities post-degree by involving lecturers from pertinent industries in the programme and through the active participation of management board industry representatives.
Talented, well-educated, multidisciplinary specialists are much needed in both the R&D and technology sectors. The university has an important role in preparing and educating young talented students and making them ready for a career in academia or the DeepTech industry.
The Institute of Bioengineering provides educational programmes in life and exact sciences at every level: bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral.
Good education should incorporate the latest trends and achievements in R&D and technology and take into consideration industry input. Students therefore receive the knowledge and skills that correspond to the demands of the modern world.
The Institute of Bioengineering provides good study opportunities for students from Estonia and around the world. We launched and are the coordinators of the Science & Technology bachelor’s programme and the Bioengineering master’s programme. The study programmes are international and taught in English, with a focus on the development of practical skills. They allow students to choose the courses that align with their career goals.
Having plenty of practical studies in our curricula, we emphasize their importance as the most effective way to develop skills and knowledge. Another important part of the teaching process is the creation of an encouraging study environment, so students can experience the feeling of belonging, receive emotional support, and be part of our study community.
After graduation, our alumni are wanted in academia and job markets all over the world. They continue their careers in top universities or DeepTech enterprises. Sometimes, they continue in different fields, as solid foundational knowledge and skills can be transferred to other professions.
Bachelor’s Program: Science and Technology
“Today’s demanding world requires a dynamic approach. The strength of the programme is a broad understanding and synthesis of the basics of natural and technological sciences. Studying in English opens an international horizon and provides a strong basis for further studies.”
Ilona Faustova
Associate Professor of Molecular Biology
Vice Director of the Institute of Bioengineering
Director of the Science and Technology Program
The Science and Technology (S&T) bachelor’s programme is coordinated by the Institute of Bioengineering and is a collaboration of four institutes: Institute of Bioengineering (coordinator), Institute of Technology, Institute of Chemistry, and Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology.
One of the goals of this international English-taught programme is to attract talented students from around the world who are interested in life and exact sciences and have an interdisciplinary mindset.
The program has 3 specializations:
– Bioengineering & Robotics (B&R)
– Chemistry & Materials Science (C&M)
– Genetics & Biotechnology (G&B)
For the first one and a half years, students study together to gain basic knowledge in the fields of Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Programming, and Molecular Biology to equalize the backgrounds of the students, build a foundation, and prepare for further studies. Additionally, students obtain practical experience in the specialization fields that allow them to better understand what different specializations are about. It is hard to choose before trying. After practical experience, students better understand what they like to do and what opportunities they have in one specialization or another. After those one and a half years, students make an informed decision about their main specialization. For the next 1.5-year period, they study separately according to the choice made.
This curriculum structure provides several advantages. It helps students make better career decisions, it provides them with a solid foundation in various fields, and as students study together during the first three semesters and only later spread out among specialisations, it promotes the formation of a community of future multi- and interdisciplinary professionals, supporting innovation across fields.
Importantly, S&T students have a unique opportunity to join the only Estonian team and take part in the largest synthetic biology competition in the world – iGEM. Learn more about iGEM here.
If you would like to learn more about the programme and how to apply, please visit the programme’s website at https://st.ut.ee.
If you have any questions about the programme, please do not hesitate to contact us at st.unitartu@gmail.com. Follow the programme on Instagram: @st.unitartu.
Master’s program: Bioengineering
“Our Bioengineering master’s programme at the University of Tartu offers an ideal platform for launching a research career in bioengineering and synthetic biology, which are vital fields in the modern world for achieving global biosustainability. With a flexible study plan, practical training in well-equipped research laboratories, and an international environment, the programme provides students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities to make a significant impact in the field.”
Ilona Faustova
Associate Professor of Molecular Biology
Vice Director of the Institute of Bioengineering
Director of the Bioengineering Program
The master’s programme in bioengineering is an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines several fields of applied biotechnology, synthetic biology, engineering, and information technology.
It is the logical continuation of the S&T bachelor’s programme and was launched in 2018 so that the first S&T graduates could continue their studies. Besides S&T graduates, candidates interested in bioengineering with a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification in natural and exact sciences or the field of medicine are welcome to join the programme.
There are only four compulsory subjects in the programme. Additionally, there is a specialization module with the option to choose a professional practice module. Students can therefore design their studies according to their interests, the focus of their master’s thesis, and their career goals.
Practical studies are emphasized in the curriculum and come in several forms, including practical courses in collaboration with enterprises and other universities. Internship possibilities in Estonia and abroad are also available as part of the curriculum. This expands students’ knowledge, experience and skills and better prepares them for the job market.
Bioengineering programme graduates can continue their studies at the PhD level or enter the job market. PhD studies can be done in academia or in collaboration with enterprises.
If you would like to learn more about the programme and how to apply, please visit the programme’s website at https://bioeng.ut.ee.
If you have any questions about the programme, please do not hesitate to contact us at bioeng.unitartu@gmail.com.
Doctoral Study
Institute of Bioengineering offer PhD position for Estonian and international students.
General information about the program.
- Scope of studies: 240 ECTS credits
- Length of studies: 4 years
- Language: English
- Degree level: Doctor of Philosophy
Requirements, additional information: https://ut.ee/en/curriculum/engineering-and-technology
Admissions
The application process is online through the estonia.dreamapply.com website. To apply, candidates must submit all the necessary documents during the application period. Once admitted, students need to send original documents by post to the University of Tartu admissions office.
Admission to Science & Technology bachelor’s program
Application deadlines:
Jan 2: application system opens
April 15: application deadline
May 25: final admission results
End of August, beginning of September: academic year starts
Requirements and Online application website: https://estonia.dreamapply.com/en_GB/courses/course/502-bsc-science-and-technology
TalcTech Study
The Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology (KBI) in Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) offers two Bachelor programs: Applied Chemistry and Gene Technology (Link: https://taltech.ee/rakenduskeemia-ja-geenitehnoloogia) and Food and Biotechnology (Link: https://taltech.ee/toidu-ja-biotehnoloogia). The programs are taught in Estonian.
TalTech offers possibility to continue studies in Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology (Link: https://taltech.ee/rakenduskeemia-ja-biotehnoloogia) or Food Technology and Development (Link: https://taltech.ee/toidutehnoloogia-ja-arendus) Masters programs. The programs are taught in Estonian.
The department is also one of the five members of prestigious European Master in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy (BIOCEB) Master´s program (Link: Bioceb – European Master in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy) which is taught in English. The program accepts up to 26 students to study in at least two European countries during their studies.
The institute offers doctoral studies (Link: PhD Admission | Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)) in all the above areas.
When studying in Tallinn University of Tcehnology, the students have the possibility to engage with research groups already during their studies and do their dissertations in the research groups.
More information and dates of application can be found at How to apply? | Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)