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MSc Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology

The master's programme in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology provides a deep understanding of how to design and operate state-of-the-art life science-based processes with respect to product quality, sustainability and finance. Graduates have the competencies and skills to use cells, cell components and biomolecules to produce commodities such as chemicals, food, biofuels, clean water or soil and biomaterials for the development of a sustainable society.

Application deadlines for studies starting 2024

16 October (2023): Application opens
15 January: Last day to apply
1 February: Submit documents and, if required, pay application fee
21 March: Admission results announced
August: Arrival and study start

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Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology at KTH

The two-year programme comprises advanced courses regarding biotechnological tools used for developing industrial processes, sustainable production of commodities and the impact of such operations on the environment and society. The education provided is based on our world-leading research at KTH, is comprehensive and prepares you for future careers in Sweden or internationally in the private and public sectors.

The programme offers three tracks to provide specialisation within a particular industrial biotechnology field: cell-based process biotechnology, enzyme technology and environmental biotechnology. You can tailor your education by choosing one track and complementing it with courses from other tracks or biotechnology courses from other master's programmes. It is also possible to cherry-pick courses from any track to create your unique professional profile.

Courses contain both theoretical knowledge and practical applications on topics ranging from fundamental science, experimental design, production, analysis and life cycle assessment. The curriculum provides a cross-platform approach to enable you to acquire unique and individualised expertise that appeals to many employers. You train problem-solving skills, project management as well as professional communication. During the last semester of the programme, you work on a master's degree project in a research setting at KTH, in industry or in a university or research institute anywhere in the world to acquire specialisation within a relevant topic.

The programme curriculum is designed, taught and continuously updated by a team of internationally recognised professors and researchers within the different subject areas, in collaboration with representatives from the private sector. The programme is given by the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health in Stockholm with access to facilities, infrastructure and instrument park available at the KTH Campus in Stockholm at AlbaNova University Center.

Courses in the programme

Programme Presentation

In this webinar recording from October 2023, you will learn everything you need to know about the master's programme in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology. Programme director Per Berglund and student Fernanda host the webinar.

Students

Find out what students from the programme think about their time at KTH.

Fernanda from Brazil

"I am unsure if I'll pursue a PhD after finishing my master’s. But, I am certain that I want to apply my attained knowledge in the production of medical products and be able to contribute to biotechnological development in my home country."

Fernanda from Brazil

Meet the students

Career 

Graduates of the programme will acquire the skills necessary for a professional career in the biotechnology industry or further academic studies. The Industrial Biotechnology sector is expanding worldwide, offering anyone with a master’s degree in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology vast career opportunities within the manufacturing of bioproducts or equipment, research and development, biotechnological services, including those found in patent and consultant agencies, research policy, journalism and finances.

After graduation

Research Scientists, PhD student, Field Application Specialist, QC Scientists, Project Manager, Science Communicator, Laboratory Manager, Operation Developer, Sales Representative, Patent Analyst, Research Associate.

Reskandi Chastelia Rudjito, PhD at KTH

"I'm doing a PhD at KTH where I work on the valorisation of agricultural waste to develop novel bio-based material. I am currently collaborating with other universities and companies to try and handle the by-product stream from the agricultural industry."

Reskandi Chastelia Rudjito, PhD at KTH

Meet the graduates

Sustainable development

Graduates from KTH have the knowledge and the necessary tools to contribute to the transition to a sustainable society. Sustainable development is an integral part of all programmes. The Industrial Biotechnology sector is considered one of the leading players in current and future societal challenges. The courses focus on topics related to most of the 17 sustainable development goals. The master's programme in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology prepares you for careers focusing on developing more effective and environmentally friendly production of commodities. The three key sustainable development goals that are best aligned with the master's programme in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology are:

Sustainable development goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Sustainable development goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Sustainable development goal 12. Responsible Consumption and Production

The programme provides knowledge and understanding about how biological processes and cellular components can create new technologies, industrial processes and biotechnological products. You learn how to apply microorganisms to remove contaminants from water and soil or to produce biomolecules or chemical products. You will also explore how to use microorganisms or enzymes to design and create effective and sustainable production of products ranging from food ingredients to detergents, paper, drugs and textiles. Sustainability is an essential aspect of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology and continuously combines science and technology to improve, simplify or streamline industrial or environmental production or services.

Faculty and research

The master's programme in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology is offered at the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health and is heavily based on the research performed at AlbaNova University Centre. 

Faculty and research

KTH's virtual campus tour

Vijay is a student at the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (at KTH). In the virtual tour he and some other students will show you around KTH.

Next step

Explore KTH

Visit our campuses through an immersive digital tour where our students guide you through their favourit KTH spots.

Ikon med mobiltelefon och brev. Grafisk illustration.

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