Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering

Like the Bachelor's program, the Master's program in Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering combines engineering and natural sciences. On the one hand, the topics of plant engineering, process engineering and process control are dealt with in depth. At the same time, the focus is on molecular biology, bioprocesses and pharmaceutical technology.

Specialization topics of this program are production and fermentation processes, reactor technology, process development and optimization, bioprocess engineering, protein chemistry and analysis, hygiene, quality management and legal requirements for the production of pharmaceuticals. 

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the master's program in Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering (PDF, German) 

Graduates of the Master's program in Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering are able to …

• manufacture biotechnological drugs and pharmaceuticals in accordance with legal requirements
• plan and design the production of biotechnological products
• plan and design biotechnological production facilities
• statistically monitor, develop and optimize production processes
• specifically influence microorganisms biotechnologically
• study biotechnological products in accordance with the current state of science

After completing the Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering, graduates can work in the biotechnological, chemical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, in research & development as well as in production, engineering and quality management. Furthermore, functions in plant engineering are possible for these branches of industry. Fields of activity are, e.g.:

• Control, planning, evaluation and optimization of biotechnological and pharmaceutical processes
• Ensuring the quality of manufactured products in accordance with applicable guidelines
• Planning, project planning and monitoring of production plants
• Development of new manufacturing processes for biotechnological and pharmaceutical products
• University or industrial research and development

The Master's program in Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering builds on the foundations of the Bachelor's program Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering. Compulsory modules include subjects such as protein engineering, hygienic processing, pharmaceutical technology 2, bioreactors, bioreaction technology and process and plant engineering. In addition to the compulsory subjects, students can earn one third of the credits from numerous electives and thus compile their own profile according to their interests. The Master's thesis is written in the 4th semester.

• Overview Degree Program Structure (PDF 120 KB)
• Module Catalog: Description of Program Content

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad
• Information on internships

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 4,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school or department to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more 
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Curricular Analysis
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Letter of Motivation
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) was obtained outside the EU/EEA (from winter semester 2025/26: outside Germany)

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview. 

In detail: 

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Discription of the Aptitude Assessment (appendix 2, German) (PDF 234 KB)