The Master’s Degree programme in Biotechnologies for Human Health is a two-year programme taught in English. The programme combines theoretical and practical training with a strong focus on biomedical research and translational medicine, through laboratory work, advanced placements and an interdisciplinary approach that links science and clinical application.
Applications for the a.y. 2027/2028 are open
The Master’s Degree Programme in Biotechnologies for Human Health, delivered entirely in English, is a 2-year programme with 30 places and requires the completion of 120 ECTS credits.
The programme, with a strong international focus, integrates theoretical and practical skills through advanced laboratory activities, placements and intensive research experience, with an interdisciplinary approach oriented towards translational medicine.
The programme comprises a first year dedicated to building a solid foundation in biomedical and molecular sciences, and a second year focused on advanced applications and innovative technologies, including bioinformatics, ‘omics’ technologies, pharmacology and the development of personalised therapies.
Rapid developments in biomedical research, the integration of molecular, clinical and digital data, and the growing demand for personalised medicine make it essential to train highly qualified professionals capable of working at the intersection of research, clinical practice and technological innovation.
The aim of the programme is to train professionals with advanced skills in understanding the molecular mechanisms of diseases, developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and applying biotechnological technologies in clinical and research settings.
Upon graduation, graduates will be able to work in research institutes, clinical and diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, healthcare facilities and health-tech start-ups, or continue their education through PhD programmes, second-cycle master’s degrees and postgraduate programmes in the biomedical and biotechnology fields.
President: Prof. Diletta Di Mitri
Places
30 places
Language
English
Duration
2 years
Credits
120 university credits (ECTS) divided into 4 semesters
Fees and Scholarships
Fixed fee: € 7.206,00
Scholarships are available, reducing the annual tuition fee to €2,500 per year
Documents
Academic Programme
The programme is organised as an interdisciplinary course that integrates theoretical and practical teaching, with a strong focus on biomedical research and translational medicine. Lectures are complemented by research seminars, advanced laboratory work, modules in bio-informatics and artificial intelligence, as well as placements in highly specialised academic and clinical settings, promoting experiential and applied learning.
The programme is characterised by an integrated approach: during the first year, students acquire fundamental knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human diseases, whilst the second year is dedicated to advanced applications and the development of technical and scientific skills in the fields of biotechnology and pharmacology, with a strong focus on personalised medicine.
Over the course of the two years, students develop knowledge and skills in:
- Molecular pathology and immunology
- Experimental molecular biology and medical genetics
- Oncology, neuroscience and molecular cardiology
- ‘Omics’ technologies, bio-informatics and data analysis
- Pharmacology, pharmacogenomics and drug development
- Clinical biochemistry, metabolomics and proteomics
- Advanced preclinical models (organoids, animal models, in silico simulations)
The programme also includes modules dedicated to research methodology, scientific writing, ethics and communication, with the aim of developing transferable skills useful in both academic and industrial contexts.
Thanks to the close integration of laboratory work, research and clinical practice, students acquire advanced skills in the use of innovative technologies and in the design of therapeutic and diagnostic solutions, preparing them to work in the biomedical, biotechnology and precision medicine sectors.
Final Exam
Development of an experimental or theoretical-applied thesis (36 ECTS credits), written under the supervision of a thesis advisor in one of the following laboratories:
| Laboratory | Principal Investigator | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular and Molecular Onco-Immunology | Eduardo Bonavita | Junior Group Leader |
| Chemokine Biology | Raffaella Bonecchi | Group Leader |
| Signal Transduction and Cardiac Pathology | Daniele Catalucci | Group Leader |
| Tumor and Microenvironment Unit | Diletta Di Mitri | Group Leader |
| Cancer Pharmacology | Maurizio D’Incalci | Group Leader |
| Experimental Immunopathology | Cecilia Garlanda | Group Leader |
| Circadian Metabolism | Carolina Magdalen Greco | Junior Group Leader |
| Innate Immunity in Inflammation and Cancer | Sebastien Jaillon | Group Leader |
| Adaptive Immunity Unit | Marinos Kallikourdis | Group Leader |
| Molecular Cellular Endocrinology | Andrea Gerardo Antonio Lania | Clinical Group Leader |
| Hepatobiliary Immunopathology | Ana Lleo De Nalda | Clinical Group Leader |
| Developmental Neurobiology | Simona Lodato | Group Leader |
| Plasticity Fibrosis and Cancer | Sara Lovisa | Junior Group Leader |
| Translational Immunology | Enrico Lugli | Group Leader |
| Pharmacology and Pathology of the Nervous System | Michela Matteoli | Group Leader |
| Clinical and Experimental Immunology | Domenico Mavilio | Group Leader |
| Microbial Ecology | Gabriele Micali | Junior Group Leader |
| Precision Medicine | Salvatore Piscuoglio | Group Leader |
| Mucosal Immunology and Microbiota | Maria Rescigno | Group Leader |
Admission Requirements
Applicants may access the Master’s Degree Programme if they hold a three-year bachelor’s degree, a university diploma, or another qualification obtained abroad and recognized as suitable. More specifically, applicants are eligible if they have obtained at least 25 academic credits in the following disciplinary sectors:
- BIO/09
- BIO/10
- BIO/11
- BIO/16
- BIO/17
- BIO/18
- MED/03
- MED/04
- MED/07
Language Requirements
Applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency at B2 level or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Study Plan
Apply
You can register for the entrance test exclusively via the Humanitas University Registration Portal, by following the three-step online procedure outlined below:
- Register on the Humanitas University Registration Portal
- Enrolment and payment
- Confirmation
1. Registering on the Humanitas University Registration Portal
You will need to register on the web portal by entering your first name, surname and email address. Once you have received the first email from the Microsoft authentication process, click on “Accept invitation” and complete the registration by requesting a one-time access code.
N.B.: A new code must be generated for each subsequent login.
2. Enrolment and payment
After completing your registration on the portal, you must fill in the “Personal Details” section with your personal information. Next, click on the “Enrol” menu item and select “2027 – Master’s Degree Programme in BHH”;
You may attach to your application, via the “Upload Qualifications” button, a self-certification of your entry qualification and any other assessable qualifications (academic qualifications or training courses, employment history, certification from the healthcare provider for coordination roles) in order to obtain additional points.
Registration for the competition is only considered complete after payment of the €85.00 registration fee by credit card. The registration fee is non-refundable.
Candidates with disabilities or specific learning difficulties (SLD) must specify this condition during registration, following the instructions in Article 7 of the Call for Applications.
3. Confirmation
Once your registration has been completed with payment (Stage 2), you will receive a confirmation email summarising all the details of your registration. In the event of any errors during registration, you may amend your preferences and/or qualifications to be assessed via the “Your registrations” section by 29th January 2027.
Admission
Students are evaluated by the Admission Committee based on their previous academic performance, integrated by a careful evaluation of the overall student profile.
Periodically, throughout the application period, the Committee invites candidates to attend an oral interview and, within a few days of the interview, candidates are informed of the final admission decision and whether they have been awarded a scholarship.
Enrolment is based on an oral interview conducted by an academic committee, which evaluates candidates’ academic background and ensures they have an appropriate foundation in the prerequisite subjects for the programme.
Applications can be submitted in different rounds:
- 1st application round: from 19th October 2026 to 29th January 2027
- 2nd application round: from 1st February 2027 to 30th April 2027
Fees and Scholarships
The amount of academic fees is determined annually by the University. For the Master’s Degree in Biotechnologies for Human Health, a single tuition fee of €7,206.00 per year is applied – all students are placed in the same fee bracket.
To support outstanding candidates from diverse backgrounds, the Master’s degree in Biotechnologies for Human Health offers scholarships, reducing the annual tuition fee to €2,500 per year. The scholarship is awarded for both years of the programme.
Scholarships are awarded based solely on merit and do not require applicants to submit an ISEE certificate or any other proof of household income or financial status. They are assigned upon application on a first-come, first-served basis.
Early applications are encouraged.
