Programme Overview

Microbiology studies microorganisms, namely their genome, cell function, diversity and evolution, essential to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of life. Técnico MSc in Microbiology studies the microbial community proposing applications for sectors such as industrial biotechnology, environmental recovery, energy production, human and animal health and in the food sector.

The Master Programme in Microbiology is a joint initiative of Técnico, Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon.

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Study Plan

The 2nd cycle in Microbiology has a duration of 4 semesters (2 years), which is equivalent to 120 ECTS credits, and is made up of the structure depicted below:

  • 1st year (ECTS)

    • 54
    • 6
  • 2nd year (ECTS)

    • 3
    • 57

Programme Structure

  1. Core Structure (54 ECTS)

    The MSc Programme in Microbiology (Major) deepens the knowledge acquired in Functional and Comparative Genomics, Integrative Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Biotechnology, Cellular and Microbial Factories, among others.

  2. Free options (6 ECTS)

    The curriculum offers the possibility to choose a subject from a wide offer at the four partner faculties.

  3. Project (3 ECTS)

    The Project in Microbiology intends to take stock of the work developed in the first semester of the dissertation, promoting the deepening of the thesis theme and work methodologies.

  4. Dissertation (57 ECTS)

    The dissertation is the final assignment of the study cycle, which allows students to focus and specialise on a specific subject that may take any of these formats:

    • Scientific thesis
    • Internship at a company
    • Capstone project

Target Audience

The MSc Programme in Microbiology is aimed at graduates in areas related to Life and Health Sciences, such as Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering and related fields.

The programme is taught in Portuguese however may there be international or mobility students enrolled, the curricular units will be taught in English.

Career Opportunities

Técnico MSc graduates in Microbiology are qualified to develop professional careers as microbiologists, in the industrial sector or in public services, in areas such as:

  • Biotechnology;
  • Food industry;
  • Pharmaceutical industry;
  • Environment;
  • Health and Biomedical Industry.

Masters in Microbiology are also prepared to pursue doctoral studies and develop research activities, having not only career options in R&D institutions, universities, industry and services, as well as presenting skills to create and develop their own companies and projects.

Entry requirements

To apply for a 2nd Cycle at Técnico you should:

  • hold a 1st cycle degree in Science and Technology (except in the case of the 2nd cycle in Architecture, which requires a 1st cycle degree in Architecture);
  • hold an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that certifies their ability to do the MSc programme which they apply for.

Candidates are selected according to these criteria:

  • affinity between the degree they hold and the programme they apply for;
  • type of degree they hold;
  • academic success in the programme they attended.

Note: if requested, we may appreciate the academic, scientific or professional curriculum and the candidate’s performance during the interview.

Students' Organisations

Técnico students stimulate autonomously and proactively projects that act as a complement to their academic background. For example, the Students’ Organisations provide them with skills and added value, making them more competitive in the labour market.

Students from the Bioengineering Department courses get together annually to organise the Bioengineering Week, an initiative that promotes contact with various companies, researchers and professional paths.