Masters of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology

The Department of Biotechnology in the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences offers a Masters of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology degree. The aim of the degree is to develop and grow a cadre of individuals with the necessary skills and understanding required to become competent and practising Biotechnologists. Students are empowered to demonstrate that they are capable of applying their knowledge, skills, understanding, values and attitudes to the work environment in South Africa and around the world. The Masters of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology degree is research-based and is equivalent of at least two years of full-time study. Students are required to produce a well-written dissertation n which they demonstrate a clear understanding of their research.

Masters of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology

Build Your Future In Biotechnology

  • International Focus -VUT Research’s degrees and academic programmes are internationally recognised
  • Focus On Biological Processes -the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products
  • Facilities -At VUT Research we have world-class research facilities and resource access.

Masters of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology Course Requirements

Qualification to this course requires:

  • A  Postgraduate Diploma / Honours / or equivalent with an overall 60% pass.

As this degree is based on research, all candidates need to submit the following:

  • Proof of successful completion of a course in Research Methodology.
  • A research proposal for approval by the Executive Committee of Senate.

  • The proposed topic must be appropriate for higher degree research and it must be consistent with the academic aims and objectives of the student.

  • The student must have access to the necessary resources, facilities and the necessary budget in order to complete the degree within the timeframe.

  • There must be a qualified staff member holding confirmed, continuous or fixed-term appointments of sufficient length for the purposes of supervision of the proposed research and student.

  • The proposed program of work must be able to be completed within the maximum period of submission for the degree.

  • A suitable level of contact with the university supervisors must be maintained.

  • Where the applicant is currently employed, a capacity to meet the timelines and other requirements must be considered.

  • The proposed research cannot reproduce research that has previously been submitted for the award of a degree or diploma.

  • Where the intellectual property rights of the applicant may be a consideration, a suitable agreement protecting the rights of the student needs to be signed. If the student is unwilling to sign an agreement, the research proposal may not be approved and the student may be required to choose another topic in an area that is not commercially sensitive.

  • The applicant should have no outstanding financial obligation with the University and in the case of international applicants, they should be able to verify the necessary financial capacity to undertake the program.

  • The applicant must possess sufficient English language proficiency.

Career Opportunities

After completing a Masters of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology degree, students can excel in a career as a Microbiologist or Biotechnologist in various industries. This involves quality control in enterprises such as water purification plants, food processing factories, pharmaceutical factories, sewerage plants and other industries. There is a demand for trained and well-qualified Microbiologists and Biotechnologists so we are confident that our students should have no problem gaining employment after completing their studies. Students can advance from a laboratory assistant to a laboratory manager. There are also research opportunities available at both industry and research institutions.

Doctorate In Biotechnology

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