The BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree is a distinguished two-year master’s program taught entirely in English. It aims to meet the international demand for qualified graduates by providing high-level theoretical and applied training in materials science, focusing on the physics and chemistry of materials and their applications to pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals.
Project Status
The program has reached the end of its Erasmus Mundus funding period, and no new calls for applications are scheduled at this time. However, the program may obtain funding in the future and the official website may be checked for updates.
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus program offers students the opportunity to study at three of the four following universities across Europe.
| University of Lille |
| Polytechnic University of Catalunya |
| University of Pisa |
| University of Silesia |
| France |
| Spain |
| Italy |
| Poland |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Program
The BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Master aims to emerge the new discipline of “pharmaceutical materials science” by offering a rich education and training program at the interface between materials science and the physics/chemistry of materials and pharmaceutical sciences. The curriculum covers topics such as disordered and off-equilibrium systems, mechanical behavior of materials, molecular and soft condensed matter, thermodynamics and phase transformations, materials science of drugs, fundamentals of molecular modeling, and advanced experimental characterization techniques, including instruments available at large-scale facilities.
Key Features:
- Interdisciplinary Training: Combines nanotechnology, engineering physics, biophysics, chemical analysis, soft matter and pharmaceutical science.
- Hands-on Experience: Includes 2 mandatory internships anywhere around the world across academic, R&D, and industrial sectors.
- International Exposure: Students study in three to four different countries, gaining diverse cultural and academic perspectives.
- Career Preparation: Graduates are well-prepared for R&D industry or PhD programmes and roles.
Possible Mobility Tracks of BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Program
The two-year BIOPHAM program requires students to study across multiple European countries, ensuring a comprehensive international experience. The mobility scheme is structured as follows:
- Year 1, Semester 1: University of Pisa (Italy). Contributing expertise in Materials and Nanotechnology.
- Year 1, Semester 2: University of Catalunya in Barcelona (Spain). Providing advanced knowledge in Engineering Physics
- Year 2, Semester 1: Choice between:
- University of Lille (France). Serving as the coordinating institution.
- University of Silesia Katowice (Poland). Expertise in Soft Matter and Biophysics
- Year 2, Semester 2: Master’s thesis at any partner university or associated institution
This structure allows students to specialize in one of two tracks:
- Soft-Matter and Biopharmaceuticals
- Condensed-Matter and Pharmaceuticals
Each track offers options in:
- Modelling and Simulation
- Advanced Experimental Characterization Techniques
Requirements for Admission
To be eligible for the BIOPHAM program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Background: A first higher education science degree (e.g., Bachelor’s) in physics, chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science, or nanoscience. Degrees in related fields such as pharmaceutical sciences or life sciences with excellent academic records may also be considered, provided the applicant demonstrates a strong background in chemistry and/or physics.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required, as all courses are taught in English. All applicants must have a B2 English level or equivalent. English Proficiency can be shown in a number of ways, including through an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL or IELTS, or through previous studies (a letter attesting English is the medium of instruction of your higher education).
How to Apply for BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Program
The application process involves the following steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the academic and language requirements.
- Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, CV, motivation letter, reference letters, and proof of language proficiency.
- Submit Online Application: Applications are submitted through the official BIOPHAM website during the application period.
- Showcase relevant experience like internships, lab work, or projects related to drug development or nanomedicine.
- Get strong, specific recommendation letters from professors or supervisors in related fields who know your work well.
- Submit a clean, focused Europass CV and proof of English proficiency (C1 level preferred) with all documents well-polished and on time.
Please note that currently, the program is not accepting new applications.
Tips to win BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Program
Tailor your motivation letter to show clear alignment with BIOPHAM’s focus on pharma innovation and how it fits your long-term goals.
Show off relevant academic and research experience—especially anything related to drug formulation, nanotech, or physical chemistry.
Deadlines
- Application Period: The first call for applications typically opens in December for scholarship applicants, and a second call opens in April for self-funded students. However, as of now, no new calls are scheduled due to the end of the current funding period.
Curriculum Structure or BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Program
- First Semester
- Second Semester
- Third Semester
- Fourth Semester
University of Pisa (Italy)
| Course | ECTS |
|---|---|
| QUANTUM PHYSICS OF MATTER | 6 |
| SOLID STATE PHYSICS | 6 |
| DISORDERED AND OFF-EQUILIBRIUM SYSTEMS | 6 |
| MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF MATERIALS | 6 |
| POLYMER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING | 6 |
| TRANSPORT PHENOMENA IN MATERIALS | 6 |
| INTRODUCTION TO OPTICAL SPECTROSCOPY | 6 |
| BIOFLUIDS AND MATERIALS INTERACTIONS | 3 |
| MANUFACTURING OF POLYMERS AND NANOCOMPOSITES FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATION | 3 |
| RHEOLOGY | 6 |
| COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE | 6 |
| GREEN CHEMISTRY FOR MATERIALS AND PROCESSES | 6 |
| Total | 30 |
Polytechnic University of Catalunya (Spain)
| Course | ECTS |
|---|---|
| LARGE FACILITIES : SYNCHROTRON AND NEUTRON SOURCES | 5 |
| MOLECULAR AND SOFT CONDENSED MATTER | 4 |
| MATERIALS SCIENCE OF DRUGS | 4 |
| BIOPHYSICAL AND MATERIALS SCIENCE CHARACTERIZATION | 4 |
| STOCHASTIC METHODS FOR OPTIMIZATION/SIMULATION | 4 |
| COMPLEXITY IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS | 4 |
| MACHINE LEARNING WITH NEURAL NETWORKS | 4 |
| BIOPHAM SHORT INTERNSHIP Should last 1 or 2 months, and take place in one of the 27 EU countries in academic or industry laboratory, large scale research facility or computer center. | 5 |
| TRANSFERABLE SKILLS: ROSETTA STONE LANGUAGE COURSE To be chosen in a list of courses such as English C1 level or a basic level in Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, or other foreign language course | 4 |
| Total | 30 |
University of Lille (France)
| Course | ECTS |
|---|---|
| THERMODYNAMICS AND PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS | 3 |
| DYNAMICS IN THE AMORPHOUS MATERIALS | 3 |
| PHYSICAL STATE MANIPULATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND FORMULATION OF PHARMACEUTICALS | 6 |
| INTRODUCTION TO DRUG PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND PARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY | 3 |
| ATOMISTIC MODELLING : FROM THE GAS PHASE TO SOLIDS | 6 |
| ADVANCED CHARACTERIZATION METHODS (I+II) | 6 |
| SCIENTIFIC WRITING & COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| ENGLISH / FRENCH FOREIGN LANGUAGE | 3 |
| PROJECT DESIGN MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| Courses offered by the “Health Entrepreneurship Program” Degree (intellectual property protection, marketing, economic and strategic intelligence, regulatory affairs, technology transfer, start-up creation,…) | 9 |
| Total | 30 |
University of Silesia Katowice (Poland)
| Course | ECTS |
| APPLICATION OF VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY IN THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCE STUDIES | 4 |
| MOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS | 5 |
| LANGUAGE COURSE : SCIENTIFIC ENGLISH | 4 |
| PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, HEALTH AND SAFETY, ERGONOMICS | 1 |
| SUBJECT IN THE FIELD OF HUMANITIES | 3 |
| INTRODUCTION TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP | 1 |
| FUNDAMENTALS OF MOLECULAR MODELING | 5 |
| COMPUTER MODELING | 4 |
| SPECIALIZED LECTURE | 3 |
| SPECIALIZED LABORATORY | 2 |
| DRUG CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY OF DRUG FORMS | 3 |
| PHARMACOLOGY AND PHARMACOGNOSY | 5 |
| SELECTED ISSUES FROM BIOMATERIALS TOXICOLOGY | 2 |
| Total | 30 |
Fourth Semester: Internship/Master Thesis
| Course | Type | Area/EP | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master Thesis | Mandatory | 30 | |
| Total | 30 |
Coordinator Contact
- Institution: University of Lille, France
- Email: master-biopham@univ-lille.fr
- Website: BIOPHAM Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus program currently accepting new applications?
No, the Erasmus Mundus funding period for the BIOPHAM program has ended, and there are no new calls for applications at this time. However, prospective students can check the official website for updates on future funding opportunities.
What are the career prospects after completing the BIOPHAM Master’s program?
Graduates of the BIOPHAM program can pursue careers in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, research institutions, regulatory agencies, and academia. They may work in roles related to drug development, materials science, and advanced pharmaceutical research.
What types of degrees are awarded upon completion of the BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Masters program?
Students earn multiple master’s degrees from the partner universities they attend, depending on their chosen mobility track. The degrees are recognized across Europe and internationally.
What is the language of instruction for the BIOPHAM program?
All courses in the BIOPHAM program are taught in English. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency to be eligible for admission.
