Master
Drug Discovery Sciences
★ StudyPath verdict
?/10
No verdict yet — the score, best-for / skip-if and match score are editorial signals we generate once the underlying outcome data is collected.
Tuition · Intl
↗€14,762
via SKDB 2020 ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2019
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
↗330
DUO ↑21% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
↗25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
↗Bachelor
2 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗4.0/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
↗93%
field est. ↗
Median salary
↗€3,377
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 9 Jun 2026
About this program
If you are fascinated by the development new pharmacological therapies and studying interactions between molecules and the human body, then this is the Master's program for you.
In the Master's programme Drug Discovery Sciences, you will examine the interaction between molecules and the human body from a range of perspectives: chemical, medical, toxicological, pharmacological and genetic. You will focus on a specialization that suits your specific interests while working in a multidisciplinary environment where you will be challenged to address key questions about the medicines of the future. Sixty per cent of diseases are still incurable, so there are still many challenges for researchers to tackle.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Natural SciencesSector: GezondheidCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
ColloquiumComputer assignmentsGroup assignmentGroup discussionIndividual assignmentInternshipLab workLecture
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a public research university founded in 1880. Known for its international outlook and innovative research, VU has over 30,000 students and offers programs across humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Living in Amsterdam
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€700/mo
Monthly total
€1,000–€2,000
Cost of living
High
Population
873k
Bustling, international, and culturally rich. Amsterdam balances historic charm with modern innovation. The city is bike-friendly, walkable, and offers endless opportunities for exploration and networking.
View city guide →Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Computer-Aided Drug DesignSpecialisation
With the specialisation Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) you will use computational tools to improve molecular understanding.
Synthesis of DrugsSpecialisation
With the specialisation Synthesis of Drugs you will create new molecules with interesting biological activities .
Molecular PharmacologySpecialisation
With the specialisation Molecular Pharmacology you will study the interaction of biological active molecules with their target.
Molecular ToxicologySpecialisation
Within the Molecular Toxicology specialisation you will learn how chemicals are processed in the body and how they can interfere with cellular and biological processes.
BioanalyticsSpecialisation
With the specialisation Bioanalytics you will learn how to design, develop and apply bioanalytical sciences to study biomolecular mechanisms related to health and disease.
EducationSpecialisation
With the second-year Education specialisation you will obtain a Master's degree and a first-degree teaching qualification. The courses for this teacher training specialisation are …
+2 more tracks
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Very good job-market outlookfield: farmacie
Median starting salary (field)€3,377/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating93%
Months to a substantial job3
Working in their own field92%
Permanent contract32%
Satisfied with their job3.9/5
Top graduate occupations (field)
Apothekers31%
Biologen, botanici, zoölogen e.d.15%
Professoren en andere onderwijsgevenden in het hoger onderwijs15%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree76%
Women among first-years61%
Say workload is “just right”69%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 42 respondents
Content & set-up4.1
Teachers4
Atmosphere4.2
Involvement & contact4
Study guidance3.4
Testing & assessment3.8
Facilities4
Career preparation3.7
Teachers' English4.3
Would choose again4.2
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- TOEFL paper based: 580
- TOEFL computer based: 237
- TOEFL internet based: 92
Scholarships
Internships
?No data yet
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