FAQ master Science, Business and Innovation

The study program is divided into two specialisations: Life & Health and Energy & Sustainability. For both specialisations you need at least 24 ECTS in relevant Business and Innovation courses. When you are missing these you will need to do the pre-master.

For Life & Health you need at least 45 ECTS in relevant chemistry background including molecular and pharmaceutical sciences. Deficiencies cannot be filled by our pre-master.

For Energy & Sustainability you need at least 45 ECTS in relevant physics background including specifically thermodynamics. Deficiencies cannot be filled by our pre-master.

The pre-master is a 30 ECTS program which starts in September. Students follow 5 courses of the course of a semester (ending in January). These courses fill your deficiencies on Business and Innovation knowledge and make you eligible for the master program. This is conditional on meeting the 45 ECTS (natural) Science background. Not meeting the Science-criterion does not make you eligible for the master program.

Both the pre-master as well as the master program start in September and it is not possible to start at any other moment.

1 December: this is the advised programme application deadline for all students wishing to apply for one of the VU Amsterdam scholarships.      

1 April: non-EU/non-EEA students who need a visa and/or residence permit.

1 June: EU/EEA students.

The master Science, Business and Innovation is structured that on average you will be working 40 hours a week in total on lectures, working groups, self-study and group work.

With your combined background in natural sciences and business management focused on innovations, you can find opportunities in numerous organisations. These range from multinationals like Unilver, FrieslandCampina and DSM, to government and collective utility organisations like the Municipality of Amsterdam, Port of Rotterdam and the MVO Netherlands organization. Additionally, advisory firms such as Deloitte, Accenture, PWC, EY and McKinsey, as well as several startups in the energy transition and healthcare innovation sector like Findest and Qlayers, could be potential avenues for your expertise.

Science, Business and Innovation has its own study association called Subliem. It’s a relatively small association with around 400 members, of which 60 are active participants. Subliem is a highly active association, which organises various events. These include activities like gatherings, short trips, parties, movie nights, and much more.

Additionally, Subliem also arrangers education-related events such as career days, workshop and the International Study Trip (IST). Check out Subliem’s Instagram for more information.