Biological Therapeutics, full-time, second cycle

This degree programme is conducted within the “Integrated Teaching & Learning Development Programme –  ZIP 2.0”. It is co-financed by the European Social Fund as part of the European Funds for Social Development Programme 2021–2027 (FERS) (contract no.: FERS.01.05-IP.08-0365/23-00).
Studying in this programme provides additional opportunities to develop passions and competencies that are valuable in a rapidly changing job market.

Thanks to European Funds, Participants of ZIP 2.0 Programme can benefit from  numerous opportunities including:

• Additional classes conducted by practitioners and organized in cooperation with the socio-economic environment,
• Workshops developing teamwork skills in international and multicultural environment,
• Individual domestic and international trips for academic and professional purposes,
• Various forms of collaboration with researchers from abroad,
• A diverse range of training camps, outdoor classes, and study tours,
• Financial support to cover the costs of student-led scientific research,
• Tutoring, i.e., individual support from academic teachers,
• A professional mentoring programme that prepares students to enter the job market,
• Opportunities to carry out socially engaged group projects.

Check the rules for participating in the ZIP 2.0 Programme

Field: science and natural sciences, medical sciences and health sciences

Discipline: biological sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences, medical sciences

Language of instruction: english

Professional degree you will be awarded after completing studies : Master's degree

Where and when your classes will take place:

Place: Classes are held in laboratories on the Ochota Campus: mainly at the Faculty of Physics (Ludwika Pasteura 5) and at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (Księcia Trojdena 4). Some classes involving guests from outside Warsaw (e.g. representatives of pharmaceutical companies) will be conducted online.

Time: Classes are held from Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

What kind of knowledge, skills and competencies you will acquire at this field of studies:

• the design and in vitro synthesis of nucleic acid-based biological drugs.
• the molecular mechanisms of action of biological drugs at the cellular and organismal levels.
• pharmaceutical biophysics methods for better design, quality control and optimisation of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• biochemical mechanisms occurring in cells and how they can be used in the production of medicinal substances.
• purification of proteins with therapeutic applications (such as antibodies) and learn about cellular systems used for drug production.
• designing preclinical studies of biological drugs using in vitro cell cultures and animal models.
• methods of delivering biological drugs to cells using lipid nanoparticles.
• ethical creation of animal models for preclinical research using CRISPR/Cas9 methods and the use of animals following applicable law and good practice.
• the use of modern analytical techniques for biological drug research
• modern technologies, and methods of genetic modification used in the production of biological drugs.
• regulatory, patent, financial and management aspects related to the development of biological drugs
• principles of quality control of drugs based on proteins and nucleic acids and their production on a preclinical scale.
• production technologies, biotechnological processes, and transport and separation methods.

You will learn:

• to critically analyse scientific publications and patents, and to present research results following the principles of effective and correct communication.
• to plan and conduct biotechnological experiments, and to interpret and report research data.
• to develop soft skills through teamwork and team management.
• use bioinformatics tools to design, analyse and improve biological drugs.
• assess the usefulness of various methods and devices and propose optimal solutions for drug development and production.
• develop practical laboratory skills in the field of pharmaceutical biotechnology.

• Implement and supervise the production processes of biosimilar drugs and quality control, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

During your studies in Biological Therapeutics, you will gain comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of pharmaceutical biotechnology, laboratory and analytical skills, and the competencies necessary to work in the innovative sector of biological and biosimilar drug production, which will allow you to function effectively in the modern pharmaceutical industry. You will acquire the skills to work in research and development and production departments of companies in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors.

Where you can find a job after completing studies

On the Biological Therapeutics programme, we place a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking skills and acquiring and processing reliable information creatively. A key part of this is the series of logically connected laboratory exercises we have designed, covering the chemical synthesis of reagents and enzymes necessary for RNA production, the design of antigen-encoding templates for in vitro transcription, and quality control and preclinical testing. You will learn how to package mRNA into lipid nanoparticles using microfluidic techniques, and how to administer these to cells cultured in vitro or to animals.

Throughout your studies, you will therefore develop practical expertise in designing, synthesising, purifying and verifying the quality of therapeutic mRNA.

You will also become familiar with protein purification methods and learn about monoclonal antibody selection. You will use CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tools to modify the mouse genome, learning how to genotype in order to select properly modified clones. You will also gain experience in modern sequencing techniques, such as nanopore sequencing, and learn how to analyse data obtained from this type of experiment.

The Biological Therapeutics programme is distinguished by its block teaching, which enables complex, multi-stage experiments and makes more effective use of laboratory time. Integrating knowledge from the exact and natural sciences and medicine, the programme prepares specialists for work in modern pharmacy and biotechnology.

Are there different specialties and specializations at the field of studies

The Biological Therapeutics programme does not offer specialisations.

Will you pursue internship during the studies

The study programme does not include internships, so they are optional.

Is it possible to study one/several semesters at other university

Yes, you can participate in the MOST or Erasmus+ programmes.

Where you can find more information on the study programme:

Visit our website: https://medycyna.uw.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/sites/138/2025/07/M.2025.249.U.128.pdf

Admission rules for candidates with Polish diplomas

The minimum number of points needed to be qualified: 60 pkt.

Applications for admission to the first year of the Master's programme are open to those who have obtained a Bachelor's, Master's or Engineering degree, or an equivalent qualification, in any field of study. The admissions process consists of a single stage.

Candidates are assessed on the basis of an interview, which is conducted entirely in English. The interview will cover the specified academic literature and topics related to the field of study. Topics for the interview will be specified in detail and published on the Online Candidate Recruitment System.

Interview script:

1. The candidate introduces themselves and their identity is verified.
2. The candidate provides general information about their completed degree programme and previous experience. This information forms the basis of their application for admission to the second-cycle programme. The candidate should emphasise how this relates to the ‘Biological Medicines’ Master’s programme (approximately 5 minutes).
3. The candidate gives a presentation on two topics selected by the Admissions Committee representative conducting the interview. During this part of the interview, the Admissions Committee representative may ask additional questions to clarify the presentation and engage in discussion with the candidate (up to 10 minutes per topic).
4. Concluding the interview.

The following will be assessed during the interview:

1. Subject knowledge within the specified scope: 0–35 points.
2. Accuracy of reasoning and understanding of issues: 0–30 points
3. Communication skills – 0–15 points
4. Logical coherence of the candidate’s responses: 0–10 points

Maximum number of points for the interview: 90 points

(REL) stands for 'Research Experience Letter' (optional): an additional 10 points can be awarded for this document, which describes the candidate's experience related to the field of study for which they are applying. This experience must be confirmed by the supervisors of the projects/research work. Projects and research work carried out as part of studies, student activities and professional experience will be taken into account.

The essential elements of the Research Experience Letter are:

1. A detailed description of the projects/research work, including the nature of the candidate’s involvement.
2. Details of the supervisor's role for each project/area of research.
3. Confirmation by the supervisor(s) of the project/research work via a signature or stamp, confirming the details contained in the REL.

The total score for the Research Experience Letter comprises:

1. Alignment of the subject matter of the projects or research work with the profile of the degree programme to which the candidate is applying – max. 5 points;
2. The candidate’s research and laboratory skills – max. 4 points. A clear description of the tasks performed by the student, the research methods used and their level of independence in conducting the research is assessed.
3. Additional academic achievements (e.g. co-authorship of publications, involvement in academic societies, conference participation) – 1 point.

A maximum of 100 points can be obtained in the admissions process (interview + Research Experience Letter).

Admission procedure for candidates with foreign diplomas

Candidates are qualified on the same rules as applicable to candidates with Polish diplomas.

Foreigners with foreign diploma from outside of EU/EFTA/OECD/unrecognized on the basis of international agreements or through nostrification [more]

Candidates are qualified on the same rules as applicable to candidates with Polish diplomas.

Checking candidates' competence to undertake studies conducted in the English language

Citizens of Poland or citizens of EU/EFTA and the United Kingdom with diplomas issued in EU/EFTA/OECD or recognized as equivalent on the basis of an international agreement or through nostrification

Candidates applying for programmes taught in English must also provide proof of their English proficiency. Language proficiency is assessed in accordance with the rules set out in the University of Warsaw Senate resolution together with Appendix 4.

Only candidates who have confirmed their English proficiency at level B2 or above will be considered in the next stage of the selection process.

Failure to provide proof of English language proficiency at a level of at least B2 will result in the candidate being awarded 0 (zero) points for the entire selection process and being disqualified.

Information on documents certifying knowledge of the English language. >> Check! <<

Foreigners with foreign diploma from outside of EU/EFTA/OECD/unrecognized on the basis of international agreements or through nostrification

Information on requirements concerning confirmation of the English language proficiency at a level of at least B2 is available here

Foreigners (does not apply to citizens of EU/EFTA) with foreign diploma from EU/EFTA/OECD/recognized on the basis of international agreements or through nostrification

Information on requirements concerning confirmation of the English language proficiency at a level of at least B2 is available here

Deadlines

The exam: 16th-17th of July, 2026

Announcement of results: 22st of July, 2026

Reception of documents: 

• I round: 23rd-24th, 27th of July, 2026
• II round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during I round): 28th-29th of July, 2026
• III round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during II round): 30th-31st of July, 2026
• additional rounds will be announced in case of not fulfilling the limits

Payments

Application fee

Student's ID payment (ELS)

The studies are payable - tuition fees

Required documents

List of required documents submitted by candidates qualified for studies

Additional information 

Find us on the map: Faculty of Medicine