10 reasons to choose a master's degree at ESB

Why choose the Escola Superior de Biotecnologia at the Universidade Católica for your master's degree?

There are many good reasons to choose the ESB - here are just a few!


EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Students will be immersed in a modern scientific-technological environment, with a highly-qualified faculty in which various top experts work, and will experience its finely-calibrated teaching, focused on the future. They will also benefit from the ESB’s participation in 40 national and international teaching and research networks, involving hundreds of renowned institutions.

Laboratory Class

KNOWLEDGE FROM EXPERIENCE

Here we learn by planning, experimenting and through action. In the various courses, theoretical, tutorial and practical laboratory classes intersect in a stimulating dynamic that motivates and leads students to learn and solve problems. The proximity and personalized attention of the teacher/student relationship make it a pleasure to learn at Escola Superior de Biotecnologia.

Laboratory Situation

 

Paulo Nova - Testemunho

Paulo Nova

MSc in Biotechnology and Innovation

 

"The multidisciplinarity of this master’s [...] is an experience propitious to developing technical and scientific skills."

 

 


PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRAL KNOW-HOW

The ESB offers an academic environment and teaching approaches that stimulate integral and cultural development. Through their training, students are encouraged to explore other non-technical aspects, such as teamwork, oral and written communication for audiences from different backgrounds, and critical reflection on organizational and human resource issues in companies. This diverse context encourages outstanding personalized training, and develops unique personal profiles that are greatly valued in professional contexts.

Students in Nature

REFERENCE IN RESEARCH

The ESB has its own research center - the CBQF - whose excellence in several areas of Life Science and Engineering is recognized nationally and internationally, and led to its classification as an Associated Laboratory in 2004. Our research is characterized by the attention dedicated to the surrounding environment, whether business, society, or education. For master's students, experiencing this reality, often at the frontline of the most recent scientific and technological advances, is gratifying and adds value to their education.

Laboratory Situation

 

Ana Luísa Silva - Testemunho

Ana Luísa Silva
MSc in Biomedical Engineering

 

"One of the most fantastic experiences I had so far was doing an Erasmus internship at Oxford University."

 

 


STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND MENTORING PROGRAM

The wide range of national and international partnerships the ESB has undertaken with industries and other organizations offers unique contacts with different professional realities, notable among which are the curricular and summer internships. The close collaboration with several national companies incorporated in its master's courses strengthens the connections between the University and these companies, enhancing the close relationship between master's students and the labor market.

Protocol signature

INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY

Through international mobility programs, such as Erasmus and others, internships and research projects abroad, in both the academic and entrepreneurial sectors, are made available and organized by the International Office. Under this program, many master's students choose to undertake their dissertation projects at an international university or company. In its three decades of existence, the SB has placed over a thousand students in international internships.

Students having a night out

 

Mário Fontoura - Testemunho

Mário Fontoura
MSc in Applied Microbiology

 

"One of the great advantages of getting the Master's degree in Biotechnology was the prestige, and scientific dynamics experienced throughout this house."

 

 


A MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENVIRONMENT

The ESB is part of the Porto campus of the Universidade Católica, which brings together several faculties in an environment that encourages open interaction and curricular availability between them, besides offering stimulating transversal programs. A wide range of seminars, thematic workshops, and student c offer students a comprehensive experience of academic life. All non-curricular activities, including volunteering at CASO - Católica Solidária and Gás África, are recognized and included in the Diploma Supplement.

Students in Academic Attire

EMPLOYABILITY AND MARKET RECOGNITION

Graduates of the ESB are particularly welcomed by the labor market, and many occupy prominent places in the health, environment and food sectors. The Student and Employability Service is available to support placement in the labor market and organize networking meetings where companies and students interact and discuss career opportunities. Currently, ESB master’s graduates work in entities as diverse as they are stimulating: Accenture Portugal, Administração Regional de Saúde do Norte, Direção Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária, Equigerminal, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Fair Journey Biologics, Frulact, Horeca Solutions Spain, Hospital de Santo António, Instituto Português de Oncologia, Medimmune, Pall, Unicer, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho, UNIDO - United Nations For Industrial Development Organization, and Vinhos Borges, among others.

Nutrition Consultation

 

Joana Moreno

Joana Moreno
Master's in Food Engineering

 

"The Master's degree helped me greatly in my professional path [...] I chose to do an internship in a company [...] In the end, they proposed I continue working, and I've been there for a year and two months now."

 


STARTING POINT FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Because many of the Master’s courses at the ESB encourage connections to the business sector and developing an interest in self-initiative, it is the ambition of many graduates to set up their own business. The ESB’s business incubator, which has been promoting business projects in biotechnology since 1994, provides strong support for these students. BioSpin allows the start-up of businesses in parallel with academic training.

Watering plant

VOLUNTEERING AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

At the ESB, involvement in community activities is encouraged, and helps develop skills such as organization and time management. Through the UDIP (Unit for personal development), students can experience a range of personal development initiatives, including the opportunity to take part in the volunteering activities available at the University.

Science with Food

 

Mariana Lima - Testemunho

Mariana Lima
Master's in Food Engineering

 

"There are partnerships with many national and international companies.... We get a better sense of what's going on in the industry, which is a big advantage."

Testimonial

Ana Mota - Testemunho

Ana Mota

Director of Quality and Food Safety
For me, the close monitoring by the professors of the Master’s in Food Engineering at the ESB is what drives the academic excellence of this institution.