Programme structure

The 120 ECTS credits are distributed as follows:

• Mandatory and elective courses: 60 ECTS
• Master’s research project and thesis: 60 ECTS

The programme combines a strong foundation in biomaterials and tissue engineering with advanced laboratory training, interdisciplinary electives, regulatory and translational perspectives, and independent research. During the second year, students undertake an independent research project, working closely with an academic research group and culminating in the preparation and submission of a Master’s thesis. 

In Semesters 2 and 4, students complete Integrated Learning Modules (2 ECTS each) that complement their elective choices. These modules provide essential knowledge in areas that may fall outside the student's chosen electives, including key regulatory, ethical, quality-assurance, and research-practice principles. Together, they ensure that all graduates acquire a common interdisciplinary foundation while retaining flexibility in their individual study pathways.

Course of study

4th semester	Integrated Learning Module (2 ECTS)		BKO5930 Master's thesis (30 ECTS)
3rd semester	Elective courses (8 ECTS)		BKO5920 MSc Research Project (20 ECTS)
2nd semester	Elective course (5 ECTS)	Integrated Learning Module (2 ECTS)	BKO5910 MSc Research Project Onset (10 ECTS)	BKO4210 Functional Surfaces for Cellular Interface (8 ECTS)	BKO4220 Biocompatibility Assessment (5 ECTS)
1st semester	Elective courses (5 ECTS)		BKO4110 Essential Tissue Engineering (10 ECTS)	BKO4120 Essential Biomaterials (10 ECTS)	BKO4130 Research Techniques I (5 ECTS)

Semester 1: foundations of biomaterials and tissue engineering

The first semester establishes the scientific foundation for the programme by introducing the fundamental principles of biomaterials, tissue engineering, and laboratory research. Students develop a common interdisciplinary understanding of the interactions between materials, cells, and biological systems while gaining practical experience in experimental techniques and scientific methodology. 

Core courses

• BKO4110 Essential Tissue Engineering (10 ECTS)
• BKO4120 Essential Biomaterials (10 ECTS)
• BKO4130 Research Techniques for Biocompatibility Assessment I (5 ECTS)

Elective (choose one)

• BKO4140 Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (5 ECTS)
• BKO4150 Introduction to the Regulatory Landscape (5 ECTS)

Semester 2: biomaterial interfaces and safety evaluation

Students explore how biomaterials interact with cells, tissues, and biological systems while developing the scientific foundation for their Master's research project. The semester combines advanced coursework in biomaterial interfaces and biocompatibility with elective study and the first stage of the research pathway. 

Core courses

• BKO4210 Functional Surfaces for Cellular Interfaces (8 ECTS)
• BKO4220 Biocompatibility Assessment (5 ECTS)
• BKO5910 Research Project Onset (10 ECTS)

Elective (choose one)

• BKO4230 Research Techniques for Biocompatibility Assessment II (5 ECTS)
• BKO4240 Clinical Trials & Medical Ethics (5 ECTS) 

Semester 3: research project and advanced electives

Students join an active research group and begin their independent hands-on research project under academic supervision (BKO5920 MSc research project; 20 ECTS). They develop experimental or analytical strategies, begin generating and interpreting data, and select advanced electives that complement their scientific interests and research direction. 

Elective (choose two)

• BKO5110 Advances in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (4 ECTS)
• BKO5120 Introduction to Business Tools (4 ECTS)
• BKO5130 Development of Implantable Devices (4 ECTS)

Semester 4: master's thesis

The final semester is primarily dedicated to independent research and completion of the Master's thesis (BKO5930 MSc thesis; 30 ECTS). Students continue the project initiated in Semester 3, analyse and interpret their findings, and prepare a thesis that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent scientific research in biomaterials and functional tissue reconstruction.

The Master's thesis gives you the opportunity to explore a research topic within biomaterials and functional tissue reconstruction in collaboration with one of the programme's research groups. Several potential thesis projects will be presented during the first semester. We also encourage you to contact researchers and academic staff early in the programme to discuss possible thesis topics, identify a suitable supervisor, and explore opportunities for interdisciplinary research.

Approval of master's courses from other educational institutions

If you are admitted to the Master's programme and have previously completed Master's-level courses at another recognized higher education institution, you may apply to have these courses recognized as part of your degree at the University of Oslo, subject to the programme's academic requirements. Please contact the Academic Coordinator for further information.

Diploma and degree

This programme leads to the following degree: Master in Biomaterials for Functional Tissue Reconstruction

The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.

Completion

The completion of the Master's programme is a 30 minutes public presentation of your thesis, followed by an oral examination. The final grade will be determined shortly after the examination. 

Language and examination

In the courses comprising the programme, the exam question papers are given in English, and the answer papers are normally supposed to be delivered in English. The course descriptions provide more information about requirements concerning the language of examination

Grading scale

The programme contains both courses using the pass/fail scale and courses using the grading scale with five steps from A to E for pass and F for fail, cf. § 6.1 i Forskrift om studier og eksamener ved Universitetet i Oslo (Norwegian only). Each course description provides more information about the grading scale in use.