About the Program
Within its strategic drive for internationalization and academic excellence, the University of Thessaly has secured approval for three joint master’s programs with globally leading institutions as part of the “Internationalization of Higher Education Services” initiative under Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund “Greece 2.0”; among these partnerships is a Dual Master’s Program in Synthetic Biology in collaboration with McGill University.
This collaboration reflects the University of Thessaly’s commitment to expanding its global academic footprint, fostering cutting-edge interdisciplinary education, and aligning its offerings with international research and innovation standards – positioning a regional Greek university as an equal partner on the world stage while enhancing opportunities for students, faculty exchange, and research impact in one of the fastest-growing scientific fields.
The Dual Degree Program focuses on the design, engineering, and construction of biological systems for innovative applications in health, biotechnology, and sustainable development. The program aims to train a new generation of scientists capable of integrating molecular biology, computational design, systems biology, and engineering principles to address complex scientific and societal challenges. Key topics include genetic circuit design, genome engineering, biomolecular modeling, biomanufacturing, bioethics, and responsible research and innovation. Through advanced coursework, hands-on laboratory training, and international collaboration, the program equips graduates with the interdisciplinary expertise required for cutting-edge research and high-impact careers in academia, industry, and bioeconomy.
The normal duration of studies in the Dual Degree Program is set at two (2) academic years, comprising four (4) academic semesters in total, including coursework and the preparation of the MSc Dissertation. The master’s program at the University of Thessaly corresponds to one hundred and twenty (120) ECTS Units (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), while the master’s program at McGill University corresponds to forty-five (45) credits in the McGill University credit system. Students enrolled in the Dual Degree Program shall follow a coordinated and integrated study pathway, jointly designed and approved by the participating institutions in accordance with their respective academic regulations.
The coursework, research activities, and dissertation completed within the coordinated study pathway are jointly recognized by both institutions and satisfy, in whole, the academic requirements of the respective master’s programs. The ECTS Units and McGill credits referred to above correspond to the same integrated program of study and are not cumulative. The successful completion of the coordinated study pathway, as formally approved by both institutions, constitutes a prerequisite for the award of the Dual Degree by each institution.
The program expects to admit 15–20 students in its first year, with the goal of stabilizing at 40–50 students annually in subsequent years.
Amazing Benefits:
- Geographic arbitrage (prestige + affordability)
- Two innovation & research ecosystems (Montreal biotech cluster + EU)
- Flexible path architecture
- Elite + accessible hybrid model
- Cultural and scientific positioning (“SynBio with responsibility”)
- Pipeline for joint PhDs & long-term institutional connectivity