MSc in Bionics Engineering
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Italy
Master of Science in Bionics Engineering
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies
Bionics Engineering / Biomedical Engineering
MSc in Bionics Engineering at Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies
The Master of Science in Bionics Engineering is a two-year program jointly delivered in English by the University of Pisa (UNIPI), Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (SSSA), and the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca. The degree belongs to the class LM-21 of Italian university degrees (Biomedical Engineering) and combines teaching and laboratory activities at the Department of Information Engineering of the University of Pisa and the BioRobotics Institute of Sant'Anna.
Bionics engineering represents a frontier of biomedical engineering, integrating advanced robotics and bioengineering technologies with life sciences such as medicine, neuroscience, and materials science. The ultimate goal is to invent and deploy a new generation of biomimetic machines, human-centred healthcare solutions, and assistive technologies.
The program is characterized by a limited enrolment of up to 30 students per year, ensuring a highly selective and personalized educational experience. Students are progressively trained in multidisciplinary research through collaboration with scientists from diverse fields including medicine, biology, neuroscience, rehabilitation, surgery, and emerging industrial sectors.
Key Program Highlights
- Joint degree delivered by three prestigious Italian institutions: University of Pisa, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, and IMT School Lucca
- Hands-on research in the BioRobotics Institute, one of the largest doctoral schools in robotics and biomedical engineering globally
- Highly selective cohort of only 30 students per year, enabling close faculty-student interaction and personalized mentoring
- Balanced curriculum combining theoretical lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions, and research activities in advanced laboratories
Curriculum and Modules
The MSc in Bionics Engineering features a core curriculum, mandatory courses, humanities courses, and a variety of electives. The program delivers a balanced mix of theoretical classes, hands-on sessions, and research activities, training students to master the complete development cycle of bionic devices from user needs to prototype validation.
Biorobotics and Neural Engineering Fundamentals
12 ECTSCovers the foundational science and technology of biorobotics and neural engineering, providing students with core knowledge in the principles underlying bionic systems and neural interfaces.
Mechatronics and Robotics
12 ECTSFocuses on the design and control of mechatronic and robotic systems, including actuators, sensors, and embedded control architectures for biomedical applications.
Biomimetics and Bio-Inspired Design
9 ECTSExplores the principles of biomimetic design and bio-inspired engineering for developing robotic platforms that replicate human and animal functions.
Neuroprosthetics and Wearable Technologies
9 ECTSAddresses the development of neural prostheses using neural tissue engineering and neural interfaces, as well as wearable and implantable technologies for healthcare and rehabilitation.
Micro/Nano Technologies and Telerobotics
9 ECTSCovers the design and fabrication of micro/nano-robots and telerobotic systems, including advanced simulation environments for medical and technological applications.
Master's Thesis Research Project
30 ECTSA substantial research thesis project that may be conducted in collaboration with industry partners or international universities. Students address the full development cycle of a bionic device from concept to validated prototype.
Elective Specialization Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MSc in Bionics Engineering takes place yearly through a competitive public selection based on titles evaluation and an interview. The program admits up to 30 students per year, with 15 positions reserved for non-EU candidates and 15 for EU candidates and non-EU candidates residing in Italy. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on preparing your application.
Academic Requirements
- Degree RequirementBachelor of Science or Master of Science in Bioengineering or Biomedical Engineering
- Alternative DegreesBachelor of Science in other engineering disciplines, provided minimum ECTS credit requirements are met as detailed in the annual call
- Selection ProcessCompetitive selection based on evaluation of academic titles and a personal interview
- Cohort SizeLimited to 30 students per year (15 non-EU, 15 EU/non-EU residing in Italy)
- Pending GraduatesApplicants who have not yet graduated may apply, provided the degree is awarded by the deadline specified in the annual call
Language Requirements
- English ProficiencyMinimum B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
- IELTS (if applicable)Minimum overall band score of 5.5 or equivalent (contact Uni4Edu for accepted tests)
- Program LanguageAll courses are delivered entirely in English
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies and its partner institutions offer several funding opportunities to support talented students in the MSc in Bionics Engineering. The school is known for its merit-based approach and provides various forms of financial support. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on available scholarships and funding options.
II Level Honours Course Positions
Sant'Anna awards 2 Honours Student positions per year to outstanding MSc in Bionics Engineering students, offering free accommodation and meals in university colleges, financial contributions for study, international experiences, and access to research laboratories and facilities.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MSc in Bionics Engineering possess a high-quality, multidisciplinary curriculum that opens opportunities for both advanced academic positions and roles in innovative companies operating across high-tech sectors. The training enables graduates to lead the design, development, and commercialization of bionic devices, neural prosthetics, and assistive technologies.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies is consistently recognized as one of Italy's most elite and research-intensive institutions. As a special-statute public university, it is part of the Pisa University System alongside the University of Pisa and Scuola Normale Superiore, and has been ranked among the top young universities globally.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering and Technology | QS World University Rankings | Top 400 |
| Business and Economics | THE World University Rankings by Subject | #151 |
| Business and Management Studies | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #251 |
| Biomedical Engineering (Scimago) | Scimago Institutions Rankings | Top 750 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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