Management in Life Sciences
The program
This program explores the entire development process of therapeutic interventions in the biotech and medtech fields, from initial planning all the way to commercialization. You will deepen your existing subject matter expertise. You will also learn the leadership qualities and management tools required to lead multi-disciplinary projects in Life Sciences.
Participant profile
The program is suited for professionals and managers who need clear insight into the specific processes of the life sciences industries, including entrepreneurs and executives entering the pharma and medtech space for the first time.
Format
- Each module consists of 3 full days of in-person classes at the EPFL Campus (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), along with pre- and post-course work
- Class days start at 9:15 and end at 17:30
Module overview
Strategic Deals and Partnerships in Pharma and Medtech*
January 27 – 29, 2026
Deals and Partnerships are the lifeblood of the life sciences industry due to the high cost, high risk and long duration of relying on organic growth. This module provides a framework for selecting the most appropriate partners; creating and executing the right types of deals (alliance, joint-venture, outsourcing); and identifying and avoiding potential pitfalls.
*This module will be offered next in January 2026.
Intellectual Property Management in Life Sciences*
February 17 – 19, 2026
International intellectual property protection strategies are essential to the success of therapeutic development enterprises. In this module we work through the strategic issues of intellectual property and how patents and trademarks are created, managed and enforced.
*This module will be offered next in February 2026.
Managing Data for Value in Life Science
March 17 – 19, 2026
The medical devices, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology all depend on smart data management strategies. The Managing Data module shares successful approaches to the many critical data management opportunities & challenges and illustrates how to integrate them using real-life examples.
Clinical Research & Product Development in Pharma and Biotech
April 8 – 10, 2025
Our Clinical Trial module addresses how to manage clinical trials within the appropriate legislative frameworks. We review the regulations that govern medical devices & therapeutics, and cover good practices in managing clinical trials.
Marketing in Life Sciences
May 6 – 8, 2025
The key challenge in life sciences is growing the business in increasingly competitive and complex markets. In this module we examine the global market environment (access, customers, competitors, patient journeys, channels) and dive deep into the core methods for designing and implementing effective marketing strategies.
cGMP Production, Industrial Trends and Challenges
June 3 – 5, 2025
Manufacturing excellence in Pharma and Medtech contributes a growing share to an enterprise’s commercial success. In this module we address in a fully interactive and practical way how GMPs influence the development of products and the set up of Biomanufacturing and Medtech plants. During 3 intense days, we will go over Quality Systems, Process Development, facility set up and future trends in the industry that will also help to define what can be the facility of the future.
Project Management
June 24 – 26, 2025
Device and drug development is a long, complex, and demanding process. In this module we examine how a project management approach, with thorough planning, identification of milestones, stakeholder management and the development of precise objectives all contribute to project success.
Admission & Tuition
Admission criteria
- A Bachelor, Master or Doctorate degree from an accredited University
- Fluency in English
Tuition fee
1 module CHF 2’450
2 modules CHF 4’800
3 modules CHF 7’150
4 modules CHF 9’500
5 modules * CHF 11’500
6 modules CHF 13’400
7 modules CHF 14’900
* minimum to obtain the CAS
Applications
How to apply
- Applications to the CAS or individual modules are done online
- Applications are taken on a rolling basis
- Applications must be submitted minimum 2 weeks prior to the start of the module
If you apply to 5 modules or more (CAS), you will need:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of diploma & transcripts for each degree
- Scan of your passport
- One passport photo (jpg file, minimum 300 dpi)
If you apply to 1 to 4 modules, you will need:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Scan of your passport
- One passport photo (jpg file, minimum 300 dpi)
Testimonials
Cindy Rodriguez
“My participation in the CAS Management in Life Sciences program at EPFL was invaluable. It provided me with foundational knowledge of the industry’s business model and excellent networking opportunities. The professors exceeded my expectations, deepening my understanding of key trends and critical topics. The modules on data management, Good Manufacturing practices, and Strategic Deals & partnerships were particularly enlightening. This program equipped me with the skills to navigate and contribute effectively to the dynamic world of life science. I highly recommend it for comprehensive industry understanding and professional growth.”
Cindy Rodriguez, Global Brand Director Disruptive Innovation at Procter & Gamble (2023 Graduate)
Bernard Fourie
“The program provides a well-structured, modular platform from which to gain deep knowledge of and practical insights into the industry. High-calibre students and industry professionals make for an engaging and impactful learning experience.”
Bernard Fourie, Senior Director R&D, Global Head of Finance & Controlling (2020 Graduate)
“The program is very well designed. The condensed teaching shaped the focus and intensity of exchange among the teacher and all participants.”
“Superb quality of content as well as of the people teaching and attending the course. The CAS has provided me with a solid foundation in life sciences, and I am sure I have made lifelong colleagues and friends on the course!”
“It is a great program to understand the processes in Pharma, Medtech and Biotech and what is needed to become a manager.”
“This program was a unique opportunity to enlarge my vision of the pharmaceutical industry providing an overview of the main focus areas. The experience was particularly enriching with practical insights into the industry, highly experienced teachers and valuable network opportunities.”
“Thanks to these modules, I have a much better understanding of the challenges and future of different life science domains.”
FAQs
Our most common questions are listed below.
Feel free to reach us at [email protected] if you have further questions!
You can start the CAS program from any module, and finish the remainder of the modules the following year.
Each module is worth 2 ECTS credits, meaning approx. 50h of work split as follows:
- You will spend 3 days per module in class (24h)
- Pre-readings and submission of graded deliverables (individual and/or group assignments) will take approx. 26h
- Pre-readings and preparation will be available 2 weeks before the start of the module
- The deliverables are due 2 weeks after the end of the module
From the moment you start the program, you have two years to complete it.
Example: if you start with Module 1 in January year 1, you have until June year 2 to complete the program.
You can choose to do a certain number of modules on year 1, and the remaining modules on year 2.
If you wish to change your module selection, you can do so by informing the program with a two-week notice.
Yes. You will receive an EPFL Certificate of Attendance for each completed module. You need to successfully complete 5 modules to obtain the CAS diploma.
- Payment for the selected modules is due 30 days after the confirmation of your registration
- If the start of the module is within the 30 days, payment must be completed before the start of the module
- You will benefit from a reduced fee as you accumulate modules. Reduced fees are valid as follows:
- If you apply to 2 modules at a given moment, you will be invoiced for 2 modules
- If later you decide to apply to an additional 3 modules, you will receive a second invoice for the fee of the 3 new modules
- If, instead, you register to 5 modules upfront, then the applied fee will be of the full CAS
- There is an evaluation/exam for each module: either an individual or group assignment, or both, or an online test to complete
- The grading is done on a scale of 1 to 6, passing grade being 4
- Participants can choose to follow the whole program or selected modules
- A minimum of 5 modules must be successfully completed in order to obtain the CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) diploma
- Single modules will award you an EPFL Certificate of Attendance
If you need to withdraw your registration, please refer to the EPFL Executive Education Terms and Conditions.