Physics, Biological Physics and Computational Biology - Master Programme
Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits

Description
For students starting autumn 2023, this programme is replaced by the master's programme in Computational Science, with specialization physics.
Read more about the new programme here: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/lubas/i-uoh-lu-NABER-BEFY
This Master’s programme offers a deep dive into the boundary between theoretical physics and biology. It will enable you to focus on how living matter is governed by the universal forces of physics. Complex issues provide both stimulating challenges and new career paths.
In the world of biology, there is a long series of fundamental unsolved problems that require expertise in physics and mathematics, for example how proteins fold and acquire their specific shape, how these biomolecules interact in cells and how cells divide and communicate. It is therefore of great value to approach this type of biological issue using theoretical physics. Using statistical methods, machine learning, modelling and computer simulations, theoretical physics can contribute new pieces to the puzzle of knowledge.
The Master’s programme provides you with knowledge about how to build and apply explanatory models of the living world around us, based on the fundamental horizon of the discipline of physics. The programme is of an interdisciplinary nature, combining courses in theoretical and mathematical physics with approaches from both biology and chemistry. The programme has strong links to research. All teaching staff members are researchers, so the courses are continuously adapted to current research. The proportion of teacher-directed learning is high.
As a Master’s student, you will be part of a dynamic environment in computational biology and biological physics, with activities characterised by international collaborations and experimental research teams. You can also be part of the exciting work taking place at two internationally leading research facilities, the MAX IV Laboratory and the forthcoming neutron source ESS (European Spallation Source), both in Lund. The programme is taught in English.
Programme structure
The programme includes two compulsory courses, one in quantum mechanics, the other about quantum physics in research and society. During your studies, you will also get to choose between a number of other courses, for example in computational physics, theoretical biophysics, statistical mechanics, artificial neural networks and systems biology.
During the second year of study, you will continue to build your expertise according to your preferences. You can study courses such as experimental biophysics and statistical tools. The degree project is usually worth 30 credits, but it can be longer. It is usually carried out in a research team, but can also be done at a company.
Career prospects
After completing your degree, you have several possible career paths depending on your interests. The Master’s programme provides you with a good basis for research studies in theoretical physics or computational biology. However, you can also choose to work outside academia, in a suitable position in areas such as information and communication technology or biotechnology, where there is a need for expertise in advanced programming and modelling. In addition, new research facilities, such as the MAX IV Laboratory and ESS in Lund, also contribute new opportunities on the labour market.
Closed for applications
Application opportunitiesClosed for applications
Learn more about our application periods and when to apply for studies at Lund University.
There is a preparation programme available for this Master's degree
Contact
Program coordinator
Carl Troein
Email: carl [dot] troein [at] thep [dot] lu [dot] se
Director of studies
Johan Rathsman
Email: studierektor [at] atp [dot] lu [dot] se
Requirements and selection
Entry requirements
Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in physics or the equivalent. The degree must include at least 90 credits in physics.
Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.
Selection criteria
English language requirements
Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.
How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements
Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
Apply
Start Autumn Semester 2023
Day-time Lund, full time 100%
In English
Study period
28 August 2023 - 8 June 2025
Application
Cancelled
How to apply
Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.
Step 1: Apply online
- Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
- Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website - Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.
Step 2: Submit documents
- Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
- Get all your documents ready:
- official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
- official transcripts and degree certificate or proof of expected graduation (Master's applicants)
- passport/ID (all applicants) and
- proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
- Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
- Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.
* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.
* Svensk student?
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se
Programme-specific documents
In addition to the documents mentioned under Step 2, you must also submit a 'Summary Sheet' when you apply for this programme.
Summary Sheet for the Master's programmes in Physics (PDF, new window)
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 310 000
First payment: SEK 77 500
Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Application fee
If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.
- Paying your application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Exemptions from paying the application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Convert currency – xe.com
*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholarships & funding
Lund University Global Scholarship programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.