Biology, Evolutionary Biology - Master Programme
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
The Master’s programme in Evolutionary Biology has strong connections with research. Our teaching staff possess world-leading expertise in their fields and the programme content is adapted to the research front. During the programme you will gain practical experience of designing experiments and collecting data using the latest methods. You will learn how to analyse different types of biological data in order to determine what has caused evolutionary changes.
You will furthermore learn how to reconstruct evolutionary patterns from genomic data and to analyse and understand the evolutionary processes that lead to adaptation and diversity at different levels of biological organisation – from genes and characters to ecosystems. You will also receive training in how to solve research problems using analytical methods.
The teaching aims to be as interactive, discussion-based and relaxed as possible, and is conducted in modern premises and laboratories using advanced equipment and software. You will practice oral and written presentations and gain extensive experience of working in groups. The language of instruction is English.
The programme has a recommended study path, but you can also draw up a personal study plan after consultation with the study advisor and programme coordinator. The first semester begins with a course devoted to the major research areas within evolutionary biology. You can then choose from a variety of courses, including molecular biology, evolutionary ecology, biological statistics and genetic analysis. At the end of the spring semester, you take a course on methodology and applications within evolutionary biology.
In the third semester, you can take elective courses or begin your degree project. The degree project is worth 30, 45 or 60 credits and generally consists of an independent research project. The Master’s programme offers the option of doing an internship, which can provide valuable contacts and experiences.
If you are passionate about research, there are good opportunities to continue your studies at a higher education institution. There are several ways to go on to doctoral studies – at a university in Sweden, other countries in Europe or another part of the world.
As an evolutionary biologist, you will also have career prospects outside academia in professions that require analysis of big data, such as genetic data, and where there is a need for a deep understanding of how living systems change, for example, in biomedicine, biotechnology and ecology.
Prerequisites
Specialisation: Evolutionary Biology Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits, of which 90 credits must be in science, including 5 credits in statistics and 60 credits in biology comprising genetics, cell biology, ecology and organism biology, or the equivalent. English course 6 (advanced proficiency)
Selection criteria
Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, as well as a statement of purpose for the application and qualifications from research/work of relevance to the study programme (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).
Computers in the programme
The student must have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a Macintosh computer. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.
Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies
The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations, rules and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely.
Ethical concerns
The programme includes compulsory elements that some people may have concerns about, such as patient-centred activities in healthcare, animal testing or dissection. However, the student is obliged to acquire knowledge and skills in these areas as well, to the extent necessary to fulfil the learning outcomes of the course. For some elements, there might be specific requirements regarding rules on hygiene, protective work clothing, confidentiality and professionalism.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
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
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.
SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM
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. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.