Biotechnology - Master's Programme
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
The programme covers both the scientific and technological aspects of biotechnology. It provides a foundation for developing and improving bioproducts and processes for sustainable manufacturing, biomedicine, foods and environmental applications.
Courses in molecular biotechnology focus on recombinant gene expression, protein and metabolic engineering, synthetic biology and omics technologies. Bioprocess courses include fermentation and enzyme technology, product recovery and analysis, process and plant design and environmental bioremediation.
The programme trains you to assess process requirements for manufacturing biotech products, including production systems, biological catalysts, analytical tools, energy efficiency and sustainability. It also offers insights into developing business ideas related to biotechnology products and processes. Discussions, written assignments and oral presentations will develop your communication skills.
Lund University is among the leading universities in the world for research and education in biotechnology. The university is home to several world-renowned scientists with strong industry links, from large multinational companies to small enterprises built on academic research.
It is recommended that you have some laboratory experience from your Bachelor’s degree prior to embarking on the master´s degree in Biotechnology.
The teaching combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications through a mix of lectures, seminars, group work and laboratory-based exercises. The teaching approach encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving through real-world challenges.
Most courses include practical exercises to strengthen your laboratory and analytical skills.
Guest lecturers from biotech companies regularly provide industry insights and perspectives on product and process development. Study visits are integrated into the programme, giving you the opportunity to connect with professionals in the field.
In the first semester, you will take compulsory courses in Bioprocess Technology and Molecular Biotechnology. During the programme you will choose between the elective mandatory project course in Biotechnology, Process and Plant Design or the Project in Life Science course.
The second and third semesters focus on elective courses, giving you the flexibility to shape your learning based on your interests. Elective options include Metabolic Engineering, Protein Engineering, Advanced Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Process Simulation, Bioinformatics, Chemometrics and Omics. The final semester is dedicated to your master's thesis.
The programme is offered by LTH, Lunds Tekniska Högskola (The Faculty of Engineering at Lund University).
The programme’s strong links with both local and international industry ensure that it is closely aligned to market needs.
Graduating from this programme will give you the skills to work in a wide range of professions, e.g. research and development, process operations, product development and sales.
Our alumni often secure positions in leading international companies, start-ups, government agencies and research institutions. The programme also provides a strong foundation for continuing your studies at PhD level.
Prerequisites
A Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, biochemical engineering or equivalent. Completed courses in microbiology or biochemistry, and mathematics (linear algebra/calculus and statistics). English 6.
Selection criteria
The selection is based on academic qualifications and on a statement of purpose.
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.