Chemistry, Biochemistry - Master Programme
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
This programme provides you with specialised knowledge in protein chemistry, molecular biophysics and structural biochemistry. You will examine molecular structures and functional mechanisms in a large number of proteins.
During the programme you will obtain ample experimental experience and learn to master methods for cloning, expression and purification of proteins. You will also learn a number of specialised techniques used to analyse proteins such as mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography.
As a student, you will develop the ability to independently plan, conduct, and critically evaluate experiments. You will also learn to use scientific literature as well as manage and analyse data in various forms.
The programme has strong ties with research. All of the teaching staff are researchers, and the course content is continuously adapted based on current research. Our department is characterised by a broad spectrum of basic research and applied research, as well as close contact with industry and external research centres.
Lund is also home to two world-unique research facilities. The MAX IV Laboratory is the world’s first fourth-generation synchrotron light source, and ESS (European Spallation Source) will be the world’s most powerful neutron source. Both facilities offer applications in many areas of chemistry.
The Master’s programme has a varied structure and includes lectures, seminars, group exercises, extensive laboratory work, calculation exercises, computer exercises and project work, including oral and written presentations. Teaching takes place on modern premises and in laboratories with advanced equipment. The language of instruction is English.
You can influence and plan your study design to a large extent. During the first semester you will initially take a course on experimental protein chemistry, or a course on molecular driving forces and chemical bonding. You will thereafter study structural biochemistry. In the spring semester you can choose, for example, advanced biochemistry and courses in molecular biology.
In the second academic year you can add more courses depending on the scope of your degree project. The degree project can be worth 30, 45 or 60 credits and is conducted in a research team or at a company. If you decide to do a degree project worth less than the maximum number of credits, you can do a second project.
The Master’s programme offers the option of doing an internship, which can provide valuable professional contacts during the programme.
Our programme graduates are highly skilled in conducting research and development work within the life sciences, biochemistry and protein science. The Master’s programme provides a good foundation both for doctoral studies and a career at research-intensive companies. Half of our Master’s students continue to doctoral studies, and the other half enter the industry, both locally and internationally.
Prerequisites
Specialisation: Biochemistry Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits or the equivalent, including at least 90 credits in chemistry, of which at least 15 credits must be in biochemistry. Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.
Selection criteria
Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses in science, engineering and mathematics.
Requirements for working safely in a laboratory environment
The education includes mandatory elements that require you to independently and without assistance be able to work safely in a laboratory environment. Examples of such elements include working in a fume hood, fire extinguishing, handling flammable and corrosive substances, weighing, visual inspection of chemical reactions and chemical analyses, among other. These elements also require the ability to follow applicable safety regulations and instructions, as well as being able to move around and quickly evacuate the premises safely. Certain physical disabilities may make it difficult or impossible to complete the mandatory elements. For more information, contact studievagledare [at] kemi [dot] lu [dot] se.
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.