Molecular Biology, General - Master Programme

The general Master's programme in Molecular Biology allows you to create your own study path within molecular biology. You can choose from a variety of courses and compose a degree based on your interests and prior knowledge.

During your studies, you will gain both theoretical analysis skills and practical experience in our laboratories. Regardless of which subjects you base your knowledge profile upon, you will receive in-depth experience in experimental design and result analysis. You will practice both oral and written presentations and gain valuable experience in group collaboration.

The programme has a high proportion of scheduled time, providing ample contact with teachers and course assistants. The educational environment and programme have a significant international character with strong research connections. All teachers are researchers, ensuring that the teaching is continuously adapted to current research and labour market needs. The Department of Biology hosts world-leading research groups and research infrastructure. The programme is taught in English.

You choose from a list of courses in molecular biology, biotechnology, and life sciences. In the first semester, you start with either neurobiology, eukaryotic molecular genetics, or microbiology. This is followed by courses such as immunology, sensory biology, or molecular microbiology. In the second semester, you can study molecular biotechnology and methods, cellular and molecular neurobiology, immunology and infection biology, and/or courses on antibiotics and microscopy.

In the second year, you continue to build your expertise based on your preferences. Your thesis can be 30, 45, or 60 credits and can be completed in a research group or at a company.

If you choose a shorter thesis, you can undertake a second project or take more theoretical courses. There is also the option to do an internship, which provides work experience and can lead to valuable professional contacts.

After graduation, you will be qualified for a variety of jobs in industry, academia, and the public sector. The Master's programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate studies in the field. Depending on the specific courses you choose during your studies, you may find work in basic research labs at universities or colleges, or more applied research in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical or food industries.

Prerequisites

Specialisation: General Molecular Biology Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits or the equivalent, of which 120 credits must be in science/biomedicine/engineering, including: 45 credits in molecular biology comprising genetics, cell biology and microbiology 7.5 credits in human/animal physiology 30 credits in chemistry comprising biochemistry Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.

Selection criteria

Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses and a statement of purpose for the application 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

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

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. 

ARUA Scholarship

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.

Country-specific scholarships

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. 

External scholarships