In the Master’s programme in Molecular Biology you acquire an extensive toolbox for investigating a wide range of biological problems with advanced molecular methods. Your professors are internationally renowned scientists, and you will carry out your thesis project within a research group. This programme provides an excellent foundation for further doctoral studies and careers in research and development, whether at a university or in the biotech or pharmaceutical industries.
"Someone with my degree can be competitive from a market perspective. If not in Umeå, then elsewhere in the world."
As a student in the Master’s programme in Molecular Biology, you will be part of an inclusive, multicultural study environment together with international students and professors. Your professors are active researchers, often principal investigators in world-leading research groups.
Teaching is often conducted in small groups and you can expect a lot of feedback from your teachers. Theory will be mixed with practical problem solving, conducted in state-of-the-art teaching labs using the latest techniques. Many courses take place inside academic departments where students are embedded with professors and active researchers.
The individual courses in the programme usually consist of nine weeks of full-time studies. The teaching forms used include lectures, group exercises, seminars, laboratory exercises, and tutorials. Current questions in molecular biology, with relevance to biomedicine, biotechnology and basic research, are covered.
After the compulsory courses, Advanced Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics, you can choose from various elective courses in molecular biology or related subjects, provided they meet the degree requirements. For example, you can take courses in biochemistry, infection biology or plant molecular biology. You can also undertake project courses, conducting independent research projects within a research group under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Emmanuelle Charpentier was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 genetic scissors – a discovery she made during her time as a researcher at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.
The programme finishes with a thesis project in Molecular Biology, which you can conduct embedded in a research group at Umeå University. This experience prepares you for doctoral studies if you choose to pursue an academic career. It is also possible to carry out your project in collaboration with research intense organisations like biotech companies.
Umeå University hosts many prominent research groups conducting strategic molecular research of international significance within areas of microbiology, cell biology, chemical biology, genetic model organisms, immunology, systems biology, sensory systems, cancer biology, developmental biology, medical biology and immunology. Many of our graduates continue their studies in PhD programmes here or at other institutions.
Basic courses:
Advanced Molecular Biology.
Molecular Genetics.
Elective courses:
Biochemistry - Protein Structure and Function.
Pharmacology.
Applied Functional Genomics.
Functional Genomics Theory.
Techniques in Immunochemistry N/T.
Tumor Biology.
Plant cell and molecular biology.
Biochemistry: Protein Separation Methods and Analytical Techniques.
Theoretical Medicinal Chemistry
Transgene technology N/T.
Elective courses in Molecular biology on bachelor level:
Bioinformatics and genomic analysis.
Genetics II.
Immunology.
Bacterial Physiology and Pathogenesis.
Neurobiology.
Structural Biology.
Free courses:
Plant growth and development.
Plant biotechnology and molecular breeding.
With a Master of Science Degree in Molecular Biology you are attractive for employers at, for example, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, usually within research, development or marketing. Other employment possibilities include management, investigations, scientific journalism, and research.
Following your degree you are eligible to apply for PhD positions in relevant areas.
When is the application period open?
The application period for Swedish citizens is usually in March and September. Application period for non-Swedish citizens is usually in December–January and June–August respectively. If you're a non-Swedish student and missed the international deadline you can apply in the Swedish round. Note that the admission site is in Swedish and that you might need help in applying (contact studievagledare@molbiol.umu.se). Students outside of EU/EEA might have problems getting a residence permit on time if applying in the Swedish round. For more information go to key dates and deadlines
Do I need to pay application and tuition fee for studies in Sweden?
Citizens of EU/EEA and Switzerland can study in Sweden without tuition fees. Students outside of these areas are required to pay application and tuition fee for university studies.
I paid the application fee too late, will my application be deleted?
No, but your application will be regarded as late. If you are eligible for the programme you will be placed after the on-time applicants and will be admitted if there is still open positions at the programme, after the original admissions.
I’m from a country outside of EU/EEA or Switzerland but am living in Sweden. I have a residence permit for other reasons than studies; do I have to pay tuition fees?
No. More information about exemptions from tuition fee can be found here:
https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/fees-scholarships-residence-permit/
When do I have to pay the first instalment of the tuition fee?
We strongly recommend that you pay your tuition fee as soon as possible after you have received your invoice due to the fact that the Swedish Migration Board will not process your application for residence permit until the tuition fees for the first semester has been paid. More information here:
https://www.umu.se/en/education/tuition
Are there scholarships to apply to?
There are a few scholarships, read more here:
Scholarships
Do I have to apply for residence permit?
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen coming to study in Umeå for less than three months you will in most cases need a visa. If you intend to stay for more than three months you will need to obtain a residence permit. You must apply for a visa or permit before you arrive in Sweden.
Read more about residence permits and visas
