Master's Programme in Molecular Life Sciences
This programme offers broad training at the frontier of research. Molecular life sciences aim is to understand the structure, function and regulation of biological systems from molecular to organism level. This rapidly growing field, seeing extensive technological advances and emerging new sub-disciplines, opens up a broad spectrum of career opportunities.
.jpg)
Photo: Niklas Björling
The Master’s Programme in Molecular Life Sciences offers you the opportunity to study at the forefront of research into the molecular processes of life. You will gain a deep understanding of how biological systems function, from the molecular level to the whole organism. The programme combines an international and interactive research environment with a strong focus on laboratory work and experimental methods, preparing you for a career in both academia and industry.
Reasons to choose the Master’s Programme in Molecular Life Science:
- Gain broad and in-depth knowledge in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and biochemistry.
- Study in an international research environment with close connections to ongoing cutting-edge projects.
- Tailor your studies with up to 45 credits of optional courses within or outside molecular life sciences.
- Conduct your degree project in active research projects at the university or at external research institutes and companies.
- Develop advanced laboratory skills and methodological expertise highly sought after in academia and industry.
- Learn to critically analyse and independently solve complex biological problems.
The Master’s programme offers a selection of courses covering a broad range of subjects within cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, developmental biology, molecular physiology, and immunology. The flexible nature of the programme allows upto 45 credits of optional courses, which can be courses in other subject areas such as law or economics.
You are required to choose 30 credits of courses from the list of elective courses (updated each year). You can also include at least 15 credits of optional courses, these can be in other subjects.
Year 1
Compulsory courses autumn term
Elective courses autumn term
Radiation Biology and Cellular Toxicology
Elective courses spring term
Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
Stem Cells in Developmental and Cancer Biology
Courses offered at other departments
Advanced Methods in Biochemistry
Year 2
Compulsory courses
Degree project in Molecular Life Science
(instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)
See also elective courses year 1.
Independent project
Degree projects, which are 30, 45 or 60 credits, are carried out in ongoing research projects within the current broad research areas of Infection and Immunobiology, Integrative Biology and Molecular Cell Biology at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW). It is also possible to conduct the degree project externally, at a research institute, organisation or company.
Recent degree projects
- Role of imaginal disc growth factors (IDGFs) in Drosophila immunity
- Investigation of radiosensitizers for tumor initiating cells in lung cancer
- RNA editing in splice sites
- Suitable conditions for quantitative Western blot with analysis of UCP1 protein expression in iBAT and ingWAT of mice under thermal stress, high fat diet and thyroxin treatment
The Master's programme in Molecular Life Science is only open for application in the first round, with deadline for applications in mid-January.
Specific eligibility
Admission to the Master’s Programme in Molecular Life Sciences requires a solid background in biology, including substantial coursework in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and related life-science subjects. Because the programme is broad and research-oriented, applicants need both theoretical knowledge and laboratory-based training. All applications are assessed individually. The examples below are provided only as guidance.
Backgrounds that may be considered eligible
Applicants whose studies include substantial coursework in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, developmental biology or related areas, for example:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, with strong components in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics
- Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, molecular biosciences, or biotechnology (biologically oriented)
- Bachelor’s degree in biomedicine/biomedical sciences, including laboratory-based courses in molecular and cellular processes
- Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, if it includes cell biology, genetics and molecular biology
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, with complementary molecular/cell biology coursework
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, provided it contains substantial advanced biological and molecular content
- Bachelor’s degree in genetics or related molecular bioscience disciplines
- Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences, if combined with molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and genetics
- Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, with relevant courses in molecular and cellular biology
Backgrounds that may not be considered eligible
Applicants whose studies lack core molecular and cellular biology coursework, or whose focus is mainly on other scientific or technical fields, for example:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, unless supplemented with substantial biology/molecular biology coursework
- Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, if focused primarily on process engineering, chemistry or technology rather than biological sciences
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, if centred on sustainability, geoscience or policy rather than cellular/molecular biology
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, nutrition or food science, unless complemented by molecular/cell biology courses
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering or computer science, unless combined with significant life-science studies
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, veterinary nursing or animal science, if lacking molecular and cellular coursework
- Bachelor’s degree in geoscience or earth science, without biological components
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanities, law or education, without relevant scientific training
Important to note
- These examples are not exhaustive, and eligibility can vary depending on the specific courses included in each degree.
- Meeting one of the examples under “eligible” does not guarantee admission.
- Backgrounds listed as “not sufficient” may still qualify if the applicant has taken additional university-level courses in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics or related subjects.
- Admission decisions are always based on an individual, assessment of the applicant’s full academic background.
Selection process
Applicants that meet the eligibility requirements are ranked based on their merit rating. Only students with the highest merit ratings are selected for our programmes. The merit rating is based on the following two selection criteria, with equal weight:
- relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme
- grades of academic courses
Required supporting documentation
Recommendation letters and CVs are not concidered. In other words, there is no additional documentation to that required according to University Admissions.
A Master's degree in Molecular Life Sciences opens a broad spectrum of career opportunities both within and outside of the academic sphere. This programme gives you the eligibility to continue with PhD studies.
Important parts of industry and society require deep knowledge within molecular life sciences, from biomedical research and pharmaceuticals development to the effect of the environment on biological systems, quality assurance of foodstuffs, and nutritional science.
Possible career paths
- Opportunities in environmental and food sectors, such as quality control, nutrition, and sustainability.
- Roles in science policy, advisory, or communication, where deep biological knowledge is essential.
- Continue with PhD studies and pursue a research career in molecular life sciences.
- Work in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including drug development and biomarker research.
- Careers in biomedical research, medical diagnostics, and laboratory services.
- Engage in interdisciplinary projects connecting biology with technology, economics, or law.
