Master's Programme in Molecular Biology 120 credits
About the programme
The Master's Programme in Molecular Biology at Umeå University equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to explore life at the molecular level. You will learn how modern molecular approaches can be used both to uncover fundamental biological mechanisms and to address global challenges related to health, sustainability, and technological innovation.
Learn from recognized researchers
Extensive laboratory training
Conduct independent research
While studying
Molecular biology seeks to answer some of the most fundamental questions in biology: How do cells function? How is genetic information regulated and transmitted? How do biological systems develop, adapt, and evolve? At the same time, discoveries in molecular biology provide the foundation for advances in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental science.
Throughout the programme, you will work closely with internationally recognised researchers and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art experimental and analytical methods. The programme provides excellent preparation for doctoral studies as well as careers in research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and other knowledge-intensive sectors.
An International and Hands-On Learning Environment
As a student in the programme, you become part of a diverse and international community with classmates and researchers from around the world. This multicultural environment provides opportunities to exchange perspectives, build international networks, and develop skills that are increasingly important in modern science.
Teaching combines theoretical understanding with practical application. Through lectures, seminars, discussions, laboratory exercises, and project work, you will learn to approach biological questions from multiple perspectives and apply your knowledge to real scientific problems.
Many courses are taught in small groups, allowing close interaction with teachers and extensive feedback. You will have access to modern teaching laboratories and advanced research facilities, where you gain practical experience with techniques currently used in molecular life science research.
Shape Your Own Specialisation
The programme offers considerable flexibility, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. The following are the mandatory courses, elective programme courses, and examples of free elective courses:
Mandatory courses
- Advanced Molecular Biology
- Microbial Genetics
- Genome Engineering
- Master's Degree Thesis in Molecular Biology
Elective programme courses on master level
- Biochemistry – Protein Structure and Function
- Biochemistry – Protein Separation Methods and Analytical Techniques
- Techniques in Immunochemistry N/T
- Tumor Biology
- Plant Cell and Molecular Biology
- Applied Functional Genomics
- Functional Genomics Theory
- Pharmacology
- Theoretical Medicinal Chemistry
Elective programme courses on bachelor level
- Bacterial Physiology and Pathogenesis
- Immunology
- Neurobiology
- Structural Biology
- Introduction to Bioinformatics
- Bioinformatics and Genome Analysis
Free elective courses (examples)
- Advanced Project in Molecular Biology
- Advanced Biomedicine
- Applied and Clinical Virology
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution
- Plant Growth and Development
- Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Breeding
Learn Through Research
At Umeå University, education and research go hand in hand. Many of your teachers are internationally recognised scientists who lead active research groups at the forefront of molecular life science.
A defining feature of the programme is the opportunity to conduct independent research. Through project courses and the Master's thesis, you become part of an active research group and contribute to ongoing scientific investigations. Depending on your interests, your project may focus on fundamental biological questions or on applications in areas such as medicine, biotechnology, or sustainability.
Working alongside experienced researchers, you will learn how scientific knowledge is generated, tested, and communicated. At the same time, you will develop the experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills needed for advanced research and professional careers.
Many students describe the research project as one of the most rewarding parts of the programme, providing both valuable practical experience and professional networks for the future.
World-Class Research Opportunities
Umeå University hosts internationally recognised research environments spanning a broad range of molecular life sciences. Research ranges from fundamental studies of cellular and molecular mechanisms to application-oriented research addressing challenges in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, and sustainability.
Research strengths include:
- Microbiology and infection biology
- Cell and chemical biology
- Systems biology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cancer biology
- Developmental biology
- Plant biology
- Data-driven life science
This breadth provides students with exceptional opportunities to explore different scientific fields and identify research areas that match their interests.
Why choose the Master's Programme in Molecular Biology at Umeå University?
✓ Learn from internationally recognised researchers
✓ Combine theory with extensive practical laboratory training
✓ Conduct independent research within world-class research environments
✓ Join an international and inclusive student community
✓ Tailor your studies to your interests and career goals
✓ Prepare for PhD studies and research-intensive careers
✓ Contribute to scientific discovery and solutions to global challenges
Future and career opportunities
Graduates from the programme are well prepared for both doctoral studies and professional careers. Many continue to PhD programmes in Sweden and internationally. Others pursue careers in:
- Research and development
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
- Diagnostics and precision medicine
- Bioinformatics and data analysis
- Regulatory affairs and intellectual property
- Scientific communication
- Public agencies and research organisations
The programme develops not only advanced knowledge in molecular biology, but also transferable skills such as critical thinking, scientific communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, making graduates attractive across the life science sector.
Apply
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Autumn 2026
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Master's Programme in Molecular Biology
International admissions round
HT26 / Umeå / English / On campus
Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2026
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn campus
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-M5010
EligibilityA Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: a) 60 ECTS in the Bioscience area (including genetics, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, zoo physiology and plant biology) and also including a minimum of 7.5 ECTS in each of Genetics and Microbiology. b) 30 ECTS in Chemistry, with a minimum of 7,5 ECTS in Biochemistry. c) practical experience of laboratory work, corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
SelectionAcademic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
DegreeAfter completing the programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of study (Molecular Biology).ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 January 2026. The application period is closed.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
Total fee: SEK 304,600
Complete the self-assessment form – important for your applicationTo help us process your application more efficiently, please complete the form and upload it to universityadmissions.se. This will help you demonstrate how your previous courses meet the requirements of the programme. The form is a supplement - the assessment is still based on your official documents.
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Master's Programme in Molecular Biology
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
HT26 / Umeå / English / On campus
Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2026
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn campus
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-P5010
EligibilityA Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: a) 60 ECTS in the Bioscience area (including genetics, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, zoo physiology and plant biology) and also including a minimum of 7.5 ECTS in each of Genetics and Microbiology. b) 30 ECTS in Chemistry, with a minimum of 7,5 ECTS in Biochemistry. c) practical experience of laboratory work, corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
SelectionAcademic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
DegreeAfter completing the programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of study (Molecular Biology).ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 April 2026. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
Total fee: SEK 304,600
Complete the self-assessment form – important for your applicationTo help us process your application more efficiently, please complete the form and upload it to universityadmissions.se. This will help you demonstrate how your previous courses meet the requirements of the programme. The form is a supplement - the assessment is still based on your official documents.
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Autumn 2027
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Master's Programme in Molecular Biology
International admissions round
HT27 / Umeå / English / On campus
Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2027
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn campus
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-M5010
EligibilityA Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: a) 60 ECTS in the Bioscience area (including genetics, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, zoo physiology and plant biology) and also including a minimum of 7.5 ECTS in each of Genetics and Microbiology. b) 30 ECTS in Chemistry, with a minimum of 7,5 ECTS in Biochemistry. c) practical experience of laboratory work, corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
SelectionAcademic credits awarded by application deadline (HPAV 30-285 ECTS)
DegreeAfter completing the programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of study (Molecular Biology).ApplicationOnline applications are now open. Application deadline is 15 January 2027.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
Total fee: SEK 304,600
Complete the self-assessment form – important for your applicationTo help us process your application more efficiently, please complete the form and upload it to universityadmissions.se. This will help you demonstrate how your previous courses meet the requirements of the programme. The form is a supplement - the assessment is still based on your official documents.
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Master's Programme in Molecular Biology
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
HT27 / Umeå / English / On campus
Application opens 15 March 2027Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2027
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn campus
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-P5010
EligibilityA Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: a) 60 ECTS in the Bioscience area (including genetics, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, zoo physiology and plant biology) and also including a minimum of 7.5 ECTS in each of Genetics and Microbiology. b) 30 ECTS in Chemistry, with a minimum of 7,5 ECTS in Biochemistry. c) practical experience of laboratory work, corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
SelectionAcademic credits awarded by application deadline (HPAV 30-285 ECTS)
DegreeAfter completing the programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of study (Molecular Biology).ApplicationThe online application opens 15 March 2027 at 13:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 April 2027. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
Total fee: SEK 304,600
Complete the self-assessment form – important for your applicationTo help us process your application more efficiently, please complete the form and upload it to universityadmissions.se. This will help you demonstrate how your previous courses meet the requirements of the programme. The form is a supplement - the assessment is still based on your official documents.
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How to apply
Apply online via universityadmissions.se
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
More about application and admission
Later part of programme
If you have completed courses equivalent to at least the first semester of a program, you can apply for admission to a later part of the program.
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Spring 2027
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Later part, Master's Programme in Molecular Biology
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
VT27 / Umeå / English / On campus
Show more Show less
StartSpring term 2027
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn campus
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-S5001
EligibilityA Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: a) 60 ECTS in the Bioscience area (including genetics, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, zoo physiology and plant biology) and also including a minimum of 7.5 ECTS in each of Genetics and Microbiology. b) 30 ECTS in Chemistry, with a minimum of 7,5 ECTS in Biochemistry. c) practical experience of laboratory work, corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
SelectionSökande till senare del av program antas i följande prioritetsordning: 1. Studenter som anmält sig till samma program, inriktning, studieort där tidigare anmält studieavbrott finns registrerat i Ladok 2. Studenter som antagits och registrerats på termin 1 och fått tillgodoräkna minst en termins studier på aktuellt programtillfälle 3. Övriga studenter som avbrutit studierna på samma program, inriktning, studieort utan att meddela avbrott 4. Övriga behöriga sökande Inom ovanstående grupper sker meritvärdering till termin 2 på program enligt samma regler som för urval vid antagning till termin 1 på programmet. Meritvärderingen till övriga terminer görs med hänsyn till uppnådda högskolepoäng i statlig högskoleutbildning per sista anmälningsdag.
DegreeAfter completing the programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of study (Molecular Biology).ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 October 2026. The late application period opens on 15 December 2026 if there are seats available. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
Total fee: SEK 304,600
Complete the self-assessment form – important for your applicationTo help us process your application more efficiently, please complete the form and upload it to universityadmissions.se. This will help you demonstrate how your previous courses meet the requirements of the programme. The form is a supplement - the assessment is still based on your official documents.
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How to apply for later part
Voices about the programme
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Inés researches mechanisms in chromosomes
Alumni
Looking back at her education, Inés Hernandez Cregois very content, especially that she has gotten a good picture of how the scientific process works.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
Read more about tuition and application fees
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.
Are there scholarships to apply for?
There are a few 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.
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