Master's Programme in Microbiology
Learn about pathogenic microbes, biological diversity, evolution and biotechnology in an environment of world leading research. Step by step practical and experimental training will equip you cutting edge laboratory skills and techniques as well as provide up to date knowledge of the field.
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Photo: Niklas Björling
Knowledge in microbiology is important in medicine, food industry, agriculture, technology, chemistry, and geology. In this programme you will gain deeper understanding of how bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa interact with the environment and affect biological systems at molecular, cellular and organism level. You will meet different aspects of microbiology, such as pathogenic microbes, biological diversity, evolution, and biotechnology.
The identification of new emerging microbial pathogens and the global emergence of multiple antibiotic resistance show that pathogenic microorganisms will remain a very significant health problem in the years to come. In depth knowledge of microorganisms is essential to develop new diagnostic tools, medicines, and vaccines.
The goal of the Master’s programme is to give an insight into the subject through theory, experiments and other relevant work, so that you get a complete understanding of the life of microorganisms.
Reasons to choose the Master's programme in Microbiology:
- Strong focus on building practical laboratory skills and techniques at advanced level
- Close connection to world leading research
The Master’s program in Microbiology aims to provide a complete understanding of the life of microorganisms with courses in microbiology and infection biology.
During the compuslory degree project (45 or 60 credits) you will apply the knowledge and skills you have developed, in conducting a scientific study within microbiology.
If you choose to do a 45 credit degree project you can also include 15 credits of optional courses, these can be in other subjects.
Year 1
Year 2
Compulsory courses
Degree Project in Microbiology
(instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)
Independent project
Degree projects, which are 45 or 60 credits, are carried out within ongoing research projects at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW).
Recent degree projects
- Can probiotic bacteria alleviate the effects of chemotherapy on gut epithelial cells, with respect to cellular fitness, barrier integrity and inflammatory responses?
- Regulatory role of Caulobacter crescentus Lon on proteins involved in stress responses
- The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the activity and function of human monocytes and dendritic cells
- Plasmodium fertilization is altered by a self-metabolite during the erythrocytic cycle
The Master's programme in Microbiology 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 Microbiology requires a strong background in Bbiology, including substantial coursework in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry (including biochemistry) and genetics. A solid foundation in life sciences, biomedical sciences or related areas is particularly relevant. 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 microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, chemistry including biochemistry, immunology, infection biology or related areas, for example:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, with courses in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biotechnology or molecular biosciences
- Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences/biomedicine, including laboratory-based courses and infection biology
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, if it includes strong components of cell biology, molecular biology and microbiology
- Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, provided the programme contains relevant biology and microbiology coursework
- Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, if it includes substantial microbiology and molecular biology
- Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences, if combined with microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry
- Bachelor’s degree in genetics or molecular biotechnology, with relevant microbiology components
Backgrounds that may not be considered eligible
Applicants whose studies lack core life-science and microbiology coursework, or whose focus is mainly on other scientific or technical areas, for example:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, if focused mainly on sustainability, policy or geoscience rather than biology/microbiology
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, unless supplemented with substantial cell biology, molecular biology and microbiology courses
- Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, if focused mostly on engineering or process technology with limited biological content
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering or computer science, unless combined with significant life-science coursework
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, veterinary nursing or animal care, if lacking molecular biology and microbiology
- Bachelor’s degree in geoscience or earth science, unless supplemented with biology- or microbiology-focused courses
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanities or education, without biological training
Important to note
- These examples are not exhaustive.
- Meeting one of the “eligible” examples does not guarantee admission.
- A background listed as “not sufficient” may still qualify if supplemented with additional university-level microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology or biochemistry courses.
- Admission decisions are always based on an individual assessment of the applicant’s complete 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 four selection criteria, with equal weight:
- relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme
- grades of academic courses
- motivation letter
- research ideas
Required supporting documentation
To submit your motivation letter and research ideas you must use our cover letter form (updated yearly, only latest version accepted).
Cover letter/Motivation letter
After submitting the form, download the generated PDF and upload it to your application at University Admissions before the supporting documentation deadline.
Do not make any changes to the resulting PDF!
Note! The form is only available during the application period, up to the supporting documentation deadline. Recommendation letters and CVs are neither required nor considered if included.
The skills and knowledge you will attain on the Master's degree in Microbiology open many career possibilities. These include public authorities, universities and especially research and development within biotechnology, and the pharmacological, food and medical industries. The programme gives you the eligibility to continue with PhD studies.
