MSc in Biology, General

Programme overview

The general Master’s programme in Biology gives you an opportunity to design a personal study plan. You choose from around 50 courses at an advanced level in biology. Are you interested in biodiversity and taxonomy? Choose the Nordic Master’s programme in Biodiversity and Systematics as a specialisation within General Biology. We have excellent facilities for laboratory work and conducting field experiments. Most courses are full-time studies and you usually take only one course at a time. The courses are typically teaching-intensive, with lectures, seminars, excursions as well as theoretical and practical exercises. You are expected to spend about 40 hours per week on studies, self-studies included. Normally, you take two courses of 15 credits per semester, i.e. a total of 60 credits per year. Please note that some courses have other prerequisites than those of the programme, and require previous studies in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Special features of the programme:

• A broad range of courses covering subjects from the cell and molecular biology to organismic biology and ecology.
• Close connections to research in an international environment.
• Extensive experience in offering courses in English and well-developed student exchange programmes.
• Integration of theoretical analyses with strong training of laboratory skills and fieldwork.
• Freedom to design your own study programme and specialisation.

Lund University – Sweden's Top-Ranked University

Lund University was founded in 1666 and has 40 000 students and 8 000 employees. It offers more than 130 Master’s programmes and 10 Bachelor’s programmes taught in English .

Lund is Sweden’s most attractive study destination. The University offers one of the broadest ranges of programmes and courses in Scandinavia, based on cross-disciplinary and cutting-edge research. A degree from Lund University is a hallmark of quality both in Sweden and abroad.

Subject areas

Our nine faculties and many specialised research centres offer education in the following subject areas:

• Architecture & Design
• Area Studies
• Business, Economics & Management
• Engineering & Technology
• Environment & Sustainability
• Fine & Performing Arts
• Humanities & Languages
• Law
• Medicine & Health
• Science
• Service Management
• Social Sciences

Research

Lund is home to over 30 world-leading research environments and is home to two of Europe's largest materials research facilities: MAX IV (inaugurated in 2016) and ESS (to open in 2023). Lund University is also a member of the prestigious research-intensive university networks Universitas 21 (U21) , the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH).

Teaching style

Critical thinking and freedom of mind are the cornerstones of academic life at Lund University. A focus on group work in more informal, open class environments facilitates learning, creates a dialogue and helps generate new ideas.

Lund is an international meeting place for students and researchers alike. This creates global class environments where students gain new cultural perspectives and can develop their international networks, which are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Students in Lund are given excellent opportunities for business interaction . The city of Lund has a unique, world-class environment for technology, knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship and hosts an impressive breadth of international companies.

Student Life

Lund is the #1 choice for international students coming to Sweden and is considered the best student city in Sweden, with its unique combination of large social clubs (the historic 'nations'), student unions and the Academic Society creating a vibrant and active student life.

City of Lund

Located in southern Sweden, the city of Lund is just 10 minutes by train to Sweden’s third largest city, Malmö, and only 35 minutes by train to Copenhagen Airport in Denmark.

As one of the oldest cities in Sweden, dating back to 990, Lund is a city of contrasts where over 1 000 years of history blend with modern knowledge and ideas. In Lund, you find the charm of a small, picturesque, cobble-stoned city, side-by-side with big city attractions such as services, shopping, restaurants and cultural events. Lund is also home to major international companies such as Sony Mobile, Tetra Pak, Ericsson, Alfa Laval and Gambro.

English is widely spoken in Sweden and Lund (90% of Swedes are fluent) , meaning that you can experience a unique European culture without experiencing a language barrier.

Learn more about Lund University

For more information, please visit www.lunduniversity.lu.se

For more information, please visit You can also ask questions via our web form at lunduniversity.lu.se/degree-studies or find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. You can also listen to Lund University International Podcast!