Master in Molecular Sciences

Molecular Sciences has in recent years emerged as a field somewhat broader than Chemistry, as its activities include methods and technologies which previously were linked to e.g. physics and biotechnology. Molecular Sciences includes the analysis of molecules at all levels, ranging from physical properties, through chemical reactivity, to interactions in larger assemblies, such as in a biological cell.

We aim for students wanting to participate in molecular studies to address the grand challenges of the future, among them: efficient use of natural resources, health and medicine, environment and climate, and global food production. Students aiming to learn how properties of molecules can explain phenomena in nature, how synthesis, discovery, and analysis of new molecules can be used to design new drugs, medicine, and materials with improved functionality, and how molecular studies can be used to improve health, industry, and environment.

Program description

• Duration: 2 years
• Credits (ECTS) : 120
• Admission requirements : Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Molecular Sciences or other fields of natural sciences
• Degree Name : Master of Science in Molecular Sciences
• Application code :
  • Norwegian and Nordic applicants: 4009
  • International applicants: 2010

The Master of Molecular Science Programme at UiT has a duration of 2 years and equals a total of 120 ECTS. Each Master's candidate works on a research project to complete an independent scientific dissertation (thesis, 60 ECTS). In addition, the program includes topical coursework, where 20 ECTS are obligatory for all students admitted to the program, and 40 ECTS are to expand on the student's chosen discipline and other special curricula (total 60 ECTS). Within each discipline, certain courses are mandatory.

The Master Degree program in Molecular Sciences will provide program options within three different disciplines:

• Biomolecular Chemistry and Bioinformatics
• Chemical Synthesis and Spectroscopy
• Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

The student will choose a Master's project within the thematic areas available at the Department, and the student will make use of the methodological tools relevant for the thematic specializations. These projects can be theoretical or experimental in nature, or a combination of these, and might be applied to basic and applied research questions. A combination of different specializations to acquire wider expertise is also possible. Eligibility for projects may depend on the student's background.

The five thematic areas are:

• Chemistry of the cell,
• Drug discovery and design,
• Scientific Computing in Chemistry and Biology,
• Functional materials, and
• Catalysis.

More information about thematic areas and disciplines you can find here

The Master's candidates become members of one of the research groups at the Department, with an assigned thesis supervisor. Throughout the project, the Master´s students may work closely in teams with Ph.D. students, post-doctoral fellows, and senior scientists.

The Department of Chemistry at UiT provides excellent research environments, with state-of-the-art laboratories and experimental equipment, and access to advanced computer facilities for computer-oriented work. The Department hosts a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Science, an internationally recognized research center in structural biology, NorStruct, and a national and international facility for bioinformatics. The Department also participates in the Arctic Biodiscovery Centre, where our expertise in structure elucidation and molecular analysis, biocatalyst research, synthetic chemistry, and biotechnology is utilized.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a medium-sized research university that contributes to knowledge-based development at the regional, national, and international levels.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is the third-largest in Norway and the northernmost university in the world. Its location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance. Climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources, and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, and which the University of Tromsø takes a special interest in it. At UiT The Arctic University of Norway you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.

Knowlege on top of the world

Life in the High North is shaped by wild nature, contrasting light and weather conditions, geographic distances, and multiculturalism. Many of UiT´s research centers and study programs reflect the specific character of Arctic Norway.

UiT's study portfolio covers all classical subject areas from Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Education and Humanities, Science and Technology to Economics, Law, Social Work, Tourism, Sports, and Fine Arts.

UiT's key research focuses on the polar environment, climate research, indigenous people, peace and conflict transformation, telemedicine, medical biology, space physics, fishery science, marine bioprospecting, linguistics, and computational chemistry.

UiT´s Centre for Advanced Studies in Theoretical Linguistics, CASTL, and CTCC, Centre for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, have both been designated Norwegian Centres of Excellence. In 2002 the Tromsø-based NST, Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, was appointed a World Health Organization Collaboration Centre.

The ARCTOS network at the Faculty for Biosciences, Fisheries, and Economics, is a leader in research on marine arctic ecosystems and an important partner of the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø. The Department of Physics focuses on northern lights and space research. All these institutes are of high international reputation.

The university is part of the FRAM – High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment (Fram Centre) in Tromsø. Every January the international conference Arctic Frontiers invites researchers, politicians, and business representatives to discuss Arctic issues across disciplinary borders. The Secretariat of the Arctic Council is located at the Fram Centre. Researchers from the University and Fram Center are involved in several international programs of the Arctic Council.

An international hub

The University of Tromsø has been through three mergers. On the 1st of January 2009 UiT merged with the University College of Tromsø, and on the 1st of August 2013 with the University College of Finnmark. The latest merge was on the 1st of January 2016 with both the University College of Harstad and the University College of Narvik.

After the merge UiT has become a multi-campus university spread throughout Northern Norway. The main campuses are located in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik, and Harstad, with smaller departments in the towns of Mo i Rana, Hammerfest, and Kirkenes. The number of students and study programs increases due to this merger. The new university has become an even more important driving force for Northern Norway and international cooperation in the High North.

Why UiT?

UiT is truly arctic

UIT is the northernmost university in the world. Our location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance - climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, and which UiT takes a special interest in.

No tuition fees

UiT offers all students a distinct advantage over many universities around the world: there are no tuition fees for international students to study at UiT in Norway.

Student life at UiT

By making the most of the opportunities at UiT, you can create the best student experience for you and reach your full potential through academic support, sporting clubs, and our various student organizations on our campuses.

Study in English at UiT

Recent years have seen a surge in the number of international students wanting to study at UiT. One of the reasons for this solid reputation comes from the fact that UiT offers a variety of courses and programs in English. Consequently, admission does not require proof of Norwegian skills.

Building bridges

Building bridges through internationalization at home and abroad. International cooperation is a precondition in order for UiT to offer outstanding education and world-leading research for students, trainees, researchers, academic groups, and staff from our partner universities.

Research intensive & high-quality learning environment

Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future. As a student at UiT, you learn from teachers who are proud to make their mark on the subject they teach in a favorable teacher-student ratio of 1:8.

Urban life - wild nature

The Arctic Adventurer - Do you have it in you?

We have various stunning places of study in Alta, Harstad, Narvik, Tromsø, and Svalbard. Explore the locations to discover what each one has to offer, from programs, adventure, music, and art to nightlife and activities.