Master in Biomedical Surface Science
Malmö, Sweden
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Jan 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
31 Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
SEK 395,000 **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* first admission round; we recommend international students apply in this round
** full tuition fee
Key Summary
About: The Master in Biomedical Surface Science offers an in-depth exploration of the interactions between biological systems and materials.
This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, allowing students to engage in research related to biomaterials, coatings, and surface modifications.
Students can expect to gain comprehensive insights into the analytical techniques critical for examining biomaterial performance in medical applications.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue diverse career paths, including roles in medical device companies, biomaterials research, and regulatory affairs.
Opportunities may also exist in academic research, biotechnology firms, and teaching positions, leveraging their expertise in surface science for innovative healthcare solutions.
The programme creates a platform for understanding the involvement of surface science in biomedicine and biotechnology. You will get theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of biomedical activities that require expertise beyond the traditional disciplines of biomedicine, chemistry, or biology.
Active connections
The programme is carried out in close collaboration with regional industry representatives and provides an up-to-date overview of research and development work in the area of biomedical technology. Education is conducted by researchers and lecturers who participate in an industrially relevant research network called Biofilms – Research Centre for Biointerfaces. Our experimental facilities combine chemistry, cell and molecular biology, and bioanalytical laboratories.
Forms of study
We use different pedagogical forms with a strong focus on research questions in the development of biomedical products. Collaboration with the surrounding biomedical industry is carried out through CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate) projects.
What is Biomedical Surface Science?
Biomedical surface science refers to the knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and practical integration of surface chemistry in applied aspects of cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, and nanotechnology. Biomedical surface science also includes specialised knowledge of surface chemistry in applied areas of cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, nano-biotechnology, and colloid chemistry.
Major biomedical industries
Drugs and biotechnology:
- Small molecules — synthetic organic molecules
- Biologics — biological molecules made by living organisms (biotechnology)
Devices and diagnostics:
- Medical devices industry
- Diagnostics — IVD (in-vitro diagnostics)
Organization
To be awarded a Master’s degree (120 credits), the student is required to complete an independent project (thesis) comprising at least 30 credits in the main field of study. The thesis may comprise less than 30 credits, although no less than 15 credits if the student has already completed an independent project in the second cycle comprising at least 15 credits in the main field of study or the equivalent from a study program outside Sweden.
Course progression
The courses are to be completed in the order they are listed in the overview. For admission to the second-year courses, at least 45 credits are required from the first-year studies, or equivalent knowledge acquired by other means. To begin semester four the student must have achieved a passing grade in semesters one and two.
Credit transfer for courses taken elsewhere
Credit transfers are tested by the regulations outlined in Chapter 6, Sections 6 – 8 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance
Examination
The examination takes place individually and by the description included in the relevant course plan.
Right to retake
A student who fails to achieve a passing grade in the examination for a certain course or part of a course will be allowed to be re-examined twice on the same course content and with the same requirements. In addition, students also have the right to be examined on the same course on subsequent occasions when the course is given with the same rule applied. If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student has a right to re-examination on two occasions within one year of the introduction of the changes, based on the syllabus that was in place at the time the student registered for the course. Examination and re-examination take place at the time specified in each course’s respective schedule.
Grading scale
A - Excellent
B - Very Good
C - Good
D - Satisfactory
E - Pass
U – Fail
Degree and course certificates
- Degree and course certificates are issued by the regulations outlined in Chapter 6, Sections 9 – 11 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance
- Transition to PhD education or transition to third-cycle education
- At the Faculty of Health and Society, students with a Master’s degree in Biomedical Surface Science have the opportunity to conduct PhD studies, i.e. third-cycle education, within the field of biomedical sciences