Norrmalm, Sweden
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
14 Aug 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
19 Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
SEK 135,000 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* SEK first instalment 67,500 SEK| EU/EEA Citizens are not required to pay tuition fees.
Key Summary
Introduction
Would you like to be involved in the development of the healthcare and medicine of tomorrow? The cross-disciplinary Bioinformatics Master’s program combines biology with IT tools derived from computer science. You will have the opportunity to process, organise and analyse large biological data sets, enabling you to contribute to understanding (for example) disease progression and how patients respond to medical treatments.
This study programme aims to provide you with a range of specialist skills within the field of bioinformatics. You will also develop your capacity for independent problem-solving, planning, conducting analyses, and collating, processing, and critically evaluating results. Within the field of bioinformatics, you will study courses focusing on subjects including bioinformatical algorithms, programming, large-scale data analysis, and bioinformatical research and development. You will also perform a degree project within the field of bioinformatics. Your studies will combine lectures with laboratory work in an IT environment. You will learn about different computerised tools for the collation and analysis of data from research projects and biological experiments, as well as different methods for the analysis of (e.g.) DNA sequences and gene expression data.
Constituent courses in the study programme
This is a one-year study programme, and the first semester comprises four courses. The first two courses are Concepts and Methods of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatical Analysis with Python. These courses provide both a broad introduction to the field and a basic grounding in programming and algorithm development. They are followed by Bioinformatical Analysis with R and The Bioinformatical Research Process. Bioinformatical Analysis with R introduces the R programming language and the statistical analysis of large-scale biological data. The Bioinformatical Research Process includes a series of seminars that provide insight into relevant research. This also constitutes a preparatory course for the degree project. The second semester is devoted to the degree project, in which you will formulate and work with a relevant research problem.
Research within this field
Research within the field of bioinformatics is progressing rapidly. This can be divided into the development of new bioinformatical tools and the application of tools for the analysis of biological data. For the research group at the University of Skövde, the most important area for research currently concerns the identification of biomarkers. The group is conducting bioinformatical studies in the field of stem cell differentiation.
Admissions
Curriculum
The program's first semester consists of courses at the advanced level in bioinformatics to provide the necessary knowledge for further studies on the subject. For the majority of courses during the first semester, supervised exercises and assignments have a prominent role. These exercises are designed to develop skills in practical problem-solving through the application of relevant bioinformatics methods.
During the first semester, a course on current bioinformatics research problems is given which provides an introduction to research methodology, with a focus on methodology with relevance in bioinformatics. During the second semester, students will also carry out an independent thesis work of 30 credits. During the thesis work, the student should independently apply their knowledge to solve a current and relevant research problem in bioinformatics.
The following courses are included in the programme:
- Bioinformatic Analysis with Python 1 G1N, 7.5 credits
- Bioinformatics concepts and methods A1N, 7.5 credits
- Bioinformatics- the research process A1F, 7.5 credits
- Bioinformatics analysis with R A1N, 7.5 credits
- Master's Degree Project in Bioinformatics A1E, 30 credits
Program Outcome
Objectives for Bachelor's degree according to the Higher Education Ordinance
- Knowledge and understanding
- Proficiency and Ability
- Ability to Evaluate and Relate
- Local objectives for the study programme at the University of Skövde
Scholarships and Funding
The scholarships are partial tuition fee waivers (50% of the tuition fee). If you are granted, the amount will be automatically deducted from the tuition fee when you receive your invoice.
The scholarship is granted for one academic semester, but it can be extended to subsequent academic semesters provided that the student's study results are satisfactory. The scholarship granting criterion is academic merit. The scholarships can only be awarded to tuition-paying students (external link).
Please note that you have to be able to finance the remainder of the tuition fee yourself, and to cover all the living expenses during your stay in Sweden.
Important: Scholarships are awarded before the commencement of a master's programme. Students need to apply for scholarships before they receive their admissions results. Students must follow the scholarship application deadline indicated on this webpage. Please check the deadline and scholarship results dates below.
If you are already admitted or enrolled as a master's student at the University of Skövde, you are not currently eligible to apply for the University of Skövde Master's Scholarships.
Career Opportunities
The labour market within the field of bioinformatics is in a state of continual development. In line with rapidly increasing access to new biological data, there is a corresponding increase in the need for qualified bioinformaticians. Positions are available within scientific companies, including pharmaceutical companies. Depending on what you have studied in your basic studies, you could, for example, work as a molecular biologist by applying bioinformatical methods, or as a bioinformatician developing new bioinformatical methods and tools.
Opportunities for further study
Upon successful completion of this study programme, you may continue with a research programme in bioinformatics.