Master in Genetics
Vilnius, Lithuania
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Jul 2027*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 1 May for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries | 1 July for citizens of EU/EFTA
Key Summary
About: The Master in Genetics at Vilnius University trains students through original experimental projects in molecular, plant, human and microbial genetics, gene engineering, cytogenetics and genotoxicology. The programme pairs theory with practical lab assignments, uses modern equipment, and ends with a final thesis. It prepares students for independent scientific and professional work in genetic technologies, genomics, biomedicine and biotechnology, and includes the Coimbra Group Cancer Biology exchange.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work in the biotechnological and biomedical industry, research institute, or educational institutions. They can pursue doctoral studies and roles such as research scientist, technician, genetic analyst, biotech R&D specialist.
The Genetics programme aims to develop experience through experimental work in genetics. This is done by original experimental work in various fields of genetics, including molecular, plant, and human genetics or the genetics of microorganisms, gene engineering, cytogenetics and genotoxicology. The programme provides students with the modern knowledge and practical skills in genetics necessary for an independent scientific and professional career in the rapidly developing areas of genetic technologies, biomedicine and biotechnologies.
Why choose this programme?
- Studies based not just on theory, but also on practical scientific assignments.
- A final thesis that is based on original research work in a chosen scientific field.
- Modern equipment and labs where students can carry out their scientific projects.
- Gaining the skills needed for a professional career.
- The possibility to take part in the Coimbra Group Cancer Biology international exchange project
Students from the EU/EEA, Lithuanian nationals residing abroad, and persons of Lithuanian origin may be eligible to apply for a state-funded study place.
Scope of studies: 120 ECTS credits
Length: 2 years
1st Semester
Compulsory courses
- Methods in Molecular Genetics
- Bioinformatic Analysis of Big Data
Elective courses*
- Epigenetics
- Genome Evolution
- Data Analysis with R
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Oncogenetics
- Human Genome Analysis
- Synthetic Biology
- Eukaryotic Chromosome Structure
2nd Semester
Compulsory courses
- Genotoxicology
- Recombinogenesis and DNA Repair
- Term Research Project
- Applied Plant Genetics and Genomics
Elective courses*
- Behaviour Genetics
- Molecular Virology
- Cell Technologies
3rd Semester
Compulsory courses
- Term Research Project
Elective courses*
- Epigenetics
- Genome Evolution
- Data Analysis with R
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Oncogenetics
- Human Genome Analysis
- Synthetic Biology
- Eukaryotic Chromosome Structure
4th Semester
Compulsory courses
- Master Thesis
*Requirements of minimal/maximal number of registered students may be applied.
The holder of a Master’s degree in Genetics has a good working knowledge of molecular, human and plant genetics, cytogenetics, genotoxicology and gene informatics, and is competent in carrying out original investigations in the fields of theoretical and applied genetics, molecular biology and genotoxicology. He/she will also acquire IT, teamwork, critical and analytical thinking skills, while developing the ability to extend his knowledge without guidance, and will be ready to hold personal responsibility for his/her professional development.
The VU LSC students of MSc Genetics can participate in the Coimbra Group Cancer Biology Project. The purpose of this project is for students to extend their knowledge and concentrate on their studies and research projects in the field of Cancer Biology.
Students from the EU/EEA, Lithuanian nationals residing abroad, and persons of Lithuanian origin may be eligible to apply for a state-funded study place.
- A graduate may choose to work in the biotechnological and biomedical industry at the research institutions of biomedical profile and educational institutions.
- The analytical knowledge of our graduates could be improved through doctoral studies in the fields of Biology (genetics), Molecular Biology or Biochemistry.
