Master's Programme in Bioinformatics – Computer Science Background

120 credits

Do you have a computer science background and wish to focus on the exciting interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics? If you want to combine computer science, mathematics and biology, then the Master's Programme in Bioinformatics is designed for you. The knowledge you will acquire is central to many areas of research, such as studying genetic diseases in humans, building the tree of life or developing new types of pharmaceuticals.

Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees.

Location
Uppsala
Pace of study
100%
Teaching form
On-campus
Instructional time
Daytime
Start date
1 September 2025
Language of instruction
English
Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is:

  • 30 credits in mathematics; and
  • 30 credits in computer science including 5 credits in database design.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Selection

Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.

Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.

Fees
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
  • First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
  • Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000

Read more about fees.

Application deadline
15 January 2025
Application code
UU-M1751
Additional information

In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit a programme-specific application summary sheet Pdf, 145 kB..

Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.

As modern methodologies in biomedicine and evolutionary biology generate ever-increasing amounts of data, such as DNA sequences, the need for advanced data management and analysis grows. Bioinformaticians acquire unique skills not only to utilise but also to develop tools that transform data into valuable information and make relevant conclusions. If you have a background in computer science and want to develop skills to be a part of the rapid development of bioinformatics, then this entry into the Master's programme in Bioinformatics is ideal.

During the programme, you can expect to:

  • meet researchers who are experts in their fields,
  • gain practical experience through projects in research groups or companies,
  • build a comprehensive network and establish connections with potential future employers.

Our teachers, who are active researchers, support you in building a broad network and establishing contacts that can lead to future career opportunities. After completing the programme, you may conduct research at a university or work with clinical applications in a hospital.

Student profile

You likely have a background in computer science and mathematics. Ideally, you possess practical experience in applying your skills, beyond just theoretical knowledge. You are analytically minded, with the capability and readiness to articulate your ideas effectively both in writing and verbally. Proficiency in English comes naturally to you, and you appreciate that a career in this field involves engaging with and presenting to specialists from various disciplines.

A PhD may be a potential next step for you, but opportunities in research or development, whether in Sweden or internationally, are also distinct possibilities for your future.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Bioinformatics as the main field of study. It is also possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).

The Master's Programme in Bioinformatics will provide you with both theoretical and practical knowledge in biology, data analysis and statistics, as well as bioinformatic methods and their applications. Through project-based courses, you will also learn how to plan, execute and finalise projects.

You will attend some courses together with students in the Master's Programme in Molecular Biotechnology Engineering, specialising in Bioinformatics.

Year 1

In the first semester, as a student with computer science background you will take the course Introduction to molecular biology, genetics and evolution. In parallel, you will, together with all students in the programme, take the course Introduction to Bioinformatics, which presents important concepts and methods within bioinformatics.

The second semester includes courses such as Genome Analysis, Molecular Evolution, Knowledge-Based Systems in Bioinformatics, Statistical Inference for Technological Applications and Big Data in Life Sciences.

Year 2

During the second year, you will take more specialised courses in bioinformatics, for example:

  • Phylogenetic Analysis
  • Proteomics and Metabolomics
  • Applied Bioinformatics
  • Population Genomic Analysis

You can also individualise your studies by doing research training.

The second year finishes with a degree project carried out at a company, government agency, one of our research departments at Uppsala University or another university in Sweden or abroad.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

The teaching is composed of lectures, computer exercises, seminars and project work performed either individually or in a group.

The content of our courses is directly linked to current research, and our teachers are active researchers with substantial specialist knowledge. Through guest lecturers who work in various bioinformatics environments and projects, you will gain insight into how a bioinformatician works and what skills are particularly important in the professional world.

You will also get suggestions about important courses or useful software tools, as well as information about especially creative research environments. The contact network you get will provide you with the opportunity to form relationships with future employers during the programme.

The programme is given in Uppsala and the language of instruction is English.

Depending on your specialisation in the second year, you may work with research and development at:

  • universities,
  • hospitals,
  • pharmaceutical companies,
  • biotech companies.

Currently, most of our alumni are working in research-related environments in academy or in close collaboration with the universities. Government agencies such as the Swedish Food Agency and the Public Health Agency of Sweden are also pursuing exciting developments in bioinformatics. The biotechnology industry and hospitals have an increasing need for bioinformaticians.

The job market is international since methods and problems are similar in all parts of the world. Our research departments have collaborations worldwide, and their contact networks will be a valuable resource for you.

Uppsala University has an excellent international reputation, and a Master's degree in Bioinformatics from Uppsala University will provide you with an internationally recognised qualification that opens doors to both academic research and a career in industry, in Sweden and internationally.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.

Contact

  • For programme-specific questions, please contact:
  • bioinf-master@ibg.uu.se
  • For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
  • study@uu.se
Specialisations of this programme

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