Master's Programme in Medical Research

During the first year, you will attend five courses providing you with thorough knowledge of current biomedical research concepts, techniques and approaches to analysis. You will learn about important concepts of genetic and genomic research phenotypes and diseases, followed by training in advanced molecular methods, processes in cell- and tumour-biology, as well as bioinformatic tools for analysis and presentation of data. The courses are organised by researchers on the forefront of the topics from the organising department, as well as other universities and research institutes.

The second year consists of individual research practice and a degree project for which you choose the project and research group yourself. You will immerse yourself in a research area of your choice by planning and carrying out experimental work, as well as critically evaluating and summarising the results under supervision. The individual research project training consists of a 18-week-long individual project during the third semester and a degree project of approximately 20 weeks during the fourth semester. In parallel, a scientific writing and presentation training will prepare you for important aspects of scientific communication.

Courses within the programme

Semester 1

• Comparative Genomics for Biomedicine, 15 credits
• Biomedical Research Methodology, 15 credits

Semester 2

• Cellular Communication, 7.5 credits
• Cell and Tumour Biology, 7.5 credits
• Bioinformatics, 15 credits

Semester 3

• Advanced Research Training, 30 credits

Semester 4

• Degree Project, 30 credits

All scheduled education is given by leading experts from the Uppsala-Stockholm region in the form of lectures, seminars and practical exercises summarising advances in current research and providing contact with the lecturing researchers.

Each course during the first year includes various teaching moments, such as lectures, seminars, group assignments as well as discussions with and feedback from the teachers and your peer students. Practical exercises include laboratory work and bioinformatic analyses, dependent on the topic of the course. The courses end with an exam, whereas completion of other obligatory assignments (such as written reports and oral presentations) is necessary for passing the course. The first year of the programme is given on campus in Uppsala.

The second year consists of individual research practice performed at scientific groups at universities, companies or governmental agencies in Sweden or abroad. Besides participation in all activities of the research group, the project will be followed up during regular discussions on the selection of research methods and experiences of the internships with your peer students and course leader. Knowledge and results will be communicated as oral presentations, a scientific review article and a written thesis.

The language of instruction is English.

As a student of the Master's Programme in Medical Research, you will most likely continue with research and development in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry or academic research environments. However, the programme also provides an excellent background for you to work in other sectors, such as in governmental agencies, journalism or the educational sector. The strong emphasis on critical thinking as well as oral and written communication within scientific and popular scientific contexts will give you a broad basis to master biomedical and bioinformatic knowledge and tasks.

The majority of our alumni have continued their careers in academic environments, applying their knowledge and experiences from their Master's studies to the benefit of biomedicine, neuroscience, bioinformatics, medical genetics or similar subjects. According to our alumni, the involvement in research projects of their own interest during the whole second year of studies directly increased their employability and benefitted their careers. Many alumni have continued to conduct research in the same subject and under the continued mentorship of their project supervisors, finding their future employers already before or within six months after graduation.

Prerequisites for international alumni to tie their future careers to Sweden and Scandinavia, as well as for Swedish students to be competitive in the international labour market, are created during the programme studies - mainly by exposing students to experiences that are preparatory for work in multidisciplinary and international environments as well as encouraging for research experiences outside Sweden. Our goal is to continue providing practical experiences, developing the independent and collaborative abilities of our students as well as contributing to the professional network of contacts for your potential future career.

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. Learn more about UU Careers.