Molecular Biology

The MSc in Molecular Biology programme is both practical and research-oriented, reflecting the interests of business and industry, research institutions, and the public sector. This flexible programme accommodates the interests of each individual student because it allows you to specialise in a particular subject area, while acquiring a general mastery of molecular biology. SPECIALISATION Students can choose to specialise within a choice of fields, including one of the five branches of molecular biology in which Aarhus University is particularly strong: plant molecular biology, neurobiology, RNA biology and innovation, protein science and cellular health, and intervention and nutrition. The study programme can be tailored to fit your qualifications and interests. In the first year, you will follow a course programme based on your specialisation choices. In the second year, you will write a thesis. There are excellent opportunities for collaboration with research groups in connection with your thesis project work, and this gives you the chance to participate in the research group’s projects, academic discussions, and publications. WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH The teaching at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics is greatly influenced by the research conducted here, as all the lecturers are active researchers. This means our students gain insights into ongoing research projects across the entire spectrum of molecular biology – from bacteria and yeast to humans. Our understanding of biochemistry and molecular biology is based upon the entire spectrum, from atoms to organisms. STUDENT LIFE Students in the programme are based at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, which is located in the University City. Here the students have their own facility, Die Rote Zone, where they can study, socialise, and hold Friday bars. A number of student organisations in the department also organise academic and social activities. CAREERS As a molecular biologist, you will primarily be working with finding solutions to the many health and food challenges faced by our society due to ageing populations and more stringent standards for food development and quality. These areas are growing rapidly – a trend that is expected to continue. The employment prospects for future molecular biologists therefore look very promising. Graduates of the Molecular Biology MSc programme are very much in demand in both the Danish and international job markets. Previous graduates are working across a wide range of fields and institutions, mostly within research, production, and administration and consultancy, in both private and public sectors. Graduates who prefer to work with people and communications often go into teaching at lab-technician and teacher-training colleges or adult education, become medical writers, or communication specialists e.g. at museums. Other molecular biologists work in specialist molecular biology fields in the food industry, the health sector, or the pharmaceutical industry. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Students must have a Bachelor of Science degree with subject components in molecular biology equalling 60 ECTS credits, as well as basic subject components in mathematics, chemistry, and statistics. Other qualifications can also provide admission to the Master’s programme, provided the university assesses that their level, extent, and content correspond to the degrees mentioned above. SELECTION CRITERIA As the Master’s programme admits only a limited number of students each year, meeting the admission requirements does not in itself guarantee admission to the programme. Student places are allocated on the basis of an overall assessment. In evaluating qualified applicants, the admissions committee assesses applicants according to the following criteria: academic background; overall grade level of bachelor’s degree; grades achieved on relevant courses; and relevant courses (measured in credit units) included in the bachelor’s degree. Relevant courses include core courses within the subject areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, chemistry, mathematics, probability theory, and statistics. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION In general, admission to a master’s degree programme requires successful completion of a relevant and recognised university degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree in level and length (180 ECTS). In addition, you must meet the specific requirements for the individual programme, including language requirements. If you wish to study a master’s degree at Aarhus University, please check out our page ‘Am I qualified for admission’: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission If you are curious about how to submit a master’s degree application to Aarhus University, then make sure to check out our ‘Apply Now’ page. Here you can find information about relevant fees, guides, and video tutorials on how to use the application portal: https://masters.au.dk/apply-now There are the same English language requirements for all international students with a few exceptions. The general English language requirements for master’s degrees can be found here: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission/english-language-requirements Aarhus University offers a limited number of Danish state scholarships for highly qualified non-EU students applying for master’s degrees. You can read more about scholarships here: https://masters.au.dk/scholarships-and-grants Students from outside the EU are generally required to pay tuition and application fee. You can consult our page Tuition fees for master’s degree programmes: https://masters.au.dk/tuitionfees Would you like to chat with a fellow student from your country, or with someone who studies the programme you are interested in? You can get help with your questions from Aarhus University’s Student Ambassadors: https://international.au.dk/education/meetau/chat-with-our-students/

Living costs€1,500 a month in Aarhus, rent included

€18,000

Living costs from SiT estimate from livingcost.org city data (Nov 2026), converted from USD at the ECB reference rate of 30 Oct 2026 (1 EUR = 1.1172 USD)

Typical requirements in Denmark for this degree level. Your advisor gives you the final list.

• A completed qualification that gives access to Master's Degree study.
• Academic transcripts and any programme-specific assessment the institution asks for.
• Your advisor checks the final requirements for your education system and intake.

Confirm the accepted English-language evidence with the institution for the selected intake.

Prepare for and book LanguageCert Academic with SIT Connect

A typical checklist for this degree level. Your advisor gives you the final list.

The central catalogue records this programme as accredited.