MSc Molecular Techniques in Life Science
The joint master's programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science prepares graduates for a professional research career in life science. It has a strong focus on molecular techniques for disease therapies and diagnostic tools, coupled with substantial training in data analysis (bioinformatics and programming). The programme is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet, KTH and Stockholm University at the Science for Life Laboratory in Stockholm, offering students the unique opportunity to study at all three institutions.
Molecular Techniques in Life Science at KTH
Our understanding of biology at the molecular level has improved significantly in recent years, thanks to rapid technological advancements in molecular techniques across all areas of life science. This has led to the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools for effective disease treatment, as well as to novel insights into complex cellular processes at the molecular level.
Through the master's programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science, you will receive a comprehensive education in life science. The programme emphasises cutting-edge methods in bioinformatic analysis of molecular data, including learning how to programme, combined with state-of-the-art techniques used in modern "high-throughput" molecular biology.
The programme is delivered by a team of teachers who are internationally recognised researchers in their respective disciplines, ensuring a curriculum at the forefront of research. There is a strong focus on high-throughput biology and data analysis, including biostatistics, programming, and the translation of biological findings from the lab bench to the patient's bedside.
In addition to subject-specific knowledge and skills, you will develop skills in scientific communication, teamwork, and addressing ethical and societal aspects of life science research.
This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) in English. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science. The programme leads to a joint degree from Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm University and KTH, issued by KTH.
Programme structure and progression
During the first year at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, you build a foundation in molecular life science through courses in molecular genetics, genomics, translational medicine, biostatistics, programming and bioinformatics. You also develop practical skills in molecular life science methods and large-scale biological data analysis.
In the second year at KTH, you deepen your knowledge through advanced courses in applied gene technology and proteomics, combined with elective courses in systems biology, drug development or molecular life science projects. The programme concludes with the degree project.
Degree project
In the last semester of the programme, you will carry out a degree project. The research topic will be related to a subject in the curriculum. You will perform the project either in a research group at Karolinska Institutet, KTH, Stockholm University, Science for Life Laboratory, another internationally recognised university or research institute, or within industry. In recent years, students have carried out their projects at Harvard Medical School and the University of Oxford, among other institutions. Examples of previous degree project topics are:
- Molecular mechanisms of exercise effects on cancer.
- Use of conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (GANS) for introducing lesions to mammogram data of healthy individuals.
- Cryo-EM identification of plant cytosolic ribosome-associated protein.
- Modulation of B cell autoimmunity in experimental Myasthenia gravis with tolerogenic nanoparticles.
- Exploring adipose tissue through spatial ATAC sequencing
Courses in the programme
The courses in the programme cover topics such as bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, molecular life science methods, programming, biostatistics, and translational medicine.
Courses in the master's programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science
Future and career
The combination of molecular biology, biotechnology, medicine and data analysis provides a strong foundation for a research career in academia or the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The expanding global life sciences sector also offers graduates a broad range of career opportunities.
Many graduates pursue academic careers at leading universities such as the University of Cambridge and ETH Zürich, or join the EMBL International PhD Programme. Those who remain in Sweden often undertake doctoral studies at one of the three universities offering the programme: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm University or KTH. Others work at major life science companies such as Novo Nordisk, Roche and AstraZeneca, as well as at smaller companies.
KTH’s active alumni association connects current students with programme graduates through online and on-campus events.
Sustainable development
Graduates from KTH have the knowledge and tools for moving society in a more sustainable direction, as sustainable development is an integral part of all programmes. The three key sustainable development goals addressed by the master's programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science are:
After graduating from the master's programme, you will be equipped to contribute to UN Goals #3 Good Health and Well-being and #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (subgoal 9.5 - Enhance scientific research) since the programme focuses on training students to understand, use, and develop molecular techniques for disease therapies and diagnostic tools, with the aim of translating biological discoveries into medicine. This may also include conditions primarily affecting women and developing countries, hence addressing UN Goal #5 Gender Equality.
Faculty and research
Karolinska Institutet , KI, is Sweden’s largest medical and biomedicine education and research institution. It is ranked among the top universities in its field and placed 53rd amongst all universities in the THE World University Rankings 2026. KI teachers engaged in courses within the programme are all active researchers in basic or clinical research.
Stockholm University hosts one of the largest science faculties in Sweden, and the programme’s teachers are active researchers in bioinformatics, biophysics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The Stockholm University faculty at the Science for Life Laboratory has developed several widely used research tools, including projects such as, Pfam Pcons , and GROMACS .
The School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health at KTH hosts strong research groups affiliated with the programme within, for example, gene technology, bioinformatics, and proteomics. In particular, the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health is home to the Spatial Transcriptomics and the Human Protein Atlas projects.
