MSc in Biology, spec. Molecular Biology
Area of Studies
natural sciences
Degree
Master
Degree (in English)
Master
Language(s)
- English
Course Duration
2 years / 4 semesters
ECTS points
180
Department
Maria Curie-Sklodowska University (Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology)
Tuition and Other Fees
Application fee: PLN 85
Tuition fee:
1st year € 4000
2nd year €4000
An Early Bird Discount of 150 euros is offered for the one-time payment for the first year of studies made by 30.06.2026!
Application Deadline(s)
Registration is open for the duration of the admission period (April - September) and will close once all vacancies are filled.
Course Description
Course Profile
With us you will deeply understand the molecular basis of life!
Master of Science (MSc) Molecular Biology programme is dedicated to candidates interested in obtaining state-of-the-art multidisciplinary knowledge crucial to understanding life processes at a molecular level along with examples of its applications. The acquisition of sound theoretical knowledge is complementary to the development of competences and professional skills relevant in scientific research and molecular analysis. The programme is closely linked to the highly regarded most up-to-date scientific research conducted at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology and supported by the expertise of external internationally renowned practitioners and academics to ensure the highest standards of education.
The MSc Molecular Biology programme ensures upper-level knowledge and skills in the area of biomolecular and biomedical sciences as well as biotechnology, acquired during both compulsory and elective courses. The core obligatory courses include, among others, advanced molecular biology, molecular microbiology, biochemistry, regulation of cellular processes, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, innovations in environmental microbiology and sustainable development, or molecular biology in entrepreneurship. The big advantage of our innovative programme is a high contribution of elective courses, to be chosen by students according to their interest. They include some complementary courses extending the basic or specialistic knowledge in the area of advanced genetics, proteomics and molecular modelling, as well as theme modules, providing specialisation in molecular biology for medicine or for environment and industry. Practical classes and laboratory training are of a high priority in our Molecular Biology programme representing more than 50% of the classes.
The students can also choose a topic of their individual research projects. This is an original research work realised for three semesters through the course of laboratory practice under the supervision of an experienced promoter and provides the results to prepare the diploma dissertation. The Molecular Biology MSc programme is in compliance with European teaching standards.
Job opportunities
The broad knowledge and sought-after competences and skills offered by this MSc programme open many career opportunities. Our graduates are well prepared to work in public or private research institutions, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, agro-industrial and human health or environmental-related companies. They can work as research staff or high-qualified technicians in laboratories of these sectors as well as in forensic laboratories and forensic medicine, and also as specialists in consultancy and training companies. They are well prepared for PhD studies.
Opportunities during your studies
Specialization – you will gain unique, practical skills whether you want to continue working in science or industry. You will get them during the classes provided in the curriculum, which is based on an analysis of the needs of employers in the labour market, as well as during your research project. You will feel that you are contributing something important to science, and the acquired knowledge and the ability to plan and conduct research using a variety of modern research methods will make you a specialist in the chosen area.
Development and cooperation – you can be active in numerous Students Scientific Clubs (e.g. Student Scientific Club of Biologists, Microbiologists, Biochemists, Biotechnologists, Neurobiologists, Phytochemists, Animal-Plant Interaction Students’ Group, Nature Photographers) and take part in interesting research projects, scientific conferences, educational actions and events popularizing science (e.g. Night of Biologists, Lublin Science Festival, Fascination of Plants Day).
Comprehensive soft (human) skills – you will learn to solve problems, analyse data, be creative and influence reality; individually and in teams. These are key skills for your future career.
Innovation – your studies require a creative approach to understanding functioning of living organisms. The ability to look at the world from a new perspective is a sought-after trait in the job market.
The whole world at your fingertips – you will join the unique multicultural, multinational society of our Faculty and the University located in Lublin – being an academic city and European Youth Capital 2023. You will meet students from all over the world and reputable international team of academic teachers and researchers. Moreover, in frame of student exchange programmes (e.g. Erasmus+) you can spend one semester studying at universities abroad (including in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, or Turkey).
The study programme does not include internship.
Education Requirements
- Admission is open to both Polish citizens and international students.
- The programme is offered on a tuition-fee paying basis to candidates holding a Bachelor's degree diploma in Biology, Biotechnology and other related disciplines* like Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Protection, etc. (or equivalent diploma), which entitles them to undertake the Master’s degree programme in the country where the documents were issued. Documents must be appended with a legalisation or an apostille.
*The Faculty Commission determines whether the specific content of undergraduate degree courses meets the admission requirements of our master’s programme. - Polish and EU citizens, as well as other candidates who are eligible under the same regulations*, can study for free if places are available. One tuition‑free place is offered. *For more detailed information, please contact the UMCS Admissions Office.
- A candidate must submit a complete set of application documents, including the NAWA individual recognition statement and English certificate (more information in Application Documents tab).
- Registration is open within the admission period (April - September) and until all the available vacancies are filled.
- The required registration fee payment is PLN 85. Please check the instructions on how to make a payment in the system.
Other Requirements
After creating your IRK account, fill in all the required fields in the application portal. Prepare and upload the following documents as one combined PDF file:
- Passport Bio Page: A clear scan showing all personal details
- Academic Documents: Original Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript of records/supplement. Academic documents issued from outside of Poland must be submitted together with an apostille or legalization.
- A sworn translation of academic documents is required when the documents are issued in a language other than Polish. However, for the basic document review at recruitment stage, the English version of academic documents is sufficient. For translation services please visit the- DATABASE OF SWORN TRANSLATORS.
- A NAWA recognition statement https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition/how-to-obtain-a-recognition-statement,NB: Please verify if your documents require the NAWA Individual recognition certificate or they are recognised automatically: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition/recognition-for-academic-purposes/applying-for-admission-to-second-cycle-studies
- An English language certificate at a minimum B2 level according to the rules: https://rekrutacja.umcs.pl/en/language-requirements/
- Eligibility Statement: A formal statement confirming your eligibility to pursue further studies
- A medical certificate confirming no health contradictions which might hinder the candidate to undertake the biology programme
- A copy of health insurance or the signed obligation form (Request the form from the admissions office)
- Candidate Profile Form: Complete all required fields in the online portal, download the generated profile (via the IRK system), print it, enter the date, and sign it by hand.
Note: Maria Curie Sklodowska University in Lublin reserves the right to ask for additional support documents as part of the admission process. If you need any assistance, please contact the UMCS Admissions Office.
Contact
Admission enquiries
Email: studyinenglish@mail.umcs.pl
Phone: +48 519 464 828 (English speaking candidates only, 9.00-15.00 CET, WhatsApp)
Enquiries about course content, structure and syllabus
Other
Next begins
1st OctoberMaria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin
pl. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
phone: phone: +48 519 464 828 (English speaking candidates only)
email: studyinenglish@umcs.pl
www: https://www.umcs.pl/en/

