UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN · DENMARK
Master of Science (MSc) in Bioinformatics
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€17k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 yearsDuration
- 120 ECTSCredits
- EnglishLanguage of Instruction
- 2 specialisations: Computational Biology or Computer ScienceSpecialisations
- Opportunity for Project in Practice or Study AbroadPractical Experience
- 60Available Study Places
The Master of Science (MSc) in Bioinformatics program at the University of Copenhagen equips students with the skills to tackle complex biological challenges using a combination of computational, statistical, and computer science methods. You will gain a deep understanding of core bioinformatics principles, including sequence analysis, protein and RNA structural analysis, genomics, phylogenetics, analysis of high-throughput data, and machine learning. The program is taught entirely in English. This interdisciplinary field is crucial for modern biology and medicine, enabling advancements in areas like precision medicine and pharmaceutical research. Graduates are highly sought after in both academic and private sectors, ready to contribute to biological data analysis across various domains. Students can choose to specialize in either Computational Biology or Computer Science, tailoring their studies to specific interests within the broad field of bioinformatics.
Curriculum
The MSc in Bioinformatics is a two-year program comprising 120 ECTS credits. Students can choose to specialize in Computational Biology or Computer Science. The program structure includes compulsory courses, restricted elective courses, and elective courses. You can also opt for a 'Project in Practice' or a study abroad period.
- Year 1
- Statistics for Bioinformatics and eScienceNMA K14029U
- Biological Sequence AnalysisNBIA05008U
- Structural BioinformaticsNBIA05014U
- Population GeneticsNBIA09043U
- Data Science for GenomicsNBIK23000U
- Restricted elective course
- Year 2
- Master's thesis
Careers
Graduates of the MSc in Bioinformatics program are well-prepared for a variety of roles in both academia and the private sector. The skills acquired are in high demand due to the increasing importance of data analysis in biological and medical research.
- Bioinformatician
- Data Scientist in Life Sciences
- Computational Biologist
- Researcher in Pharmaceutical Industry
- Analyst in Precision Medicine
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees of 62,500 DKK per semester apply to guest students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland for short-term, non-degree studies. EU/EEA/Swiss and Danish students are not charged tuition fees.
- How long is the Master of Science (MSc) in Bioinformatics programme and what are the specializations available?
- The MSc in Bioinformatics is a two-year program comprising 120 ECTS credits. Students can choose to specialize in either Computational Biology or Computer Science.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc in Bioinformatics?
- A relevant bachelor's degree is required, with at least 5 ECTS in basic mathematics and programming/computer science. Additionally, applicants need a minimum of 30 ECTS in either biology/molecular biology/genetics/biochemistry OR statistics/computer science/mathematics/physics.
- What is the language of instruction for this programme?
- The programme is taught entirely in English.
- When is the application deadline for international students?
- For non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants, the deadline is January 15th. For EU/EEA/Swiss applicants, the deadline is March 1st.
- What career opportunities can graduates expect?
- Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as Bioinformatician, Data Scientist in Life Sciences, Computational Biologist, or Researcher in the Pharmaceutical Industry.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA relevant bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) is required. Applicants must have completed courses equivalent to at least 5 ECTS in basic mathematics and programming/basic computer science with a focus on practical programming skills. Additionally, they need courses in biology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS OR courses in statistics, computer science, mathematics, and physics corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS.
University of Copenhagen Bachelor's degreesCertain bachelor's degrees from the University of Copenhagen, such as Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Machine Learning and Data Science, or Physics, may automatically fulfill the academic requirements.
New Admission Requirements (for 2027/28 onwards)For applications starting November 2026/January 2027, requirements include: at least 10 ECTS in basic mathematics, 10 ECTS in biology/molecular biology/genetics/biochemistry, 5 ECTS in programming, 10 ECTS in bioinformatics, and 5 ECTS in machine learning.
English B levelDocumented English proficiency at level B is required unless you have legal right of admission.
For applicants applying for admission from the academic year 2027/28, updated requirements for ECTS credits in specific subjects will apply. Applicants with a legal right of admission are guaranteed a place if they apply in time. Prioritization for other applicants is based on ECTS credits in relevant courses, grades in relevant courses, and overall GPA.
Fees
Tuition (international)62,500 DKK per semester
Tuition (home)No tuition fee for EU/EEA/Swiss students or Danish students.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition fees apply to guest students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland for short-term, non-degree studies. The stated fee is for the Faculty of Science, where Bioinformatics is typically housed. Fees are subject to change and confirmation with the university is advised.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityVerify that your previous academic qualifications meet the specific entry requirements for the MSc in Bioinformatics, including ECTS credits in relevant subjects and English language proficiency.
2. Prepare DocumentsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, diplomas, and proof of English language proficiency. Refer to the university's website for a complete list based on your educational background and nationality.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form on the university's admission portal. For non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants, the application window typically opens on November 15th, with a deadline of January 15th for September intake. For EU/EEA/Swiss applicants, the window opens January 16th with a deadline of March 1st.
4. Application AssessmentThe university will assess your application based on academic merit and documentation. For programs with limited places, prioritization criteria include ECTS credits in relevant courses, grades, and GPA.
5. Receive DecisionAdmission decisions are typically sent out by mid-March for EU/EEA/Swiss applicants and by the end of May for non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees of 62,500 DKK per semester apply to guest students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland for short-term, non-degree studies. EU/EEA/Swiss and Danish students are not charged tuition fees.
How long is the Master of Science (MSc) in Bioinformatics programme and what are the specializations available?
+
The MSc in Bioinformatics is a two-year program comprising 120 ECTS credits. Students can choose to specialize in either Computational Biology or Computer Science.
What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc in Bioinformatics?
+
A relevant bachelor's degree is required, with at least 5 ECTS in basic mathematics and programming/computer science. Additionally, applicants need a minimum of 30 ECTS in either biology/molecular biology/genetics/biochemistry OR statistics/computer science/mathematics/physics.
What is the language of instruction for this programme?
+
The programme is taught entirely in English.
When is the application deadline for international students?
+
For non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants, the deadline is January 15th. For EU/EEA/Swiss applicants, the deadline is March 1st.
What career opportunities can graduates expect?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as Bioinformatician, Data Scientist in Life Sciences, Computational Biologist, or Researcher in the Pharmaceutical Industry.