Human Biology

The MSc in Human Biology is a highly research oriented 2-year interdisciplinary elite programme, offering advanced theoretical and experimental training within the fields of biomedical and natural sciences.

The programme is offered in English.

The MSc in Human Biology focuses on the study of the biological processes affecting human beings. The broad study of human biology combined with substantial research and experimentation work gives students a unique set of biomedical and research skills. Graduates of the programme will be able to conduct independent research, as well as to evaluate and consult on complex problems relating to human health.

Profile and Career

Human Biology is a 2-year interdisciplinary elite MSc programme, offering advanced theoretical and experimental training. The programme focuses on integrated and mechanism oriented patophysiology and pharmacology in order to give the students a comprehensive and intuitive understanding of the human organism in health and disease.

The degree is aimed at students with a bachelor's degree from within all fields of health or natural sciences.

The MSc in Human Biology focuses on the study of the biological processes affecting human beings. The broad study of human biology combined with substantial research and experimentation work gives students a unique set of biomedical and research skills. Graduates of the programme will be able to conduct independent research, as well as to evaluate and consult on complex problems relating to human health.

After passing the exams in animal science and isotope techniques students will obtain legal licenses to perform independent research with these techniques. Thus, during the course of the two year study programme students will acquire the necessary skills and qualifications to start independent research careers.

As an international research-oriented degree, we admit a substantial number of international students to the course and all lectures, books and other materials are in English.

Career opportunities

With a degree in Human Biology you are prepared for a wide range of careers within research, development and consulting and is an excellent foundation for further PhD research. Over 50% of Human Biology students continue onto a PhD.

Graduates have found both public and private sector employment, in e.g. the biomedical industry, the environment sector, large biotechnology companies, food technology firms as well as research centers, hospitals and academic institutions.

The Human Biology programme has also established a committee made up of members of the National Research Council, scientists from private and public research groups, University lecturers as well as representatives from the programme itself who can assist students in networking and provide guidance on job prospects.

Programme Structure

First Year

In the first year, students are offered a number of short courses which provide basic introduction in the key areas of study as well as a number of comprehensive and advanced courses in the core curriculum. The classes include scientific theory, problem-solving exercises, laboratory work and patient demonstrations. There are lectures for the group as a whole, as well as project work and laboratory exercises in small teams.

Second Year

Students embark upon their master's thesis, which can be carried out at the University or combined with a research placement at pre-clinical or clinical laboratories and private or public institutions of the student's own choice. The one-year master's project gives the student substantial experience in individual, experimental work.

Study Abroad

It is possible to study abroad as part of your MSc in Human Biology. You may choose to study abroad for one semester or for a shorter period of time; e.g. by attending a summer school.

Writing Your Thesis Abroad

Some students have written their master's thesis in research departments abroad. The research placement is planned by the student in cooperation with their chosen host institution.

There may be tuition fees or other fees associated with research work at a foreign institution. All full-degree students at the University of Copenhagen who spend at least 3 months abroad can, however, apply to the KU internationalisation stipend which can be used for payment of tuition, books, travel.

If you have completed a Bachelor’s degree within the last 5 years or if you are enrolled in the final semester of a Bachelor’s programme, you are eligible to apply for the Master’s programme in Human Biology. Regardless of what university you are enrolled at, you can - if you meet the admission and language requirements - apply on the basis of a relevant Bachelor’s degree.Bachelor’s degrees that grant direct access?There are no Bachelor's degrees that grant direct access to the MSc in Human Biology. Relevant Bachelor's DegreesTo be admitted to the programme you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in medicine, odontology, biochemistry, biology, pharmaceutics, exercise and sport sciences or a corresponding Bachelor's degree within the fields of health sciences or natural sciences.Grade point average, language and graduation year requirements:Grade point average requirement: Applicants must provide documentation that their Bachelor's degree has been passed with a weighted average of 7 or above (Danish marking scale).Language requirements: You are required to document proficiency in English according to your background; see the language requirements.Graduation year requirement: You must have earned your Bachelor’s degree a maximum of 5 years prior to the start of the first semester of the Master’s programme.Admission restrictions:The programme accepts a maximum of 40 students.When selecting 40 among all the qualified students, the Board of Admission focus on overall academic achievements (grades, the relevancy of their degree and courses), CV (research experience, professionally relevant stays abroad), as well as the letter of motivation; English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 TOEFL paper-based test score : 600 TOEFL iBT® test: 100

Are there any scholarships available?

Yes, each year a limited number of scholarships will be available to applicants of non-EU/EEA countries. All eligible applicants are considered and the scholarships are awarded to the most academically outstanding students, based on an overall evaluation of academic level and the relevancy of the BSc degree, as prescribed by the Danish Government.

The scholarships are awarded once; upon acceptance to the programme, and they consist of a tuition fee waiver for the entire 2-year programme or a full stipend for the entire to year programme, depending on the number of qualified candidates. There is no separate application form for these scholarships.