Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (MPI-nat), Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-ds), European Neuroscience Institute Göttingen (ENI-G), German Primate Center (DPZ), German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Göttingen (DZNE)
English
After one year of intensive coursework, students of this integrated Master's/PhD programme can continue with a six-month thesis to obtain a Master of Science degree, or they can join the PhD part directly (with the fast-track option).
15 January of the year of enrolment
Study concept
The integrated Master's/PhD programme offers excellent study and research conditions to prepare aspiring young scientists for a professional career in academia or science-related professions in the private or public sector. At every stage of their studies, the students are exposed to a broad spectrum of theoretical and practical training, individual counselling and guidance to prepare for taking well-informed decisions on their next career steps.
Study contents
In 36 lecture weeks (accompanied by tutorials), 20 methods courses during the first three months of the Master's programme, and three eight-week research projects (lab rotations), students acquire in-depth knowledge in the following subject areas of neurosciences:
Molecular Biology, Neurogenetics, Physiology, Neuropharmacology, Neuronal Development, Neuroanatomy, Sensory, Motor and Clinical Neurosciences, Higher Brain Functions, Computational Neurosciences, and Statistics.
Professional skills such as good scientific practice, scientific writing, presentation techniques, design of scientific illustrations, and handling of experimental animals are taught in workshops and applied during lab rotations and reporting seminars.
In addition, all foreign students can participate in free German language courses, which are optionally offered at different levels as introductory intensive courses and evening courses throughout the study programme.
During the subsequent PhD studies, students benefit from the wide range of qualifications (scientific methods courses, professional skills workshops, industry excursions, language courses, other events) offered by the Graduate School GAUSS and the Graduate Center GGNB.
Annual retreats of the Neuroscience programme, the Neurizons student-organised international symposium and regular cultural nights contribute to a close personal and scientific exchange.
Financial Support
All MSc students are supported by a stipend of the Max Planck Society, and additional funds are available during the doctoral studies. More details can be found in the "Cost/Funding" section.
Counselling and support
Newly admitted students receive info letters in preparation of their studies, advising services, and a variety of administrative support as part of a two-week orientation programme prior to their first year of study. Throughout their studies, students receive individual counselling from members of the programme regarding their course of study and the advancement of their skills, interests, and personal development.
Awards
The Neurosciences programme is regularly evaluated by independent external reviewers and has been rated several times as a model best practice example. Together with the Molecular Biology programme, it received the 2004 prize for excellent support services for foreign students by the Federal Foreign Minister and was awarded the label "Top 10 International Master's Degree Courses made in Germany" by "Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft" together with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in a national contest.
The international programme is a joint venture of the University of Göttingen, the University Medical Center, the German Primate Center, the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization. Leading scientists of all partners offer research-oriented training across a broad spectrum of modern molecular life sciences with access to their state-of-the art laboratories during methods courses and individually supervised research projects.
Intensive course programme in the first year
During the first year of research-oriented training, students earn 90 credits (ECTS) in a combination of theoretical and practical modules between October and July:
The first year of study concludes with a written and two oral Master’s examinations in August.
Integrated Master’s/PhD concept
After successful completion of the Master’s examinations, a six-month Master’s thesis (30 credits ECTS) leads to the award of the Master of Science degree concluding the Master’s programme after 18 months. The majority of students continues in the Molecular Biology programme with their PhD research without the need for panel-based admission interviews.
Alternatively, students who have passed the Master’s examinations at the end of the first year with good or excellent results qualify for direct admission to a three-year doctoral project in one of the participating research groups without being required to complete a Master's thesis first (fast-track option).
During the Master's year, all students carry out three lab rotations of eight weeks in the research labs of the programme or in research labs of participating local industry. During the doctoral phase, there is the option of research collaboration with other research institutions. A wide range of methods courses are offered in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell staining and imaging, electrophysiology, systems physiology, light and electron microscopy, and genetics.
Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid public transport ticket valid in regional trains ("Nahverkehrszüge") and buses/trams in Germany free of charge. University of Göttingen students receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 900 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age and living expenses depend on personal standards.
For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html.
Master's stipends: All students are supported by an International Max Planck Research School Stipend throughout their Master's studies unless they receive comparable scholarships from other sources. This stipend amounts to 934 EUR/month plus a health insurance subsidy of up to 100 EUR/month (in the case that their health insurance is not covered by their home insurance or family insurance).
PhD funding: During their PhD studies, students are usually funded by the supervising institution through work/funding contracts. The programme has a budget available for start-up, bridging, or wrap-up funding as needed.
Student activities: Budgets are available for students to attend international scientific conferences and student-organised, scientific or cultural events.
Previous education
Selection
The online application portal is open for each application round from 15 September to 15 January (start of studies: October).
In addition to the information on personal background and motivation and the upload of all relevant documents, the contact details of two reviewers for letters of recommendation should also be provided. The reviewers should be informed by the students in time about the planned application.
All applicants will be informed in the second half of January whether they have qualified for the second selection round (15-minute online interviews at the end of January).
During a third selection round in mid-February, admission decisions are made on the basis of two personal interviews (30 minutes each).
Applications are welcome even if the required degree has not been awarded by the time of application, as long as this will be conferred before courses start in October.
Very good knowledge of English is required. If English is not the native language, the language skills can be proven, for example, by an internationally-recognised language test, an English-language Bachelor's degree or an extended stay in an English-speaking country. Knowledge of the German language is not required.
15 January of the year of enrolment
For online application, see: https://gpneuro.uni-goettingen.de
The Neurosciences programme offers support in finding accommodation for all admitted international students. This service includes rooms in the dormitories of the Student Services ("Studentenwerk") and privately-run dormitories as well as single room apartments on the private housing market (to a limited extend).
Additional information on the housing market in Göttingen can be found on the website of the Accommodation Service of the International Office: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html.
By offering a wide range of services including a tailored workshop programme, the GAUSS Career Service is supporting careers in natural and life sciences – inside and outside of academia.
More information about the services, the workshop & event schedule and general information about career planning can be found on the Career Service Website.
A dedicated team of staff members provides a variety of support, individual counselling and career guidance.
The programme offers help in finding accommodation as well as visa support and advice for all international students shortly after admission.
A two-week orientation programme is offered prior to the start of lectures and courses. It provides assistance and advice for managing everyday life, including arrangements for bank account, health insurance, residence permit, housing, and enrolment. Students have the opportunity to meet faculty members and visit laboratories of the participating institutions. In addition, the orientation programme informs students about computing and library facilities, the city and university of Göttingen, sports facilities, and cultural events.
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