Course language is English.
Programme start: mid-October
The application period starts in February and the application deadline is 15 March.
Under state law, there are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union enrolled in so-called consecutive MA programmes at Heidelberg University.
For non-EU citizens, tuition is 1,500 EUR per semester, due prior to the beginning of each semester (15 July/15 February).
Molecular Biosciences offers you the chance to continue your academic career in your preferred field of biosciences. You can choose between different majors:
neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, infectious diseases, developmental and stem cell biology, molecular and applied plant sciences, systems biology.
Each major is designed to provide comprehensive but focussed training in the most exciting fields of modern biological research.
The course takes four semesters (two years). The first year comprises formal course work and the second year is devoted to laboratory research (lab rotations, study abroad units and Master's project work). In the fast track (three semesters), modules from the third semester are shifted to the first and second semesters.
A direct track to the PhD programme is possible for excellent students.
First semester - Frontiers of Biosciences
This semester consists of two course modules which provide a solid background in advanced molecular biosciences. Each module lasts nine weeks, of which three to six weeks are spent in course work and three weeks are allowed for exam preparation. The formal course work for each module consists of lectures which provide theoretical information, with accompanying tutorials. The lectures are attended by all students on the MSc course. At the end of the module students are examined on the content of the lecture course.
Practical courses allow students to acquire diverse laboratory skills and to observe selected topics in practice. The practical courses are organised by the departments of each major. Each practical course is accompanied by a seminar in which relevant articles from the primary literature are critically discussed. The seminars also allow students to practise language and presentation skills. Practical and seminar groups are small (usually no more than twelve students), offering an excellent opportunity for interaction between students and teaching staff. Student participation in the practical courses and seminars contributes to the final grade.
Second semester - Focus Bioscience
This semester is organised in two modules with a similar structure to those in the first semester, but all of the teaching is specific to the major which has been chosen by the student.
Third semester - Biolab and Working in Bioscience
In this semester students undertake two lab rotations, working for six weeks on a small project in a laboratory of their choice, attending literature seminars in that laboratory and writing a lab report.
Alternatively, students may choose to go abroad for one of the lab rotations in the context of special exchange programmes.
Fourth semester - Master's thesis
LSH: Leiden (LUMC), Stockholm (Karolinska Institutet), Heidelberg (Biosciences) - Life Science for Health, student exchange programme with biomedical focus
Sorbonne: From fundamental molecular biosciences to biotherapies
In Systems Biology: close cooperation with partner courses in Manchester, Luxembourg, Gothenburg, and Amsterdam; possibility of taking third-semester modules
Further programmes related to the majors are being developed. We highly encourage students to use our mobility slot.
Under state law, there are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union enrolled in so-called consecutive MA programmes at Heidelberg University.
For non-EU citizens, tuition is 1,500 EUR per semester, due prior to the beginning of each semester (15 July/15 February).
Approx. 185 EUR
Approx. 800 EUR per month
Limited number of scholarships
Above-average Bachelor's degree (better than 2.4 in the German grading system)
Proof of English language skills (not necessary for native speakers) either by
The application period starts in February and the application deadline is 15 March.
https://heico.uni-heidelberg.de/heiCO/ee/ui/ca2/app/desktop/#/login?$ctx=lang=en
Limited possibilities of finding a job as a student assistant
Possibility of living in student residences or in private apartments
The International Relations Office will help students find accommodation.
The "Studentenwerk" also offers an "all-inclusive service package" for international students, which includes accommodation and public transport as well as various additional services (depending on the chosen package), such as meals, insurance, Internet access, or bicycles. Prices start from approx. 1,360 EUR per semester for the basic package. Health insurance is compulsory for all students.
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