International Programmes 2024/2025

Developmental, Neural, and Behavioural Biology (MSc) Developmental, Neural, and Behavioural Biology (MSc)

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
Master of Science
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

All programme-specific courses are taught in English. Additionally, students have the option to join university-wide offered courses held in German.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

15 May for the following winter semester

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
Yes
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The English-language MSc programme in "Developmental, Neural and Behavioural Biology" covers the three areas of developmental and cell biology, neurobiology and behavioural biology including in depth specialisation.

The programme is aimed at students who have a particular interest in developmental biological processes, the structure and function of nervous systems or behavioural research. The lecturers are scientists who collaborate with the University of Göttingen, the German Primate Centre and several Max Planck Institutes. A wide variety of topics are taught, ranging from cellular functions to cognitive performance. Previous knowledge in the desired field is required.

Course organisation

The MSc programme in "Developmental, Neural and Behavioural Biology" comprises four semesters. It typically follows a BSc degree in biology/biological sciences and is extremely research-orientated. A total of 120 ECTS credits must be earned as part of this modularised MSc programme. The programme takes place in an active, internationally renowned research environment.

Students acquire basic subject and methodological knowledge by attending core modules that include lectures, seminars and methods courses (first and second semester). Building on the core modules, individually organised laboratory projects are carried out in lab rotations (advanced modules). In addition, university-wide and cross-faculty modules can be taken in order to acquire further job-related key competences. In the fourth semester, students write the Master's thesis as an independent piece of academic work. They work on a current academic topic, which is usually embedded in a third-party funded project.

The MSc degree qualifies students to practice a profession or conduct research, and in particular is a prerequisite for a doctoral thesis and for working in the field of biosciences. There is a fast-track option to the faculty's consecutive PhD programmes.

Excellent English language skills are required and must be demonstrated. Basic knowledge of German is also required.

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A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
  • Opportunities for students to work abroad
Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
Fees: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

Costs of living

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 750 to 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.

For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Germany scholarship ("Deutschlandstipendium"):
https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218535.html

Academic admission requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in biology/biosciences

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their German and English skills. In order to ensure a good integration of our foreign students, we request that they have a basic general knowledge of the German language.

German:
Applicants who are not native German speakers or who do not hold a German degree must provide proof of proficiency in German of B1-level according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).

English:
Applicants who are not native English speakers or who do not hold an English degree must provide proof of proficiency in English, which may be
a) UNIcert®: minimum certificate UNIcert® III

b) NULTE certificate: minimum level C1

c) Cambridge English Scale: minimum 180 points

d) International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic): minimum band 6.5

e) Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT): minimum 95 points

f) Global Scale of English (Pearson Academic): minimum 76 points

g) Additional accredited or standardised certificates can also be recognised after establishing their equivalence. A successfully completed degree programme with English as the language of instruction is also accepted.

Application deadline

15 May for the following winter semester

Submit application to

https://masterportale.uni-goettingen.de/bio/dnb/

Possibility of finding part-time employment

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations. Information on side jobs: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/653539.html

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to your job search.

Accommodation

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.

For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html.

Career advisory service

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.

The "Start Guides" project also offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.

If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Buddy programme
  • Welcome event
  • Support with registration procedures
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Office provides a wide range of services for international students.

German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Study Buddy Programme as a part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)

Foyer International: Cultural evenings and more for all students

German courses during studies (free of charge)

University of Göttingen

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