Courses are held in English (100%).
The next application round for the Master of Science programme in Molecular and Cellular Biology, starting in the winter semester 2027/28, will take place in 2027.
The Faculty of Biology of the LMU Munich offers a comprehensive two-year Master of Science programme in Molecular and Cellular Biology for graduates with a background in biology (BSc in Biology or equivalent). Based on both fundamental research and applied sciences, molecular and cellular biology contribute enormously to the decryption of molecular processes, and to the development and discovery of novel drugs, energy sources or enzymes for industrial applications. The Master's programme in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the LMU Biocenter links modern molecular methods to a large number of disciplines and is oriented towards highly motivated and globally diverse next-generation researchers with a strong interest in molecular and cellular mechanisms. The programme is taught in English, and it offers state-of-the-art education in a variety of topics such as Cell Biology, Genetics, Human Biology and Genomics, and Microbiology. Our aim is to offer our students a comprehensive preparation for meeting future challenges in science-related professional careers within the field of molecular and cellular biology.
Based on topic related modules, the curriculum of the Master's programme in Molecular and Cellular Biology includes lectures, seminars, and practical courses, with a strong emphasis on learning in the context of ongoing research projects. The first semester of the Master's programme aims at deepening existing expertise gained from the previously completed Bachelor's programme. In the following semesters, students can individually compose modules according to their goals and interests, either aiming for exposure to a wide variety of fields or on focusing in-depth on a particular subject.
Major topics
The Faculty of Biology of the LMU Munich is made up of internationally recognised researchers and award-winning instructors. The faculty provides excellent facilities for contemporary research and studies in the modern “Biocenter” that is part of the HighTechCampus of the LMU Munich. High-profile institutions are situated in close proximity, including the Max Planck Institutes for Biochemistry and Neuroscience, the German Research Center for Environmental Health, the Gene Center, the Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, and the Biomedical Center.
The website of the Master of Science programme in Molecular and Cellular Biology is the best way to find out more about the programme and to gain an overview of current research areas: https://www.bio.lmu.de/en/study/for-students/master-programs/mcb/.
The prescribed period of study is four semesters, including a final Master's thesis. Requiring a total of 120 ECTS credits, the programme is based on acquiring approximately 30 ECTS credits per semester. The curriculum of the Master's programme is based on a modular system consisting of topically related fields of research, including lectures, seminars and practical courses, with a strong emphasis on learning in the context of ongoing research projects. Modules can be individually composed according to each student's goals and interests.
First semester – Basic training The first semester of the Master's programme aims to enlarge and deepen existing know-how gained in the previously completed Bachelor's programme. During the first two months of the programme, students will participate in “Lab Methods in Molecular and Cellular Biology” and “Bioinformatics and Data Analysis”, which are mandatory courses. Moreover, students can select up to two additional fields of study.
Second and third semester – Specialisation In the second semester, students can deepen their knowledge in the fields of study of their first semester or select additional topics. Mandatory courses include lectures, seminars, practical courses and practical research courses. In the third semester, students attend two topically linked modules, namely “Special Methods in Molecular and Cellular Biology” and a “Special Research Module”.
Fourth semester – Master module The Master's programme culminates in a 24-week period devoted to a research project, combined with the writing and defence of a Master's thesis. Through their Master's thesis, students prove their skills in conducting independent and responsible research. Additionally, the final module includes additional courses such as a research seminar and colloquia.
97 EUR per semester
In Munich, you should calculate with about 1,500 EUR per month. Here’s a basic outline of what you should budget for monthly living costs:
And there’s good news! With a valid student identity card, you have access to price reductions for Munich’s cultural events (like theatre, concerts, museums, and more), as well as at the many on-campus student cafeterias and cafés.
There is no financial aid system offered by LMU Munich.
Students can apply for different scholarships, that are competitive funding opportunities: e.g. Deutschlandstipendium, SIST LMU Study scholarship (only international students), SIST LMU Study completion scholarship (only international students).
Please visit the following link for further information: Scholarships - LMU Munich
The next application round for the Master of Science programme in Molecular and Cellular Biology, starting in the winter semester 2027/28, will take place in 2027.
Part-time jobs are offered in the various working groups.
For further information, please visit the following link: https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/student-life/housing/.
The faculty offers specific mentoring and advice from different perspectives: professors and teaching staff, coordination office, and alumni. Special fairs, career talks, and events for future job perspectives are regularly organised.
In addition to the faculty, the career service of the LMU Munich, "Student und Arbeitsmarkt", offers a programme that accompanies students' studies. Here students gain professional orientation, additional qualifications and practical experience. They can increase their job prospects and prepare to work both in subject-related and non-subject-related professions. "Student und Arbeitsmarkt" carries out projects to improve the job prospects of graduates as well as contacts between the university and the employment market.
Please find more information on general services and support for international students and doctoral candidates on the following website: https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/international-student-guide/.
Please find more information on studying with disabilities on the following website: https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/student-support-services/studying-with-a-disability/.
Raising a child while studying can be very demanding. And although it can be a balancing act at times, it's a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Please find more information on the following website: https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/student-support-services/studying-with-a-child/.
Several options are available to refugees and asylum-seekers who want to take up a course of study at LMU or are preparing to do so in the near future. Please find more information on the following website: https://www.lmu.de/en/study/all-degrees-and-programs/programs-for-international-visiting-students/lmu-program-for-refugees/.
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