International Programmes 2026/2027

Master of Science in Geobiology and Palaeobiology Master of Science in Geobiology and Palaeobiology

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München • München

Degree
Master of Science
Course location
München
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in English (100%).

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

There are two deadlines:

  • Non-EU applicants (university entrance qualification in a non-EU country): 31 March
  • Applicants from Germany and states of the European Union: 31 May

First-semester courses start in mid-October.

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The Master's programme "Geobiology and Palaeobiology" (MGAP) is a consecutive, research-oriented, four-semester, international Master's programme of the Faculty of Geosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), in collaboration with researchers at the Bavarian State collections, under the umbrella of the GeoBio-Center LMU.

MGAP aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the interdisciplinary research fields of Geobiology and Palaeobiology and facilitates early independent research to prepare them for careers in science and beyond. Our graduates frequently secure prestigious PhD-positions or continue in highly respected positions outside of academia.

Course organisation

The module-based curriculum provides an integrative approach facilitated by experts with different areas of expertise. The degree programme consists of a set of mandatory modules and elective modules. Students will learn and acquire skills in a wide range of scientific methods, such as modern techniques in molecular biology, including genomics and transcriptomics, geomicrobiology, fieldwork, collection management, bioinformatics, statistics, and (palaeo-)biodiversity assessments. The programme includes independent scientific work in individual and intensively supervised research projects at early stages of the curriculum, with topics ranging from organismic palaeobiology to genomics, phylogenomics, molecular systematics, biomineralisation, as well as geomicrobiology of the deep biosphere.

The programme consists of 120 credits, 30 of which are assigned for the Master's thesis and its defence.

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Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
None
Semester contribution

97 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Living costs (including accommodation and health insurance) in Munich are min. 1,000 to 1,200 EUR per month.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

Applicants to the programme must possess the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree (in a programme of at least six semesters' duration) with a sufficient grade in one of the following fields:

  • Geology
  • Biology
  • Physical geography

or a related subject

German language skills
A1 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • Goethe-Zertifikat: Goethe-Zertifikat A1
English language skills
No minimum language level required
Language requirements exemptions
Please find details on the course website.
Application periods

There are two deadlines:

  • Non-EU applicants (university entrance qualification in a non-EU country): 31 March
  • Applicants from Germany and states of the European Union: 31 May

First-semester courses start in mid-October.

Submit application via
Please check this website.
Accommodation

The International Office helps visiting academics, PhD students, and postdocs who are travelling to Munich for a set period of time to find accommodation.

For further information, please visit the following link: https://www.lmu.de/en/study/important-contacts/international-office/index.html

Rooms in shared flats are popular on the private market and reasonably priced at 400-600 EUR per month if located in central parts of Munich.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Support with registration procedures
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

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

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

University location

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) is recognised as one of the top-ranked universities in Europe. Research and teaching at the university's 18 faculties are committed to the highest international standards of excellence. Students can choose from over 200 degree programmes ranging from the humanities and social sciences to economics and law as well as medicine and natural sciences. A growing number of Master's and doctoral programmes are taught in English.

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München forms part of a unique network of research institutions, foundations, and corporations in and around the city. Its campuses and a lively international student community constitute an integral part of the urban landscape. Home to approximately 1.5 million people, Munich is not only an important hub for higher education, research, technology, and the media. With its renowned museums, galleries, theatres, and festivals, the capital of Bavaria also ranks among the major European cultural centres. Its proximity to the surrounding lakes and the Bavarian Alps adds to Munich's inimitable appeal.

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