International Programmes 2024/2025

Master of Science in Biology MSc Biology

Freie Universität Berlin • Berlin

Degree
Master of Science
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The programme is offered completely in English. All modules will be taught in English.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Mode of study
Fully on-site with voluntary online elements
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

Application and registration period: 15 April – 31 May
Please see this link.

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

Students have the opportunity to specialise in one of the biological subject areas such as "Biodiversity Evolution and Ecology", "Genetics and Genomics", "Microbiology", "Molecular and Cell Biology", "Molecular Plant Sciences", or "Neuro and Behavioural Biology" of their choice through a flexible module selection and early specialisation options. Alternatively, they can acquire cross-sectional qualifications by participating in modules from various specialisations.

As a result of the wide range of research institutions in Berlin, the Master's programme in Biology offers a large scope of modules from different areas in biology. This is possible with the inclusion of scientists from research institutions in the course programme like Robert-Koch-Institut, Charité, Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei, Max-Delbrück-Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin, Botanischer Garten and Botanisches Museum, and Berlin-Brandenburgisches Institut für Biodiversitätsforschung. During the project phase and production of the Master's thesis, students also have the opportunity to cooperate with research institutions from the region of Berlin, e.g. MPI für molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, MPI für molekulare Genetik, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung, Leibniz-Institut für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung, and more.

Course organisation

A proof of 120 credit points is required for the Master's programme in Biology. It consists of the following fields:

  1. Introduction area (15 CP)
  2. Extension area (60 CP)
  3. Project area (15 CP)
  4. Master's thesis with accompanying colloquium (30 CP)

The introductory area includes two modules that enables students to get an overview of the different research areas at the Institute of Biology of FU Berlin and an introduction to advanced biostatistics. In the supplementary area, one can choose between a substantial numbers of module variants. Therefore, the field of specialisation in the course study can be made. In order to guarantee research-oriented teaching in keeping with current methods, there is a high fluctuation of module variants. Each current module variant can be found on the website. There is a broad spectrum of module variants offered each semester. The project field gives students the opportunity to be part of a research project in different working groups at the Institute of Biology of FU Berlin or at non-academic research centres located in Berlin. Students can participate in these research projects in up to two modules.

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Description of other international elements

Our lecturers are characterised by the fact that they have experience abroad and lead international research groups that cooperate with many international partners. In our very research-oriented Master's programme, students come into contact with international and intercultural aspects in various ways in their courses, their research project(s) and their Master's theses.

In addition, we have many research contacts with partners in Germany and abroad, and we are increasingly integrating them into our Master's teaching. Among other things, we are developing joint events with partners from UNA Europe Universities.

We recommend and support students in taking periods of study or research projects abroad, such as by clarifying possible credits or recognitions in advance.

Diverse intercultural background of students
In its previous form as a bilingual Master's in Biology, students from the EU, other parts of Europe, Africa, Asia and America came together. By switching to an English-only Master's in Biology, we are increasing this intercultural diversity, whereby for us intercultural diversity also refers to, e.g., gender.
Integrated internships

With the research project, a 15 ECTS internship is a compulsory part of the degree programme and with the 10 ECTS project, and a second internship can be included as an option.

Special promotion / funding of the programme
  • DAAD
  • ERASMUS+
Name of DAAD funding programme
PROMOS
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Pace of course
Instructor-led (Specific due dates for lectures/assignments/exams)
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
Yes, compulsory
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

In total, the semester contribution amounts to 304.40 EUR. It includes a fee of 181.40 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use public transportation in Berlin for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 63 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.

Costs of living

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen somewhat in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 950 to 1,200 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 400 and 700 EUR in Berlin.

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

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship enables students at Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) from all nations and walks of life to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month. To apply, you must already be enrolled and be within the standard period of time given to complete your degree during the funding period, or you must have a letter of acceptance to start a degree programme at Freie Universität Berlin.

Academic admission requirements

For admittance to the Master’s programme, applicants need to fulfil the following admission requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Freie Universität Berlin or other equivalent degree from a programme whose content and structure are commensurate with those of the above mentioned Bachelor’s programme

Proof of English and German language skills (details below)

Language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not obtained their university degree at an educational institution where English is the language of instruction must provide evidence of English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Applicants who have obtained their degree from a foreign university or equivalent institution or have completed a non-German-speaking course of study must provide evidence of German language skills at the A1 level of the CEFR.

Technical equipment and programmes

Platforms/programmes such as Webex, Blackboard and others are made available for studying and teaching.

Application deadline

Application and registration period: 15 April – 31 May
Please see this link.

Submit application to

Freie Universität Berlin
c/o uni-assist e.V.
11507 Berlin
Germany

uni-assist

Possibility of finding part-time employment

There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as waiting staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.

The student support service at the university, called studierendenWERK Berlin, and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students. When searching for a job, look at online job boards, ads in local newspapers, and notice boards on campus.

Accommodation

You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.

If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.

Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the city's size.

Career advisory service

The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Student Support team at FU Berlin regularly offers information events that include Q&A sessions. While personal office hours are not available due to our team size, students can contact Info-Service Study for general inquiries, or seek assistance from the General Academic Advisory Service or Psychological Counselling for more complex concerns. Additionally, the team continually enhances its expertise in international affairs, thereby contributing to FU Berlin's internationalisation process.

Freie Universität Berlin

Content Bild
Aerial view of Freie Universität Berlin © Bernd Wannenmacher

Freie Universität Berlin is a leading research institution. It is one of the 13 German universities being funded through the German government’s Excellence Strategy and is part of the only University Consortium of Excellence, the Berlin University Alliance, which consists of four partners in Berlin: Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

You can choose from more than 180 subject areas. No matter which area you are interested in, be it archaeology, physics, Jewish studies, law, or psychology, you will find your subject at Freie Universität Berlin.

As an international university, Freie Universität Berlin has partnerships with numerous universities across the world and maintains offices in Beijing, Cairo, Eastern Europe (Tbilisi, Georgia), New Delhi, Moscow, and São Paulo. About 17 percent of the students come from abroad, as do 38 percent of the doctoral students. At Freie Universität Berlin, you will meet people from all over the world.

Various support services are available for students. In particular, students who are new to a German university and to Berlin will profit from these services, for example, the introduction week, the mentorship programme, or the Student Services Centre. UniSport offers programmes ranging from Aikido to Zumba, which are very popular among students. The many cafeterias and canteens on campus offer food and drinks; this also usually includes fair trade, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options. Environmental protection and sustainability are generally important topics at Freie Universität Berlin, and there are many opportunities to get involved in related activities offered by students and the university.

University location

Freie Universität Berlin is one of the major universities in the capital of Germany. It is located in the green district of Dahlem, in the south-western part of the city. There is no other campus in Berlin that is as green as the campus of Freie Universität Berlin. You can simply step out of the university buildings to enjoy outdoor activities: lunch on one of the many terraces and rooftops, swimming in the nearby lakes, or reading between cherry and apple trees. Dahlem is also home to one of the biggest botanical gardens in Europe. By using public transport, you can easily access the heart of Berlin and enjoy its cultural life and diversity. The U3 subway line connects Dahlem with the popular and central districts of Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain; however, all of the other districts can also be easily reached.

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