Developmental, Neural, and Behavioural Biology (MSc) University of Göttingen
- Degree
- Master's
- Language of instruction
- English
- International support
- Buddy programme Welcome event Support with registration procedures
First impressions
- Location
Göttingen
- Intake
Winter semester
- Duration
4 semesters
- Study structure
Full-time
- Mode of study
Fully on-site
- Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
- Application deadline
Non-EU citizen/non-EU Bachelor’s degree holder: 15 February for the following winter semester
EU citizen/EU Bachelor's degree holder: 15 May for the following winter semester
General information
About the course
Degree
Master of Science
Course location
Göttingen
Language of instruction
English
Languages
All programme-specific courses are taught in English. Additionally, students have the option to join university-wide offered courses held in German.
Description
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.
Full-time / part-time
Full-time
Duration
4 semesters
Intake
Winter semester
Mode of study
Fully on-site
Additional information on intake, duration and mode of study
Academic calendar and start of lecture period: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/24440.html
It is recommended to arrive earlier (beginning of October) for orientation week/information events (e.g. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/196392.html)
Application deadline
Non-EU citizen/non-EU Bachelor’s degree holder: 15 February for the following winter semester
EU citizen/EU Bachelor's degree holder: 15 May for the following winter semester
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Further details
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.
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) outside Germany
- Study at partner universities (Erasmus+, Global Exchange programme)
- Internship/laboratory rotation/thesis abroad
- Find more information online: https://uni-goettingen.de/de/677597.html
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Costs & requirements
Costs
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
The fees are around 400 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket, which entitles students to use regional trains and buses in Germany free of charge. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals and drinks are available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
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.
Requirements
Academic admission requirements
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Biology/Biosciences
Language requirements
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
- UNIcert®: minimum UNIcert® III certificate;
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic): minimum band score of 7.0;
- Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based test (TOEFL iBT): minimum score of 100 or minimum score of 95 and minimum speaking score of 25;
- Cambridge English Qualification, minimum 180 points;
- KMK foreign language certificates, minimum level C1;
- Nulte certificates, minimum level C1;
- PTE Academic, minimum 76 points;
- telc English, minimum level C1;
- Other accredited or standardised certificates may also be recognised after examination of their equivalence.
The test result must be less than six years old on the date the application is received.
Proof of advanced knowledge of the English language may also be provided by
- at least two years of relevant study or professional experience in an English-speaking country within the last six years immediately preceding the application date, or
- by the successful completion of at least two years of study in an English-language degree programme.
Application deadline
Non-EU citizen/non-EU Bachelor’s degree holder: 15 February for the following winter semester
EU citizen/EU Bachelor's degree holder: 15 May for the following winter semester
Submit application
Financing information
Funding opportunities within the institution
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.
Additional support
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 ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.
Career advisory services
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)
Contact
University of Göttingen
Office of Studies
Faculty of Biology and Psychology
Bettina Marth
37073 Göttingen