MSc Biology (MBIO2) Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf

The programme consists of elective courses. Students can choose which modules to take. If students choose only English language modules, the programme can be studied 100% in English. However, the choice of modules becomes wider if students have additional German language skills. The choice of English language modules can be found in the module manual. The Master's thesis may be written in English.

Our study programme focuses on research and prepares students for future work in the research field and for a possible PhD programme. Our Master's courses offer flexibility in the creation of individual study curricula. The Master's programme in Biology is strongly research-oriented with a high proportion of practical courses and independent research work. Research areas at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf include biochemistry, biotechnology, developmental biology, evolution, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, structural biology, synthetic biology, cell biology and plant sciences (https://www.ceplas.eu/en/home).

https://www.biologiestudium.hhu.de/en/translate-to-english-master-biologie/translate-to-english-master-mbio2

5 May–15 July

Structure and Specialisation Options in the Master’s Programme in Biology

The Master’s programme in Biology (standard duration: four semesters) begins with a compulsory foundational module consisting of two courses: an introduction to good scientific practice and a basic lecture from one of the selectable specialisation areas. Both courses are taught in English and graded. They provide essential scientific competencies and offer an overview of current research topics. Students who choose a specialisation must complete the corresponding foundational lecture for that area.

Elective Area

Students have 20 credit points (CP) at their disposal in the elective area to pursue individual interests. Up to 8 CP may be earned through interdisciplinary courses (e.g. in law, communication, or IT), while at least 12 CP must come from biology. This area supports the development of methodological and subject-specific skills, basic legal knowledge, presentation techniques, and critical engagement with research findings. 

Academic Specialisation through Master Modules

A core component of the programme is the set of Master Modules (M-Modules), totalling 32 CP. These modules are academically demanding and include both theoretical and practical components. Students independently explore complex biological topics, learn to design, conduct, and analyse experiments, and deepen their practical laboratory skills. They gain experience handling biological samples, measurement instruments, and analytical devices. Topics range from specialised subject areas to current research developments. Grades from these modules contribute to the final grade with a weight of one. The modules also prepare students for the subsequent project phase.

Practical Orientation through Project Work

The project work (30 CP) allows students to participate in a specific research project over an extended period within a research group. This phase is individually supervised and promotes independent scientific work. Results are presented in the form of a poster presentation. The project work may, but does not have to, serve as preparation for the Master’s thesis.

Master’s Thesis and Final Presentation

The programme concludes with an experimental Master’s thesis and a final presentation in a seminar. These components are weighted double in the final grade. The aim is to independently and methodically investigate a biological research question, document the findings accurately, and present them clearly. Emphasis is also placed on scientific discourse and critical reflection.

Choosing a Specialisation | Major

Students in the Master's programme can choose a thematic specialisation. To complete this specialisation, at least 80 out of the total 120 CP must be earned in the selected subject area, including the corresponding foundational lecture.

Specialisation | Majors:

• Cell Biology and Biomedicine 
• Genome Biology & Artificial Intelligence in Life Sciences
• Pathogenicity & Interaction Biology
• Plant Sciences and Securing Food in a Changing Climate
• Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology

No tuition fees

A semester fee of approx. 300 EUR is required upon registration/enrolment as a student or doctoral researcher. This fee covers transport by bus, tram, and regional trains within North Rhine-Westphalia for the entire semester as well as the use of student facilities.

Students or doctoral researchers should calculate monthly expenses amounting to at least 1,000 EUR in order to live in a modest way, including costs for housing, food, health insurance, semester fees, study materials, etc.

A Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related subject with a final grade of at least 3.2 is a prerequisite for professional suitability.

If the applicant's grades are based on a grading scale other than the five-point grading scale commonly used at German universities, the applicant's grades will be converted accordingly.

Non-EU citizens require a VPD via uni-assist. A Bachelor's degree is required for the VPD.

Proof of English language skills: TOEFL (min. 90 iBT), IELTS (6.5 or better), Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

5 May–15 July

STIBET Study Scholarships and Central University Funding:

https://www.hhu.de/en/international/international-students/support-during-your-studies/stibet-study-scholarships

https://redaktion.hhu.de/VORSCHAU/

www.hhu.de/en/studies/organising-your-studies/funding/scholarships

A limited number of campus jobs are available. Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work 240 half days or 120 full days per calendar year without a work permit.

On-campus student accommodation is available, as is private accommodation near campus. For further information, please check http://www.stw-d.de or send an e-mail to info@stw-d.de.
Doctoral students can contact the tutor service of the Junior Scientist & International Researcher Centre (JUNO) for information and support concerning accommodation in Düsseldorf (www.juno.hhu.de/en/tutorservice).

Depending on the type of accommodation, the monthly rent in Düsseldorf usually ranges from around 500 EUR to 600 EUR for a basic apartment or a room in a shared apartment ("Wohngemeinschaft").