MSc Integrated Immunology (iImmune) FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

Elite Network of Bavaria

English

The international Master's programme “Integrated Immunology” (iImmune) was jointly initiated by the Faculty of Natural Sciences (Department of Biology) and the Faculty of Medicine at the Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) of Erlangen-Nürnberg and is generously supported by the Elite Network of Bavaria. A central task of the Master's programme is to integrate basic and clinical immunology training in a research-oriented way. The FAU has a very strong research focus on immunology research, both in medicine and biology, which is reflected in the many collaborative research centres and PhD graduate schools that deal with this topic. The ageing society deals more and more with the implications of infectious diseases, as well as with chronic autoimmune diseases or allergic diseases. This inter-disciplinary Master's programme ideally prepares students for research positions both in basic as well as in clinical immunology to tackle these types of disease. The integration of clinical modules allows a bench to bedside approach, even to Master's students with a biology background. Additionally, the programme is also open to medical students.

Aims of the International Master's programme Integrated Immunology

• Provide a comprehensive education in the field of immunology at the interface between biology and medicine
• Train international students with very good supervision, including small group teaching and modern teaching concepts such as problem-based learning
• Provide a research-oriented education, comprising both basic and clinical immunology

The programme starts mid-October.

15 July for the following winter semester

For non-EU applicants, we strongly recommend to apply before 1 June.

During the first semester, students are trained in the module Basic Immunology (lectures, seminars, tutorials) and in an integrated laboratory course. There is a lecture and a tutorial in Cell and Molecular Biology plus elective soft skills courses in topics such as imaging, bioinformatics, computer programming, or ethics of science.

The second semester provides the module Translational Immunology (lectures, seminars, tutorials) and an integrated laboratory course in Translational Immunology. A course in Clinical Immunology includes tutorials and bedside visits.

The third semester includes practical project work with lab rotations both in labs in Erlangen as well as an organised three-month visit to an international immunology lab abroad. A theoretical project is completed throughout the whole semester, resulting in a written report and a presentation. Students can participate in additional modules at spring or autumn schools of immunology, international congresses and a yearly internal retreat of the programme.

The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis.

Three-month lab rotation in an international laboratory abroad are partly funded by the programme.

No tuition fees

FAU does not charge tuition fees. However, each semester students must pay a semester service fee (72 EUR).

General guidelines on the average costs that can be expected are provided by the results of the social survey undertaken by the German National Association for Student Affairs in 2021:

According to this study, students who no longer live with their parents should have an average amount of 1,106 EUR per month at their disposal. However, monthly expenditures for personal lifestyle vary a lot. For former West Germany, the study revealed the following details on average expenditure:

• Rent, including ancillary costs (in Erlangen, Nuremberg and surrounding areas): 410 EUR
• Food: 198 EUR
• Clothing: 46 EUR
• Travel costs (public transport and/or car): 89 EUR
• Study materials (depending on subject): 31 EUR
• Health insurance, doctors, medicine: 100 EUR
• Telecommunications: 31 EUR
• Leisure, culture, sports: 65 EUR

Relevant Bachelor's degree with a grade of 2.5 or better (or equivalent international grade) in Biology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or a similar Bachelor's degree

In a second step, applicants will be invited to take an online interview to test their suitability for the MSc Integrated Immunology. The duration of the test is 15-20 minutes. The topics of this examination will be basic knowledge in molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics as well as some few basics in Immunology.

The examination will be administered by the admissions committee of the MSc programme. The interview date will be announced at least one week in advance. The applicant must pay for any expenses that may arise.

The required English level is “Vantage or upper intermediate” level (B2) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or an equivalent score from an internationally recognised test, e.g., IELTS 5.5, TOEFL PBT 552. Six years of English lessons at a German Gymnasium shall also suffice as proof if listed as B2 in the Abitur certificate; applicants whose native language is English need not submit any such proof.

Proof of German proficiency is not required. However, we strongly recommend that non-German speaking students attend German language classes during the MSc studies.

15 July for the following winter semester

For non-EU applicants, we strongly recommend to apply before 1 June.

There is a wide range of scholarships available for outstanding students. In addition to requiring applicants to have excellent grades, most scholarship programmes have additional conditions regarding cultural, political, religious, or social involvement. If you have any questions about the application procedure or selection criteria, you can contact the Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) or speak directly to FAU’s liaison officer for the scholarship organisation you wish to apply to.

https://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/financing-your-studies

There are possibilities to find part-time employment, e.g. as student assistants in a lab or an office as well as various offers for students in the region.

The cities of Erlangen, Fürth, and Nuremberg offer a very good standard of living. They are popular places to live, meaning that accommodation is in high demand but often in short supply. This is particularly the case during the period before the start of a new semester. We therefore recommend that you start looking for accommodation as soon as possible. If you are flexible and also look in the surrounding area, you will have a better chance of finding somewhere affordable to live. The region has an excellent public transport system, so you should not have any problems getting to your place of study or work.

It is worth checking the available accommodation on the Internet every day, as new accommodation becomes available on a day-to-day basis. It pays to be flexible when it comes to the price, location, and available facilities of your accommodation.

Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg runs its own student accommodation in Erlangen and Nuremberg. You will be informed about how to apply for a room in Student Services accommodation while you are in the process of applying to be admitted to FAU.

https://www.fau.eu/study/current-students/career-service/

Our International Office provides advice to international students regarding all areas of daily and academic life.

Founded in 1743, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is now one of the largest research universities in Germany with 40,996 students and 276 degree programmes. The five faculties cover the entire spectrum of modern academic disciplines – from humanities, social sciences and theology to medicine, law, economics, sciences and engineering.

One of FAU’s defining features is its commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research, which frequently go beyond the boundaries of individual subjects.

FAU’s outstanding research and teaching is reflected in top positions in both national and international rankings as well as the high amount of DFG funding that its researchers are able to secure.

FAU is based in three cities – Erlangen, Fürth and Nuremberg. Each of the FAU campuses is closely connected to the social and economic pulse of these cities. Studying and city life at FAU go hand in hand, so much so that it’s hard to tell city and campus life apart.

"Moving Knowledge" is our motto and guiding principle at FAU. Therefore, we strive to generate knowledge to shape the future responsibly and openly share knowledge with all stakeholders in society to drive prosperity and create value. We also use knowledge to improve our world for future generations.

FAU’s two main sites, the cities of Erlangen and Nuremberg, are located at the heart of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. Both Erlangen and Nuremberg have their own unique charms. Erlangen is a city of 100,000 inhabitants, was the former home of the Huguenots, and it is a key location for Siemens. Nuremberg is a city with a metropolitan flair and a population of half a million. The opera, theatre, and museums, along with a lively pub scene and nightlife, offer plenty of opportunities to relax after a day in the lecture theatre, lab, or library. The highlights of the cultural calendar in Erlangen include the "Hörkunstfestival" (acoustic art festival), International Comic Salon, "figuren.theater.festival" (puppet theatre festival), "Poetenfest" (poetry festival), and the "ARENA… of the young arts" theatre and performance festival. A wide range of cultural institutions open their doors to visitors during the Blue Night in Nuremberg, and once every two years, the Long Night of Sciences gives the public a chance to take a look inside research institutions in Erlangen, Nuremberg, and Fürth. In summary, the mixture of academia, innovative companies, art, and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds. There is also plenty on offer for keen athletes and nature lovers. Fränkische Schweiz, a paradise for climbers and walkers, is located to the north of Erlangen and is at FAU’s doorstep. Water sports enthusiasts will love the Franconian lakes and the university’s water sports centre, which is located just south of Nuremberg.