Master of Science Pharmaceutical Sciences / Pharmazeutische Forschung Freie Universität Berlin

Courses are held in English.

Pharmaceutical Science is an interdisciplinary study programme that covers a broad variety of topics involved in the development and testing of medicinal products. This will give students an insight into pharmaceutical research that combines aspects of different natural sciences - mainly chemistry, biology and physics – with medicinal topics. Specific subjects of this programme include drug discovery and development, testing therapeutic compositions/formulations, investigating drug release systems and determination of drug effects.

Throughout this programme, students learn to deal with complex and current interdisciplinary problems of pharmaceutical drug discovery and development by using scientific methods. The course of study will provide the students with the necessary knowledge, capabilities and methodology to engage in scientific work and to critically assess scientific findings in an independent and responsible way.

Application and registration period: 15 April – 31 May (for the winter semester) and 1 December – 15 January (for the summer semester)

• Key skills in pharmaceutical research (lecture, seminar) – only summer semester
• Current areas of pharmaceutical research (lecture, seminar) – only winter semester
• Pharmaceutical research project (seminar, practical workshop)
• Master’s thesis

No tuition fees

In total, the semester contribution amounts to 326.40 EUR. It includes a fee of 181.40 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use local public transport in Berlin and nationwide for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 85 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.

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 900 to 1,300 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 400 and 700 EUR in Berlin.

The admission requirement for the Master’s programme is a German or comparable foreign higher education graduation certificate in pharmacy, food chemistry, medical chemistry, human biology, medicine, veterinary medicine or a related degree in the natural sciences with a standard study period of at least eight semesters or comprising of 240 credit points (CP).

The equivalence of the presented proof for fulfilment of the admission requirements is decided by the Examination Committee of the Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy responsible for the Master’s programme.

Applicants whose higher education graduation certificate was not achieved at an educational institute where English was the language of study must demonstrate English language ability sufficient to meet the requirements of Level B2 of the Common European Framework for languages (CEFR).

Applicants are free from proving ability in the German language.

Application and registration period: 15 April – 31 May (for the winter semester) and 1 December – 15 January (for the summer semester)

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.

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, notice boards on campus, and ads in local newspapers.

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 size of the city.

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.

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.