Master Biosciences / Master Biowissenschaften Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

The modules are offered bilingually, depending on the semester, and may be chosen either in the German or the English language.

The "Master Biosciences" Master's study programme is provided by the Faculty of Biology of the University of Würzburg as a research-oriented and international study programme with the degree "Master of Science" (MSc) within the framework of a consecutive Bachelor's and Master's study pattern. The degree Master of Science constitutes an additional professional respectively research-oriented degree.

The aim of the programme Master Biology is to provide a research-oriented education in the various topics of biology/life sciences. Theoretical and practical competences in the fields of biology/life sciences are imparted in order to be able to address scientific issues from the fields of biology/life sciences.

• The lecture period for the winter semester starts in mid-October.
• The lecture period for the summer semester starts in mid-April.

Online application is open from:

• May until 15 July for the following winter semester
• November until 15 January for the following summer semester

The curriculum of the programme allows the students to select two major topics of interest, covering a broad range of bioscientific topics. Topics of classical biology may be combined with those of theoretical biology with a biomedical, biophysical or biochemical focus. During the first year of the programme, the students enrol in two theoretical courses and one practical course in each of the two topics. All modules are accompanied by a graded examination. In semesters three and four, further specialised research training is provided in a selected field of interest. The students are actively involved in ongoing research projects and learn to independently plan and perform both theoretical and experimental work, and finally, to summarise and discuss the obtained results in their thesis which has to be presented and defended in a final colloquium. The thesis (25 ECTS) is preceded by an ungraded preparatory practical course of 12 weeks (15 ECTS).

Further modules (15 ECTS) are selected within the sub-area "Additional Qualifications" to cover special aspects of interest. These modules have to be passed without grading.

Internships and practical courses are offered at various locations abroad, and excursions are offered in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America.

The study programme is bilingual.

Thesis projects may be accomplished at international partnering institutions.

Study periods including internships at universities and/or companies may be chosen as elective modules in Germany or abroad.

No tuition fees

There are generally no tuition fees at the University of Würzburg. However, each semester, students are required to pay a contribution for enrolment or registration. This fee, approximately 170 EUR, not only supports various student services but also includes a semester ticket that grants you unlimited access to public transportation throughout the city of Würzburg.

Living in Würzburg is quite affordable compared to other German cities, making it an attractive option. While individual lifestyles vary, here is an estimate of typical costs:

• Food: 300 EUR
• Rent: 350 to 500 EUR
• Student health insurance: 140 EUR

Würzburg offers a vibrant student life with plenty of affordable options for dining, entertainment, and leisure activities. The University of Würzburg, its student representation and wider network of local partners help you manage your budget effectively, also by offering student discounts.

Bachelor of Science in biology or equivalent study degree that fulfils the criteria of the "Fachkanon Biologie" / subject specific criteria, in particular:

Bachelor of Science in Biology or similar programme

Biosciences: 75 ECTS credit equivalents
Chemistry (including biochemistry and physical chemistry): 15 ECTS
Physics, mathematics, biostatistics: 15 ECTS

OR

Biosciences: 60 ECTS
Chemistry (including biochemistry and physical chemistry): 20 ECTS
Physics, mathematics, biostatistics: 12 ECTS

OR

Biosciences: 70 ECTS
Chemistry (including biochemistry and physical chemistry): 10 ECTS
Physics, mathematics, biostatistics: 12 ECTS

Proof of experimental laboratory experience, preferably by an experimental thesis comprising a minimum of 10 ECTS

Please submit either your final degree or your transcript of records to certify the minimum requirement of 150 ECTS. You have to submit your completed transcript of records no later than 15 September or 15 March, respectively.

Language requirements in English
The proof of English language should be at a level not lower than:

1. Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) with at least 570 points (paper-based TOEFL), 240 points (computer-based TOEFL), or 90 points (Internet-based TOEFL)
2. International English Language Test System with a score of 6.5 or better
3. Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
4. Bachelor's degree from an English-taught course
5. Any certificate issued by the Faculty of Biology's admission committee after approving of English skills based on the assessment of a Bachelor's thesis written in English, of a language course other than specified above, or an interview held in English

The minimum German language requirement for admission to the University of Würzburg is a certificate at level B2 (Goethe Institute). Certificates of attendance or registration for German classes will not be accepted as evidence of proficiency in German. German language courses are offered by the university only to students who have been accepted as full-time students, so they can improve their German and prepare for the German university entrance proficiency examination DSH ("Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang"). There are no German language courses for beginners.

Online application is open from:

• May until 15 July for the following winter semester
• November until 15 January for the following summer semester

No

Finding part-time employment in Würzburg is a great way to gain experience, make new connections, and supplement your finances while studying. Students from EU and EEA countries enjoy equal terms in the labour market and can work freely during their studies. Students from other countries can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, including voluntary internships. If you wish to work more, you'll need permission from the employment agency ("Agentur für Arbeit") or the immigration office.

It's important to ensure that your studies remain your top priority, so choose a side job that complements your academic schedule. The University of Würzburg offers resources to help you find part-time work, such as the student job portal. Popular student jobs include roles as academic assistants, bartenders, cashiers, personal trainers, translators, and more.

Finding the perfect place to live is an important part of your student experience at the University of Würzburg. Unlike some other countries, students in Germany need to find their own accommodation, as universities do not automatically provide it. At the University of Würzburg, you have two main options: "Studierendenwerk" housing or private rooms/student halls.

The Student Housing Service ("Studierendenwerk") manages 12 student residences in Würzburg, offering a total of 2,887 rooms. These dormitories provide a variety of amenities:

• Single and double rooms or apartments shared by two to four students, with communal kitchens and bathrooms

• Furnished rooms and apartments are available, though you'll need to bring your own dishes, cooking items, bedding, and towels.

To apply for housing, note the deadlines: 15 June for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester. For more information about private rooms and student halls, visit the Central Student Advisory Service.

In addition to Studierendenwerk housing, there are many private accommodation options available:

• Shared apartments ("Wohngemeinschaften" or "WGs"): These are popular among students and offer a great way to meet new people and share living costs.

• Private student halls: These are often run by private companies and offer similar amenities to Studierendenwerk dormitories. They can be a bit more expensive but may offer more modern facilities.

• Short-term accommodation: If you need a place to stay while you search for permanent housing, consider options like hostels, guest houses, or short-term rentals.

Remember to start your housing search early and stay positive! With a bit of patience and diligence, you'll find a cosy place to call home.

Support regarding career development, including internships, occupational prospects, individual coaching by coordinator of Bio Careers

The University of Würzburg offers comprehensive support services for international students and doctoral candidates. The International Office is a first point of contact, providing assistance with application and enrolment. For doctoral candidates, the university provides various pathways including faculty-based programmes, Graduate Schools, and binational promotions. Additionally, the Healthy University initiative promotes student health through various programmes and activities. Networking opportunities are abundant, with events organised, e.g. by the Würzburg International Network (WIN), driven by the local student organisation. Other services and introductory events, such as First Steps, showcase the dynamic and welcoming community for international students.

The Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, founded in 1402, is one of the oldest German universities with a long tradition in research and teaching excellence. So far, 14 Nobel laureates have worked here during different stages of their careers, including Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who discovered x-rays in Würzburg, and Harald zur Hausen. The latter received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2008 for discovering that viruses trigger cervical cancer.

More than 29,000 students, including 2,700 young people from abroad, are enrolled at ten faculties. There are 10,000 people who work at the university and its hospital, among them 2,400 academic staff members and 400 professors.
In order to provide optimum conditions for interdisciplinary research, the university started to implement research centres in the fields of medicine, science, and the humanities as well as a graduate school in the 1990s. A considerable number of these research centres, graduate schools, and research groups are funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Academic rankings continue to confirm the top position of the University of Würzburg. With respect to life and natural sciences, the university is among the top 100 universities in the world and among the top 30 universities in Europe.
The university welcomes highly qualified students from all nations for graduate studies. As an important element in the career of young scientists, the University of Würzburg awards doctoral degrees in all study areas. It provides supervision by leading scientists, intensive tutoring, interdisciplinary courses, and advice.
The university hospital provides both excellent medical care and top-level research.

The university maintains numerous international partnerships with universities in Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Exchange agreements allow our students to explore the world for some time during their studies. In return, exchange students from abroad can experience German culture and student life while spending some time in Würzburg. As they contribute to a multicultural atmosphere on campus and inside the classroom, international students are always very welcome to study at the University of Würzburg.

The university and the city of Würzburg have always been closely connected. In a population of around 135,000, students from our university and from two other higher education institutions, about 33,000 in total, ensure that Würzburg remains young and vibrant. The city is situated in a hilly wine-growing region reminiscent of the Mediterranean area. The Main river flows through the city, giving many spots a romantic flair.

A lot of student activity takes place alongside the Main river with its promenades, parks, and beer gardens: discover the music and culture of our neighbouring continent on the Main meadows during Europe's biggest Africa festival, walk barefoot on the sand at the city beach, or enjoy cool concerts and theatre performances on a floating stage during the Würzburg Dock Festival. Another popular event is the Mozart Festival, where "Serenade No. 13" is performed in a relaxed atmosphere in the Court Garden of the Residence - a World Heritage Site.

All distances within the city centre of Würzburg can be easily covered on foot or by bike. A variety of sports activities are on offer such as cycling, running, inline skating, and many more.

As regards culture, the university also benefits the city and the wider region: concerts at the Institute of Music Research or exhibitions in the university's museums enrich the cultural scene.

Würzburg is the cultural and political centre of the northern Bavarian region of Lower Franconia. Thanks to its central location and its excellent road and rail network, other towns and cities in Germany are easy to reach. There is a direct connection to and from Frankfurt Rhein/Main airport and Nuremburg airport with IC and ICE trains running every hour.

To find out more about the city of Würzburg, please refer to:
http://www.wuerzburg.de/en/