Master's in Biology – Specialisation in Molecular and Medical Neuroscience (Neuro) RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau

All compulsory courses are held in English. There are a few optional courses in German.

Brain disorders like neurodegeneration and neuropsychiatric diseases present major health problems with limited treatment options available. What are the molecular mechanisms underlying disease and how do they translate into brain dysfunction causing neurological and psychiatric symptoms? This Master's programme at the RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau provides fundamental background knowledge as well as practical training in state-of-the-art techniques for addressing the challenges of molecular and medical neuroscience. It is a programme with a familiar atmosphere and an exceptional student-to-faculty ratio, which allows for close interactions. Early on students start experimenting in the faculty labs with access to advanced approaches in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, electrophysiology, optogenetics, behavioural neurobiology, super-resolution microscopy and in vivo 2-photon imaging. Participants will have the possibility to become familiar with diverse model systems ranging from primary neuron cultures to Drosophila, rodents and human iPSC derived cellular models.

The two-year programme, which can be started in April or October, comprises a series of interactive reading courses to provide students with in-depth theoretical background and the ability to analyse and discuss current research, three extended lab rotations to acquire technical and analytical skills, and a Master's thesis to develop the students' ability to conduct independent scientific research and to write up and present their scientific results.

Winter semester:
Non-EU applicants: 30 April
EU applicants: 31 August

Summer semester:
Non-EU applicants: 31 October
EU applicants: 28 February

For a detailed description, please visit our website.
The two-year study programme consists of the following modules / courses:

Warm-up meeting and research project presentations (6 CP, ungraded)
Four interactive "Lecture and Reading Courses" (4 x 3 CP, graded)
Two-part lecture "Modern Methods in Biology" (2 x 3 CP, graded)
Two advanced practicals (2 x 12 CP, graded)
Advanced practical or industrial internship (12 CP, ungraded)
Courses of choice – self-chosen theoretical and / or practical training, including soft skill courses (15 CP, ungraded)
Research practical (15 CP, graded)
Master's thesis (30 CP, graded)

We have approx. 30% international students, and the research and teaching teams consist of German and foreign scientists who usually communicate in English with each other, which creates an international working atmosphere. There are also regular seminars with guests from other research institutions, and the Master's students have the option to complete part of their studies, including the Master's thesis, in an industrial or research lab in Germany or abroad.

No tuition fees

Social fee: 314 EUR per semester (including public transport ["Deutschland-Semesterticket"], free university sports courses, free printouts, reductions in RPTU canteen, etc.)

Assessment fee: 60 EUR (RPTU Kaiserslautern), 75 EUR (RPTU Landau) (single payment for verification of foreign certificates)

Recommended: German Language & Orientation Course for International Students: 800 EUR

Monthly cost of living: approx. 850 EUR (RPTU Kaiserslautern), approx. 950 EUR (RPTU Landau)
(including accommodation, health insurance, food, internet, phone, etc.)

For more information: 
https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students/why-kaiserslautern/fees-living-expenses

Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related subject. Excellent students will be admitted on the basis of their academic qualifications (e.g., courses studied for the Bachelor's degree) and their Bachelor's degree grades. Practical training (hands-on lab work) is a prerequisite.

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills.
Please visit our website for more information.

Winter semester:
Non-EU applicants: 30 April
EU applicants: 31 August

Summer semester:
Non-EU applicants: 31 October
EU applicants: 28 February

Limited funding opportunities for excellent students, on a competitive basis

Student assistant jobs are available on a competitive basis at the university & its departments, at the affiliated research institutes of the Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern (including DFKI, Max Planck, Fraunhofer, etc.), or at nearby companies (John Deere, Daimler, BASF, etc.).

Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these are not usually granted in advance.

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding student jobs and in strengthening their professional network, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry.

RPTU Kaiserslautern

The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk. For international Master's or PhD students, International Affairs RPTU aims to arrange accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation as part of the pre-arrival service. The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access.

• Fully-furnished: kitchenette (no plates & pots, etc.), bed & mattress (no blankets & pillows), wardrobe, shelf, table, chair (no computer) – rent: approx. 250 to 350 EUR

Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to ISGS is advisable.

Optional: To help international students get started in Kaiserslautern, the Studierendenwerk offers a starter package. This package can be purchased for 95 EUR: https://www.studierendenwerk-kaiserslautern.de/en/housing/international.

More information: https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation

RPTU Landau

Accommodation is available in student residences or on the private housing market. A certain number of rooms in student residences are reserved for incoming international Master's students who enrol at RPTU Landau. Students can contact the Welcome Center for further information with regard to the application process or a search for private housing. E-mail: international@uni-landau.de

More information: https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students-landau/travel-accommodation/accommodation

International Affairs RPTU sets up interdisciplinary workshops, seminars and info sessions focusing on skills & competences needed to establish a career in the German (business) culture.

More information: https://rptu.de/international/master/current-students/enhance-your-degree

International Affairs RPTU supports international students during every phase of their stay!

Before your arrival: Effective pre-arrival communication helps you handle application, visa, residence permit, and housing affairs.

Once you are here: As a warm-up to your studies, we offer an orientation course which combines German language training with administrative support (finding accommodation, registration process, visa, health insurance, rental contracts, etc.) & a cultural & social component including individual guidance in the first days, a campus & city tour, excursions, info sessions, social events, a welcome party, etc.

During your stay: We provide you with continuing support and accompany you on your way until graduation and entry into the German job market.

More information: https://rptu.de/en/international/home