Plant Sciences University of Bonn

All courses are held in English.

With six departments and more than 20 research groups dedicated to plant sciences, the University of Bonn is a great place to expand the frontiers of knowledge on fundamental and practical aspects of plant sciences. In this research environment, the MSc Plant Sciences was launched in the winter semester of 2008.

The MSc Plant Sciences programme aims to provide an integrated understanding of modern plant sciences across the full spectrum of current research, from molecules and physiology to biotic and abiotic interactions and global biodiversity. There is a strong emphasis on practical research experience in the laboratories of participating research groups. Compulsory courses in Plant Biochemistry and Physiology, Plant Cell Biology and Plant Biodiversity and Systematics, accompanied by elective laboratory courses in the first and second semesters, lay the foundation for the Master's thesis research projects. At the same time, students have the opportunity to focus their interests on one of these research areas or to choose from a wide range of courses covering topics such as plant molecular biology, plant molecular evolution and phylogenetics, plant proteomics, palaeobotany, phytochemistry, plant nutrition or plant physiology.

For up-to-date information, please see: https://www.plantsciences.uni-bonn.de.

The programme starts with the beginning of the winter semester on 1 October.

• The regular duration of the MSc Plant Sciences programme is four (4) semesters, which equals two (2) calendar years. After successful completion of the curriculum, the degree of Master of Science will be awarded.
• The starting date for the first semester students is 1 October, marking the beginning of the winter semester. Lectures typically start in the second or third week of October, allowing a later arrival in October.
• The MSc Plant Sciences curriculum, with modules scheduled for each working day, comprises morning lectures and evening seminars, requiring full-time participation. The standard curriculum consists of over 60% practical lab modules that require in-person attendance and active participation. Thus, completing studies in the Plant Sciences programme remotely from outside Germany is not feasible.

30 April for the following winter semester

The MSc Plant Sciences programme is modularised according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). A total of 120 credit points (30 per semester) will be accumulated during two years of study. Integrated laboratory courses to be completed in successive time frames of up to five weeks are central to the concept. Morning lectures in the three areas outlined above (A: plant biochemistry and physiology, B: plant biodiversity and systematics and C: plant cell biology) with a choice of accompanying seminars will take place over the course of the semesters. Students are free to integrate external lab coursework at non-university institutions into their course programme. This external lab coursework will be equally credited.

Self-initiated and self-organised studies in accredited Master's programmes at EU universities can be acknowledged (e.g. Erasmus).

Internships that are usually of a six-week duration can be arranged according to the participants' preferences.
Internships and practical courses at institutions outside the university (plant research industry, Max Planck Institutes, Forschungszentrum Jülich, etc.) are very welcome and will be credited. Individual appointments for lab courses will be accepted after prior notification of the programme coordinator.

No tuition fees

Approx. 330 EUR per semester (includes a ticket for local public transportation)

Approx. 950 EUR per month

• Academic admission requirements include a BSc in the life sciences (e.g. biology, biochemistry) or a related field (agricultural biology, biotechnology, forestry, etc.) Applicants with a BSc in pharmacy, chemistry, physics or geosciences will also be considered.
• English language proficiency (CEFR level B2)
• Minimum grade of 2.7 (German grade) or local equivalent
• Experience in practical laboratory work (20 ECTS)

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based 550 or computer-based 213 or IELTS 6.0 (International English Language Testing System). Exceptions (native speakers, eight years of school training conducted in English) may apply.

German language proficiency is not required.

30 April for the following winter semester

No

Students may arrange a job as teaching/laboratory assistants ("studentische Hilfskraft", e.g. in supporting experiments in practical courses of the BSc programmes). Such job opportunities must be arranged by the students themselves.

Accommodation in student dormitories/apartments may be available to a very limited extent in Bonn (https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation/). About one out of four applicants obtain accommodation in student dormitories. Monthly rent is usually around 250 to 400 EUR per month. Many students also find apartments with slightly higher rent elsewhere in the city.

With its more than 200 years of tradition, the University of Bonn is synonymous with world-renowned research at the highest level. Many of our departments have earned a stellar reputation in comparisons with both national and international competition. This is partly why we are one of 11 Universities of Excellence in Germany and are clearly among Europe’s top universities according to a number of prestigious rankings.

Together with our partners across the world, one of our aims in teaching and research is to help overcome some of the major economic, technological and societal challenges of the future through our joint efforts. In addition to research and teaching collaborations with partners around the globe, the University of Bonn is characterised by its diverse student body with more than 4,800 international students and doctoral candidates from over 135 countries.

The University of Bonn enjoys a high reputation worldwide for its research and teaching, which is also reflected in many international rankings in which it regularly ranks among the top 100 in the world. This international orientation has a long tradition: the university has maintained relationships with universities abroad for a long time. For example, the University of Bonn cooperates with over 300 partner universities from 45 countries within the framework of student exchange programmes. The internationality of the University of Bonn is also reflected in its range of courses: there are now 43 international degree programmes, many of which are taught entirely in English or other foreign languages or lead to a double degree with a partner university.

Good teaching forms the basis for enabling students to think, act and discuss topics scientifically. This is why it is so important for the University of Bonn that there is a lively exchange between students and lecturers. This is the only way to provide a comprehensive and excellent education. As an internationally renowned research university, we place particular emphasis on research-oriented teaching, which will be further promoted in both Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in the coming years.

As the former capital of Germany and the seat of the United Nations in Europe, Bonn stands for internationality and diversity. It is a beautiful and historic city located on the banks of the Rhine and also known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. At the same time, it is a modern, lively and cosmopolitan city with a high quality of life.

The city of Bonn is an international business location that continues to grow dynamically with DAX companies and around 16,000 small and medium-sized enterprises. Close networking between business and science has produced pioneering technologies, e.g. in the information and communications industry or the healthcare sector.

Bonn is known internationally for the location of the United Nations, which now has 25 institutions, and also for around 150 other organisations that operate across national borders from Bonn. The strong growth – especially in knowledge-oriented services – makes Bonn so attractive that the city is predicted to have the highest population growth in NRW. With over 4,800 international students from more than 135 countries, the university contributes significantly to the international flair of the city of Bonn.