This Master's programme lets you tailor your studies in modern biology through flexible module selection and options for early specialisation. You can focus on one of several in-depth subject tracks—Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology; Genetics and Genomics; Microbiology; Molecular and Cell Biology; Molecular Plant Sciences; or Neuro and Behavioural Biology—or combine modules across specialisations to gain cross-disciplinary skills.
Because Berlin hosts a rich network of research institutions, the curriculum draws on a broad spectrum of biological topics and teaching staff from external research organisations. Scientists from institutions such as the Robert-Koch-Institut, Charité, Leibniz‑Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei, Max‑Delbrück‑Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin, the Botanischer Garten and Botanisches Museum, and the Berlin‑Brandenburgisches Institut für Biodiversitätsforschung regularly contribute to courses.
During the project phase and while preparing the Master’s thesis you have the opportunity to collaborate with regional research centres, opening access to specialised labs and research groups. Possible cooperating partners include the MPI für molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, MPI für molekulare Genetik, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung, Leibniz‑Institut für Zoo‑ und Wildtierforschung, among others, allowing you to pursue experimental and research projects closely linked to current work in Berlin’s scientific community.
This Master's programme requires a total of 120 credit points, structured to give both a broad grounding in biological research and opportunities for deep specialisation and hands‑on experience. The curriculum is divided into four parts: an introductory area (15 CP), a substantial supplementary area for specialisation (60 CP), a project area for practical research experience (15 CP), and the Master's thesis plus an accompanying colloquium (30 CP).
The introductory area comprises two modules designed to orient students within the Institute of Biology’s research landscape and to teach advanced biostatistics. These modules ensure you gain a clear overview of the Institute’s core research topics and the quantitative skills needed to analyse biological data at a graduate level.
The supplementary area (60 CP) is deliberately flexible: you select from a large and regularly updated range of module variants to build a specialisation that matches your interests. The programme maintains high turnover of modules so teaching stays research‑oriented and aligned with current methods; a broad spectrum of options is available each semester and the up‑to‑date list of module variants is published on the programme’s website.
The project area (15 CP) gives you practical research experience by embedding you in working groups at the Institute of Biology or at non‑academic research centres in Berlin. You may carry out these research projects across up to two project modules. The degree is completed with a 30 CP Master’s thesis and an accompanying colloquium, demonstrating your ability to conduct independent research, synthesise results, and present and defend your findings.
Key requirements (concise)
To be considered for this Master’s programme you must demonstrate an appropriate undergraduate background in biology and adequate proficiency in both English and German. International applicants whose prior degrees were completed outside Freie Universität Berlin should ensure their qualifications closely match the content and structure of the FU Berlin Bachelor’s programme in Biology.
Equivalence of degrees is judged based on the programme’s coursework and structure; applicants may need to submit transcripts and course descriptions so the admissions office can assess comparability. For language requirements, specific tests and required proficiency levels are listed on the programme’s official information page — contact admissions if you are unsure which certificates are accepted.
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for research-focused roles in academia and non-academic research institutions, including positions in university labs, research centres, and institutes (public health, biodiversity, molecular biology, etc.). The programme's strong ties to Berlin research organisations and its project-focused training facilitate direct entry into laboratory and project-based roles and provide a solid foundation for pursuing PhD programmes.
Beyond academia, alumni can pursue careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, environmental and biodiversity organisations, science communication, and policy or regulatory agencies where biological expertise is required. The international English-language training and opportunities for projects abroad also support mobility in global research and industry settings.