Master of Science Pharmaceutical Sciences / Pharmazeutische Forschung

This master's programme offers an interdisciplinary education in pharmaceutical sciences, introducing how different natural sciences—mainly chemistry, biology and physics—come together in the discovery and development of medicines. You will gain a broad overview of the research processes behind medicinal products, with an emphasis on combining experimental and theoretical approaches to address questions in drug research.

Core topics covered include drug discovery and development, evaluation and testing of therapeutic formulations, study of drug release systems, and methods for determining pharmacological effects. The curriculum is designed to teach students how to apply scientific methods to complex, current problems in pharmaceutical research and development.

Throughout the programme you will develop the knowledge, practical skills and methodological competence needed to carry out scientific work and to evaluate research findings independently and responsibly. The training emphasizes critical assessment of data and the ability to tackle interdisciplinary problems relevant to pharmaceutical drug discovery and development.

Important practical notes — check these with the university before applying:

• Programme language: English — verify required level of English proficiency
• Confirm specific entry and degree prerequisites for this MSc
• Ask about application deadlines and required documents (transcripts, CV, motivation letter, references)
• Check information on tuition/fees, scholarships and visa requirements for international students

Curriculum summary

This research-focused Master’s curriculum combines taught seminars with practical, project-based work to develop advanced competencies in pharmaceutical research. The structure alternates thematic lecture/seminar units across semesters and culminates in an extended independent research project (Master’s thesis). The program is designed to give you both conceptual familiarity with current research areas and hands-on experience carrying out and communicating scientific investigations.

Core taught modules include semester-specific seminars that build foundational and topical knowledge: the summer-term "Key skills in pharmaceutical research" offers guided instruction in the methods and approaches researchers use, while the winter-term "Current areas of pharmaceutical research" surveys contemporary topics and developments in the field. The "Pharmaceutical research project" combines seminar teaching with practical workshops to let you apply methods, plan experiments or studies, and work through real research problems. The Master’s thesis is the final, independent research component in which you design and execute a substantial study and present the results in a written thesis.

Learning outcomes emphasize research literacy and independence: you will become proficient in contemporary research methods, able to critically evaluate current literature, design and carry out a focused research project, analyse and interpret data, and communicate findings in scientific formats. These competencies prepare graduates for further academic research (such as doctoral studies) or for research-oriented roles in industry and related sectors.

Requirements (curriculum components)

• Key skills in pharmaceutical research — lecture and seminar (only offered in the summer semester)
• Current areas of pharmaceutical research — lecture and seminar (only offered in the winter semester)
• Pharmaceutical research project — seminar and practical workshop
• Master’s thesis — independent research project and written thesis

Graduates are prepared for research and development roles in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, positions in analytical and formulation laboratories, and scientific work in public or private research institutes. The programme also provides a strong foundation for pursuing a doctoral degree (PhD) in related fields.

Because the course emphasizes experimental methods, data interpretation and interdisciplinary problem solving, alumni can also move into quality assurance/quality control, regulatory affairs or science-focused roles that require the ability to critically evaluate and conduct scientific research.