Max Planck School Matter to Life – Master's to PhD Direct Track Programme

Program overview

This is an integrated MSc-to-PhD direct-track pathway delivered in English and built around an interdisciplinary research agenda. Students complete a joint Master’s degree in Matter to Life by following the programme’s taught curriculum and research training across the programme’s teaching institutions. The design is intended to provide a continuous route from graduate coursework into doctoral research for students focused on research careers.

How the programme is organised

Coursework and formal teaching are taken regularly at the programme’s two teaching universities, the University of Göttingen and Heidelberg University, resulting in a joint Master’s qualification. After finishing the Master’s component, students move into the PhD phase and carry out their own research projects under the guidance of a supervisor from the Matter to Life Faculty whose research interests match the student’s chosen topic. This structure promotes close mentorship and a coherent transition from taught training to independent research.

Key points for international applicants

• English-language instruction; interdisciplinary focus drawing on expertise across institutions
• Regular study periods at both teaching universities (Göttingen and Heidelberg), so mobility between the two locations is part of the programme
• Direct-track model: integrated MSc followed by PhD research within the Matter to Life Faculty
• PhD supervision must be provided by a Matter to Life Faculty member with a matching research interest

This joint Master’s degree combines a shared core curriculum with a choice of two research-oriented focus tracks: Complex Systems and Biological Physics (hosted at the University of Göttingen) or Molecular Systems Chemistry and Engineering (hosted at Heidelberg University). Although you are based at one of these universities according to your chosen focus, many courses are delivered across connected classrooms so students from both sites learn together. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary training and research preparation, giving you exposure to theory, experimental methods and cross-disciplinary problem solving.

Practical laboratory experience is a central feature: laboratory rotations at affiliated institutions during the Master’s phase are encouraged so you can test different research environments and start building a professional network. Throughout the programme you receive close support — every student is paired with a buddy and assigned a mentor — to help navigate coursework, research options and career planning. Optional preparatory courses in mathematics, chemistry and physical chemistry are available before the programme begins to help you refresh key fundamentals.

On successful completion of the Master’s degree you are eligible to continue seamlessly into a three‑year PhD programme, supervised by one of the School’s fellows. Overall, the curriculum is designed to equip you with interdisciplinary research skills, practical lab experience, and professional mentoring to prepare you for doctoral research or other research-intensive careers.

Requirements and key components

• Choose one of two focus tracks (Complex Systems & Biological Physics OR Molecular Systems Chemistry & Engineering).
• Complete the shared core curriculum taught across the partner sites.
• Participate in laboratory rotations at affiliated institutions (strongly encouraged).
• Use mentoring and buddy support throughout the programme.
• Optional preparatory courses in mathematics, chemistry and physical chemistry are offered before the start.
• Successful completion of the Master’s enables entry into the three‑year PhD programme under a School fellow’s supervision.

Graduates are prepared for research-intensive careers in academia (postgraduate research and doctoral work) and in R&D roles across industry sectors such as materials science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and advanced engineering. The programme’s combination of interdisciplinary coursework, laboratory rotations and a substantial research internship equips students to take on positions that require integration of molecular, chemical and physical perspectives.

The strong links to Max Planck Institutes and partner universities also help students build research networks and access competitive opportunities for postdoctoral positions, research leadership roles, and industrial research and development careers in international settings.