Program overview
Neuroscience has advanced rapidly over recent decades, becoming a central discipline within biology and medicine. Discoveries about how the brain and nervous system develop, function and fail have generated powerful new insights into neural mechanisms. This master’s degree builds on that progress by concentrating on translational approaches that move basic science findings toward clinical application.
The programme emphasizes applying technological and experimental advances to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with often hard-to-treat neurological, neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions — for example Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and various brain tumours. You will be trained to connect laboratory research with clinical problems so that new knowledge can inform better therapies and diagnostic tools.
Students are prepared to work at the interface of basic and clinical neuroscience. Coursework and research components foster skills needed for translational research careers in academia, clinical research settings, industry or other biomedical environments. Depending on your interests and career plans, the programme offers distinct focus areas so you can specialise in topics most relevant to your goals.
Study foci (examples offered)
Key facts and application notes
Curriculum overview
This Master's program is built over four semesters. The first two semesters focus on taught modules that combine foundational neuroscience (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology) with advanced methodological and translational topics. The third semester is devoted to two consecutive, three-month practical projects—one framed as a pilot project and one as a project proposal—each accompanied by a skills course. The fourth semester is reserved for an extended, six-month Master's thesis completed with a colloquium.
Core content and key modules
Early coursework covers core brain structure and function (Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology) alongside hands-on methodological training. Method modules offer options such as foundations of medical physics, high-throughput genomics/proteomics, laboratory animal work, experimental and translational neuroimaging, and systems/cognitive approaches. Translational modules focus on linking basic neuroscience to disease and therapies, with topics including neurocytology and regeneration, cellular and molecular analyses of brain function, protein pathology in neurodegenerative and mental disorders, neuroimmunology, and stem cell–derived brain organoids. There is also a compulsory module on Research Ethics and Technics to ensure responsible conduct and technical standards.
Practical training and learning outcomes
The two research practicums (Pilot Project and Project Proposal) are intensive, project-centered experiences that include complementary courses in scientific writing/presenting and data analysis. These prepare you to design experiments, analyze data, communicate results, and manage research projects. The culminating six-month thesis allows you to carry out an independent research project and defend it in a colloquium. Overall learning outcomes include: a solid conceptual grasp of neuroanatomy/physiology; competence in modern experimental and analytical techniques (molecular, imaging, systems-level and high-throughput methods); translational thinking linking mechanisms to disease; ethical research practice; and practical skills in scientific writing, data analysis and oral presentation.
Program components and credit details (as listed)
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
This programme requires a completed university degree in a closely related field and specific coursework in core biological/neuroscience areas. Your prior degree must have a standard duration of at least six semesters (equivalent to 180 ECTS credit points) and a final grade of 2.0 or better in the German grading scale. If your degree was awarded abroad, your final grade will be converted into the German system using the "Modifizierte Bayerische Formel."
Admissions consider degrees in neuroscience or other natural science subjects (for example BSc Neuroscience or Biology) or a medical degree from a German or foreign higher education institution. You must also have obtained specific credit points in lectures and practicals in one of the listed subject areas. Note that degrees in pharmacology or psychology do not automatically fulfil these specific credit-point requirements.
Required qualifications (bullet points)
Tip for international applicants: prepare detailed transcripts and module descriptions that show the credit points and practical components for relevant courses, so the admissions office can verify equivalence.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for research roles that require strong methodological skills and an ability to connect basic neuroscience with clinical applications—such as positions in academic laboratories, translational research units, biotech companies, clinical research organizations, and medical research centers. The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies (PhD) in neuroscience or related biomedical fields.
Practical internships and links to networks such as the Human Brain Project enhance employability by providing hands-on project experience and professional contacts in both academic and extramural research environments.