Overview This Elite Network of Bavaria–supported Master of Science programme brings together LMU’s Faculties of Biology and Medicine to offer an interdisciplinary, research- and competency-oriented education in human biology. Taught in English and limited to a cohort of up to 30 students, the course aims to give a thorough, research-led understanding of the biological principles that underlie health and disease.
What you will study Teaching and supervision take place at a modern research environment and cover a broad spectrum of biomedical core topics, including Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Epigenetics; Molecular Microbiology and Infection Biology; Molecular Oncology; Neurosciences; and Cardiovascular and Lung Research. The curriculum combines compulsory and elective modules with transferable-skill courses to prepare students both for research roles and wider career paths. A mentoring programme pairs students with experienced, internationally recognised professors to support development as independent researchers.
Research and career connections Students have the opportunity to undertake research projects with a wide network of collaboration partners at home and abroad, spanning academic research institutes and industry. The small, selective cohort model encourages close supervision, strong mentorship, and networking—advantages that can accelerate scientific training and career development in biomedical research.
Key facts and requirements
Overview
In the first semester you consolidate and broaden the knowledge gained during your bachelor’s degree while building core laboratory and practical skills needed for the specialised modules that follow. This term also develops transferable competencies used throughout the master’s: delivering presentations, working in teams and strengthening intercultural awareness — all designed to prepare you for collaborative research environments.
Advanced topic training (semesters 2–3)
During the second and third semesters you choose priority research areas and follow topic-specific teaching and practical training. The second-semester focus areas are “Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Epigenetics” and “Molecular Microbiology and Infection Biology.” The third-semester focus areas are “Molecular Oncology,” “Neurosciences,” and “Cardiovascular and Lung Research.” Each chosen topic includes a lecture, a seminar, a hands-on methods course and an eight-week research practical. Those research placements may be completed in industry or at collaborating institutes in Munich or abroad. Regular invited speakers and guest lectures give opportunities for professional networking and contact with potential employers. Alongside these specialisations you take interdisciplinary modules (including a course at the Munich Center for Ethics) and transferable-skills courses covering presentation technique, time management, self-reflection, teamwork, conflict management and leadership.
Master’s thesis (fourth semester)
The programme concludes with a 24-week period devoted to an independent research project, culminating in the writing and defence of a Master’s thesis. This final phase demonstrates your ability to design and carry out responsible, autonomous research and to present and defend your findings.
Programme structure — key modules and requirements
Learning outcomes (what you will be able to do)
This programme requires a completed undergraduate degree in biology or a closely related field. Applicants who are finishing their Bachelor’s studies may also apply, provided they expect to graduate within the coming months. International applicants should note the ECTS-based credit requirement below and consider how their home-country degree maps to it.
A substantive final research component is mandatory. Normally this is a Bachelor’s thesis worth at least 10 ECTS. If your degree programme does not include a formal thesis, you can still qualify by completing an equivalent long-term research project or internship (see details below). Be prepared to describe the research project or internship in your online application.
Winter Semester (International)
28 February 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
28 February 2026
The programme is explicitly research‑oriented and prepares graduates to pursue further research careers, including doctoral studies, or to take up specialised roles in academic and industrial biomedical research settings. Through practical research projects, transferable‑skills training and networking with guest speakers and partner institutes, students gain the experience and contacts needed for careers in laboratory research, translational science, and research collaborations with industry and institutes.
Graduates will also be well prepared for positions that require advanced analytical and laboratory competencies, scientific communication skills, and the ability to design and execute independent research projects.