This two-year, research-focused master's is an international, consecutive programme run by the Faculty of Geosciences at LMU in cooperation with researchers from the Bavarian State Collections and organised under the GeoBio‑Center LMU. Over four semesters it gives a broad, interdisciplinary introduction to geobiology and palaeobiology while emphasizing early, independent research training. Teaching and supervision are geared toward preparing students for research careers as well as roles outside academia.
Students benefit from close ties to museum and collection staff at the Bavarian State Collections and from the research environment of the GeoBio‑Center, which together provide access to specimen collections, laboratory facilities and active research groups. Graduates commonly move on to competitive PhD positions or take up respected professional roles beyond the university sector.
Program facts (from the official description)
Typical entry expectations — check the programme page for official details
For exact admission requirements, application deadlines and required documents, consult the programme’s official web page or contact the admissions office.
Overview This module-based MSc curriculum takes an integrative, interdisciplinary approach taught by specialists from multiple subfields. The programme combines required core modules with elective options, mixing classroom instruction, laboratory and field training, and curated collection work. Students are introduced early to independent scientific projects that are closely supervised, ensuring hands-on research experience from the start of the degree.
Key learning areas and methods Students acquire a broad toolkit of contemporary scientific techniques, including molecular biology methods (genomics, transcriptomics), geomicrobiology, bioinformatics and statistical analysis, as well as practical skills in fieldwork and collection management. Training also covers (palaeo-)biodiversity assessment and methods relevant to studying biomineralisation and the deep biosphere. Research components span organismic palaeobiology, genomics and phylogenomics, and molecular systematics, giving students both methodological depth and cross-disciplinary perspectives.
Why this matters By combining intensive, supervised research projects with a modular curriculum, the programme prepares graduates to carry out independent research, critically analyse biological and geological data, and present and defend scientific results. The 120-credit structure culminates in a research-focused master’s thesis and defence, consolidating practical and analytical skills applicable to further academic study or research-oriented careers.
Program structure and requirements (concise)
This programme is open to applicants who already hold a recognized Bachelor's-level degree (or an international equivalent) and whose undergraduate training provides a suitable foundation for advanced study in geobiology and palaeobiology. The qualification must come from a programme of at least six semesters’ duration (commonly equivalent to three academic years) and must demonstrate an adequate academic performance.
Degrees should be in a closely related discipline so you have the necessary background knowledge; acceptable fields explicitly include geology, biology and physical geography, while other related subjects may also qualify if their content is relevant. International applicants should expect the university to assess degree equivalence and academic standing during the application review and be prepared to submit supporting documents if requested.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates are well prepared for research careers and frequently secure competitive PhD positions. The programme’s strong methodological training, experience with independent projects and access to collections also equip students for professional roles outside academia, such as positions in research institutions, museums and collections management, environmental laboratories, or science-related organisations.
The combination of practical laboratory skills, field experience and data-analysis competence (bioinformatics/statistics) makes alumni attractive to both academic and applied employers looking for specialists in geobiology, palaeobiology and related fields.