This integrated Master's-to-PhD (including MD-PhD) programme is designed to give early-career scientists a strong foundation for academic research or science-related careers in industry and the public sector. It combines intensive theoretical teaching with hands-on laboratory experience and continuous individual advising so students can make informed decisions about their next career steps.
During the Master's phase students complete 36 lecture weeks (with accompanying tutorials), a set of 20 methods courses delivered in the first three months, and three laboratory rotations consisting of three eight-week research projects. The curriculum provides in-depth coverage across core neuroscience areas including molecular biology, neurogenetics, physiology, neuropharmacology, neuronal development, neuroanatomy, sensory/motor and clinical neurosciences, higher brain functions, computational neuroscience, and statistics. Professional-skills workshops—covering good scientific practice, scientific writing, presentation skills, design of figures and animal handling—are integrated and practised during rotations and reporting seminars. English is the language of instruction; optional German-language classes at different levels are offered free of charge to international students.
PhD candidates continue to benefit from a broad palette of qualification opportunities through the Graduate School GAUSS and the Graduate Center GGNB, including advanced methods courses, professional workshops, industry visits and language classes. The programme fosters a close-knit research community via annual retreats, the student-run Neurizons international symposium and regular cultural evenings. Incoming students receive preparatory information, administrative support and a two-week orientation prior to the first year, plus ongoing personalised counselling throughout their studies. The programme has been frequently evaluated by external reviewers and recognised for excellence—receiving a 2004 prize for outstanding support of international students and being named among the “Top 10 International Master’s Degree Courses made in Germany” by Stifterverband and DAAD.
Key components and requirements
This international, research-focused programme is delivered jointly by the University of Göttingen, the University Medical Center, the German Primate Center, the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization. Faculty from all partner institutions supervise students and teach practical methods courses, giving access to state-of-the-art laboratories and a broad range of modern molecular life-science approaches.
The first year is an intensive training phase running October–July that awards 90 ECTS through a mix of lectures, tutorials and hands-on practicals. Core elements include multidisciplinary methods courses, research group presentations, professional skills training, lab rotations/research projects and a Master's seminar. This modular structure is designed to develop practical laboratory competence, experimental design and data-analysis skills, scientific presentation and writing abilities, and professional research skills—preparing students to undertake independent research at doctoral level.
After the first year students sit a written examination plus two oral Master’s exams in August. Successful candidates then either complete a six-month Master’s thesis (30 ECTS) to finish the MSc after 18 months, or—if they achieve strong results—may be admitted directly into a three-year doctoral project without completing the Master’s thesis (fast-track). Most graduates transition seamlessly into the affiliated PhD programme, often without additional panel-based admission interviews.
Overview
This program requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) with at least 120 ECTS (or equivalent) by the time you apply. Suitable academic backgrounds include biology, physics, medicine, psychology, or closely related disciplines. If your degree is in a related field, you may still be eligible — admissions will evaluate relevance on a case-by-case basis.
Selection process and timeline
The online application portal is open each year from 15 September to 15 January for entry in October. Your application must include your personal background and motivation, uploads of all required documents, and contact details for two referees who will provide letters of recommendation — be sure to notify those referees in advance so they can submit on time. Applicants are notified in the second half of January if they advance to the second selection round (15-minute online interviews at the end of January). Final admission decisions are made in a third round in mid-February, which consists of two in-person interviews of 30 minutes each. You may apply even if your bachelor’s degree has not yet been formally awarded, provided the degree will be conferred before the start of courses in October.
Key application requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
The programme is explicitly designed to prepare graduates for research careers in academia as well as for science-related roles in industry, public research institutions or other sectors that require advanced neuroscience expertise. Many students continue directly into doctoral research within the participating institutes, benefiting from structured PhD training and funding opportunities.
Beyond academic research, the combination of practical laboratory experience, methods training and professional skills workshops positions graduates for roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, clinical research support, science policy or scientific communication. The programme’s close industry links and networking events also support transitions into applied and interdisciplinary careers.