This Master of Science program delivers advanced, research-focused training in neurobiology, covering both core topics and contemporary methods in the field. You will deepen your theoretical understanding while developing the technical and analytical skills needed for scientific work in neuroscience.
The curriculum emphasizes broad competence with current neuroscientific methods, enabling students to handle diverse experimental and conceptual approaches. The programme is designed to train you to independently identify, formulate and solve scientific problems in neurobiology.
A particular strength of the programme is its emphasis on integrative neurosciences of vertebrate systems, providing a unifying perspective across different levels of analysis within vertebrate neurobiology. Graduates leave with the expertise to pursue further research or scientific careers that require advanced competence in neurobiological methods and problem solving.
Curriculum overview
For the full, authoritative curriculum—including detailed module descriptions, learning outcomes, credit values and assessment rules—please consult the module handbook available on the course website. The handbook is the definitive source for what you will study each semester, how each module is assessed, pre‑requisites, and the formal programme structure.
What to expect (key areas and outcomes)
The module handbook sets out the programme’s core and elective modules and the intended learning outcomes for each. International students will typically find clear statements about the knowledge and skills they are expected to acquire (for example: advanced understanding of neural structure and function, practical competence in contemporary experimental techniques, competence in data analysis and critical interpretation, and experience designing and executing independent research). The handbook also explains how these outcomes are achieved and assessed—through lectures, lab work, seminars, coursework and the master’s research project or thesis.
Practical information and why to read the handbook
Reading the module handbook before you enrol helps you plan your studies (choose electives, meet prerequisites, schedule lab rotations) and understand formal requirements (credit totals, progression rules, assessment grading, submission deadlines). It also lists contact details for module coordinators and exam board information, which is useful for queries or special arrangements.
Quick checklist — consult the module handbook for:
This master's programme requires a relevant undergraduate degree and demonstrable coursework in neurobiology. Specifically, candidates need a Bachelor's degree in biology with a minimum grade of 2.5 on the German grading scale. Alternatively, applicants holding a Bachelor's in another natural science are eligible if they can show at least 30 ECTS credits in subjects directly related to neurobiology.
If your degree was completed outside Germany, your grades will be assessed and converted to the German system during application evaluation; contact the admissions office or consult the selection statutes for details. The 30 ECTS requirement corresponds to roughly one semester’s worth of study (half an academic year) and should reflect focused coursework in neurobiology topics.
Relevant coursework that would typically count toward the 30 ECTS includes subjects such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, cellular/molecular neurobiology, systems neuroscience, neuropharmacology, experimental methods (e.g., imaging or electrophysiology), or closely related modules — but final determination depends on the admissions review and the selection statutes (selection statutes 2024).
Requirements (selection statutes 2024)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates are well prepared for research careers in academic laboratories or for roles in industry sectors that require advanced neurobiological expertise, such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and neurotechnology. The programme also provides a solid foundation for continuing to doctoral studies (PhD) in neuroscience or related fields.
Beyond bench research, the analytical, methodological and communication skills acquired can be applied in science communication, regulatory affairs, and research support roles within both public and private organisations.