Curricular design

Advanced modules and research modules can be chosen from a broad range of different disciplines.

During your study course you will complete

• 4 advanced modules, each four weeks (FGM, 5 credit points each)
• 2 research modules, each eight weeks (FOM, 10 credit points each)
• a project management module (PLM, 10 credit points)
• 2 obligatory modules, each eight weeks ‘General Biotechnology’ and ‘Patent law and innovation management’ (10 credit points each)
• the Master's thesis (50 credit points, approx. 10 months) including the corresponding modules:
  • 'Methodological and Organizational Foundations of Experimental Life Sciences' (8 credit points)
  • final defence (12 credit points)

You can find the course catalogue with all modules currently offered under the following link:
https://mhbbio2.uni-muenster.de/modulhandbuch/student/MSc_Biotech/StudMScBiotech.php

In the first year of study, advanced and research modules, as well as the mandatory modules, are completed. The module ‘Patent law and innovation management’ introduces you to the subject-specific fundamentals of business administration and patent law. The freely selectable FGMs and one FOM can also be taken as external courses from other faculties at the university, at external research institutions, at other universities, or in industry settings (up to a maximum of 15 credit points outside of the University of Münster).

In the second year of study, the master's thesis is prepared. Over approximately 10 months, an independent scientific research project is executed and then defended in a public presentation. The master's thesis phase is complemented by the modules 'Methodological and Or- ganizational Foundations of Experimental Life Sciences' (MGel and OGeL). These modules are completed within the research group where the thesis work is carried out. Furthermore, there is the possibility to complete the master's thesis outside of the University of Münster, for example in the industry or at research institutions.

Throughout the program, in addition to scientific competencies, interdisciplinary skills in project and teamwork, as well as leadership skills are acquired within the project management module.

The biological and chemical sciences at the University of Münster are characterized by a high degree of interdisciplinary research and teaching. This research, which spans both fundamental and applied biotechnological areas, provides a broad foundation for collaborations with adjacent disciplines.

The possible career fields for graduates of the ‘Molecular Biotechnology’ master's program encompass a wide range of scientific activities in life sciences, particularly in biotechnological areas, within industry, universities and research institutions. The master's degree also pro- vides you with the opportunity to further your qualifications through relevant doctoral programs.

How to apply

Application is submitted via the registrar's office:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/studieninteressierte/en/bewerbung/master.html

Information about online application, including dates like application deadlines, can also be found on this website.

Admission to the degree course is granted through a selection that is made by the selection committee of the degree course. A 2.3 BSc final grade (German scale) minimum is required. A preliminary certificate with the required grade will be accepted. Alternatively, the applicant could prove that he/she ranks amongst the upper 40% of his/her year.

A proof of German language proficiency at DSH-2 level must be submitted with the application by the deadline, unless the degree was obtained at a German-language institution. Further information can be found at the following link:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/studieninteressierte/en/studienvoraussetzungen/sprachkurse/index.html

In this checklist you can find a comprehensive overview on the documents and steps re- quired for a successful application:
CHECKLIST

FAQ Application

Are there selection interviews for the Master's application?

When does the semester welcome ceremony take place and where can I get information about it?

Can I apply for an MSc program with a two-subject Bachelor's degree?

Can I apply for more than one MSc program?

What happens if my provisional grade changes after I have applied?

Can I be admitted with a grade point average lower than 2.3?

What happens if my certificate is not available until after the enrollment deadline?

I have completed more modules in my Bachelor's degree than required - can I have these recognized?

I am already studying in one of the three MSc programs of the Biology department - can I change within these programs?

Are there selection interviews for the Master's programme application?

There are no selection interviews when applying for the MSc in Biotechnology.

When does the semester welcome ceremony take place and where can I get information about it?

You can find information about the semester welcome and introductory events for the MSc in Biotechnology here shortly before the start of each semester.

Can I apply for an MSc programme with a bachelor's degree in two subjects?

In general, it is possible to apply for one of the three Biology Master's programmes if you have studied Biology in combination with another natural science.
However, at the time of application you must have achieved the minimum grade in your undergraduate degree and at least 150 ECTS credits. This can be complicated if grades in the second subject are awarded by year rather than by semester.

Can I apply for more than one MSc programme?

Yes, multiple applications, even for all MSc programmes at the same time, do not interfere with each other. However, for organisational reasons, all required documents must be sent for each application.

What happens if my provisional grade changes after I have submitted my application?

The selection committee will make a final decision based on the provisional grade. If your provisional grade doesn't meet the 2.3 minimum, you will have to reapply for the next semester, even if your final grade is better than 2.3. If the final grade is worse than the provisional grade, this has no effect unless you have failed the Bachelor's programme. For more information, see the Admission Regulations (in German).

Can I also be admitted with a grade point average worse than 2.3?

An average grade of 2.3 is the minimum requirement for application. Exceptions may be made if the applicant can demonstrate that they are in the top 40% of their class. Evidence of relevant work experience or internships in relevant institutions may be taken into account in the decision, but only if there are too many applications for the Masters programme. Certificates will not be counted towards the 2.3 minimum. All exceptions are listed here (in German).

What happens if my certificate is not available until after the enrollment deadline?

Unfortunately, you cannot enrol until you have received your certificate. You may have to apply again the following semester. There is no provisional form of enrolment.

I have completed more modules in my Bachelor's degree than required - can I have them recognised?

If you have taken modules in another degree programme at another university that have the same content, the same scope and the same number (or more) of ECTS credits as modules that can be taken in the Master's programme, these can be recognised. This applies in particular to modules that have not yet been recognised in the Bachelor's programme, but can also work for modules that have already been recognised if they are congruent and have been taken at the same level.
In general, however, it must be assumed that the modules taken in the Bachelor's programme are not at the level of the Master's programme. In this case, it is advisable to be well prepared for your individual case, to have carefully studied the content of the modules, to have a good justification for the recognition and to consult with the Programme Coordinator.

I am already studying one of the three MSc Biology programmes - can I switch within these programmes?

Yes, it is possible to swith within these programmes: You have to apply regularly for the programme you wish to change to. If you are applying for a higher semester, this requires a prior assessment by the Programme Coordinator on the basis of the modules you have successfully completed. It is only possible to transfer to a higher semester if there are places available in the target programme in the semester to which you wish to transfer (as determined by the Student Admissions Office). If you wish to apply for the first semester of your target programme from another Biology Master's programme, please note that you can only do so if you have already exmatriculated from your previous Master's programme.
Most advanced modules and research modules are easily transferable between the MSc Biosciences, Biotechnology and Molecular Biomedicine programmes. Please consult the Programme Coordinator. Problems only arise if a module cannot be taken for one programme. In this case, other modules must be taken after the successful transfer.