Master's Programme in Neuroscience Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

How does the brain work?

Significant progress has been made in the field of cellular and molecular neuroscience and modern in vivo techniques have revolutionised non-invasive observation of brain activity even in humans. Today's challenges lie in understanding the brain as a complex functioning system and many problems remain to be solved. For example, we still cannot explain how information processed in parallel pathways within one sensory modality (as in the visual or auditory system) is fused into the complex object we perceive, such as a face or particular voice.

Based on their teaching and research expertise, the members of the teaching faculty, which includes members of the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN) and guest lecturers from external institutions, believe that the overwhelming complexity of the human brain can only be explained by applying different approaches and methods of the disciplines in neuroscience. Thus, our programme continuously works on educating a new generation of neuroscientists starting at the level of graduate students. With an excellent understanding of the molecular, cellular and systemic principles of neurobiology, our students acquire a deeper knowledge of neuron-neuron interaction, the dynamics of neuron-glia interaction, rules of information transfer in simple and complex circuits of single brain centres, interaction of different brain centres, and the function of the human brain. This educational concept can be seen reflected in the curriculum.

1. General education

The educational programme is based on four main scientific topics, that of systems neurobiology, molecular and cellular neurobiology, computational neuroscience and neurophilosophy. Our curriculum provides the students with a profound understanding of the biological principles in brain structure and neuron-neuron communication before broadening the scope towards cognition and higher brain functions, computational methods and philosophical aspects in neurosciences. The main portion of the general education takes place in the first two semesters of study.

2. Individual research training

Each semester the student has to complete an individual research project. This will guarantee hands-on research training from the very beginning and gives students the opportunity to become acquainted with participating laboratories and researchers. In addition to the mandatory general courses, students can choose from a broad spectrum of methods and interdisciplinary courses.

3. Transferable skills

Our educational concept would not be complete without training of complementary skills, which supplement our core curriculum and help to optimally prepare students for their future career goals. In their second year, our students obtain first-hand teaching experience (and credits). In addition to a scientific education, the Master's programme includes modular workshops on academic transferable skills such as communication training, presentation skills, scientific writing, and time management.

4. Mentoring

Each student has their own mentor from the GSN faculty. The mentors serve as academic advisers, helping students plan their educational career and facilitate contacts in collaborating institutions. In informal meetings, a student has an excellent opportunity to discuss problems, receive guidance or have an informative scientific chat.

Two academic tracks

Starting 2018, the GSN curriculum has been expanded in order to offer students more flexibility as well as the opportunity to sharpen their academic profiles. Students can now choose courses along either a Systemic-Cellular-Molecular Neuroscience track or a Computational Neuroscience track. Regardless of the selected track, all students will complete coursework within the other area, but at a more moderate level.

Munich Center for Neurosciences - Brain & Mind (MCN-LMU), Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN-LMU)

During the programme, students are required to complete individual practical work within a project of ongoing research for about six to eight weeks. The student chooses from a wide variety of projects within the framework of the GSN faculty or external institutions. Our curriculum requires a total of three research projects and one laboratory internship before starting the Master's thesis project. Research projects give students the opportunity to explore different fields of neuroscience before deciding upon an area of study for the Master's thesis.

Applicants for the MSc programme in Neurosciences must hold a Bachelor's or equivalent degree in biology, psychology, medical sciences, bioinformatics, engineering, physics, computer sciences, philosophy, or a related field.

Basic fee 85 EUR + additional fee for the Deutschlandticket

See our "Life in Munich" webpage for more information: https://www.gsn.uni-muenchen.de/apply/living_in_munich/index.html.

Individual career counselling, workshops, mentoring by alumni

The International Office helps visiting academics, PhD students, and postdocs who are travelling to Munich for a set period of time to find accommodation.

For further information, please visit the following link: https://www.lmu.de/en/study/important-contacts/international-office/index.html

Rooms in shared flats are popular on the private market and reasonably priced at 400-600 EUR per month if located in central parts of Munich.

The international Master's programme in Neuroscience is part of the integrated training programme at the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN-LMU).

General information on Master's programmes at LMU can be found here: https://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/students/int_student_guide/index.html.

In addition, general information on doctoral studies is offered by the GraduateCenter LMU (www.graduatecenter.lmu.de).

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) is recognised as one of the top-ranked universities in Europe. Research and teaching at the university's 18 faculties are committed to the highest international standards of excellence. Students can choose from over 200 degree programmes ranging from the humanities and social sciences to economics and law as well as medicine and natural sciences. A growing number of Master's and doctoral programmes are taught in English.

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München forms part of a unique network of research institutions, foundations, and corporations in and around the city. Its campuses and a lively international student community constitute an integral part of the urban landscape. Home to approximately 1.5 million people, Munich is not only an important hub for higher education, research, technology, and the media. With its renowned museums, galleries, theatres, and festivals, the capital of Bavaria also ranks among the major European cultural centres. Its proximity to the surrounding lakes and the Bavarian Alps adds to Munich's inimitable appeal.