Molecular Principles of Life (Master of Science) Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

The Faculty of Biology at LMU Munich offers a comprehensive two-year Master of Science programme in Molecular Principles of Life for graduates with a background in biology (BSc in Biology or an equivalent degree).

Molecular principles are at the heart of our understanding of life and provide the foundation for advances in both fundamental research and applied sciences. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes, research in this field contributes to innovations in areas ranging from medicine and biotechnology to environmental science and industrial applications.

The Master’s programme in Molecular Principles of Life combines modern molecular approaches with a broad range of interdisciplinary fields. It is designed for highly motivated students with a strong interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms that shape life and in developing the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to cutting-edge research.

The programme is taught entirely in English and provides state-of-the-art education across a broad range of disciplines, including Animal Physiology, Cell Biology, Computational Biology, Evolution & Ecology, Microbiology, Genomics & Genetics, and Plant Sciences. By bringing together diverse perspectives and approaches, the programme provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the molecular principles underlying life and prepares them to meet future challenges in science and pursue a wide range of careers in research and related professional fields.

The website of the Master of Science programme in Molecular Principles of Life is the best way to find out more about the programme and to gain an overview of current research areas: https://www.bio.lmu.de/en/study/for-students/master-programs/mpl/.

The standard duration of the Master’s programme is four semesters, including the completion of a Master’s thesis. The programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits, with students typically earning approximately 30 credits per semester. The curriculum is organised into a modular system that encompasses thematically related areas of research, integrating lectures, seminars, and practical courses. A key focus is placed on learning within the context of current research projects. Modules can be individually selected and combined based on the student’s academic goals and interests.

First Semester — Foundational Training:
The first semester is designed to expand and deepen the foundational knowledge acquired during the student’s undergraduate studies. During the initial two months, students participate in the mandatory courses Core Laboratory Skills in Life Sciences and Computational Applications in Life Sciences. In addition, students may choose up to two supplementary fields of study to begin their academic specialisation.

Second and Third Semesters — Specialisation:
In the second and third semester, students have the opportunity to either continue developing their focus areas from the first semester or explore new subjects. Required components include lectures, seminars, hands-on practical courses, and research-based practicals.

Fourth Semester — Master’s Thesis Module:
The programme concludes with a 24-week research project culminating in the writing and defence of a Master’s thesis. This final phase allows students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent, responsible scientific research.

The next application round for the Master of Science programme in Molecular Principles of Life, starting in the winter semester 2027/28, will take place in 2027.

• You have successfully completed or will complete in the next months a Bachelor's degree with a total of at least 180 ECTS points in biology or a related subject, e.g. bioinformatics, (bio)chemistry, or (bio)physics, biotechnology.
• A transcript of records from your Bachelor's degree that indicates your grade point average is required. If you are currently a Bachelor's student, you must provide a recent transcript of records with a preliminary average grade.

97 EUR per semester

In Munich, you should calculate with about 1,500 EUR per month. Here’s a basic outline of what you should budget for monthly living costs:

• Rooms in private housing including utilities: 600 to 1,000 EUR
• Rooms in university housing including utilities: 400 to 600 EUR
• Food, health insurance, leisure activities: 500 EUR
• Public transportation: discounted "Deutschland-Ticket" for students (currently 43 EUR), valid all over Germany (no ICE/IC trains)

And there’s good news! With a valid student identity card, you have access to price reductions for Munich’s cultural events (like theatre, concerts, museums, and more), as well as at the many on-campus student cafeterias and cafés.

Part-time jobs are offered in the various working groups.

There is no financial aid system offered by LMU Munich.

Students can apply for different scholarships, that are competitive funding opportunities: e.g. Deutschlandstipendium, SIST LMU Study scholarship (only international students), SIST LMU Study completion scholarship (only international students).

Please visit the following link for further information: Scholarships — LMU Munich

The faculty offers specific mentoring and advice from different perspectives: professors and teaching staff, coordination office, and alumni. Special fairs, career talks, and events for future job perspectives are regularly organised.

In addition to the faculty, the career service of the LMU Munich, "Student und Arbeitsmarkt", offers a programme that accompanies students' studies. Here students gain professional orientation, additional qualifications and practical experience. They can increase their job prospects and prepare to work both in subject-related and non-subject-related professions. "Student und Arbeitsmarkt" carries out projects to improve the job prospects of graduates as well as contacts between the university and the employment market.

For further information, please visit the following link: https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/student-life/housing/.