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Master's programme

Developmental, Neural, and Behavioural Biology (MSc) University of Göttingen

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
View details
Language level required
English: C1
German: None

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Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MSc
Duration
4 semesters
Full-time / part-time
Full-time
Intake
Winter semester
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No

Language of instruction

English

All programme-specific courses are taught in English. Additionally, students have the option to join university-wide courses offered in German.

Programme description

The English-language MSc programme in "Developmental, Neural and Behavioural Biology" covers the three areas of developmental and cell biology, neurobiology and behavioural biology including in depth specialisation.

The programme is aimed at students who have a particular interest in developmental biological processes, the structure and function of nervous systems or behavioural research. The lecturers are scientists who collaborate with the University of Göttingen, the German Primate Centre and several Max Planck Institutes. A wide variety of topics are taught, ranging from cellular functions to cognitive performance. Previous knowledge in the desired field is required.

Programme structure

The MSc programme in "Developmental, Neural and Behavioural Biology" comprises four semesters. It typically follows a BSc degree in biology/biological sciences and is extremely research-orientated. A total of 120 ECTS credits must be earned as part of this modularised MSc programme. The programme takes place in an active, internationally renowned research environment.

Students acquire basic subject and methodological knowledge by attending core modules that include lectures, seminars and methods courses (first and second semester). Building on the core modules, individually organised laboratory projects are carried out in lab rotations (advanced modules). In addition, university-wide and cross-faculty modules can be taken in order to acquire further job-related key competences. In the fourth semester, students write the Master's thesis as an independent piece of academic work. They work on a current academic topic, which is usually embedded in a third-party funded project.

The MSc degree qualifies students to practice a profession or conduct research, and in particular is a prerequisite for a doctoral thesis and for working in the field of biosciences. There is a fast-track option to the faculty's consecutive PhD programmes.

Excellent English language skills are required and must be demonstrated. Basic knowledge of German is also required.

Mode of study

  • Fully on-site

International elements in the curriculum

The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:

  • Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
    Study at partner universities (Erasmus+, Global Exchange programme) Internship/laboratory rotation/thesis abroad Find more information online: https://uni-goettingen.de/de/677597.html
  • Opportunities for students to work abroad

Application and admission

Application period(s)

  • 1 January to 15 February for applicants who are not EU citizens and do not hold an EU Bachelor's degree (start of studies in October)
  • 1 April to 15 May for applicants who are EU citizens or hold an EU Bachelor's degree (start of studies in October)

Academic admissions requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Biology/Biosciences

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution. Exceptions may apply. See our website for further details.

German language requirements

German: None

English language requirements

English: C1

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
Total: 95 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
telc English
Total: telc English C1
PTE Academic
Total: 76 / 90
IELTS Academic
Total: 7 / 9
UNIcert® English
Total: UNIcert® III

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

Fees are around 460 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as regional buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

Cost of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

Part-time employment

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations. Information on side jobs: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/653539.html

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to your job search.

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Support with registration procedures

The International Office provides services for international students.

German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city in the first weeks.

An orientation week for international students provides information about university and city.

Study Buddy Programme: part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)

Foyer International: activities for all students

German courses during studies (free of charge)

Instagram channel for international students

Support for specific needs

Career advisory services

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops and online learning modules.

If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

Accommodation

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.

Contact

Main contact

Office of Studies Faculty of Biology and Psychology

Name
Bettina Marth
Adresse
37073 Göttingen
E-Mail
E-mail

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Immer wissen, was als Nächstes ansteht

Mit deinem Study Guide hast du eine persönliche To-do-Liste, die sich an dein Herkunftsland, deinen Abschluss und deine Interessen anpasst – und dir zeigt, was als Nächstes wichtig ist.