MSc Molecular Biotechnology (MOB) Anhalt University of Applied Sciences

Modern molecular biotechnological and genetic engineering procedures are of high relevance to many realms of research and industrial processes such as biological and medical research, recombinant production of drugs, desired metabolites and optimised technical enzymes, the establishment of cellular detection systems, and strategies of environmental management as well as food production. The importance of these procedures will definitely increase in the future. This three-semester English programme was developed to enable national and international students with backgrounds in biotechnology, pharmaceutical engineering, biomedical engineering, biology, food technology and related fields of study to deepen their knowledge in this field. This applied programme includes subjects like advanced genetic engineering and cell culture, OMICS technologies, next-generation sequencing, databases and bioinformatics, recombinant protein production and much more. Successful graduates will have best chances to reach high positions in relevant companies and research institutes.

In the first and second semesters, courses are offered as lectures, seminars or projects. Lectures are usually accompanied by lab work, which has to be completed successfully by the students.

The third semester is a research semester for the Master's thesis.

University degree:

An academic degree in biotechnology, pharmaceutical engineering, biomedical engineering, biology, food technology, or related fields of study of at least seven semesters (210 credits) is required.

Language skills:

English language skills (official test)
A proven degree from an English-speaking college or university is also accepted.

Work experience:

Relevant, qualified professional experience of at least one year after graduation is required.

Aptitude test procedure:

1. final grade in the first academic degree:

• Final grade up to 2.0 - admission possible
• Final grade > 2.0 - goes into the assessment procedure

2. Further criteria:

• letter of motivation / justification of desired degree programme
• CV
• professional experience
• If necessary, aptitude interview

304.80 EUR semester contribution

(This covers a contribution to the Student Services and Student Union of 96 EUR, and also includes the public transport semester ticket.) Please check for updates on the website of the university.

The cost of living is roughly 800 EUR per month, which covers accommodation and living expenses.

Included are roughly 140 EUR per month for the compulsory health and care insurance if you are below 30 years of age (this is a special reduced students' rate). If you are over the age of 30, it can cost substantially more (up to a factor of two or three), and the cost greatly depends on the insurance type and company you have chosen.

In addition, a voluntary personal liability insurance is recommended (roughly 70 to 120 EUR per year, also varying greatly by company).

Accommodation is relatively cheap in Köthen in comparison to bigger German cities.

Students from most countries outside the European Union are requested to prove that they have the amount of roughly one year's cost for living and accommodation on a blocked account in order to be entitled to receive the visa that will allow them to enter Germany.

Limited possibilities
Non-EU students should be aware that student visas entail strict regulations regarding work. Local student jobs are open to international students, as are student tutor positions at Anhalt University (depending on qualifications and job availability).

The university offers a limited number of scholarships for international students. 

Main objective of the scholarship is to financially support qualified international students in Bachelor's and Master's programmes in order to allow them to concentrate exclusively on writing their final thesis and finishing their studies successfully.

There are two types of scholarships available. Each will grant 400 EUR per month for three months.

The university's Career Service offers our international students a wide range of tailor-made services for a successful career start in Germany. It guides students in designing a professional curriculum vitae, supports with further qualifications and helps to develop new career perspectives. The Career Service is also a contact point for companies and institutions looking for highly qualified staff with an international background and wanting to establish contact with students at an early stage.

Accommodation is available through the "Studentenwerk" (student services) or on the private market. The "Studentenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are singles with shared kitchens, showers, and WCs. Prices for these range between 250 EUR to 320 EUR per month. Although 30% of the rooms are reserved for foreign students, it is best to apply early.