Molecular Plant Sciences (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 Plant Sciences for graduates with a background in biology (BSc in Biology or an equivalent degree).

The Master’s programme in Molecular Plant Sciences at the LMU Biocenter links classical botanical disciplines to modern molecular methods. It is oriented towards highly motivated and globally diverse next-generation researchers with a strong interest in molecular and adaptation mechanisms, and evolution of plants.

The programme is taught in English, and it offers state-of-the-art education in four main topics: Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Cell Biology, Systematics and Biotic Interactions of Plants. Our aim is to offer our students comprehensive preparation for meeting future challenges in science-related professional careers within the field of plant sciences.

Based on topic related modules, the curriculum of the Master's programme in Molecular Plant Sciences includes lectures, seminars, and practical courses, with a strong emphasis on learning in the context of ongoing research projects. The first semester of the Master’s programme aims at deepening existing expertise gained from the previously completed Bachelor’s programme. In the following semesters, students can individually compose modules according to their goals and interests, either aiming for exposure to a wide variety of fields or on focusing in-depth on a particular subject.

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

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

Second and third semesters — Specialisation:
In the second and third semester, you have the opportunity to either continue developing your 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 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 you to demonstrate your ability to conduct independent, responsible scientific research.
The Master’s module also includes supplementary elements such as a research seminar and colloquia, supporting the development of presentation and discussion skills in a scholarly context.

Fieldwork is included in the programme as a component of the research courses.

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

• You have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree programme with a total of at least 180 ECTS credits or equivalent in biology, forestry, agricultural sciences, plant sciences or a related subject (e.g. Biomedical Science, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, or Biophysics). If you have not yet completed your Bachelor's programme in one of the above-mentioned subjects, you should complete the programme in the next months.
• 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 submit 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: 43 EUR per month for the discounted "D-Ticket" ("Deutschlandticket") for students, 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 where there are competitive funding opportunities: e.g. Deutschlandstipendium, SIST LMU Study scholarship (only international students), SIST LMU Study completion scholarship (international students only).

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. Regularly special fairs, career talks, and events for future job perspectives are organised.

Beside 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/.