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Master's programme

Molecular Plant Science University of Hamburg

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
31 March 2027 (winter semester)
Language level required
English: B2
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
Yes
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
Yes

Language of instruction

English

Courses are held in English (100%), and the Master's thesis has to be written in English.

Programme description

The MoPS study programme is research-driven and requires knowledge in plant molecular biology as well as extended lab experience. The students acquire fundamental knowledge in many different experimental techniques from molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, and bio-imaging, and can apply these methods to molecular plant research. They are able to formulate and validate scientific hypotheses. They design and perform experiments independently and are able to discuss their results in the current context of plant research and talk about the meaning of their scientific findings for society.

Programme structure

The MoPS offers practice-oriented learning through group practicals in the first semester to refresh your knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques and to learn more advanced lab methods. This is followed by individual lab rotations in the second and third semesters. Skills relevant to academic research, such as the development of research questions, experimental design, implementation and evaluation, are taught, as well as the presentation and discussion of research results. The programme is completed with a Master's thesis. For the thesis, students are allowed to work independently on an up-to-date scientific question embedded in the research environment of Universität Hamburg. The practical education is complemented by lectures and seminars that provide an overview about the most exciting topics and trends in molecular plant biology, and offer the opportunity to discuss ethical issues and possible career paths following the Master’s degree.

Programme structure

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:

  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
All countries
15 February 2027
31 March 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

The Master's degree programme in Molecular Plant Science has the following specific admission requirements:

  • degree in one of the Bachelor's programmes at a university within the Federal Republic of Germany:
    • Biology
    • Molecular Life Sciences
    • Biochemistry

or

  • a degree in another Bachelor's degree programme, provided that the following academic achievements in the specified scope and discipline are demonstrated:
    • Biology and Biochemistry 70 credit points (LP) thereof 20 LP in university laboratory practicals (in molecular biology or/and biochemistry)
    • A scientific experimental research project as a thesis of at least six LP

This information must be evident from the submitted documentation, possibly with a separate letter. Achievements from other courses may be used to meet the required course credits. This also applies to university achievements that have been acquired in addition to the Bachelor's degree programme.

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution.

German language requirements

German: None

English language requirements

English: B2

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026)
Total: 72 / 120
Reading: 18 / 30
Listening: 17 / 30
Writing: 17 / 30
Speaking: 20 / 30
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
Total: 4 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6
IELTS Academic
Total: 5 / 9
Cambridge English Qualifications Business (BEC)
Total: B2 Business Vantage

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

There is a semester fee of approx. 340 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Part-time employment

Are you looking for a part-time job? Stellenwerk, Hamburg's cross-university job platform posts attractive job and internship advertisements every day.

Part-time work, an internship, or self-employment—the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) advises you on all aspects of social security.

Students from countries outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland are subject to special regulations for part-time work when studying. Contact the Counselling Centre for more information.

There are several job opportunities at Universität Hamburg. Many are offered exclusively to students. Check out departmental bulletin boards, websites, Stellenwerk, or ask directly in your department.

Scholarships and financing information

International full-time students may apply for merit scholarships or exam grants granted by Universität Hamburg. For more information, please use the provided link. We also recommend contacting our colleagues in the Department of International Affairs for further guidance: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/studieren-an-der-uhh/finanzierung-des-studiums_e.html.

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Welcome event
  • Specialist counselling
  • Support with registration procedures

Course-specific language courses available

  • English
  • German

Career advisory services

There is an "Introduction to job" module in the third semester as a career service integrated in the programme.

Accommodation

Are you searching for an apartment or a room? Although affordable housing in Hamburg is rare, please do not despair. Patience and luck will help you find suitable accommodation.

Start looking for accommodation as soon as you can. For more information on how to find accommodation, please visit: Finding accommodation in Hamburg.

For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please see: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.

Contact

Main contact

Biology

Name
Dr Markus Brändel
Address
Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22559 Hamburg
Email
E-mail

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Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.