Master of Science in Neuroscience University of Oldenburg

The Master's programme in Neuroscience at University of Oldenburg provides in-depth training in the neurosciences. The programme is research-oriented and international. It aims to attract students with a variety of different Bachelor's degrees.

Our Master’s programme Neuroscience is devoted to basic science and mainly covers the nervous systems of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. The programme focuses on Sensory, Behavioural, and Computational Neuroscience. Students can choose to specialise within these areas or combine them with neighbouring disciplines.

In addition to theoretical and experimental neuroscience background knowledge, students acquire transferable skills and hands-on research experience in at least one research project prior to their Master’s thesis.

Four out of many distinctive characteristics:

• International: All courses in English, semester abroad is possible
• Science-oriented: Intensive hands-on modules in small groups and individual student projects connecting to ongoing research projects
• Interdisciplinary: Teachers & students with diverse backgrounds, joint courses with the Master's programmes in Biology, Neurocognitive Psychology, Molecular Biomedicine and Physics, Engineering and Medicine
• Flexible: There are no mandatory courses. Students design their individual curriculum from a large range of elective modules based on their interests.

The unique focus on Sensory, Behavioural, and Computational Neuroscience builds on our local strengths as reflected in a number of cooperative research and graduate education programmes. These established structures integrate basic biological research and applied research on sensory processes. Our Master's students are guided towards independent scientific work by direct interaction within internationally recognised research labs. The broad scope of sensory research also offers a wide range of methods to learn, from molecular genetics to electrophysiology, anatomy, and behaviour, and from mathematical modelling to modern imaging techniques. Finally, our teaching faculty directly reflects the multidisciplinary nature of neuroscience, providing a unique choice for developing individual strengths and interests.

Students who are specifically interested in molecular or in cognitive psychology should consider our "sister programmes" in Molecular Biomedicine or Neurocognitive Psychology, which are also offered at University of Oldenburg.

The programme takes two years to achieve 120 ECTS credit points. All courses are elective. One research module and a Master's thesis are mandatory and can be chosen from a broad variety of topics.

Courses can be selected according to your individual preference for topics and types of modules:

Background modules: Provide background knowledge on a neuroscientific topic. Courses for eight to 20 students are organised in full-time blocks of two to seven weeks and usually comprise lectures, seminars, and hands-on practical experience. A minimum of 30 credit points must be acquired in background modules.

Research modules: These are individual student research projects in the supervisor's lab. The aim is to practise independent research, including experiments, background literature, and presentation of results. One research module has 15 ECTS and typically consists of six to eight weeks lab time plus time for preparation and for writing the report. Research modules are taken in one of the neuroscientific research groups at University of Oldenburg. External projects at a university, research institution, or a company science laboratory, either in Germany or abroad, are also possible. A minimum of 15 credit points must be acquired in research modules.

Skills modules: Professional skills beyond the specifics of neuroscience are developed in courses for up to 24 students. Topics include programming and statistical data analysis, science communication and ethical discussions. A minimum of six credit points must be acquired in skills modules.

Electives: Of course, all courses of the MSc Neuroscience curriculum are eligible to complete your transcript to a total of 120 ECTS. Alternatively, up to 30 ECTS (one semester) can be chosen:

• From a list of pre-approved modules from related Master's programmes, e.g. Biology, Neurocognitive Psychology, Molecular Biomedicine and Physics, Engineering and Medicine, or the MSc programme in Neurosciences at University of Bremen.
• Upon individual approval by the programme director, further modules from other Master’s programmes at University of Oldenburg or other universities in Germany or abroad. Hence, up to one semester course work can be studied at an international university.

For further details or examples of different individual curricula, please visit our website: https://uol.de/en/master-neuroscience/curriculum.

• University of Bremen
• Aix-Marseille University, France

At least one research module (15 ECTS) has to be completed during the Master's programme. This module can be accomplished as an internship at the University of Oldenburg,  or at any other university, research institution, or science-oriented company, if the topic of the project fits into the scope of evaluation by one of the teachers involved in the programme. It is possible to choose up to three research modules as electives.

Mandatory qualifications / documents:

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree, e.g. in neuroscience, biology, natural sciences, or engineering.
• At least 150 credit points must be documented.
• At least 12 credit points must have been obtained in neuroscience and a further 12 credit points in mathematics, statistics, or programming. (We also acknowledge certificates from extracurricular online courses.) Up to six credit points in one of these two broad areas may be acquired in catch-up individual studies.
• Proof of English proficiency
• The completed specific eligibility form

Advantageous qualifications:

Category A:
German grade average of Bachelor's degree (calculation of German grade is done by uni-assist)

• 1.00 - 1.29 (6 points)
• 1.30 - 1.49 (5 points)
• 1.50 - 1.69 (4 points)
• 1.70 - 1.89 (3 points)
• 1.90 - 2.19 (2 points)
• 2.20 - 2.49 (1 point)
• 2.50 - 4.00 (0 points)

Category B:
Further points can be obtained through additional qualifications.

• Scientific project experience (BSc thesis and scientific projects in neuroscience) up to 1.5 points
• Relevant specialised knowledge (at least 18 ECTS in neurobiology and 12 ECTS in statistics, programming, or mathematics) up to 1 point
• English language skills (proven English proficiency C1 or higher; not older than two years) 1 point
• Relevant professional experience (inside or outside of the university) 0.5 point
• International experience (study-related stay abroad outside the home country for at least one semester) 0.5 point
• Special academic achievements (proven publication, award or prize for academic achievements) 0.5 point
• Commitment (proven voluntary social or community commitment for at least six months) 0.5 point

Please make sure to include all relevant supporting documents in your application, including the completed eligibility form. These are the only basis for the admissions committee to evaluate your specific eligibility.

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 435 EUR. This includes a semester ticket for free public transport.

You should be prepared to spend about 1,000 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (accommodation, health insurance, food).

A detailed list of current fees and expenses can be found at https://uol.de/en/study-in-oldenburg/finances.

Students are permitted to work while pursuing their studies. If you are a student from a non-EU country, you are allowed to work 140 full or 280 half working days per year.

German language skills are advantageous for finding student jobs outside of the University.

There are no full-time funding opportunities for the whole duration of the course of study. However, within the university, the International Office offers the following opportunities:

• Scholarships for international students and doctoral candidates (DAAD STIBET/Jakob Mann Foundation/Oscar-Romero)
• DAAD-Award

All students who study a semester abroad, who do an external research module abroad or who participate in an international conference can apply for international mobility grants by the study programme and the university.

• Yearly "Neuroscience Career Day"
• Individual advice from the programme coordinator
• General career advisory service and career day by the university

The University of Oldenburg does not own or manage any dorms and thus cannot provide or guarantee your housing! The Studierendenwerk Oldenburg runs halls of residence for students, but waiting times may occur. Arranging for temporary housing prior to your arrival is recommended.

Further information

The University of Oldenburg was founded in 1973, making it one of Germany's young universities. Its goal is to find answers to the major challenges society faces in the 21st century – through interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research.

The distances on the Oldenburg campus are short. The university's academic staff and administrative staff work closely together, using an interdisciplinary approach. Many are integrated into special research areas, research groups, and European clusters of excellence.
The university cooperates closely with more than 300 other universities worldwide and is also affiliated with non-university institutes in the areas of research, education, culture, and business.

The University of Oldenburg is preparing approximately 15,000 students for professional life. It offers a broad range of disciplines, from language studies, cultural studies, and the humanities to educational sciences, art, and musicology; the economic and social sciences; mathematics; computer science; the natural sciences; and the medicine and health science programmes.

Oldenburg regards itself as a modern city in a modern society. Interest in communication with people from all over the world is an important part of our identity. We also value being open towards newcomers who want to join our community. We appreciate internationalism and cultural diversity as an opportunity for us all.

Irrespective of whether you want to enjoy Oldenburg as a tourist, student, future business owner, or permanent resident – you are always welcome!

There are many reasons to come to Oldenburg. In contrast to many other cities in Germany, our population is actually on the steady increase. With its many creative and ambitious projects, initiatives, and businesses, Oldenburg has become established as the region's motor for progress and development.

We believe that knowledge is the key to success. The University of Oldenburg, the Jade University of Applied Sciences, and dedicated electrical engineering, IT, and police training colleges evidence our strong position in the field of higher education.

The economic focus of the city is on the service sector and advanced technology, with special emphasis on the fields of sustainable energy generation and distribution. The regional IT sector is also renowned for its creativity and innovative power.

For further information, please visit the following website: https://www.oldenburg.de/.