Masterprogramme (MSc)

Admission & Application

We are delighted that you are interested in applying for the Master's in Biochemistry - Molecular & Cellular!

The program is admission-restricted (approx. 40) and new enrollments are only possible for the winter semester.
NEW Application deadline is: 01.05. - 31.5. 

Further information on the university website

1. admission requirements:

If you are applying from outside Germany, please ensure that you have a valid visa well before the start of the semester. It is not advisable to arrive in Germany and join the programme after the start of the semester.

  • Bachelor degree in Biochemistry (standard period of study of at least 6 semesters)
    OR
  • at least an equivalent degree from a university or a German higher education institution in Biochemistry or a related subject (e.g. Biophysics, Chemistry) with a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters or at least an equivalent foreign degree in the same or a related subject with a standard period of study of at least six semesters. (The Examination Board decides on the equivalence of the degrees. In particular, the examination entitlement for the corresponding Master's degree course must still exist, for example the Master's examination must not have been definitively failed).
  • At the time of application, the Bachelor's degree must not yet have been completed, but you must provide proof of 144 CP (80%). In such a case, provisional admission can be granted for the duration of one semester.
  • Proven knowledge in (A) biochemistry and (B) biophysical chemistry/biophysics/physical chemistry. A minimum of 30 CP in areas (A) and (B) is required along with at least 10 CP for (A) and 5 CP for subject (B).
    The CPs from the area (A) Biochemistry should come from the areas of Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Protein Structure and Function, Metabolism, Cell Biology, Cellular Biochemistry. The CPs in area (B) Biophysical Chemistry should come from the areas of thermodynamics, enzyme kinetics, electrochemistry, theoretical chemistry, spectroscopy.
    "Credit Points (CPs) at a German university represent the total student workload for a module, including contact hours, self-study, and assessments. 1 CP (according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)) typically equals 30 hours of total student workload. CPs do not include grades!"
  • Furthermore, an experimental bachelor thesis (minimum 12 CP) must have been part of the Bachelor's degree.
  • And at least 200 hours of practical laboratory training/activities must also be proven.
  • Proof of English language skills at level B2 [German language skills are not compulsory, but extremely helpful and are therefore recommended.]
    (Five years of English at a school until graduation (last  grade at least "satisfactory") OR level 2 UNIcert certificate OR TOEFL test (Internet-based score of at least 80) OR IELTS test (score of at least 5.0) OR other proof recognized as equivalent such as a qualified university degree from a course of study completed exclusively in English.)

2. ranking list - allocation of study places

The ranking of applicants on the list is based on the number of points they have achieved. Points are awarded for:

  • Maximum of 60 points for the grade of the bachelor.
  • Maximum of 30 points for additional, subject-relevant modules (see above under 1. Proven knowledge) from the bachelor program.
    (If more relevant credit points (CP) have been acquired in addition to the minimum of 30 CPs, this will be rewarded. For each additional CP earned, 2 points will be awarded, up to a maximum of 30 points.)
  • Maximum of 10 points for the evaluation of the resume (please only use this template!).
    Failure to submit a resume or not in the required form will result in a score of 0 points.
    (The assessment is based in particular on professional qualification factors in the field of biochemistry that were acquired outside of the first professional qualification. For example additional laboratory and research experience, internships outside the bachelor or outside the applicant's own university, further training in biochemistry and the methodological knowledge acquired as a result, occupational training (Berufsausbildung) in the laboratory field (e.g., BTA, CTA), professional experience (in the field of biochemistry), participation in research projects, conference contributions (posters, presentations), publications in internationally recognized journals with established peer review systems, participation/placement in (biochemical) competitions (e.g., iGEM), and scholarships are taken into account. 
    Knowledge that is not documented will not be included in the evaluation.)

3. application modalities

Applications must be submitted via the central online application portal for Master's degree programs (UniAssist) at Goethe University.

The following must be submitted

  • Copy of the Bachelor‘s degree
  • Transcript of Records from the bachelor program
  • Proof of English language skills
  • CV (please only use this template!) and official documents, that proof additional knowledge [please upload in the 'upload my documents' section in unis-assist, not under 'University specific mandatory questions']
  • If you are not already enrolled at Goethe-University: Proof of secondary school education (university entrance qualification such as A-levels, IB, Lise diplomasi, High School Diploma, etc.)
  • Applicants from Vietnam and PR of China: APS certificate (original)

We look forward to receiving your application!