Program Overview

Biological Sciences Master of Science

The Master's program in Biological Sciences at the University of Konstanz is a consecutive, research-oriented program. The university offers a three-year Bachelor's program in Biological Sciences as a relevant undergraduate degree.

Program Details

• The Master's program in Biological Sciences offers a diverse range of advanced and research-oriented courses.
• The program is designed for highly motivated students who will receive excellent training from qualified and international instructors.
• The broad range of courses provides in-depth knowledge of the biological sciences, preparing students for a future in research and teaching.
• In addition to general biological sciences, students can also apply for a specialization in areas such as Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, Cellular and Molecular Biology, or Disease Biology.

Specialization

• The specialization is part of the Master's program and aims to provide students with the opportunity to qualify in a specific area of the biological sciences in a more in-depth and scientifically founded manner.
• Admission to a specialization requires general admission to the Master's program in Biological Sciences.
• The number of places in the specializations is limited, and selection is based on an application interview.

Course Structure

• Seminars in the Master's program take place in small groups of no more than 15 students to ensure high-quality supervision and teaching.
• All courses are taught in English to meet international standards.
• Each course focuses on current research topics in various areas, with a strong emphasis on methodological approaches and research-related events.
• The university provides Master's students with high-quality research technology that is state-of-the-art.
• The program includes an integrated internship that students can complete at an external research institution or a private company in Germany or abroad.

Fast Track Option

• Exceptionally good students can be admitted to the "Fast Track" program without a Master's thesis, allowing them to proceed directly to a Ph.D. and thus shorten their study time.

Degree and Duration

• Degree: Master of Science
• Start of Studies: Winter semester | Summer semester
• Standard Duration: 4 semesters
• Application Period: 07.05. - 15.06. | 25.11. - 15.01.
• Admission Restriction: Yes
• Mandatory Minor: No
• ECTS Credits: 120
• Average Number of First-Semester Places: 60

Why Study Biological Sciences in Konstanz?

• The University of Konstanz ranked 12th in the national university ranking in 2025.
• Students can apply for a specialization in addition to the general biological sciences.
• The specializations within the Master's program in Biological Sciences include:
  • Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Disease Biology
• The program is known for its unique course offerings, including Molecular Toxicology & Bioimaging and Immunology.
• The location near the lake, Alps, and forest, as well as the proximity to the Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Biology, enables particularly research-oriented courses in areas such as Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology.

Career Prospects

• The Master's program prepares students for a career in basic research at universities and non-university institutions.
• Graduates have diverse career opportunities in industry and science, such as in biomedicine, biotechnology, chemistry, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Typical career paths include:
  • Research and development in companies
  • Teaching and research at universities
  • Work in federal and state institutions
  • Other research institutions with tasks including research, planning, and control
• Many graduates continue their studies with a Ph.D.

Study Structure

• Start of Studies: Winter semester | Summer semester
• An exemplary study structure can be found in the provided diagram.
• Documents supporting study planning include:
  • Module handbook
  • Study and examination regulations

Additional Offers and Further Education

• The University of Konstanz offers a variety of additional and further education programs for all students, including:
  • Orientation programs for new students
  • Learning advice
  • Language courses
  • Data literacy and information competence
  • Career-oriented qualification and social engagement
• Specific offers include:
  • Writing center writing coaching, writing groups, and workshops
  • Language teaching institute (SLI) language courses, language tandems, additional training in German as a foreign language
  • SQ center (key qualifications) interdisciplinary teaching offer for qualifications in studies and profession
  • Central study advisory service (ZSB) study and learning advice, study tips, time management

Internship and Stay Abroad

• Internship: The Master's program includes an integrated internship that can be completed at an external research institution or a private company in Germany or abroad.
• Stay Abroad: A study abroad is not mandatory but possible, particularly for completing the required internship.

Student Voices

• Students and instructors report on their experiences with the study program and research focus.
• Insights into the study program can be found through online lectures, information pages, and department presentations.

Admission Requirements

• Admission Requirements:
  • Proof of an above-average degree in a relevant Bachelor's program (at least 3 years) at a state or state-recognized university or university of applied sciences.
  • Proof of English language skills at least at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
  • For applicants with a degree from outside the Bologna area, a GRE test must be taken with at least 155 points (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Score).
• Fees and Contributions:
  • Semester fee: All students at the University of Konstanz must pay a semester fee, which is similar to that of other universities in Germany.
  • Tuition fees for international students in their first degree program: In Baden-Württemberg, tuition fees are charged for international students from non-EU countries. However, there are exceptions, such as for EU citizens or certain "Bildungsinländer" (foreigners who have completed their Abitur in Germany).

Language Requirements

• English Language Skills: Required at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• German Language Skills: Not required for application.

Teaching and Examination Language

• The teaching language in the Master's program in Biological Sciences is English.

Application

• Application and Application Documents:
  • Required documents include:
    • Presentation of the previous career path and detailed information on study goals and the desired study profile.
    • Proof of academic degree with detailed documentation of the achievements in the Bachelor's program in Biological Sciences.
    • Proof of English language skills.
    • Proof of practical professional experience (if available).
    • Evidence of scientific achievements (if available).
  • International applicants need additional documents, such as translations of documents not in German or English and, for some countries, an APS certificate.
• Application Period: 07.05. - 15.06. | 25.11. - 15.01.
• General Information on the Application Process:
  • Direct link to the ZEuS application portal of the University of Konstanz.

Contact

• For general questions about study orientation, study choice, or study doubts, the Central Study Advisory Service (ZSB) is available.
• For content-related and organizational questions about the study program, the departmental study advisory service for biology can be contacted.