Program Overview

Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biochemistry

The Master's program in Biochemistry links chemistry and biology, facilitating individual specialization on the interface between chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Key Data

• Type of Study: Full Time
• Standard Duration of Studies: 4 semesters (full-time)
• Credits: 120 ECTS
• Main Locations: Garching
• Application Period:
  • Winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.
  • Summer semester: 01.10. – 15.01.
• Admission Category: Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Start of Degree Program: Possible for both winter and summer semester
• Costs:
  • Student Fees: 85.00 €
  • Tuition fees for international students

Information on Degree Program

Program Profile

As the “chemistry of life”, biochemistry provides the link between biology and chemistry. Biochemists analyze the organization of cells and organisms at a molecular level. They analyze biochemical reaction mechanisms such as the intracellular transport of substances, cellular differentiation, signaling cascades, or cellular stress responses, as well as the molecular causes of illnesses.

Besides the main subject, in the context of the master's program in Biochemistry, you choose two minors: one in chemistry and the other in biology. Thanks to the numerous combinations of disciplines, an individual discipline-specific and competency profile emerges.

Which Further Expertise and Skills Will I Acquire?

As a graduate, you possess a far-reaching understanding of how the natural sciences relate to one another. You are therefore able to handle scientific and technical questions independently and to develop solutions. In accordance with your chosen areas of specialization, you will in addition have been able to create an independent competency profile.

The interdisciplinary character of the program means that you have at your disposal knowledge of neighboring disciplines in medicine and the life sciences as well as associated methods. You are able to design, conduct, and evaluate scientific investigations independently, including on the interfaces between scientific areas. In the process, you work constructively with colleagues in interdisciplinary teams.

Which Professional Opportunities Can I Take Up with This Qualification?

For graduates of the master's program in Biochemistry, professional opportunities arise in pharmaceutical firms and biotechnology companies. Furthermore, fields in which biochemists are active extend to many areas that overlap with the natural sciences, from nutrition to administrative and organizational roles, as well as those in health care and media.

Program Structure

The first three semesters are devoted to required and elective modules in the main subject of biochemistry as well as in your chosen minors. These are complemented by generalist elective modules.

The program concludes with the master’s thesis in the fourth semester.

Language of Instruction

• Required language skills for admission: You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline.
• Language of instruction: The language of instruction for this program is German.

Fees for the Program

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 6,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them.

Academic Regulations: Application, Studying, and Exams

• General Academic and Examination Regulations
• Academic and Examination Regulations
• All regulations and legal framework concerning studies

Application and Admission

Application Process

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g., a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

Documents Required for the Online Application

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Statement of purpose (Letter of Motivation)
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g., a Bachelor’s) was obtained outside Germany

Application Deadlines

• Application period for winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.
• Application period for summer semester: 01.10. – 15.01.

Admission Process

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected, or invited to an admissions interview.