Program Overview

Programme Overview

The Master of Science in Microbiology is a scientific-biological study course based on fundamental research with a special focus on Microbiology in its full diversity. This covers phylogeny, physiology, cell and molecular biology of organisms from all three domains of life.

Key Facts

• Degree: Master of Science
• Duration: 4 Semesters
• Credits/ECTS: 120
• Teaching language: English
• Tuition fee: None
• Semester contribution: 305,05
• Start of studies: Winter semester
• Part-time possible: Yes
• Institutions: Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Microbiology

Programme Summary

The programme is interdisciplinary in nature and includes modules at external research institutes such as the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Hans Knöll Institute), the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, and cooperation with relevant biotechnology corporations.

Special Features

• The great number of non-university research facilities intensely involved in the university education as well as in many cooperative projects
• The great number of biotechnology companies conducting research in Jena and yet with close ties to their parent companies elsewhere, making cooperation in nationwide research projects a reality.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the M.Sc. in Microbiology are well prepared for research-oriented positions at universities, private research institutes, and private companies. Potential fields of work include:

• Research and development
• Pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology corporations
• Food industry
• Chemical industry
• Hospital research laboratories
• Public administration (health authorities)
• Teaching
• Professional and trade organizations

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent: A subject-specific undergraduate degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) or an equivalent degree, containing knowledge in Microbiology of at least 15 credits (ECTS) and practical research methods.
• Language requirements: Good English language proficiency (a direct proof by certificate is not compulsory)
• Overall grade (CGPA) of the bachelor's degree must be GOOD or better (German and US systems: 2.5)

Application Documents

• CV: A tabular form, containing key information on your school record and academic career.
• Motivation letter: Not exceeding two DIN A4-pages, containing information on your motivation for taking up this course of studies.
• University entrance qualification certificate: Upload at the online application system your university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate.
• Previous university degrees earned: All previous University degrees if available before the application deadline.
• Detailed transcript of records: Detailed transcript of records/mark sheet of your first, subject-specific University degree.
• Proof of relevant work experience: Subject-specific work experience certificates.
• Proof of subject-specific practical experience: Subject-specific practical experience certificates (e.g., by internships etc.).
• Specific document: Certificate of Achievement: Successfully pass the qualification test to obtain the required "Certificate of Achievement".

Additional Application Documents for International Students

• Translation of foreign/external application documents: Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English or German translation.
• Proof of grading system: External/foreign degree certificates/transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system used at the respective University.
• Certificate APS: Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam, or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.
• University entrance exam: Applicants from certain countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination.