Program Overview

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Neuroscience and Behavioural Biology M. Sc.

The international Master's program "Neuroscience and Behavioural Biology" is organized by the Institute of Biology in cooperation with colleagues from the Medical Faculty and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. We offer research-oriented training to prepare students for a scientific career in the academic sector or in science-related professions in the private and public sectors.

Overview

• Study direction: Natural and Geo Sciences
• Study type: Advanced
• Degree: Master of Science
• Language of instruction: English
• Study format: Full-time, Part-time
• Start of studies: Winter semester
• Admission restrictions: Locally restricted
• Standard study period: 4 semesters
• Credits: 120

Admission Requirements

• Academic degree in biology or an equivalent field
• Proof of knowledge in at least six of the following areas through module examinations or examination achievements with a total volume of 60 credits:
  • General Zoology
  • Behavioral Ecology
  • Zoological Systematics
  • Behavioral Biology
  • Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Neurobiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biological Psychology
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
• English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Study Content

The English-language program is research-oriented and prepares students for a professional career as biologists, particularly in the fields of neuroscience and behavioral biology.

The teaching offer consists of compulsory and elective modules, external offers, and practice- and research-oriented compulsory modules in the third semester. This allows students to cover a broad thematic spectrum or specialize in molecular and cellular neurosciences or systemic neurobiology and behavioral biology. In addition to the various subfields of biology, the program also conveys content from adjacent disciplines such as medicine, biochemistry, and psychology, thus promoting independent research competence.

Structure of the Study Program

In the first year of study, students take six elective modules with a total of 60 credits: 5 modules from the Master's program and one subject-related or non-subject-related module.

In the second year of study, students complete the compulsory modules "Practical Tutorium", "Theoreticum", and "Laboratory Practical" with 10 credits each. The Master's program includes an extracurricular internship in the "Practical Tutorium" module.

The study program is completed with the Master's thesis (30 credits).

Special Features

• Study at an international hotspot for neuroscientific research with connections to renowned research institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, the Max Planck Institute for Cognitive and Neuro Sciences, and the iDiv
• Intensive supervision through small, selected student numbers
• Mentoring as support to achieve personal goals in the course of studies
• The modular structure promotes independent work and enables optimal preparation for the scientific project of the Master's thesis
• Stay abroad at one of our numerous partner universities from Finland to Australia to broaden personal horizons
• Living in one of the most popular young cities in Germany

Career Prospects

The research-oriented program prepares students for a professional career in various fields of science and the private economy. Career prospects are available, for example:

• At non-university research institutions
• In consulting companies
• In non-governmental organizations
• In authorities and ministries
• In biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies

With the Master's degree, students acquire the opportunity to pursue a doctorate. The Faculty of Life Sciences, the Medical Faculty, the iDiv, the Max Planck Institutes, and other international research institutions in Leipzig offer excellent opportunities on site and specialized graduate schools.

Internships and Study Abroad

The Master's program includes an extracurricular internship in the "Practical Tutorium" module.

A stay abroad is generally recommended. It is to be organized by the students themselves (with the support of the responsible institution).

Study Documents

• Examination (PO) and study regulations (SO), study schedules, and module descriptions

Application

Application for First-Year Students

• Start of studies: Winter semester
• Admission restrictions (NCU): Yes
• Application deadline: May 2 - May 31
• Application portal: AlmaWeb

International students will find information on application deadlines and the application process in the International section.

Application for Higher Semesters

• Study offer in the winter semester: 3rd semester - admission restricted
• Study offer in the summer semester: 2nd and 4th semesters - each admission restricted
• Application deadline: May 2 - July 15 for the winter semester; December 1 - January 15 for the summer semester
• Application portal: AlmaWeb
• Special enrollment requirements: Placement form

Further information can be found on our page "Application for higher semesters".

International students will find information on application deadlines and the application process in the International section.

Internationality

Foreign language study possible Compulsory curriculum in English

Contact

Subject-specific academic advising Dr. Kathrin Susanne Kopp E-mail

Central Academic Advising

Advising services E-mail

Questions about the application

Advising services E-mail

Academic advising for international applicants and students

Advising services

Links

• Faculty of Life Sciences
• Institute of Biology
• Information on Master's application

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Last update: 01/29/26

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