Career prospects

As a graduate you will be prepared for a career in basic research within or outside the university context. A large variety of career possibilities open up in industry and the world of science.

Typical work areas include:

• Biotechnological or industrial research and production
• Basic research and applied research
• Quality control and patent offices
• Project management and marketing
• Environmental agencies or consulting companies
• Environmental protection

Master’s graduates who want to work in research and development will continue studying for a doctorate. Above-average students can take the Fast Track option with direct admission to doctoral studies, thus shortening the overall study period. You can take up doctoral studies in either chemistry or biology.

Particularly talented doctoral students can apply for admission to our Graduate School Chemical Biology. Here you can pursue doctoral studies in an interdisciplinary environment.

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Start of study

Winter semester | Summer semester

Study structure

You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table.

These documents will support you in planning your studies:

• Module guide
• Examination regulation

At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.

• GoMINt – orientation programme in STEM subjects
• Writing Centre – writing tutoring, joint writing sessions and workshops
• Language courses at the Language Institute
• Learning guidance, study tips, time management – workshops offered by the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)

• Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) – programme can be completed with a certificate
• Transfer – practical projects (research, business, politics and society)
• qualification N – Sustainability Certificate at the University of Konstanz

• Profil+ – programme for career skills (German skills required)
• Career Passport – programme for career skills (for international students)
• Advice on career entry, opportunities and workshops from Career Service

Internship

You have to complete an internship of at least 2 months during the master's programme.

Stay abroad

A period of study abroad is always highly recommended. The university promotes study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other exchange programmes.

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

• Three Questions to Lena, B. Sc. Life Science
• Three Questions to Laura, B. Sc. Life Science

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

• Information page for studying Chemistry
• Lecture Recordings (Chemistry)

• University (or Berufsakademie) degree in life science or a related subject with obvious links to life science. If you have not completed the bachelor's programme in Life Science, you have to document your good performance in the areas organic chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Documentation of your English language skills (minimum level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). In justified exceptional cases, knowledge of English can be proven in an interview. The Standing Examination Board Life Science decides on exceptional cases.

Further information can be found in the admission regulations.

Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Foreign language skills
You have to provide documentation of your English language skills, level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages attested by:

• Documentation of 5 years of continuous English classes at a Geman-speaking secondary school up to Abitur (German equivalent to A-level), minimum grade ‘ausreichend’ (sufficient) or better
• TOEFL-iBT: minimum score: 72
• IELTS (academic test): minimum score: 5.0
• Cambridge Certificate: Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)

This requirement is also met if you can document having attended secondary school, having completed a bachelor’s degree or having studied at least one semester abroad in: Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or the United States.

For international applicants no German language skills are required.

The Master's Programme in Life Science is taught in English.

• Interest in the natural sciences
• Good knowledge in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics)
• Good English skills
• Ability to work under pressure, endurance
• High level of commitment to work
• Practical skills
• Good observation skills
• Logical and analytical thinking

Application documents

Please attach the following documents to your application:

• curriculum vitae
• documentation of a three-year (or more) study programme at a state, or officially recognised, institution of higher education or Berufsakademie in the subject Life Science (minimum degree Bachelor of Sciences (B.Sc.) or equivalent), or a related subject. If you have not received your degree certificate by the end of the application deadline, please attach documentation of all your examination results so far;
• A proof of English language skills: min. B2 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Current certificate of enrolment or proof of exmatriculation (if you have studied at a German university, please indicate your 'Fachsemester’ and ‘Hochschulsemester’)

International applicants:

• If your documents are not available in German or English, you will need to have them translated. Please submit a German or English translation of your documents along with the original versions.
• Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country

Important note: Please note the information provided under the tab "admission requirements" and "languange skills".

An application is possible during the following period: 07.05. - 15.06. | 29.11. - 15.01.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website .

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services .

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de

Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Bianca Schell
Contact person room L 804
Phone: +49 7531 88-4529
Email: master-life-science@uni-konstanz.de