Life Science – Master of Science

Symbolbild

Postgraduate study programme which requires a first university degree.

For this, the University of Konstanz offers the Bachelor's Programme in Life Science.

By studying Life Science at the University of Konstanz, you will acquire a sound, high-quality scientific education that equally builds on chemistry and biology. You will be equipped with particular competence in the field of modern bio-molecular research. Life Science is an interdisciplinary study programme. In addition to the focus areas of classical biology and chemistry it includes the following areas: biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, immunology, pharmacology and medicine. Biology focus areas are: biochemistry, biochemical pharmacology, biophysics, molecular genetics, immunology, microbiology and cell biology. Chemistry focus areas are: biochemical and biophysical analytics, bioorganic chemistry, cellular chemistry, proteomics as well as carbohydrate, protein and nucleic acids chemistry.

Overview

Degree Master of Science
Programme start Winter semester & Summer semester
Period of study 4 semesters
Application period 9.5. - 15.6. | 29.11. - 15.1.
Admission restrictions yes
ECTS 120
Number of places 40 | 10

Why study Life Science in the University of Konstanz?

The courses of the Master's Programme in Life Science are research-oriented and in many cases you will participate in current research projects of the department. This way you will systematically be introduced to international research methods and the international research level in the areas of life science, i.e. the molecular-oriented areas of biology and the bioorganic or biomolecular-analytical oriented areas of chemistry.

As the number of students accepted into this study programme is restricted, you will enjoy an exceptionally good student-staff ratio. Your lecturers are researchers from the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology and include multiple award-winning and internationally oriented scientists.

Content

Prospects and opportunities

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.

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester & Summer semester

Academic structure

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


Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.

Internship and study abroad

Internships

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

Study abroad

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

Impressions from students and lecturers

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.

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

Requirements

What interests and skills should I have?

  • 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

Language skills

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.

Language(s) of instruction

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

Admission requirements

  • 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.

Fees

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.

Application and application documents

This study programme has admission restrictions.

An application is possible during the following period: 9.5. - 15.6. (winter semester) and 29.11. - 15.1. (summer semester). 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.

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".

ajaxPopupLoader