Biology Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Regular program length: 4 semester (full-time program)
Credit points (ECTS): 120 credit points
Language of instruction: German or English
Higher semester: yes
Higher semester: winter and summer term
First semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
Higher semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
First semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
Higher semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
Program details
Degree and duration
Regular program length of 2 years leading to a "Master of Science (M.Sc.)" degree; 120 credit points (corresponding to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS) must be completed. Individual prorgram length may differ from regular program length.
Program structure
Students choose three subjects from the following range at the beginning of their studies:
- classical subjects : botany, genetics, microbiology, zoology
- cross-disciplinary subjects: developmental biology, molecular biology, cell biology
- interdisciplinary subjects: chemical biology, biophysics, engineering/technical biology
The subjects are made up of lectures and practical courses.
Participation in a major excursion in botany or zoology is also mandatory. The acquisition of key and interdisciplinary qualifications is also a part of the program.
The course ends with the Master's thesis, which takes six months to complete.
Qualification profile of the graduate
The Master's degree program builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the Bachelor's degree program. Graduates of the program are able to independently apply scientific knowledge and methods to address complex scientific and societal issues.
In completing this two-year Master's degree program in Biology, graduates develop a solid academic background in the field with a strong interdisciplinary and networked thinking approach.
The academic rigor and high level of independence required of students during all phases of the Master's program prepares them for a career in an international environment and leads them to develop an understanding for complex, biological relationships. Furthermore, it prepares them to work responsibly in leadership positions in both the public and private sector.
For each of the three chosen subjects, students are required to complete two 4-week practical courses with corresponding lectures, as well as a project practical course.
Career prospects
After completing a master's degree in biology, students often aim to go on to do a doctorate. After studying biology, there are a wide range of opportunities at universities and research institutes, in companies in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, in the healthcare sector, e.g. in hospital laboratories, in botanical and zoological gardens and nature parks as well as in public administration, e.g. in environmental agencies.
Characteristic features of the degree program
- research-oriented teaching
- involvement of students in current research projects
- numerous elective options
- major excursion in marine biology or the Alps
- focus on molecular methods and issues
- integration into the EUCOR university network enables participation in courses at the universities of Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse
- wide range of university groups
- possibility of part-time jobs at scientific institutes / laboratories
- wide range of doctoral opportunities after the master's degree
Admission requirements
Admission requirements
There is a selection procedure in place. A successfully completed bachelor's degree or at least an equivalent degree in the subject of Biology or a related subject area is required for patricipation in the selection procedure, whereby the degree program must have been completed with at least 180 ECTS credits, or alternatively the program must have had a standard period of study of at least three years.
Language skills necessary for international applicants
Applicants without university entrance qualifications awarded by a German-speaking secondary school need to submit proof of the following language skill:
- German language skills: for application, skills of at least B1-level are necessary. All certificates are accepted; a certificate of attendance of a B1-level course is sufficient. For enrollment, a DSH2 certificate or equivalent needs to be presented.
- or English language skills of at least B2-level, e.g. proven by Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 90 points in the internet-based test or equivalent. Proof of English language skills is not required for applicants who
- have completed a degree program at a university with English as the sole language of instruction
- have attended at least 5 years of English language classes in secondary school, can provide a higher education entrance qualification and have received minimum grades of 4 (sufficient, D) or at least 5 points in the last two school years of these English language classes.
- Can proof of sufficient knowledge of the English or German language not be provided until the end of the application deadline, admission can be granted under the provision that one of the above-mentioned certificates of either the English or the German language will be provided during enrollment.
Contact the International Students Office for additional information.
Selection procedure
The selection procedure takes into account the academic achievements to date, for which a total of 72 points are awarded. For bachelor's degree programs that don't correspond to the ECTS guidelines, the selection commission will take into account the description of the degree programs and any relevant letters of recommendation submitted.
Furthermore, a maximum of 36 points will be awarded for other academic and professional achievements. The following criteria may be taken into account:
- completed vocational training in a relevant occupation and previous professional experience relevant to the degree program, even without completed vocational training
- practice and special previous training
- extracurricular achievements and qualifications, e.g. prizes and awards, social, political or sporting commitment and
- special academic achievements, such as relevant publications, outstanding academic work, research activities and research stays at academic institutions or in industry
In addition, a selection interview is held, for which a maximum of 72 points are awarded. The interviews are held approximately one week after the application deadline, usually on a Monday and/or Friday after July 15 or January 15. The exact dates are published on the website of the Karlsruhe Institute of Biology. There is also an online registration option for the interview.
Based on the results of the selection interview, previous academic achievements and other academic and professional achievements, the selection commission will draw up a ranking list, whereby a total of 180 points can be achieved.
Selection interview
Selection interviews for the current application phase for the summer semester 2024 will take place on January 19, 2024.
What does this mean for applicants?
Everyone who meets the admission requirements will be invited to the selection interview. The invitation will be sent by email to the address provided during the application process. It is necessary to register for the interview by the specified deadline.
Participation in the selection interview is not a necessary condition for admission. However, in accordance with the selection regulations, zero points are awarded in case of non-attendance at the selection interview. If the date for the selection interview cannot be attended for personal reasons, there is no possibility of an alternative date. It is possible to attend the interview virtually (via MS Teams).
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with the contact person for the degree program.
Application portal
Application for the 1st semester
opens December 01, 2024.
Application for a higher semester
opens December 01, 2024.
Contacts
Student advisor
Student advisory services (ZSB)
+49 721 608 - 44930
Julia Misiewicz ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB)
Engelbert-Arnold-Str. 2
76131 Karlsruhe
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Studierendenservice
Kaiserstr. 12
76131 Karlsruhe
First point of contact for international applicants
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
International Students Office (IStO)
Adenauerring 2
76131 Karlsruhe
Printed matter
Module handbook
| Titel | Download |
|---|---|
| Module handbook Biology Master | PDF (German) |
| Public view Biology Master in the Campus Management System | Link (German) Link (English) |
Statutes and regulations
| Titel | Stand | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 KIT 076 Satzung für das hochschuleigene Zugangs- und Auswahlverfahren im Masterstudiengang Biologie am Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) | 28.11.2023, veröffentlicht 28.11.2023 |
| Titel | Stand | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 KIT 010 Dritte Satzung zur Änderung der Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 27.02.2024, veröffentlicht 27.02.2024 | |
| 2023 KIT 015 Zweite Satzung zur Änderung der Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 28.02.2023, veröffentlicht 28.02.2023 | |
| 2022 KIT 028 Satzung zur Änderung der Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 28.04.2022, veröffentlicht 29.04.2022 | |
| 2021 KIT 065 Zulassungs- und Immatrikulationsordnung des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) | 22.10.2021, veröffentlicht 22.10.2021 |
| Titel | Stand | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 KIT 019 Satzung zur Umsetzung des Übereinkommens über die Anerkennung von Qualifikationen im Hochschulbereich der Europäischen Region vom 11. April 1997 gemäß §§ 32 Abs. 2, 4 und 36a LHG in den Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen am KIT | 28.03.2014, veröffentlicht 28.03.2014 | |
| 2014 KIT 015 Zweite Satzung zur Änderung der Prüfungs- und Studienordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang Biologie | 25.02.2014, veröffentlicht 26.02.2014 | |
| 71. Erste Satzung zur Änderung der Prüfungs- und Studienordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang Biologie | 18.08.2008 | |
| 72. Neubekanntmachung der Studien- und Prüfungsordnung der Universität Karlsruhe (TH) für den Masterstudiengang Biologie | 18.08.2008 |
Teaching calendar
WT 2024/25
10-21-2024 to 02-15-2025
ST 2025
04-22-2025 to 08-02-2025
WT 2025/26
10-27-2025 to 02-21-2026
ST 2026
04-20-2026 to 08-01-2026
WT 2026/27
10-26-2026 to 02-20-2027
ST 2027
04-19-2027 to 07-31-2027
WT 2027/28
10-25-2027 to 02-19-2028
ST 2028
04-18-2028 to 07-29-2028
Lectures will not take place:
- From 12-24 to 01-06
- the week after Pentecost
- on all public holidays in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg