The master's program in biology is strongly research-oriented with a high proportion of internships and independent work. The master's program comprises only two semesters and serves almost exclusively to prepare students for independent scientific work. The first semester includes a project internship and is used to create a pilot project in preparation for the master's thesis. The second semester is reserved for the master's thesis. It makes sense to choose a research topic before the study and to write to possible supervisors in advance. It is not possible to set a focus in the one-year variant.

The program is open-admission and requires "proof of special aptitude". The department checks the professional suitability on the basis of the submitted documents.

Application and provisional admission is possible from 210 CP and an overall grade of 3.2 or better.

A start of studies is possible in the summer and winter semester. The application period starts on:

• 1st November and ends on 15th Januaryfor the summer semester (01.04. - 30.09.)
• 01st May and ends on 15th July for the winter semester (01.10. - 31.03.)

Applications can only be submitted via the HHU application portal.

The determination of qualification is made by checking the submitted documents to see if the required entrance requirements were met during the bachelor's degree program. For the verification of eligibility we need the following documents: 

• Degree certificate with transcript of records.                                                                                                                                                                                        
  • If not available, a preliminary certificate or a current transcript of records with at least 210 CP is sufficient.      
  • Applications from abroad must submit a certificate of graduation, as this serves as the university entrance qualification for enrollment. 
• Individual proof of English language skills
  • German Abitur/ German university entrance qualification
  • Degree from a full-time English-speaking university in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand
  • TOEFL (90 iBT)
  • IELTS (6.5 or better)
  • the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (Level B2, CAE)
• Non-EU citizens require a VPD via uni-assist.  A Bachelor's degree is required for the VPD.

The requirement for the Master's program in Biology is a relevant degree with a Bachelor of Science with a standard period of study of at least 8 semesters and a final grade of 3.2 or better. In addition, a good command of English is required (possible proofs are listed under Documents).

A study program at a German or foreign university which fulfills the following criteria is considered relevant

• At least 80 credit points (CP) in basic biological modules in the subject areas: Organismic biology, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology
• At least 30 CP in basic science, covering the following subjects: Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
• at least one third of the study program should be completed in the form of laboratory practicals
• Bachelor thesis of at least 10 CP

Application and preliminary admission is possible from 210 CP and grade 3.2 or better.

The study program can be studied either completely in German or English. The language in which the modules are taught is indicated in the module handbook or can be seen in the module overviews of the specializations. If you speak both languages, you can choose all modules and thus all concentrations. If you speak only one of the two languages, you have a more limited choice of modules and concentrations. The majority of modules are currently offered in English. However, it is possible to study the program completely in German if you wish.

The master's program in biology leads to a Master of Science (MSc) degree in one years. It prepares its graduates for a doctorate or, alternatively, for a responsible position in the professional world. For more information on the career field, please see Career Prospects.