• General interest in the natural sciences
• Enjoyment of individual experimentation in the context of lab internships
• Strong commitment to study and work in intercultural and international settings
• Very good English language skills, as English is the language of instruction
• Good communication skills, the ability to learn and work in a structured manner, and good time management skills

The entrance requirements for the international master’s degree program “Microbiology” are:

Proof of a bachelor’s degree in Biology or an equivalent degree from a university.

Applicants who are unable to submit a bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline can apply if they submit a certificate proving that they have acquired at least 120 credit points in the form of coursework and examinations. Proof of the total number of credit points acquired must be provided.

A further requirement for admission to the master’s program is proof of English language proficiency at the B2 level or above. Admission to the “International Master in Microbiology − ForTheMicrobes” degree program at the Université de Bourgogne (uB) serves as proof of the fulfillment of the language requirement.

Applications must be submitted to the Université de Bourgogne (uB). Applicants must submit the application and required documents by the deadline and in the particular form specified by the uB.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for selection, admission and enrollment is the text of the entrance requirements as specified in Section 2 of the currently valid examination regulations and, where applicable, in the appendix.

You can find more information in the examination regulations (in German).

Course sequence

The international Microbiology (M.Sc.) degree program offers a research-oriented curriculum, allowing you to study alongside students from all over the world at Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) in Mainz and Université de Bourgogne (uB) in Dijon.

Your first semester begins at JGU with the module “Basic Methods and Lab Skills,” which prepares you for microbiological, biochemical, molecular biological, and biotechnological laboratory techniques. You will acquire further knowledge in the required elective modules “Fungal Molecular Physiology” and “Biomolecular Interactions,” which lay the groundwork for an advanced understanding of microbiology.

In the second semester, you switch to uB, where you will complete required modules on the subjects of microbial diversity, microbial interactions and signal transduction, and microbial ecology. An accompanying additional module helps you analyze current microbiological research topics and present them in joint seminars with members of the teaching staff from both universities.

In the third semester, you focus on two research projects, which you work on independently in the JGU or uB laboratories or at other European laboratories you find through FORTHEM Alliance research internships. You also have the opportunity to complete research internships at biotechnological companies or other research institutes. This semester offers you the flexibility you need to focus on your individual microbiological research questions.

In the fourth semester, you conduct research related to the research question of your master’s thesis. You can complete your research at JGU, at uB, at an external research institute, or in a company. The board of examiners for the master’s thesis is made up of members of the teaching staff from both universities and your advisor. You will present your final research results at a symposium at JGU or uB, an experience that will prepare you for the professional challenges of your next career step.

Stays abroad

The degree program Microbiology (M.Sc.) is an international program which leads to both subject-specific qualifications and a high level of intercultural competencies. The program structure sends you abroad at various points. While your first semester takes place at JGU in Mainz, you will be at the Université de Bourgogne (uB) in France for the second semester. You can decide where you want to carry out your research during your third semester – whether it’s in Mainz, at the uB in France, or at a different location elsewhere in the world. The same applies to the master’s thesis in the fourth semester.

Internships

Voluntary internships are another good opportunity to obtain more in-depth insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

The international degree program in Microbiology is designed to meet the requirements of a highly interdisciplinary and international job market. You will have excellent opportunities to develop links to companies and applied research institutes over the course of the program, giving you the option to complete non-university research internships.

The field of microbiology is consistently increasing in importance within the Life Sciences. The degree program Microbiology (M.Sc.) is designed to meet the requirements of the international job market with regards to basic research as well as in all areas of applied microbiology.

The broad and well-founded education you receive through the program opens doors to a wide variety of professional fields, such as:

• Research and academia
• Chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological production
• Biological and pharmaceutical research and development
• Biological and pharmaceutical quality assurance
• Agricultural industry
• Enzyme production
• Food production
• Laboratory analytics services
• Medical microbiology and lab diagnostics
• Industrial and governmental environment protection
• Advisory services in politics and the economy
• Software development
• Science journalism
• Patents
• Banks, insurance companies, and management consultancies
• Accident insurance agencies
• Water resource management
• Trade controls

The international M.Sc. in Microbiology also qualifies you to start a subsequent doctoral degree in all subfields of microbiology in Germany and abroad.

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.