• A general interest in the natural sciences, especially molecular biology, microbiology, and chemistry
• Enjoy experimenting independently in the context of lab internships
• Proficiency in English, 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

Proof of a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology, successfully completed with a grade of 2.5 (good) or better, or proof of an equivalent degree. If the foreign overall grade, when converted to the German grading system, does not meet the 2.5 threshold, the applicant must submit an original certificate from their degree-granting institution certifying that the applicant was in the top 20% of their class in natural science subjects. This certificate must also contain information on how many final grades were used to calculate the percentage ranking. If the certificate is based on less than 50 final grades, it cannot be accepted.

In addition, the indicated credit points, or comparable achievements, must have been earned in the following subjects:

• Mathematics and statistics: 12 credit points
• Physics: 6 credit points
• Chemistry (excluding biochemistry): 9 credit points
• Biochemistry: 12 credit points
• Cell biology/microbiology/physiology: 12 credit points
• Practical exercises/internships: 30 credit points
• A written bachelor’s thesis

Applicants must provide evidence of two-thirds of the credit points by the application deadline. Qualifications that were not part of the bachelor’s degree program can also be taken into account.

A further requirement for admission to the master’s program is proof of English language proficiency at the B2 level or above. You may be able to document your English language proficiency at this level with your German university entrance qualification (Abiturzeugnis), see info.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (certified copy issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

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.

• Molecular biotechnology: Genetic manipulation of microorganisms, heterologous expression of genes, protein production and manipulation, biomolecular interactions, practical applications of molecular biotechnology
• Biochemistry 3 – Bioanalytics: Methods of protein expression; principles and methods of protein isolation and identification; immunological techniques in biochemistry; spectroscopic methods in biochemistry
• Microbiology I – Fungal molecular physiology: Molecular manipulation of filamentous fungi; molecular biological methods of the modern microbiological laboratory; physiological studies
• Microbiology II – Biomolecular Interactions: Biomolecular interactions of protein/protein; protein DNA, protein-small molecule substances; quantification of interactions
• Further qualifications, including an internship at a partner university or in industry
• Two projects requiring independent research activities

The four-semester degree program is precisely structured, with sequential modules in the first two semesters. You then chose a specialization through further qualifications, projects, and finally, the master’s thesis. You can carry out your project work and master’s thesis in the departments involved in the degree program (Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences) or at an external institution.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

During the third semester of the master’s program, you can complete an internship at a partner university abroad or in an international company.

Lab courses

The program of study includes the following compulsory lab courses:

• Molecular biotechnology
• Bioanalytical lab course for advanced students
• Fungal molecular physiology
• Biomolecular interactions

During the third semester of the master’s program, you can complete an internship at a partner university or in industry.

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.

This master’s program is ideal for you if you aspire to build a career in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food and agricultural industries. Most graduates start their career after completing a doctorate.

Typical professional fields for graduates of the master’s degree program include:

• Leading laboratory work in biotechnical and chemical/pharmaceutical research or basic biotechnological research.
• Biotechnical production, analytics, and documentation
• Leading process development and validation
• Environmental technology
• Sales and documentation (chemicals, equipment, pharmaceuticals, consumables)
• Work for agencies and administration (such as approval agencies, trade controls, chemical safety, genetic engineering monitoring, etc.)

As a graduate of the master’s degree program in Molecular Biotechnology, you will have a thorough understanding of the subject matter, allowing you to enter the professional field at a mid-career level. If you want to start your career at a higher level (as a lab manager or scientist at a research institute) pursuing a doctorate after completing your master’s degree is recommended.

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.