Molecular & Cellular Biosciences

Subjects: Biosciences;Molecular Biosciences;Cellular Biosciences

M.Sc. | Master of Science

Course description

The international master’s programme, MSc Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, aims to provide a deep theoretical and practical understanding of cellular functions at the molecular level. This programme equips students with comprehensive knowledge in various areas of molecular and cellular biology. It is designed to enhance students' abilities to work systematically and scientifically, fostering logic-based analytical thinking. This training enables them to conduct independent scientific research in molecular biosciences. Students will learn to recognize and identify scientific problems, develop structured approaches to address these issues, and solve key questions experimentally. This process ultimately expands our understanding of the subject area. The programme emphasizes collaborative and problem-oriented learning, training students to work effectively in teams with colleagues from different disciplines. They will also learn to apply basic knowledge in practical ways. The MSc Molecular and Cellular Biosciences 120 CP is strongly research-oriented, with all lectures and examinations conducted in English.

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

Applicants must also prove their English language proficiency by submitting either TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, Unicert II, or an equivalent (inter)nationally recognised language certificate attesting upper B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with the following results: TOEFL iBT (min. 90/120),TOEFL CBT (min. 235/300), or TOEFL PBT (min. 580/677), IELTS (min. band 6.5), Cambridge Certificate (min. 173/230), UNIcert II, equivalent (inter)nationally recognised language certificate with at least 75% of the maximum score achievable in the respective certificate.

Qualification Requirements

Applicants for the MSc Molecular and Cellular Biosciences must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in a bioscience-oriented study programme, pass the programme-specific test and prove good knowledge of written and spoken English. The bachelor's degree or equivalent degree must have been obtained in a bioscience-oriented or comparable degree programme in which knowledge totalling 55 credit points (CP) was acquired in at least four areas belonging to biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, cell biology, genetics or microbiology. In addition, applicants must pass an online test on the basic knowledge and skills that will be considered for admission to the international master's programme. Participation in the test is automatically registered and the test result is sent to the selection committee. The test contains tasks in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, cell biology, genetics and microbiology, each with equal weighting. The computer-based (online) test is conducted in English by two examiners using the answer-choice method and takes 60 minutes.To pass the exam, 35 per cent of the maximum score must be achieved. A passed test is valid for one year and cannot be repeated within this period. A failed test can be repeated at the earliest on the next test date. Further information on registration, dates and procedures is published on the website of the Institute of Biology.

Document Requirements

The following documents must be submitted with the application for admission: A hard copy of your bachelor's degree or equivalent (i.e., graduation certificate and transcripts). Important note: Applicants via uni-assist upload their certificates and transcripts (both in original language and official translations, unless the originals are in English or in German) with their online application. For those applicants it is not necessary to hand in any additional hard documents. Halle University does accept provisional graduation certificates, if your degree is scheduled after the application deadline. Please submit your transcripts indicating minimum 2/3 of your total credits to be passed / your senior student stage, accordingly. The final graduation certificate shall be submitted with enrolment, however, by no later than 31 January in the year following admission (winter semester) and 31 July in the year of admission (summer semester), respectively. Participation in the test (see admission requirements) is automatically registered and the test result is sent to the selection committee. If proof of test participation is (additionally) issued, please submit it with the other documents listed. Proof of English language proficiency (see admission requirements). Proof of relevant knowledge acquired with former studies in at least four of the following areas: biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, cell biology, genetics and/or microbiology (see admission requirements) (Please provide additional proof if it is not reflected in your graduation certificate and/or course and grade overview). Proof of relevant knowledge acquired with former studies in the following areas (Please provide additional proof if it is not reflected in your graduation certificate and/or course and grade overview): Basic courses in botany, genetics, microbiology, zoology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology Thesis: Relevant topic in life sciences (evidence of (experimental) work in molecular biology, if applicable).