Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Master's study programme

Entry 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 questions covering 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 30 minutes. To pass the exam, 35 per cent of the maximum score must be achieved. The test can be taken at any time during the application period. 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. The online test will be accessible from 15 May for the winter semester, and from 15 November for the summer semester. The test must be completed by the application deadline (see dates under “Application”). You can access the online test here. Further information on registration, dates and procedures is published on the website of the Institute of Biology . 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. However, proof of language proficiency is not required if the first degree was obtained in a study programme taught in English. Basic knowledge of the fundamental scientific subjects of physics and maths are strongly recommended. Decisions on compliance with the admission requirements are taken by a committee appointed by the Faculty Council. If the study programme is subject to admission restrictions and the number of applications exceeds the number of available study places, the available study places are allocated according to the Study Place Allocation Regulations of the Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt (Studienplatzvergabeverordnung Sachsen-Anhalt) and the regulations governing the selection procedure for the master's degree programme Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (selection regulations, i.e. Auswahlordnung) in the currently valid version. In this process, 50% of all study places are awarded to international applicants who do not have the same status as German applicants. This chapter consists of excerpts roughly translated into English. Only the study and examination regulations are legally binding.