Biochemistry

As the “chemistry of life”, biochemistry provides the link between biology and chemistry.  Further, bioinformatics plays an ever greater role in modern biochemistry. Biochemists analyze the organization of cells and organisms at a molecular level. They analyze biochemical reaction mechanisms such as the intracellular transport of substances, cellular differentiation, signaling cascades, or cellular stress responses, as well as the molecular causes of illnesses. In addition, biochemists make use of the methods of chemistry, molecular biology, and physics.

Besides the main subject, in the context of the master's program in Biochemistry you choose two minors: one in chemistry and the other in biology. Thanks to the numerous combinations of disciplines, an individual discipline-specific and competency profile emerges. 

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the master's program in Biochemistry (PDF, German) 

As a graduate, you possess a far-reaching understanding of how the natural sciences relate to one another. You are therefore able to handle scientific and technical questions independently and to develop solutions. In accordance with your chosen areas of specialization, you will in addition have been able to create an independent competency profile.

The interdisciplinary character of the program means that you have at your disposal knowledge of neighboring disciplines in medicine and the life sciences as well as associated methods. You are able to design, conduct, and evaluate scientific investigations independently, including on the interfaces between scientific areas. In the process, you work constructively with colleagues in interdisciplinary teams.

For graduates of the master's program in Biochemistry, professional opportunities arise in pharmaceutical firms and biotechnology companies. Furthermore, fields in which biochemists are active extend to many areas that overlap with the natural sciences, from nutrition to administrative and organizational roles, as well as those in health care and media. 

The first three semesters are devoted to required and elective modules in the main subject of biochemistry as well as in your chosen minors. These are complemented by generalist elective modules.

The program concludes with the master’s thesis in the forth semester. 

• Overview of Modules (German)

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German.

• Information on exams
• Contact Examination Board
• Information on studying abroad

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 6,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school or department to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more
• Important information about your application from the TUM School of Natural Sciences (German)

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor's) is obtained outside the EU/EEA

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.
Application period for summer semester: 01.10. – 15.01.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview. 

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Description of the Aptitude Assessment (German) (PDF 355 KB)