Biomedical Neuroscience

The Elite Master’s program Biomedical Neuroscience located at the TUM School of Medicine and Health of the Technical University of Munich is funded by the Elite Network of Bavaria. The program is addressed to graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree or with equivalent studies of at least six semesters in the field of natural sciences, like biology, chemistry, and psychology or similar. Another target group is graduates with a medical background. Biomedical Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary program executed by lectures from natural science institutes as well as from clinicians and clinical scientists. Aim of the program is an intensive education in the field of neuroscience and neuro-psychiatric diseases. This includes both the theoretical background and the technical skills for commonly used clinical experimental approaches. It covers all levels of from molecules to systems and includes also training in modern methods used in neuroscience. Teaching is performed in a combination of theory and hands on classes and includes project oriented scientific work in the laboratories of the participation institutes.

Furthermore additional qualification like data analysis, scientific ethics, management and communication are part of the curriculum.

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

• Degree program documentation for the Master’s program in Biomedical Neuroscience (PDF, German)

The qualification profile of the graduates includes an in depth understanding of brain function and structure, from molecules and cells to large-scale circuits, behavior and the mechanisms and treatment strategies of different neuropsychiatric diseases. Through their lab rotations and practical scientific work, the graduates are familiar with the most relevant technologies for basic and clinical research and with their capabilities in the field of neuroscience. Furthermore the graduates are able to evaluate scientific data and apply appropriated statistical tests. In addition they are able to define and plan experimental studies in the context of the scientific literature and to competently summarize and present scientific data. Beside these qualifications the graduates have interdisciplinary competences, like ethical and social aspects of neuroscience, management and personal development.

With their interdisciplinary knowledge, the graduates have a wide neuro-biomedical competence, bridging the usual gap between standard medical education and natural science curricula. They are ideal candidates for one of the numerous PhD-programs offered in the field of biomedical neuroscience. Furthermore, the classical pharmaceutical companies as well as start-up companies are seeking for graduates with an in depth understanding of basic as well as translational neuroscience. 

The Master’s degree program Biomedical Neuroscience is a two year program (120 credits). The curriculum offers cutting-edge training in biomedical neuroscience conveyed by innovative didactical teaching methods. The curriculum is modularly structured to convey three types of overreaching competences:

1. Scientific Theory & Reasoning (6 modules)
2. Scientific Skills & Practice (7 modules incl. extensive lab time)
3. Transferable Skills & Professional Competence (3 modules incl. colloquium)

In the first two semesters teaching is mainly offered as theoretical lectures and hands-on courses, followed by subscribed scientific projects in the laboratories of the participating institutes. After the fourth semester the program ends with the experimental Master’s project and the written thesis. By the extensive lab time an early integration into the research environment of the participating institutes is achieved.

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English 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 English 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 English.

• Information on exams
• 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. bachelor, medical state examination) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. The aptitude assessment allows the TUM school to which you are applying 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

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• A qualified (minimum 6 semester) Bachelor's degree in the natural sciences or a medical examination in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry or equivalent
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• 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)
• 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 the winter semester: 01.01. – 31.05. 

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

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 determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program. 

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Description of the Aptitude Assessment (Appendix 2, German) (PDF 285 KB)