Physics (Biophysics)

Biophysics deals with the physical description of biological materials. This involves examining the elementary molecular components of a cell, as well as the interaction of these components at a systemic level. The aim of research is to establish a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that ultimately make life possible, but which also cause diseases. The findings can, by way of example, contribute to the diagnosis and remedying of diseases, or give rise to new technologies inspired by biology. In the process, the complexity of living matter offers a fascinating opportunity to discover entirely new physical laws that are far removed from chemical or thermodynamic equilibrium.

In the context of the master's program in Biophysics, students have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area. Those on offer include molecular biophysics, cellular biophysics, theoretical biophysics, system biophysics, and biomedical biophysics.

With ten leading international task forces, biophysics research at the Technical University of Munich covers nearly every aspect of this modern and intensely interdisciplinary research area. The Technical University of Munich’s Department of Biophysics is therefore uniquely positioned in Germany.

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

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

Graduates possess extensive knowledge of discipline-specific fundamentals concerning the physics of soft matter, ranging from nanometers to the microscopic scale. Furthermore, you will have been able to acquire essential insights into current research from across the entire spectrum of modern biophysics. This ranges from molecular and cellular biophysics, system biophysics and biomedical biophysics, to molecular nanotechnology.

In accordance with your individual specialization, you also possess knowledge of one of the following specialties: molecular biophysics, cellular biophysics, theoretical biophysics, system biophysics, or biomedical physics.

The completion of the master's program in Biophysics opens up opportunities across a broad professional spectrum. This ranges from industry and the service sector, through research and development, to the areas of biotechnology, pharma, biomedical engineering and chemistry. 

The master's program in Biophysics offers a high level of flexibility when creating your own study and competency profile. The curriculum for the first year of study can be individually designed with the help of a mentor.

The degree program concludes with the master‘s thesis.

• Overview Degree Program Structure

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
• 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

• 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: 01.09. – 30.11.

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.

The minimum requirements for a Master's degree at TUM are a first recognized university degree (e.g. a Bachelor's degree) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment process. In this process, the School assesses your individual aptitude and motivation for the respective degree program.

In detail: 

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• The aptitude assessment procedure for the degree program Physics (Biophysics) (PDF 278 KB)