International Programmes 2023/2024

Plant Sciences (Master of Science) Plant Sciences (MSc)

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München • München

Degree
Master of Science
Course location
München
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in English (100%).

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

28 February for the following winter semester
For further information, please check the programme website.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The Faculty of Biology of the LMU Munich offers a comprehensive two-year-Master’s programme in Plant Sciences for graduates with a background in biology (BSc in biology or equivalent). The Master’s programme in Plant Sciences at the LMU Biocenter links classical botanical disciplines to modern molecular methods. It is oriented towards highly motivated and globally diverse next-generation researchers with a strong interest in molecular and adaptation mechanisms, and evolution of plants. The programme is taught in English, and it offers state-of-the-art education in four main topics: “Plant Molecular Biology”, “Plant Cell Biology”, “Systematics” and “Biotic Interactions of Plants”. Our aim is to offer our students comprehensive preparation for meeting future challenges in science-related professional careers within the field of plant sciences.

Based on topic related modules, the curriculum of the Master's programme in Plant Sciences includes lectures, seminars, and practical courses, with a strong emphasis on learning in the context of ongoing research projects. The first semester of the Master’s programme aims at deepening existing expertise gained from the previously completed Bachelor’s programme. In the following semesters, students can individually compose modules according to their goals and interests, either aiming for exposure to a wide variety of fields or on focusing in-depth on a particular subject.

Major topics

  • Plant Molecular Biology
  • Plant Cell Biology
  • Systematics
  • Biotic Interactions of Plants

The Faculty of Biology of the LMU Munich is made up of internationally recognised researchers and award-winning instructors. The faculty provides excellent facilities for contemporary research and studies in the modern "Biocenter", that is part of the HighTechCampus of the LMU Munich. High-profile institutions are situated in close proximity, including the Max Planck Institutes for Biochemistry and Neuroscience, the German Research Center for Environmental Health, the Gene Center, the Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, and the Biomedical Center. The existing cooperative network with these institutions provides students with excellent teaching resources and a rich and unique research environment.

The website of the Master of Science programme in Plants Sciences is the best way to find out more about this programme and to gain an overview of current research areas: http://www.pls.bio.lmu.de.

Course organisation

The prescribed period of study is four semesters, which includes a final Master’s thesis. Requiring a total of 120 ECTS credits, the programme is based on acquiring approximately 30 ECTS credits per semester. The curriculum of the Master's programme is based on a modular system consisting of topically related fields of research, including lectures, seminars and practical courses, with a strong emphasis on learning in the context of ongoing research projects. Modules can be individually composed according to the student’s goals and interests.

First semester – Basic training The first semester of the Master’s programme aims to enlarge and deepen existing know-how gained in the previously completed Bachelor’s programme. During the first two months of the programme, students will participate in the mandatory courses in “Lab Methods in Plant Sciences” and “Bioinformatics and Data Analysis”. Moreover, students can select up to two additional fields of study.

Second and third semester – Specialisation In the second semester, students can deepen their knowledge in the fields of study of their first semester or select additional topics. Mandatory courses include lectures, seminars, practical courses, and practical research courses. In the third semester, students attend two topically linked modules, namely “Special Methods in Plant Sciences” and a “Special Research Module”.

Fourth semester – Master module The Master’s programme culminates in a 24-week period devoted to a research project, combined with the writing and defence of a Master’s thesis. Through their Master’s theses, students prove their skills in conducting independent and responsible research. Additionally, the final module includes additional courses such as a research seminar and colloquia.

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • Training in intercultural skills
Integrated internships

Fieldwork is included in the programme as a component of the research courses.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

124 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Here’s a basic outline of what you should budget for monthly living costs in Munich:

  • Rooms in private housing including utilities: 500 to 800 EUR
  • Rooms in university housing: minimum 300 EUR, including utilities
  • Health insurance: 120 EUR
  • Meals: 250 to 300 EUR
  • Mobile phone: 15 to 30 EUR
  • Public transportation: 29 EUR/month for the discounted D-Ticket ("Deutschlandticket") for students, valid all over Germany (no ICE/IC trains)

And there’s good news! With a valid student identity card, you might have access to price reductions for public transportation and Munich’s cultural events (like theatre, concerts, museums, and more) as well as at the many on-campus student cafeterias and cafés.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

There is no financial aid system offered by LMU Munich.

Students can apply for different scholarships where there are competitive funding opportunities: e.g. Deutschlandstipendium, SIST LMU Study scholarship (only international students), SIST LMU Study completion scholarship (international students only).

Please visit the following link for further information:

Scholarships – LMU Munich

Academic admission requirements
  • You have successfully completed a three-year Bachelor's degree programme with a total of at least 180 ECTS credits or equivalent in biology, forestry, agricultural sciences, plant sciences or a related subject (e.g., Biomedical Science, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, or Biophysics). If you have not yet completed your Bachelor's programme in one of the above-mentioned subjects, you should complete the programme in the next months.
  • Your Bachelor's curriculum should include a final research project (Bachelor's thesis) with a written thesis credited with at least 10 ECTS credits. If your Bachelor's programme does not require a thesis, you are still eligible to apply if you have completed or will complete an equivalent course or internship. A course or an internship will be considered as equivalent if it concerns a long-term research project (of at least eight weeks full time) combined with a written report according to good scientific writing standards. The project details of the equivalent course or internship should be described in the online application form.
  • A transcript of records from your Bachelor's degree that indicates your grade point average is required. If you are currently a Bachelor's student, you must submit a recent transcript of records with a preliminary average grade.
Language requirements

Proficiency in English: equal to a B2 level, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or proof of equivalent proficiency in English

Application deadline

28 February for the following winter semester
For further information, please check the programme website.

Submit application to

Online application via link

www.pls.bio.lmu.de

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Part-time jobs are offered in the various working groups.

Accommodation

For further information, please visit the following link:

https://www.pls.bio.lmu.de/student-life/accommodations1/index.html

Career advisory service

The faculty offers specific mentoring and advice from different perspectives: professors and teaching staff, coordination office, and alumni. Regularly special fairs, career talks, and events for future job perspectives are organised.

Beside the faculty, the career service of the LMU Munich, "Student und Arbeitsmarkt", offers a programme that accompanies students' studies. Here students gain professional orientation, additional qualifications and practical experience. They can increase their job prospects and prepare to work both in subject-related and non-subject-related professions. "Student und Arbeitsmarkt" carries out projects to improve the job prospects of graduates as well as contacts between the university and the employment market.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Specialist counselling

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Content Bild
LMU Biocenter © Carolin Bleese, LMU Biocenter

Please check the link below:

http://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/about_lmu/index.html

LMU Munich is recognised as one of the top-ranked universities in Europe. Research and teaching at the university's 18 faculties are committed to the highest international standards of excellence. Students can choose from over 200 degree programmes ranging from the humanities and social sciences to economics and law as well as medicine and natural sciences. A growing number of Master's and doctoral programmes are taught in English. The successful research is confirmed by a number of international rankings, including the Times Higher Education Ranking (2023), in which LMU is ranked 33rd worldwide in the field of biological research and first in Germany.

30-40 Percentage of international students
20 Participants per year

University location

LMU Munich forms part of a unique network of research institutions, foundations, and corporations in and around the city. Its campuses and a lively international student community constitute an integral part of the urban landscape. Home to approximately 1.5 million people, Munich is not only an important hub for higher education, research, technology, and the media. With its renowned museums, galleries, theatres, and festivals, the capital of Bavaria also ranks among the major European cultural centres. Its proximity to the surrounding lakes and the Bavarian Alps adds to Munich's inimitable appeal.

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