Student drops blood into a sample container with a pipette

Pharmacy

How will a new active ingredient react under different chemical and physical conditions. How can we address pharmaceutical problems from a scientific perspective? And which new methods can be used to optimize processes? If you are interested in these questions, this is the programme for you!
Student drops blood into a sample container with a pipette
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
Key facts
Degree
Diplom
Duration
2 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
None
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester, Summer semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Biological Sciences
Institute of Pharmacy
Application & Deadlines

Programme content

It can sometimes take years for a drug to reach the market. But the path to get there is extremely varied, exciting and, above all, full of research. What chemical properties does the active ingredient need? What is the most suitable way of administering the drug – i.e. should the medication be injected, inhaled or ingested? How does the drug actually behave in humans? This postgraduate degree programme (Diplom) is perfect for anyone who wants to help shape pharmaceutical progress and work in research. Of course, some insights are still gained by shaking test tubes and pipetting, but computer-aided methods and novel techniques are becoming increasingly important – especially in research.

After passing the 2nd state examination in ‘Pharmacy’, you can enrol on a postgraduate programme to obtain a Diplom. Here you will demonstrate your ability to perform scientific work.

The courses will help to deepen your knowledge of certain specialist areas, which can be chosen from the following:

  • Pharmaceutical / Medicinal Chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Biology
  • Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceuticals
  • Clinical Pharmacy
  • Industrial Pharmacy
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • History of Pharmacy

Structure

research laboratory
research laboratory
Image: Sebastian Reuter

After passing the 2nd state examination in ‘Pharmacy’, you can enrol on a postgraduate programme at Friedrich Schiller University Jena to obtain a Diplom. As an essential aspect of the two-semester degree programme, you will write a final thesis in one of the core pharmaceutical subjects to demonstrate that you can independently work on a scientific problem or question.

You will have to take courses of at least 2 hours per week in each semester and write a final thesis within 8 months. This can also be written as part of your practical year in the third section of the pharmaceutical examination.

You can find more detailed information in the Diplom Examination Regulations for the degree programme de.

Why study in Jena?

  • Excellent teaching: Pharmacy students at the University of Jena get the most out of their education with small to medium-sized modules and close interactions with academic staff.
  • Fantastic support: Our University has traditionally occupied the top spots in the nationwide Pharmacy rankings. Our students enjoy very good, one-to-one contact with their teachers.
  • Close cooperation: You can benefit from our ties to internationally renowned research institutions based in Jena, such as the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Hans Knöll InstituteExternal link) and the Leibniz Institute on Aging (Fritz Lipmann InstituteExternal link).
  • A world of possibilities: Experience our international flair! Our University appeals to students and researchers from all over the world and helps to shape Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan city that is fit for the future – it’s the perfect place for international studentsmp4, 57 mb · de.

A look behind the scenes

Image: Sebastian Reuter
Naturstoffanalytik im Labor
Research talents wantedde
One focus at the Institute of Pharmacy is the identification of new natural products with bioactive properties and their mechanism of action at molecular level – especially for the treatment of inflammation and tumours.

What can you do after your studies?

Career opportunities:

fungal cultures
fungal cultures
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
  • Pharmaceutical research (e.g. in industry, at institutes or at universities)

Downloads and links for the degree programme

What are we looking for in prospective students?

  • A high level of motivation and commitment
  • An interest in laboratory work
  • A high degree of independence
  • Reliability, precision and care 
  • A strong sense of responsibility

Admission requirements

  • University degree

    You must have completed a four-year degree programme in Pharmacy, generally with an overall grade of at least ‘Good’.

    You will be admitted by the Examinations Office after presenting your Grade Certificate (for the 1st and 2nd section of the pharmaceutical examination) and confirmation of supervision from a Pharmacy lecturer at the University of Jena.

    If you are an international applicant, your Grade Certificate will be recognized by the responsible Landesprüfungsamt in the place where you live in Germany.

  • Language requirements

    Admission and language requirements for applicants of foreign nationality: www.uni-jena.de/en/study-orientation-international

Application documents

  • CV

    You should write your CV in tabular form. It should contain information about your schooling and academic achievements.

  • University entrance qualification

    This is usually an Abitur certificate. If you do not have an Abitur certificate, please upload the certificate that entitles you to study at an institution of higher education when using the application system.

  • First degree certificate

    Here it is important to provide evidence of the university degree you would like to use to apply for admission to the postgraduate programme. Please submit a certified copy of the certificate itself and your transcript of records.

Contacts

Dr Andreas Seeling (Academic Advisor)

Room 403
Philosophenweg 12
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
By appointment

Examinations Office, Faculty of Biological Sciences

Bachstraße 18 k
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Continuing education

Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Weiterbildung
07737 Jena

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Additional services