Microbiology

Study information
Key facts
Degree
Master of Science
Duration
4 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching language
English
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Biological Sciences
Institute of Microbiology
Application & Deadlines

Programme summary

The Master of Science in Microbiology is a scientific-biological study course, based on fundamental research with a special focus on Microbiology in its full diversity. This covers phylogeny, physiology, cell and molecular biology of organisms from all three domains of life.

The programme is interdisciplinary in nature and includes modules at external research institutes such as the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Hans Knöll Institute), the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, and cooperation with relevant biotechnology corporations.

Special features

Compared to other locations providing microbiology studies in Germany, Jena can boast two unique selling points:

  1. The great number of non-university research facilities intensely involved in the university education as well as in many cooperative projects
  2. The great number of biotechnology companies conducting research in Jena and yet with close ties to their parent companies elsewhere, making cooperation in nationwide research projects a reality.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the M.Sc. in Microbiology are well prepared for research-oriented positions at universities, private research institutes, and private companies. Potential fields of work include:

  • Research and development
  • Pharmaceutical industry und biotechnology corporations
  • Food industry
  • Chemical industry
  • Hospital research laboratories
  • Public administration (health authorities)
  • Teaching
  • Professional and trade organizations

Students holding an M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Jena are qualified to pursue doctoral studies, particularly in the fields of biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, cellular biology, medical microbiology, and biological-geological studies, both at the University of Jena (such as at the Jena School for Microbial Communication) and at higher education institutions around the world.

Admission requirements

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent

    For this master's programme you need a subject-specific undergraduate degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) or an equivalent degree, containing knowledge in Microbiology of at least 15 credits (ECTS) and practical research methods.

    ​The overall grade (CGPA) of the bachelor's degree must be GOOD or better (German and US systems: 2.5).

  • Language requirements

    This master's programme requires the following language proficiency:  

    • good English language proficiency (a direct proof by certificate is not compulsory)

Application documents

  • CV

    Your CV should have a tabular form, containing key information on your school record and academic career.

  • Motivation letter

    A motivation letter should not exceed the size of two DIN A4-pages and normally, it should contain information on your motivation for taking up this course of studies. You should  elaborate on the following essential questions:

    • Why do you desire taking up this specific course of studies?
    • What are - in your opinion - the main features that this course of studies excels in?
    • Which features of this course have inspired your application? 
    • Why Jena?

     

  • University entrance qualification certificate

    Please upload at the online application system your university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate. Usually, this means the school graduation diploma (German "Abitur"), i.e. the diploma that makes you eligible for studies at an University or other institution for higher education. Be mindful of the fact that here, we do not need any University diploma but a High School diploma! 

  • Previous university degrees earned

    All previous University degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) if available before the application deadline - if not, please make a note of the anticipated date of issue of your degree certificate. Please upload your University degree or the most actual, detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of all semesters available to you, should you not hold your degree certificate at the time of application. The main document is the degree/ transcript based on which you apply for the master programme.

  • Detailed transcript of records

    Detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of your first, subject-specific University degree, with which you apply for the master's programme. This transcript MUST contain an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.

  • Proof of relevant work experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific work experience, you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of subject-specific practical experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific practical experience (e.g. by internships etc.), you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Specific document: Preparatory Training for Master's Applicants

    You obtain the "Certficate of Achievement" after having successfully passed the test called "preparatory training for master's applicants". This test is to be passed before applying. It serves to orientate candidates towards their academic eligibility. Please do not use your mobile phone to take the test, but your PC or Laptop instead!

    The Preparatory Training can be performed here.External link

Additional application documents for international students

  • Translation of foreign/external application documents

    Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English OR German translation. Such a translation has to be conducted by officially acknowledged/ sworn translators or translation offices.

  • Proof of grading system

    External/foreign degree certificates/ transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system (= description of the maximum grade possible and the minimum passing grade) used at the respective University. 

  • Certificate APS

    Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.

  • University entrance exam

    Applicants from the following countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination:

    • Iran (College entrance examination certificate or certificate of pre-university course/year)
    • Republic of Korea/South Korea: SAT (Scholastic Ability Test)
    • People's Republic of China: College entrance examination certificate ("Gaokao")
Programme Director: Prof. Dr. Christian Jogler

Opening hours:
by arrangement

Postal address:
Microbial Interactions Research Group/Jogler Lab
Institute of Microbiology
Friedrich Schiller University
Neugasse 24
07743 Jena
Germany

Programme Coordinator: Dr. Vivien Hotter

Postal address:
Microbial Interactions Research Group/Jogler Lab
Institute of Microbiology
Friedrich Schiller University
Neugasse 24
07743 Jena
Germany

Student Representatives

Postal address:
Fachschaftsrat Biologie/Biochemie
Neugasse 24
07743 Jena

Examinations Office of the Faculty of Biological Sciences

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Fakultät für Biowissenschaften
Studien- und Prüfungsamt
Bachstraße 18k
07743 Jena

Master Service Centre

Office hours:
+++The Master Service Centre will be closed from 23.12.2024 to 03.01.2025. On 19 December, we will be available by telephone and for personal consultation for the last time this year. On 20.12. you can only contact us via ticket. We will be fully available for you again from 06.01.2025 onwards.+++

Telephone consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
10 am - 11 am

Personal consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
2 pm - 3 pm

Live chat:
mondays
10 am - 12 noon

Ticket enquiries via Service Desk at: www.uni-jena.de/service-msz

Postal address:
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Master Service Centre (MSZ)
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenTuesday - Thursday
3:15 pm - 4 pm
Password Master Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Central Academic Advisory Service