Matter to Life (M.Sc.)
Experience excellent research!
The master's program "Matter to Life" at the University of Göttingen is an interdisciplinary research-oriented course of study that qualifies for demanding tasks in research and development and leads to a Master of Science. The program is part of the Max Planck School "Matter to Life", a joint initiative of several German universities and research institutes. The Lab rotations and the master thesis can be performed with any of the fellows of the Max Planck school, at the University of Göttingen, the Göttingen Max Planck Institutes as well at the partner institutes outside Göttingen. After successful completion of the master’s program, graduates are qualified to enter the PhD program at the Max Planck School Matter to Life.
Admission to the program is highly selective and admitted students can be supported by generous stipends.
The main fields of study are:
- biophysics
- physics of complex systems
- physico-chemical foundation of life
- synthetic biology
Experience excellent research hands-on and become a part of one of nearly 60 renowed research groups!
- Name:
- Matter to Life
- Degree:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Teaching language:
- English
- Standard period of study:
- 4 semesters
- Begin of studies:
- Winter semester
- Admission:
- Restricted
(Application to faculty)
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Programme structure
1 st Semester
- Physics of Complex Systems
- Synthetic Biology
- Synthetic Chemistry
- Introduction to Biophyiscs
- Choice of advanced classes
- Professional skills in science
- Ethics in synthetic biology
2 nd Semester
- Advanced Complex Systems and Biological Physics Including qualifying exam
- Modern experimental methods
- Choice of advanced classes
3 rd Semester
4 th Semester
Regulations and module directory
Admission Requirements
Previous education:
Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences, Engineering or in a related subject with at least three years of study and at least 180 Credits:
- including at least 76 Credits in the field of physics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, materials science, engineering of molecular systems or bioprocess engineering,
- including at least 19 Credits in the field of physics or mathematics,
Language Requirements:
Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of their English skills:
- UNIcert®: at least UNIcert® II Certificate: at least a grade of 2,3
- Network of University Language Testers in Europe (NULTE): at least B2+ (CEF)
- Cambridge English Scale: at least 173 Points
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic): at least Band 6.0
- Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based test (TOEFL iBT): at least 95 Points
- Global Scale of English (Pearson Academic): at least 67 points
Testimonials

“What I like the most about this program is not only that it introduced me to the fascinating world of biophysics and complex systems, but it also gave me the chance to interact and learn a lot from my fellow students in a friendly and cooperative interdisciplinary environment. In addition, the Matter to Life team - even during Corona times, when meeting in person was not an option - was very supportive and always caring about the well-being of their students. Finally, I am enjoying a lot of my life in Göttingen, certainly a beautiful and open-minded city for international students to academically develop.”F. Perachia 1st year Matter to Life Student
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Programme coordinator
Claudia Fournier
Institute for Dynamics of Complex Systems
Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1
Room: E.00.102
37077 Göttingen
Phone: +49 (0) 551 25230