Key Features

Our Neurosciences program is a joint venture of the University of Göttingen, the University Medical Center, the German Primate Center, the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences and the European Neurosciences Institute Göttingen. Leading scientists of all partners offer research-oriented training across a broad spectrum of modern molecular life sciences with access to their state-of-the art laboratories during methods courses and individually supervised research projects.

  • Entry level: Bachelor degree
  • Degrees awarded: Master of Science (MSc) / PhD or Dr. rer. nat.
  • Teaching language: English
  • Duration of studies: MSc 1.5 years / PhD 3-4 years
  • Intensive program: 90 credits (ECTS) in 1st year
  • Fast-track: Option for direct transfer to PhD part without MSc thesis
  • MSc stipends: For all MSc students without own funding
  • Application period: September 15th – January 15th
  • Start of orientation program: Mid-September
  • Start of courses: October

We prepare aspiring young scientists for a professional career in academia or science-related professions in the private or public sector. At any stage of their studies, our students participate in a carefully designed curriculum with theoretical and practical units, individual counseling and guidance enabling them to take well-informed decisions on their next career steps.

Our applicants are admitted to the first year of master courses and research projects based on a three-stage process in January and February. Direct admission to a doctoral research project is not possible.

After one year of intensive training, students of our integrated Master/PhD program can continue with a six-month thesis to obtain a Master of Science (MSc) degree, or join the PhD part directly (fast-track option).

The award-winning program is recognized as an International Max Planck Research School, offering stipends of the Max Planck Society to all of its students. A dedicated team of faculty and staff members provides a variety of support, individual counseling and career guidance.

Our Neurosciences program is regularly evaluated by independent external reviewers and has been rated several times as a best practice model for graduate education. Together with its “twin program” in the Molecular Biology, it received the 2004 prize for excellent support services for international students by the Federal Foreign Minister and was awarded the label "Top 10 International Master's Degree Courses made in Germany" by Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft together with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in a national contest.