Master of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Master of Science (M.Sc.)

This new Master's degree programme will start in the winter semester 2026/27 at the Department of Biology. Be among the first students to join the Master’s programme in “Molecular and Cellular Biology”. Apply between March 1st and July 15th for the winter semester!

Understanding life at the molecular and cellular level is key to addressing major challenges in medicine, biotechnology and fundamental research. The international and research-oriented Master's programme “Molecular and Cellular Biology” enables you to gain in-depth knowledge and advanced skills to analyse complex biological processes and to contribute to cutting-edge life science research.

There is a strong emphasis on laboratory-based work using a broad spectrum of modern molecular and cellular methodologies. In addition, you will deepen your competencies in quantitative data analysis, experimental design and research data management. Through extensive research internships and project-based modules, you will gain hands-on experience and learn how to independently plan and conduct scientific studies.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its broad elective area, which allows you to tailor your studies individually. In addition to specialised modules within molecular and cellular biology, you can choose modules from the Master’s programmes in “Synthetic Biology” and “Ecology and Biodiversity”, enabling you to expand your profile across disciplines and explore interfaces within the life sciences.

However, this degree programme goes beyond the acquisition of scientific knowledge. Starting with an introductory module for all new Master’s students, the programme strengthens your intercultural awareness and teamwork skills and encourages personal and professional development from the very beginning.

This Master's programme starts in both the winter and the summer semester. The application is possible between March 1st and July 15th (cut-off deadline) for the winter semester and between September 1st and January 15th (cut-off deadline) for the summer semester.

The application for the Master's programme in “Molecular and Cellular Biology” is exclusively done via the application portal TUCaN of TU Darmstadt. The application documents must be submitted to the central Student Service/Admission International. Only complete application documents will be processed.

The following documents are required for the application:

  • Proof of a university degree (Bachelor's degree in biology, biomolecular engineering or a related subject).
  • Proof of proficiency in English on C1 (CEFR) level.
  • Equivalency list of required admission competencies as per the template (becomes visible during the application process in TUCaN).
  • Summary of the content of the Bachelor's thesis (in English, max. 1 page).
  • Evidence of at least 6 weeks of relevant laboratory experience in molecular and/or cellular biology, if this cannot be demonstrated as part of the Bachelor's degree.
  • Current transcript of records.
  • Diploma Supplement (if available).
  • Curriculum vitae (optional).

Detailed information on the entrance examination can be found in the Implementation Regulations of the Master's Programme in “Molecular and Cellular Biology”. The entrance examination is conducted by a committee consisting of lecturers of the M.Sc. “Molecular and Cellular Biology” programme. Representatives of the Department of Biology assist the commission in an advisory capacity. The entrance examination takes place in two stages.

Stage 1:

Applicants' submitted application materials are independently reviewed and scored by two committee members. A score from 0 to a maximum of 100 points is assigned. Applicants with a minimum score of 80 points will be directly classified as suitable.

In cases where individual subject requirements from the first degree programme are not fully met, applicants may be admitted with the requirement to complete additional foundation modules of the Bachelor's degree programme in biology for a maximum of 30 credits.

Stage 2:

Applicants who do not achieve 80 points and do not fall below 40 points will be invited to an entrance interview. The 30-minute interview with at least two members of the committee assesses the applicant's suitability for the programme based on the required entry competencies. The interview is scored independently by the members of the commission with a score from 0 to a maximum of 100 points. Applicants who achieve at least 60 points based on the arithmetic mean of the points from stage 1 and stage 2 are classified as suitable.