Program Information
FOKUS Life Sciences is an intensive and highly interdisciplinary M.Sc. program that prepares students directly for a doctoral project at the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS), University of Würzburg.
The program brings together research expertise from biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, pharmacy and psychology, offering a broad range of scientific environments and approaches. Teaching and research are fully embedded in an international community with English as the working language.
Applicants are expected to have
- a strong foundation in the live sciences,
- solid theoretical knowledge,
- substantial hands-on research experience (e.g. through an experimental bachelor’s thesis), and
- a clear motivation to progress quickly towards a PhD project.
Students who join the program
- are eager to work in a collaborative, international setting,
- enjoy scientific challenges, and
- are ready to take on a demanding academic workload.
If you are unsure whether your background fits, please feel free to contact.
Semester 1
You begin with the lecture series Topics and Concepts in Life Sciences (10 ECTS) and Methods in Life Sciences (10 ECTS). These courses offer a broad overview of current research, modern techniques, and model systems, taught directly by active scientists. In the accompanying lab course Research Concepts in Life Sciences (10 ECTS), you join a research group and work hands-on with state-of-the-art experimental approaches.
Fast Track Option
If you achieve excellent results in the first semester, you may proceed directly to your Master’s thesis in Semester 2. If your thesis receives a top grade, you may directly transition into a doctoral project. In this path, the remaining Master’s credits can be completed alongside your doctoral research through GSLS courses that are required for the PhD anyway.
Regular Route
If you continue with coursework in Semesters 2 and 3, you complete your Master’s thesis in the 4ᵗʰ semester and finish the degree before starting a doctoral project.
Both paths provide solid preparation for independent research and give graduates a good chance of being admitted to one of the many interdisciplinary research groups in Würzburg.
- Study Regulations (Fachspezifische Bestimmungen)
- Module Catalogue
- Subject Descriptions
You must have completed a B.Sc. study program of at least 3 years (4 years in some non-European countries) with 180 ECTS credits by the time of admission (not application!). For applicants from outside Europe, your B.Sc. program will generally be considered equivalent but will be evaluated for equivalence in case of doubt according to ANABIN recommendations.
If you have not yet finished your B.Sc. at the time of application, your transcripts must show completion of 5/6 of a regular program (e.g., 150 out of 180 ECTS credits in European study programs).
Grades from different grading systems outside Germany will be recalculated to the German scale using the following formula:
x = 1 + 3 (Nmax - Nd) / (Nmax - Nmin)
- Nmax = best possible mark on your local scale
- Nd = applicant's actual average mark
- Nmin = lowest mark that still allows for successful completion of the program.
According to this formula, "x" must be less than or equal to 2.4.
You must have completed a Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related subject, with a significant focus on the Life Sciences, such as Biophysics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or Pharmacology. You must also have substantial experimental (laboratory) research experience, ideally demonstrated through a bachelor's thesis project conducted in a laboratory setting.
Please note that prior education and training in a medical profession is generally insufficient unless you can demonstrate substantial practical research experience in fundamental science.
Proficiency in English at the C1 level (Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR) is required, as all courses, exams, reports, and the Master’s thesis are conducted in English. Please include one of the following accepted certificates with your application; no other certificates will be accepted:
- TOEFL: ≥ 590 (paper-based), ≥ 240 (computer-based), or ≥ 95 (internet-based)
- IELTS Academic: ≥ 6.5
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Significant evidence of English proficiency, such as prior studies in English, may also be accepted. However, be aware that a real-world assessment will occur during the application process, particularly in the interview.
Knowledge of German is not required for the program, as you can complete all academic work entirely in English. However, learning some basic German will make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. We therefore recommend aiming for level A1 by the end of your second semester. The university offers free courses to support you.
Discover practical tips for managing finances, finding accommodation, and everyday life as a student in Würzburg:
See how FOKUS students and alumni contribute to science through their publications.
