International Master’s programme Microbiology

The Master’s programme Microbiology is taught in English. Aim of the study programme is to educate motivated students to become highly qualified microbiologists, ready to work independently in a broad field of academic and applied sciences.

Based at the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), the programme is research-oriented, with a focus on marine and environmental microbiology.

Programme content

By offering a balanced mix of theory and practice, students are trained in classical cultivation-based approaches of microbial physiology as well as in state-of-the-art methods such as (meta-)genomics, proteomics and microbial community analyses.

Graduation and prospects

Our goal is to guide students stepwise through the Master’s programme, in order to successfully finish their own individual research projects for the master´s thesis. By the broad knowledge gain and methodological skills, the students will be well prepared for a career in modern microbiology.

Semester 1 and 2

In the first two semesters, the programme offers two theoretical modules:

• Microbial physiology and diversity (12 ECTS credits)
• Molecular mechanisms and interactions (12 ECTS credits)

Both modules are accompanied by broadening lectures, colloquia and one-day excursions.

The theoretical part is enhanced by lab classes (two four-weeks main modules, 12 ECTS credits, each) as well as three profile modules (two weeks, 12 ECTS credits, each).

Semester 3

In the third semester, students work on two six-weeks research projects, which can also be carried out during a stay abroad.

Semester 4 / Final thesis

The final master's thesis (six months, 30 ECTS credits) are conducted in the fourth semester, demonstrating the capacity to work independently and scientifically on a distinct topic.

The modules comprise:

• lectures
• seminars
• lab classes
• a large research-oriented component    

All modules are offered in English.

Students are well-integrated into current research activities of the ICBM.

This two year programme introduces up to date research and practice in the area of marine and environmental microbiology. Studying in the Master's programme “Microbiology” at the University of Oldenburg means:

• Close proximity to current marine research programmes
• Exceptional opportunities for analytics, molecular biology and bioinformatic data analyses
• Study in well supervised international groups
• Undertaking small research projects
• Cooperation with research institutes in the region of North-western Germany and the Netherlands
• Excellent opportunities to continue as PhD candidate at the ICBM or at connected research institutions

German language skills are not required for admission.

In order to study this programme at the University of Oldenburg, you need an adequate knowledge of English.

English language skills according to the admission regulations
English language skills can be proven with the following language certificates:

• Language test at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• if the native language is English or
• simple average of scores in the subject English in the advanced course at least 11 points, in the basic course at least 13 points

Only applicants from the five core countries of the Anglosphere (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States) with English as official language are accepted as native speakers. English as teaching language in previous studies is not sufficient.

The proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment. For students with a German Abitur, the following also applies: simple average of the scores in English in the advanced course at least 11 points, in the basic course at least 13 points.

Proof of language proficiency must be provided by the time of enrolment at the latest. Further information can be found under Language requirements.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in biology or from prior studies in a closely related scientific field, containing at least 90 ECTS credits in botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics, chemistry, biochemistry and mathematics.
• Independent scientific work of 15 ECTS credits in the form of a Bachelor's thesis or a comparable scientific project.
• English language proficiency at level C1 of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For details see Foreign language skills on this page.

This is an open admissions degree course, and applications are accepted for winter semesters. As all modules are consecutive, admissions for the summer semester are only accepted in justified cases.

The application deadline for the winter semester is 30 September.
The application deadline for the summer semester is 31 March.

Overview application deadlines Master's programmes

Please note
For open-admission Master's degree programmes it is strongly recommended to submit applications as early as possible, before 15 July for the winter semester and before 15 January for the summer semester. If the supporting documents are submitted after these dates, but before the standard application deadlines, this may have disadvantages for the start of your studies. Please note our information on the local application procedure (German document).

Overview application deadlines Master's programmes

Graduates of the Master's programme “Microbiology” can use their qualifications to fill positions, e.g., in the following fields:

• Microbial ecology
• Environmental protection
• Molecular biology
• Biotechnology
• Food microbiology
• Quality management

As the programme is highly practice-oriented, graduates will be involved in a wide range of research activities.

Areas of application of the acquired knowledge

Even though the focus is on marine microbiology, the gain of knowledge and lab skills can be applied to all fields of modern microbiology.

Doctoral programmes

Students will further have the opportunity to apply for pursue doctoral studies at the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) or other research institutions.

Microbiology at the University of Oldenburg