Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Institut für Biologie

• Admission Regulations [GER]
• Self-Assessment regarding application Prerequisites [GER], [EN]
• Self-Assessment regarding Selection Criteria [GER], [EN]

Prospective students require a first academic degree obtained in a course of study with a minimum length of three years in a biological field; usually, a bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS credits or equivalent. All of the following academic requirements must be met by the applicants to be admitted to this consecutive program. To prove the former, applicants are required to complete the Self-Assessment form. Further information on requirements and the certificates to be submitted can be found in the subject-specific Admission Regulations available in German.

International applicants are offered initial counseling on the application procedure and requirements at HU International - Initial Counseling. 
Please also take note of the FAQ - Application for Master's Programs at IfB.

Language Requirements

Academic Requirements

General information on the application for a master's program at HU
Application procedures and forms

The consecutive Master's program consists of compulsory (70 credits), elective (40 credits) and interdisciplinary elective modules (10 credits). During the first year, students attend one compulsory module ('Biodiversity and Evolution 1 - Theory') and four elective modules out of eleven modules offered. In the research-oriented second year, students conduct a study project, attend a further compulsory module ('Communicating science') and proceed to the final module, the Master Thesis.

Exemplary study plan M.Sc. Organismal Biology, Biodiversity and Evolution

Elective Modules

Students acquire a total of 40 credits, which corresponds to four elective modules (10 credits) to be chosen from the three different sectors listed below. For detailed descriptions of each module, see the Study and Examination Regulations.

Elective Modules 1 (choose two modules)

Elective Modules 2 (choose one module)

Elective Modules 3 (choose one module)

Study Project / Master Thesis

A group or individuals work on a scientific project that has to be related to the theoretical and experimental topics of this Master's program. The study project extends over one or two semesters and comprises several hours of experimental work and a protocol. Scientific projects can be conducted at the Department of Biology or an associated research organization, for instance, at the Museum für Naturkunde. Students apply autonomously to research groups of their field of interest. For further information on the modalities of the Study Project, please contact the Examination Office Biology/Biophysics.

Within the Final Module, students use their specific knowledge in a current research topic in the field of Organismal Biology, planning and conducting a scientific project at current research standards independently, and writing the Master Thesis.

ÜWP - Interdisciplinary Elective Modules

Students are free to attend modules of the Interdisciplinary Elective Area (ÜWP) in other disciplines or institutions of the university according to their own preferences. The modules offered in this sector are posted on AGNES - ÜWP. Under certain circumstances, it is possible to attend regular modules of other programs (Non-ÜWP-Modules). If you are interested in attending Non-ÜWP-Modules, please contact the Examination Office Biology/Biophysics for detailed information.

Information on Application, Admission and Enrollment

• for Applicants: HU Compass
• for international Applicants: HU International

Informationen on Content and Structure of the Program

• Peer Advisory Service (Studentische Studienberatung)
• Course Advisory Service (Studienfachberatung)

Different request? Find the appropriate contact at Hilfe und Beratung.