Overview

The work of the Max Planck School Matter to Life (MPS MtL) focuses on methods to describe, model, and ultimately harness the laws of physics and chemistry that dictate the processes of dynamic spatiotemporal organization of life into molecules, cells, tissues and organisms. Thus, the MPS MtL not only pushes the boundaries of our understanding of life, but also paves the way for filling the knowledge gap in fundamental sciences and finding innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges.

Matter to Life is an interdisciplinary study program encompassing topics from biology, chemistry, and physics, which is why we accept Bachelor graduates from biotechnology, materials science, engineering or related fields. It is led and taught by experts in this field. Throughout this course you will get a good foundation of knowledge in the separate scientific disciplines, but you will also learn a common scientific language.

The Matter to Life program is a joint program between Heidelberg University and the University of Göttingen. The universities share a core curriculum with classes taught in connected classrooms.

The program starts with a 5- to 6-week welcome course in September, introducing you to your cohort and giving you a suite of tools and techniques to handle interdisciplinary science and research. During this course, you will also attend preparation courses in mathematics, chemistry and physical chemistry before the study start. This gives you the possibility to fill any knowledge gap and be completely prepared before the study start.

After you have successfully completed your Master's, you can continue with a three-year PhD program under the supervision of one of the school's Fellows.

The research fields of our faculty include synthetic biology, biophysics, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, biotechnology, biomolecular physics, inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, tissue engineering, DNA & RNA origami, synthetic cells, bioethics, and many more.

Why study at Max Planck School Matter to Life?

Cutting-edge research in a novel, highly interdisciplinary and emerging field of Matter to Life
Close supervision by outstanding scientists in Matter to Life, within a unique network of leading German universities and non-university research organizations
An integrated MSc and PhD program
A joint Master’s program providing you with degrees from world renowned German Universities, University of Göttingen and Heidelberg University
Early access to first-class research infrastructures and innovative teaching formats
An internationally competitive funding scheme without tuition fees
English taught program

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Programme Structure

We offer two different foci in Matter to Life (MtL) at our teaching universities: MtL with a focus on Complex Systems and Biological Physics at the University of Göttingen and MtL with a focus on Molecular Systems Chemistry and Engineering at Heidelberg University.
In the first term, you will study a common curriculum with shared lectures between the universities

You will get an insight into Synthetic Biology, Physics of Complex Systems, Ethics in Synthetic Biology, Biophysics and Physical Chemistry of Life and more taught by the MtL Faculty members who are experts in the respective fields

In the second term, you can choose from a selection of specialized courses and this can be tailored to your specific interest and aptitude
The third and the fourth term will give you enough time to get familiar with the research of the MtL Faculty during the lab rotations and the Master thesis

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2024-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Physics Chemistry Biology View 92 other Masters in Physics in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Schedule an IELTS test!

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Max Planck School Matter to Life and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

We invite undergraduate students with a background in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Materials Science or Engineering (or a related sub-field) to apply to our program
Whether your previous study is relevant will be decided on a case-by-case basis and depends on your transcript and specific modules you have completed
Your previous study needs to have an equivalent of 96 ECTS
Solid knowledge of the English language is necessary for your success in the program, which will be conducted entirely in English. An internationally-accepted language test is required for non-native English speakers (exceptions if your previous program was taught completely in English); proof of proficiency can be submitted after the selection process
For detailed admission criteria, please check our website

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Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

Free

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 0 EUR per year during 24 months.
National

Free

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 0 EUR per year during 24 months.

The MPS MtL offers full funding for the duration of the program which allows our students to focus on their scientific work entirely.

Living costs for Heidelberg

922 - 1397 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Students receive a scholarship and, if applicable, a subsidy for health insurance and material costs.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Matter to Life (Direct Track Master Phase).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Why study at Max Planck School Matter to Life?

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Credits

Delivered

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Student insurance

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fee

International

National

Living costs for Heidelberg

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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