Translational Neuroscience

The MSc in Translational Neuroscience at Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education designed to bridge the gap between fundamental neuroscience research and clinical application. This program provides students with a solid foundation in the core principles of neuroscience, neurobiology, and biomedical sciences, coupled with practical skills in experimental techniques, data analysis, and translational research methodologies. Throughout the course, students will explore the mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders, gaining insights into how basic research can be translated into innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, enabling students to work on cutting-edge projects within our state-of-the-art research facilities. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists and clinicians, fostering a multidisciplinary approach crucial for advancing personalized medicine and neurotherapy. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, neuroimaging, neurogenetics, and neuroinformatics, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, industry, or healthcare.

Designed for students with a background in life sciences, medicine, or related fields, the MSc in Translational Neuroscience encourages critical thinking, innovation, and ethical consideration in research. The program prepares graduates to participate actively in the development of novel treatments and interventions for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and stroke. Upon completion, students will have developed a deep understanding of the translational process from bench to bedside and will be ready to contribute to advancements in neuroscience and clinical practice.

The university offers a vibrant academic environment with modern teaching facilities, seminars, workshops, and opportunities for international exchanges. The program aims to cultivate skilled translational scientists capable of addressing complex challenges in neuroscience and improving patient outcomes. Graduates will receive a recognized Master’s degree, opening doors to doctoral studies, clinical research positions, or roles within biotech and pharmaceutical industries. This program exemplifies Würzburg University’s commitment to interdisciplinary education, innovative research, and societal impact in health sciences.

Educational organisation

The Medical Faculty has set up a highly competitive, international recruitment process that offers selected students an outstanding curriculum incorporating current research in the rapidly expanding field of neurosciences into lectures, seminars and laboratory work.
The curriculum is taught by principal investigators from participating institutes and research groups of the programme.

First semester:

• Lecture series
• Lab courses (Methods in Neurosciences, Advanced Lab Rotation 1)

Second semester:

• Lecture series
• Compulsory Elective Modules

Third semester:

• Compulsory Elective Modules
• Lab courses (Advanced Lab Rotation 2 + 3)

Outstanding students in the first semester may immediately proceed with their MSc thesis in the second semester. The Master's thesis project (25 ECTS) will take place in one of the participating institutes of the programme. If the thesis is evaluated with 1.3 or better, candidates may proceed directly with a doctoral project. The defence of the Master's thesis and the remaining 60 ECTS credit points may be obtained parallel to the doctoral thesis.
This option is facilitated by additional elective programme elements that are provided anyway during the doctoral study programme, such as advanced subject lectures, workshops, or courses at the Graduate School of Life Science.

Study abroad unit(s)

No obligatory/default study abroad units, but encouraged

Forms of assessment

Written exams for lectures and seminars, grading of protocols for lab courses, graded Master's thesis and oral examination

Course objectives

Students will be able to finish the MSc programme within two years (regular programme).
Excellent students will have an opportunity to avail of a fast track option, starting work on their PhD thesis after two semesters.
Qualifications obtained correspond to the European Qualification Framework Level 7:
http://ec.europa.eu/eqf/compare_en.htm
Successful graduates are qualified to engage in innovative research and start careers in a large variety of associated clinical and biological fields.

Language requirements

Native speaker or any of the following:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 590 paper-based or 240 computer-based or 95 Internet-based
• International English Language Test System (IELTS) with a score of at least 6.5
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• other significant (!) evidence of English proficiency

Remark: independently of any certificates obtained, every applicant will have to prove English proficiency throughout the application process (entrance examination, interview).

Academic requirements

Degree/credit requirements
In order to be admitted, by the time of admission (not application!) you must have finished a BSc study programme of at least three years with an equivalent of 180 credit points according to ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). If you apply from outside Europe, your BSc study programme will be considered equal, but will be evaluated for equivalence in case of doubt (an essential authority in this process is our federal "Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen", http://www.kmk.org/zab)
If you have not yet finished your BSc at the time of application, you need to provide documents which prove that you have completed 5/6 of your regular study programme (e.g. 150 of 180 ECTS credit points in European study programmes).
Subject requirements
Your BSc programme must be in biology, life science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, psychology or an equivalent degree (Staatsexamen or a completed study programme in human medicine). This study programme must have a special emphasis/specialisation/major in some aspect of biochemistry, cell biology and biochemistry and must have comprised practical research experience in a natural science laboratory.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 110 EUR per semester. Fee includes a semester ticket covering public transportation in the Würzburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

Approx. 600-700 EUR per month

Job opportunities

See: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/studieren_in_wuerzburg/studium_mit_abschlussziel/vor_der_abreise/kosten_und_finanzierung/

Arrival support

A welcome ceremony is offered to all international students of the University of Würzburg. It includes a sightseeing tour through the city at no charge.
The University of Würzburg offers arrival support for international students, including meeting new students at the railway station, filling out forms for enrolment and city registration, etc.
More information at: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/information_for_all_foreign_students/find_assistance/student_tutors/#c242426

Services and support for international students

International students are invited to use the university's support service for enrolment and visa affairs, for orientation in town, etc. Tutors are provided to help during the first weeks in Würzburg:

• pick-up at the train station
• support with moving into the hall of residence (get the key to your room, contact with the caretaker)
• accompanying students to officials (town hall, health insurance, Studentenwerk, etc.)
• assistance with filling out necessary forms (enrolment at university, residence permit, etc.)
• answers to questions about everyday life in the city of Würzburg (shopping, how to open a bank account, free time/sport and much more)

More information at: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/information_for_all_foreign_students/find_assistance/student_tutors/

The senior adviser to international students (International Office) can be contacted with questions and problems and will do his or her best to provide adequate assistance throughout your stay. He or she is also in charge of coordinating the semester programme which includes cultural events, excursions, guided library tours, etc.
Several other institutions within and closely related to the university offer services for international students: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/information_for_all_foreign_students/activitiesfriends/get_connected/#c365184
At the University of Würzburg, international students are well taken care of.

Accommodation

International students can apply for a place in a student hall of residence or find private accommodation in Würzburg. Prices for housing are reasonable and range from 150 to 350 EUR per month for a single room. Information on housing can be found online at:
http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/degree_programs_at_the_university_of_wuerzburg/before_arrival/living/