Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Some very interesting FAQs are also listed on the student council webpage.
What prerequisites are required for the MSc in Neurosciences?
In preparation of the MSc program, you should have at least a basic knowledge of neurosciences, as well as basic knowledge of Physics and Chemistry (high school level). The compulsory neurosciences modules in the first semester are based on the following textbook: Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell: Principles of Neural Science (Mcgraw-Hill Professional).
Am I eligible?
You are eligible if you have earned a first university degree from one of the following areas:
Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology or a related course of study.
What are the general criteria for acceptance?
There are two skill sets which are considered. These are the general skills and specific skills.
General Skill Set
- excellent learning skills
- substantial interest in science
- highly motivated to learn
- being curious and open-minded
Specific Skill Set
- excellent record in biology, physics, chemistry, etc. from school on
- excellent record in the life sciences on the university/college level
I have not yet received my final transcripts. Can I apply?
Yes, you can. In case you will receive a higher diploma after the application deadline, you should submit the certification of your latest degree and a copy of your latest transcript. If you have not yet obtained a degree, please indicate the date when you expect it to be conferred.
Candidates who have been accepted to the program need to submit their diploma (or a transcript indicating that the Bachelor's degree has been conferred) before courses start in October. Otherwise, enrollment at the University of Bonn will not be possible.
Why is an English test sufficient?
The entire program is taught in English. We want to make sure that difficulties with English as medium of instruction are avoided. This will enable you to completely focus on the subjects taught.
English as mediun of instruction during your studies is not sufficient.
No proof of English proficiency by an English test is required for applicants
who are native English speakers
who have resided for a reasonable period in an English speaking country
You can proof your English proficiency by submitting the results of a standardized test such as TOEFL, IELTS or another test that proof your language proficiency by the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment" (GER). Please submit a copy of your test results by mail to the coordination office (requested upon online application). The University of Bonn has no institutional code for receiving the results directly from the test center. If possible, submit the test results together with your application before the deadline. If you receive the results of the language test after the application deadline, we recommend to submit it only if you have qualified for the written subject test organized by the programs.
Here are the minimum requirements for the English tests:
TOEFL paper-based: 550
TOEFL iBT: 79
IELTS Test 6.0 in the overall band
other tests (Cambridge, UniCert, DAAD language proof, etc.): level B2 GER
What is a Statement of Purpose?
The Statement of Purpose is a first sample work with which you present yourself as an applicant to the review committee. You should describe your motivation for studying Neurosciences.
The Statement of Purpose should have a maximum of 3500 characters, not more. You should demonstrate that you are able to meaningfully present scientific ideas and convey them in an appropriate scientific language to the review committee.
Here are some ideas of topics that could be included in the Statement of Purpose:
- What brought you to Neurosciences?
- What interests do you particularly have in this research area?
- Do you have already any publications in this or a related field?
- Have you attended any courses/conferences focusing on Neurosciences?
- Do you have any particular scientific interests? If so, which are these and how are they related to Neurosciences and your previous studies?
Is a specific format or template required for my CV?
No, there is no specific format or template that is required. But there are some issues that you could consider when you prepare your CV as it is another sample work that should recommend to you.
Make sure that your CV contains relevant information for your application in the Master Programme of Neurosciences. Relevant topics may include:
Information about your education at school, information about your education at university or college, information about your activities to get in touch with the field of neurosciences, such as attendance of conferences/courses, internships, etc., list of publications (if available), list of talks you have given at conferences/meetings.
Make also sure that the information in your CV is clearly arranged and presented in a meaningful way. It should support your application for the Master Programme of Neurosciences.
