fau germany phd programs

• Mein Campus

The Institute for Economics (IWF) coordinates the Doctorate Program in Economics . It includes  advanced courses in the research areas of the faculty and it cooperates with the following specialized graduate programs:

• The Bavarian Graduate Program in Economics (BGPE) is a doctoral program available to doctoral students of economics at Bavarian universities. The program offers courses, workshops, and advice by the best scientists in the field. Core courses in micro- and macroeconomics as well as in econometrics are offered every year. In addition, the program organizes field courses on varying topics. BGPE courses are accepted for the IWF doctoral program requirements. Excellent doctoral students can earn the status of a “BGPE Doctoral Student” with various benefits. For details and the current schedule see www.bgpe.de .
• The joint Graduate Program (GradAB) of the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) and the School of Business and Economics of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) supports promising doctoral students in the field of labor market research. Every year up to 6 scholarships are handed out in on a competitive basis. Doctoral students at FAU can attend selected courses offered by the program. For details on the program see https://www.iab.de/en/ueberblick/graduiertenprogramm.aspx .
• The international graduate program Evidence Based Economics (EBE) is a joint initiative with the University of Munich (LMU) and the University of Regensburg. It focuses on empirical research using new tools to identify causal effects. These tools include laboratory experiments, (quasi-)natural and field experiments, as well as sophisticated identification strategies in field studies. The graduate program introduces students to several important applications of the EBE paradigm in public policy and private firms, among them three research areas in which the members of the core faculty conduct their own research. For details see https://www.ebe-summer-meeting.econ.uni-muenchen.de/index.html .

PhD students present their research in various Brown-Bag-Seminars as well as in the  IWF Doctoral Seminar , which is a joint event where PhD students present their Job Market papers. The general PhD Regulations of FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg can be found here .

General information about your doctoral project at the WiSo can be found here . Contact Persons are  Elisabeth Müller and Gabriele Mühlöder .

• Mein Campus

Doctoral Programme

The doctoral programme at our school.

Within the doctorate programme, the doctoral candidate must complete credits to the extent of 30 ECTS. The doctoral programme consists of a compulsory and an optional part of 15 ECTS each, the exact structure of which is determined by the institute.

For doctoral students in the field of economics, there is e.g. the possibility to attend courses of the Bavarian Graduate Program in Economics ( www.bgpe.de ).

In any case, please contact your first supervisor directly at an early stage.

Doctoral Degree

At the Faculty of Sciences PhD students are awarded with the degree “Doktor der Naturwissenschaften” (Dr. rer. nat.).

Structured graduate programs at the Faculty of Sciences:

Fau graduate schools fau graduate schools.

• Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies (SAOT)
• Graduate School Advanced Materials and Processes (GS AMP)
• Graduate School Molecular Science (GSMS)
• International Max Planck Research School for Optics and Imaging (IMPRS PL)

Research Training Groups (GRK) and Collaborative Research Centres (SFB) of the German Research Foundation (DFG) Research Training Groups (GRK) and Collaborative Research Centres (SFB) of the German Research Foundation (DFG)

• GRK 1161: Disperse Systems for Electronic Applications
• GRK 1660: Key Signals of Adaptive Immune Response
• GRK 1896: In-Situ Microscopy with Electrons, X-rays and Scanning Probes
• GRK 1910: Medicinal Chemistry of Selective GPCR Ligands
• GRK 1962: Dynamic Interactions at Biological Membranes – From Single Molecules to Tissue
• GRK 2162: Neurodevelopment and CNS vulnerability
• GRK 2339: Interfaces, Complex Structures, and Singular Limits
• GRK of SFB 643: Strategies of cellular immune intervention
• GRK of SFB 796: Erlangen School of Molecular Communication
• GRK of SFB 1181: Checkpoints for Resolution of Inflammation
• GRK of SFB / Transregio 130: B cells: Immunity and Autoimmunity
• GRK of SFB / Transregio 154: Mathematical Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation Using the Example of Gas Networks

International Graduate Schools of the Elite Network of Bavaria International Graduate Schools of the Elite Network of Bavaria

• i-Target: Immunotargeting of cancer
• Measuring and Modelling Mountain Glaciers and Ice Caps in a Changing Climate (M³OCCA)
• Receptor Dynamics: Emerging Paradigms for Novel Drugs
• Physics Advanced

Further graduate programs and cooperations Further graduate programs and cooperations

• Emil Fischer Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Molecular Medicine (EFS)
• Junior research group at the Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF)
• Anthropologie der Religion(en)

Doctoral degree regulations

In January 2013, FAU passed general degree regulations which are valid for doctoral degrees at the Faculty of Sciences, too.

• General degree regulations (2/2019) ( in German )
• Faculty degree regulations (6/2017) ( in German )
• Guidelines on doctoral degrees at the Faculty of Sciences ( in German )

Further downloads

Form for the grading system

• University Library

Information about PhD Projects at the Institute

Doctoral Projects at the Chairs and Professorships of the Institute

• Doctoral projects at the Chair I (Prof. Dr. Roland Sturm)
• Completed doctoral projects at the Chair I (Prof. Dr. Roland Sturm)
• Doctoral projects at the Chair II (Prof. Dr. Clemens Kaufmann)
• Doctoral projects at the Chair for Middle East Politics and Society (Prof. Dr. Thomas Demmelhuber)

Master’s degree programmes

Master's degree programmes for postgraduate study

Questions about studying? We are happy to be there for you!

Student Advice Service

Our study programs and FAQs

MeinStudium

As one of the strongest research universities in Germany, FAU offers over 70 Master’s degree programmes. More than 5000 international students currently study at FAU.

• English Studies, American Studies
• Arabic Studies, Semitic Studies
• Automation Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Autonomy Technologies
• Business Administration
• Educational Research
• Education Science
• Biochemistry
• Bioengineering
• Biotechnology
• Book Studies
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Linguistics
• Data Science
• Electronics
• Electrical Engineering
• Energy Technology
• Renewable Energies
• Automotive and Transport Technology
• Finance, Insurance Economics
• Geosciences
• German Language and Literature
• Gerontology
• Historical Studies, Classical Studies
• Health Management
• Health Economics
• Health Science
• Greek Studies
• Indo-European Studies
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• International Relations
• International Law
• Islamic Religious Studies
• Islamic Studies
• Italian Language
• Japanese Studies
• Communication Technology
• Cultural, Theater and Media Education
• Cultural Studies
• Art History
• Artificial Intelligence
• Art Education
• Laser Technology
• Latin Philology
• Food Chemistry
• Linguistics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechatronics, Systems Engineering
• Media Studies
• Medical Engineering
• Microbiology
• Microelectronics
• Medieval History
• Molecular Biology
• Sustainability Science
• Nanotechnology
• Nanosciences
• North American Studies
• Optical Technologies
• Oriental Studies
• Education, Education Science
• Human Resource Management
• Human Resources
• Nursing Education
• Nursing Science
• Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology
• Physics, Astronomy
• Physical Geography
• Political Science
• Production Technology
• Accounting, Taxation, Controlling
• Romance Studies
• School types
• School Subjects
• Chinese Studies
• Scandinavian Studies
• Social Work, Therapeutic Education
• Sociology, Social Science
• Physical Education
• Sport Science
• Linguistics and Literary Studies
• Language Practice
• Medical Device Engineering
• Industrial Mathematics
• Theater and Media Studies
• Theater, Dramaturgy, Direction
• Theology, Religion
• Environmental Sciences
• Information Systems
• Industrial Engineering
• Economics and Mathematics
• Business Education
• Business and Economics
• 1-subject Bachelor
• 2-subject Bachelor
• Elite degree programs
• International degree program
• Orientation/Module studies
• Double degree program
• Part-time degree program
• Cooperative Bachelor’s degree program
• Professional development program
• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology
• Faculty of Business, Economics, and Law
• Faculty of Engineering

Start of degree program

• Summer semester
• Winter semester

Study location

• Erlangen and Bayreuth
• Erlangen and Munich
• Erlangen and Rennes

Subject group

• Medicine, Health sciences
• Engineering sciences
• Art, Art Sciences
• Teaching Degree
• Mathematics, Natural sciences
• Economic Sciences, Law
• Language and Cultural Studies

Teaching language

• in German and in the languages of the respective core subjects
• German or English
• German and English
• completely in German
• completely in English

Admission Requirement

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Degree programmes taught in English

Some of our Master’s degree programmes are also available in English. Our international Master’s degree programmes have a high percentage of foreign-language lectures and courses, feature compulsory language courses and semesters abroad and are specifically targeted at international applicants.

• Degree programmes taught exclusively in English
• Degree programmes taught partly in English
• Degree programmes taught mostly in other foreign languages

Overview of all FAU Master’s degree programmes

Department of Data Science

Our society is increasingly complex and diverse and technology rapidly evolves to face its challenges, offering opportunities, solutions and products that we could not imagine until very recently. Simultaneously science experiences a new revolution, driven by the new data paradigm. The demand of new analytical understanding and computational methods constantly accelerates. Consequently, the traditional mechanistic approach needs to integrate the fact that information is encoded in data, and that the most challenging questions and its responses have to be formulated in the same terms.

Data Sciences is the scientific area where Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences meet to face contemporary challenges.

Rooted in the Department of Mathematics and integrating the input of scientists from other departments, faculties and institutions, the DDS has generated a new structure. Working in agile teams aims to address the educational and research challenges arising in the field in a multidisciplinary and dynamic manner.

Together with the Department of Mathematics it offers a joint range of study programmes which include the bachelor programmes Data Science, Mathematics , Business Mathematics and Technomathematics , the master programmes Data Science , Mathematics, Business Mathematics and Computational and Applied Mathematics as well as education of mathematics for teaching at secondary school and high school.

Join the FAU family

How to apply.

• Application timeline

What we expect of you

What you can expect of us.

Applying to a university in itself isn’t easy, and studying abroad requires even more preparation. Which documents do you need? Which programme is best suited to you? Do you have the necessary qualifications, prerequisites (e.g. language skills ) and grades? That is why we have structured the application into five steps to guide you through the process.

1+ years: Get informed

• Where are you from (EU/non-EU)? German is the teaching language for most of the programmes at FAU. That is why you will generally be required to provide proof of sufficient German language skills.
• There are, however, a number of programmes that are taught exclusively in English .
• You do not yet have sufficient German skills to study? You may be able to take a preparatory German language class at FAU (you will, however, already need to be at A2 level).

1 year: Check requirements

• Are you interested in one of FAU’s programmes? You will need a university entrance qualification. Depending on the country you are from, you may need to study in your home country for a few semesters.
• You’re not sure whether you have the correct university entrance qualification? Contact our students advisory team to find out.

11 months: Apply

• Plan for enough time for your application: Find out about important semester dates , processing times and application deadlines .
• Also check any additional requirements about authentication and certified translations of documents.

9-6 months: Prepare

• One of the most important first steps after applying is organising a visa/residence permit.
• Make sure to account for the fact that these documents can take up to six months to process.
• You will also need to clarify what else you need.
• Do you need health insurance ?
• Do you want to open a bank account?

3+ months: Enroll

• Which documents do you need to submit in person?
• What do you need to know about official certifications and translations?
• Our student advisors will be happy to provide you with help and support with any issues you might have.

We offer our students the best prerequisites to fulfil their potential. From excellent infrastructure and tools, to highly innovative and pioneering partners, to staff. As such, we are looking for students who are motivated and inquisitive. That means you are self-reliant and autonomous, able to thrive under the relative freedom of a classic university framework. With our interdisciplinary approach, we offer the perfect surroundings for those who are naturally curious and eager to learn.

In turn, you can expect outstanding teaching staff and state-of-the-art facilities to enable you to unleash your potential . You will benefit from an abundance of opportunity offered by such a well-connected and innovative further education institution. We are family! Join our global FAU community  with a wealth of knowledge and a comprehensive network of teaching, research, and partnerships.

• Faculty of Sciences

Programme and Courses

Programmes and Courses

Physics (MSc.)

The programme offers a 120 credit (ECTS) master course that can be accomplished within 2 years (4 terms). Students choose from lectures in theoretical physics, astroparticle physics, optics (in cooperation with the Max-Planck-Institute for the Science of Light) and condensed matter physics.

You can choose from the study focuses

• Astrophysics and astroparticle physics
• Condensed matter physics
• Optical sciences
• Physics in life sciences
• Quantum technologies
• Theoretical physics .

The courses in the programme are offered in English consistently.

MSc Chemistry / MSc Molecular Science

Information on the master’s programmes in chemistry and molecular science.

MSc Welcome and information event on Friday, April 12 th , 2024 at 10:00 am in lecture hall C3 (Chemikum, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10) – Important information for Master students starting in summer term 2024 – attendance is highly recommended!

Presentations / recordings of information events can be found under “Student-Service Chemistry & Molecular Science” on StudOn

The Master degree programs in Chemistry and Molecular Science are advanced research focused study programs in the respective subjects, which run over 4 semesters (two years).

In MSc Chemistry the students obtain an in-depth knowledge and understanding in the core disciplines of chemistry according to their choice of chemistry and elective modules.

Students in MSc Molecular Science may specialize in one of two exciting fields of modern, strongly interdisciplinary molecule-based research areas:

•   Molecular Life Science  focuses on drug discovery and molecular modelling, or
• Molecular Nanoscience  focuses on nanomaterials, nanoanalytics, supramolecular chemistry and potential applications.

In both programs, students attend their core modules (Chemistry, Molecular Lifescience or Molecular Nanoscience) and add one Compulsory elective module from a list of available interdisciplinary topics. For the Elective modules students are encouraged to choose courses according to their own preferences from chemistry or other science disciplines. Alternatively, language courses, law, and business studies may be considered. Important for language courses! A placement test has to be done before booking a language course. Please contact the language center for details and information https://sz.fau.eu

A six-month Master’s thesis gives the students a chance to develop a deeper understanding in a modern scientific topic of their choice.

Applications are possible for the summer and winter terms. However, for  Molecular Life Science , we strongly recommend starting your studies in the Winter Semester. This will offer the best range of options for an ideal start into your studies.

General information and helpful links

Requirements and application requirements and application, requirements.

The successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject is required for admission to both Master’s degree programs, Chemistry  and  Molecular Science . Since these programs build upon the basic concepts generally learned in a Bachelor’s program, the required first degree must be closely related. Most successful applicants hold a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry or a bachelor’s degrees that include content from the molecule-based CHEMICAL science disciplines. Bachelor’s programs which can be considered for an admission have at least 80% courses in the core disciplines of Chemistr y from which at least 25% is fundamental lab work  performed by the student.

Furthermore, a grade of 2.5 or better according to the German grading system has to be proved in the qualifiying Bachelor’s program.

A certificate of English level B2 (as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference), e.g. TOEFL or IELTS,  is required to study in our international Master’s degree programs, Chemistry or Molecular Science. In case the qualifying Bachelor’s program is fully taught in English, a confirmation on the teaching language for the Bachelor’s degree by the respective university can substitute the level B2 certificate.

The required test result has to be submitted in the electronic application via campo .

Online application via www.campo.fau.de

All applications have to be submitted electronically via campo.

Please find further information and details on:

Application and enrollment

International Master’s degree programs

List of supporting documents

The biannual application deadlines are…

• July 15th for the upcoming Winter Semester
• January 15th for the upcoming Summer Semester

We strongly recommend for Non-EU students to apply as early as possible to get an early decision to apply for a visa in time – latest by May 15th!

Please keep in mind the main start is the winter term, some modules might be easier to study when starting in the winter term.

Housing and financial support

Housing and financial support is not provided by the FAU, general information on student life  is provided on the webpage of the FAU.

MSc Chemistry MSc Chemistry

The MSc Chemistry degree program includes

• each module consists of 10 ECTS course work (lectures and seminars) and 10 ECTS Lab practicals
• Advances in Bio-Organic and Bio-Inorganic Chemistry
• Advances in Homogenous Catalysis
• Advances in Interface Research and Catalysis
• Advances in Energy Materials
• Advances in Organic Chemistry
• alternatively one additional chemistry module can be chosen
• Elective modules (3 x 5 ECTS): three modules (each 5 ECTS) specialist or non-specialist have to be chosen, these can include, e.g., language courses, science courses, or others (list tba in Campo)
• Research module (15 ECTS): 6 weeks full-time lab project in Inorganic, Organic, Physical or Quantum Chemistry plus seminar.
• Master’s thesis (30 ECTS): 6 months research project including writing of the thesis

Together, all modules add up to 120 credit points.

MSc Molecuar Science MSc Molecuar Science

MSc Molecular Science degree program consists of

• each module includes 30 ECTS course work and 10 ECTS Lab practicals
• Quantum Chemistry
• Elective modules (3 x 5 ECTS): three modules (each 5 ECTS) specialist or non-specialist have to be chosen, which may include, e.g., language courses, key skills, science courses, or others (list tba online in Campo)
• Research module (15 ECTS): 6 weeks full-time  lab project in your focus discipline

Teaching language Teaching language

Teaching language is English (English knowledge has to be proven with the admission), however some courses might be offered in German only (e.g. elective courses or alternative compulsory elective courses).

Lab courses Lab courses

Lab course are a key component in our master’s programs – therefore a strong knowledge in the various fields of chemical lab work is required for the application. Please find the details on the extend of lab courses in the description of the respective study program.

Lab insurance

Every student who participates in a lab course in our study programs is required to have current and valid laboratory insurance before starting the course.

The lab insurance can be purchased online via  http://www.laborversicherung.de/

The lab insurance is valid for all lab courses, and for one semester at a time.

Safety rules in a chemistry lab

The usual safety regulations governing laboratory coursework apply to our chemical laboratories as well; these regulations especially concern wearing safety goggles, overalls, and protective gloves; additionally, it is forbidden to eat, drink, or smoke in the laboratory areas.

Detailed safety instructions are available both in the laboratory and as a handout. Students are required to familiarize themselves with the theoretical basics of residual reactions prior to each experiment. Any equipment used in an experiment must be thoroughly checked beforehand.

Assistants are responsible for ensuring adherence to laboratory safety procedures and have the authority to undertake sanctions if necessary, such as excluding disruptive students from the lab. Assistants are also expected to know and keep record of any potential risks and the relevant safety regulations of any chemicals used in the experiments as well as their products.

Chemicals and glassware need to be handled carefully to ensure a safe environment for other assistants and students using the laboratories. Damaged glassware is to be immediately fixed or disposed of, and chemicals that emit toxic vapors are only to be handled under a fume hood.

Failure to adhere to safety regulations will result in consequences, and can lead to temporary or permanent exclusion from the laboratory course.

All experiments done in the laboratory must be documented in a lab notebook. Experiment reports require documentation of both reaction equations and reaction mechanisms. Reaction equations, reaction mechanisms, and description of the chemicals involved are to be recorded prior to execution of the experiment.

Exams Exams

• Registration periods for module examinations can be found on Examinations Office – Faculty of Sciences › Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (fau.eu) Students must register for these examinations via  campo .
• Core Modules: oral exams in March (WS) and September (SS)
• Compulsory elective/elective modules: at the end of the semester (details announced by the teaching professor or the module coordinator); only in case of oral exams: individual appointment with professors
• Research module (8 weeks fulltime): registration during the registration period
• Master’s thesis: 6 months, registration via registration form (Note: Exams and lab practicals in the core & compulsory elective modules and the research module must have been passed before starting the master’s thesis)

Master's thesis Master's thesis

The Master’s thesis, worth 30 credit points, is part of the Master’s examination in both  Chemistry  and  Molecular Science .

Students should be able to independently investigate a subject-related problem by applying scientific research methods within a six-month time frame.

To avoid unnecessarily extending the study period, students are advised to decide on a topic for their Master’s thesis and contact the supervising professor on time. The master’s thesis is scheduled for the fourth semester. Before starting the thesis all module except the elective modules must have been passed.

Before starting work on their thesis, students are required to submit a registration form to Mrs. Petra Schmitt (Prüfungsamt / Examination Office) and to the Student Service Center (SSC) via Email. An extension of the processing time is only possible by applying for an extension of the master’s thesis with good timely justification.

When submitting their thesis, students are required to provide two identical copies, printed and bound, as well as en electronic version on a USB stick or similar storage device to the Examinations Office ( Prüfungsamt ). If the thesis is not handed in by the deadline, it will unfortunately be considered rejected and given a mark of 5,0 or “insufficient.”

The maximum time frame for your Master’s thesis is  six months (handing in the final version at the examination office).

Tentative Time frame for the Evaluation of the Master’s Thesis

Students must submit their Master’s thesis by the deadline to Mrs. Schmitt in the Examinations Office ( Prüfungsamt ).

The Examinations Office will notify your thesis supervisor of the date of submission. The thesis will then be evaluated by your supervisor and a second examiner.

The Master’s thesis should be evaluated within one month.

If your thesis is not graded within one month, the student has the option of either checking directly with their supervisor or contacting Dr. Ruyter at the Student Service Center (SSC).

Title Page of the Master’s Thesis

The title page must include the title and student’s name, and the second page must include a signed declaration of independent authorship. Please refer to this sample template .

For more detailed information on the legal implications of submitting your Master’s thesis, please see the examination regulations ( Prüfungsordnungen )

If you need help writing a paper, report, or an application, please seek out support from the  Writing Centre .

Examination regulations and module guide Examination regulations and module guide

The examination regulations govern the examinations in the Master’s degree programs Chemistry  and  Molecular Science .

The module guide provides information as to the content, extent, aims, and prerequisites of the modules mentioned in the program and examination regulations, as well as the names of lecturers and their respective module coordinators. The module descriptions are available via Campo .

You can also find the module guide here (please note: module guides from Campo will only show the courses of the current semester!):

• MSc Chemistry (PO 2020) – Summer term 2024
• MSc Molecular Science (PO 2020) – Summer term 2024
• MSc Chemistry (PO 2020) – Winter term 2023/24
• MSc Molecular Science (PO 2020) – Winter term 2023/24

Schedules Schedules

The schedule shows the coming winter and summer term for the MSc Chemistry and Molecular Science (LIFE and NANO Science) courses. More information on modules and courses can also be found in Campo . All information on courses is preliminary.

• Schedule MSc Chemistry & Molecular Science (winter term 2023/24 & summer term 2024)

Scholarships Scholarships

The Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1452 – “Catalysis at liquid interfaces” is offering an Equal Opportunities Fellowship for pursuing a Master’s Degree at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.

Eligible are international female applicants to one of the CRC-related master study programs at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. The fellowship explicitly aims to support excellent female students with an interest in the research topics of the CRC.

For more information see CRC homepage: https://www.sfb1452.research.fau.eu/positions/

Further general information on scholarships and funding opportunities for your studies at FAU can be found here: https://www.fau.eu/education/student-life/financing-your-studies/ .