Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School of Molecular & Cellular Biology (HBIGS) explores innovative ways to integrate the Masters programs with the PhD program by offering an integrated MSc/PhD program.
The MSc/PhD program is targeted at outstanding students with a Bachelor degree in biosciences, mathematics, chemistry, physics, computational sciences, pharmacy, and engineering.
About the program
Doctoral researchers enrolled in the MSc/PhD program will receive a Masters degree (after submitting an experimental Masters thesis) and a PhD (after submitting an experimental PhD thesis) with the dissertation phase. The MSc/PhD program emphasizes research-based training, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills and the development of individual interests.
Moreover, the concept combines the two years of the Masters program with the 3 to 3.5 years of the PhD phase into one continuous period of 5 to 5.5 years devoted to research-based training and individual research (Figure 14). Students will attend lectures and tutorials from 8.00 – 10.00 in the morning during the first year, and lectures and tutorials in specialized areas, according to their interest and the topic of the individual research during the second year. After 10.00 am students participate in lab rotations (four from at least two different majors) during the first year, or if they already know their research interest they can join the research laboratory of an HBIGS member and conduct their own research. Every second week MSc/PhD students gather for a 60 min research seminar where two of the students will give a scientific progress report in form of an oral presentation. This meeting will be attended by the tutors of the MSc/PhD students (see below), the direct supervisors of the MSc/PhD students, the director of HBIGS, a representative of the Deans Office and the teaching coordinator. The event will unwind with an informal get-together. After two years the MSc/PhD students will submit an experimental thesis and take the examination to obtain a Masters degree in Biosciences. Provided the students excel they will continue their research project and, after an additional 3 to 3.5 years, submit their doctoral thesis. Those students who are not qualified will leave the program with an MSc degree.
A tutor will guide each MSc/PhD student through their study program and advise them on lab rotations and possible host laboratories. MSc/PhD students will partake in the training, the tutoring and mentoring program and the vocational activities of HBIGS. The MSc/PhD students, like any other HBIGS doctoral researcher, will participate in the PhD core course and other curricular activities of HBIGS. The MSc/PhD program leaves enough time and flexibility for mobility and exchange and intersectoral training (e.g. six to eight weeks at the end of the first year).
What do we offer to MSc/PhD fellowship holders?
HBIGS offers up to 12 competitive MSc/PhD fellowships to outstanding applicants from all over the world. This includes:
- Fellowships amounting to € 8,000 p.a. (tax free), granted for up to 1.5 years (reviewed after 1 year), including a Service package “High Tech Plus” offered by the Studentenwerk (upon request) followed a PhD fellowship of € 45,000 p.a. (gross pay)
- A personal tutor to support you
- Opportunity to obtain an MSc degree and PhD within 4.5 years
- Access to advanced scientific training
- Access to extracurricular and extramural activities
- Free access to the HBIGS Career Service
How can you apply for a fellowship?
for further details regarding to this fellowship go to:
http://scholarships-online.info/2012/02/hbigs-mscphd-fellowships-2012-at-heidelberg-university-germany/
