Application procedure
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please also go to our new web site Munich Graduate School for Evolution, Ecology and Systematics (EES)
Here you can find information about the application procedure for the EESlmu Master's program.
Contents |
Deadline
January 31, 2013 for non-EU applicants and May 31, 2013 for EU applicants
The deadline for students who wish to enter the program in October 2013 is January 31, 2013 for non-EU students and May 31, 2013 for EU students.
- Non-EU applicants: We will complete all interviews (in person, or by Skype) by mid March 2013, and we will announce our decisions shortly afterwards. Successful applicants will then have until April 15, 2013, to decide whether or not they will join the program. This should give international students sufficient time to make visa arrangements and find housing in Munich.
- EU applicants: We will complete all interviews by the end of June/beginning of July, and successful applicants will have until July 31th to decide.
All new students must arrive in Munich by September 29th for a two-week orientation session (30.09.2013 - 11.10.2013). Teaching starts on October 14th.
The application
To apply, you need to send us the following documents, initially as a single PDF-file:
- a CV, in English
- a transcript of records (including an explanation of the grading system)
- a copy of your high school diploma and/or any higher education entrance qualifications (such as the Abitur)
- a copy of your Bachelor's degree. If you don't have this, you should include a Transcript of Records which shows that you can finish your Bachelor's degree before the 1st of October 2013
- an essay (in English) written in your own words on one of the following topics (750 - 1000 words):
"How can one distinguish adaptive evolution from non-adaptive evolution?"
"Are there adaptive radiations?"
"Top-down and bottom-up control of food webs."
This is very important - we recommend that you invest considerable time and effort into this essay. Make sure that you reference all material you used and do not plagiarise.
- a letter of motivation (in English) in which you specifically explain why you want to attend our program (max 2 pages). This letter is also very important.
- proof that you have sufficient knowledge of English. This can be a ToEFL test (with score 550 in a written test or 213 in a computer-based test or 79 in an internet-based test; Ludwig-Maxmillians U Biology TOEFL Code Number 4260), a IELTS test (Academic format: minimum score 6.0 with no part of the test less than 5.0), a Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (minimum score A or B) or a Certificate of Proficiency in English (minimum score A or B). Other proofs (such as a university degree from an English study program) might also be accepted
- two groups of students are relieved from having to prove proficiency in English:
1. Students that are native English speakers AND have had education until secondary education (high school) in the English language 2. Students that did their BSc for at least three years in the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand
The formal requirements
Applicants will only be considered if they can realistically finish their Bachelor's degree before the start of the program. Applicants must have a background in biology or must show that they have a keen interest in evolution, ecology or systematics (for example, by showing that he or she has attended courses in these fields).
The current version of the "Satzung über die Eignungsfeststellung", which describes (in German) the selection procedure for the EES Master's Program is currently being revised, but all of the important information is on this page.
The procedure
The selection committee will first check that the formal requirements are met. If this is the case, at least two people from the selection committee will read each application independently and grade it on a scale of 1-5 (1=highest score, 5=lowest score). The committee members will focus on whether the applicant 1) is likely to excel at the courses and scientific work that he or she will have to do while a student in the EES Master's program, and 2) shows sufficient interest in the topics that are covered within the EES Master's program. If the average of the grades is 2.5 or better, then the applicant will be asked to arrange an interview. The interview will take place in Munich for German and EU citizens. For non-EU citizens (or those unable to travel to Munich), the interview will be conducted by Skype videoconferencing software. If this is not possible, a telephone interview can be conducted from the applicant's university, a German consulate or embassy, or a DAAD office.
Before the interview, the applicant will be asked to send a short (maximum of 7 slides) powerpoint presentation, saved as a PDF file, to the committee. The talk can be on any topic in biology - for example, the applicant's previous research or an area that he/she might like to focus on during the Master's degree. The applicant will present this talk during the first five minutes of the interview.
At the interview, at least two members of the selection committee will be present. The purpose of the interview is twofold. The selection committee will ask the applicant questions to find out whether the participant is a good fit for the program, but the participant is also encouraged to ask questions to find out whether the EES Master's program is a good choice for him or her. The decision on admission is usually made within a few days after the interview.
If the selection committee deems the applicant suitable for the program, the applicant will be offered a place in the program starting in October of that year. Applicants that are admitted to the EES Master's program do not have to apply to the LMU separately. However, they need to send their (certified) official documents, so that the LMU can check that they are valid, issued by a recognized university, and meet all LMU requirements. After passing this check, applicants will receive a formal acceptance letter from the LMU, which will provide further instructions regarding exactly what they must bring to Munich in order to register with the university.
If at any stage during the procedure, the selection committee finds the applicant not suited for the program, the committee will let the applicant know that their application is no longer being considered.
What to do after you have been accepted and decide to come
If you are offered a place in our program and accept this offer, we then need to get final approval from the university. This will require checking all of your official documents, including:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of university entrance exams or high school diploma
- Certified copy of the bachelor’s diploma
- Official university transcripts
- A filled-out LMU application, which you can download.
- For Chinese students only: APS certificate
Official documents may be in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, or German. If documents are in another language, they must be officially translated into English. If you send translations, make sure to also include certified copies of the originals!
Once your documents are approved by the LMU, you will be issued a formal acceptance letter. This letter contains important information on the documents you have to bring with you to register, and the online registration process. For help with this online registration, please see the guideline. Make sure to bring this letter, as well as the printed version of your filled out registration with you when you come to Munich!
Tips
- It is always a good idea to contact the program coordinator before you officially apply. If you want, you can visit the Biozentrum and talk to the coordinator, teachers or students to get an idea of whether the program fits to your background, your needs, and your future plans.
- If you are interested in the program because you want to do your Master's thesis with a specific researcher who is associated with the program, you are encouraged to contact this person before you formally apply to the program.
- We prefer if you apply by e-mail, but if necessary you can also apply by normal mail. Please send us a single PDF file with all the documents in it. Make sure the documents you send have your last name as the first part of the document name. For example, your file could be called Lastname_Application.pdf.
- Keep your CV and letter of motivation short and focused.
- In your motivation letter, in addition to providing your own background in the subject, don't forget to tell us what you expect from the EES Master's program - that is, which skills do you hope to improve, and what knowledge and experience do you hope to gain?
- You don't need to include a picture with your CV (even though this is common in Germany).
- Have a look at the frequently asked questions.
Address to send the application to / for more information
EES Coordinator
LMU Biozentrum
Department Biologie II
University of Munich (LMU)
Großhaderner Str. 2
D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried
Germany
Tel: 0049 89 2180 74 234
ees*at*bio.lmu.de
