The Institute of Organismic Biology at the University of Bonn is the only institution in Germany offering a Master of Science program in Paleontology. This program is designed around interdisciplinary, research-oriented courses in both the geosciences and biosciences, with a focus on understanding the patterns and processes that have shaped the evolution of life and its environments throughout Earth’s history. The Institute is dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and is committed to preparing future leaders across the natural sciences.
A distinctive strength of the Master program lies in its diverse faculty, whose expertise spans vertebrate paleontology, invertebrate paleontology, micropaleontology, and paleobotany. Students can also elect modules in geoscience, organismic evolution and paleobiology. This breadth of specialization allows the program to offer a wide range of courses that equip students with knowledge and skills highly valued in both academia and beyond.
The Master program is primarily intended for applicants with a strong interest in paleontology, evolutionary biology, and the history of life on Earth. Proficiency in English is essential for attending lectures, participating in exercises, fieldwork, and student projects, as well as for completing examinations.
Master's Program Admission Requirements
1. Academic Qualification: Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of paleontology equivalent to at least 10 ECTS credits, acquired through:
- A Bachelor's degree in Geosciences,
- A Bachelor's degree in Biology, or
- An equivalent proof of qualification.
2. Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA): A final average grade of 2.7 or better in the Bachelor's degree (in the German grading system).
3. Language Proficiency:
English: Proof of proficiency at level B2 (CEFR) or higher is required (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).
German: Proficiency is not required.
Applications for the summer semester of 2026 will open on 01/12/25 and close on 15/01/26.
If you wish to apply, please use this link: https://basis.uni-bonn.de
Examination matters
Dr. Ingolf Rick
oep-bio@uni-bonn.de
+49 228 73-5749
Room 2.029
Meckenheimer Allee 169
D-53115 Bonn