Get to know the higher education system

Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The range of mathematic and natural science programmes in Germany is broad indeed. And, there is a growing number of interdisciplinary subjects. Teamwork is an important quality for scientists. The job prospects are very good in these fields, because Germany wants to maintain its edge in attracting big companies and investment.

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Short & Sweet

If you are toying with the idea of entering a scientific field, you will need top skills in logic and analysis and be good at math.

You will also need curiosity, determination and be able to cope with a certain degree of stress.

There are over 2,500 courses in the fields of natural sciences and mathematics at German institutes of higher learning.

Courses of study

The majority of courses in natural sciences and mathematics are offered at universities. The bachelor’s degree programs in mathematics, natural sciences and computer science are mostly focused on a single subject.

INFO

There are over 2,500 courses in the subjects of natural sciences and mathematics at German colleges and universities, of which over 200 are English-language master’s courses. You can find courses in natural sciences and mathematics in our . It is also worth investigating the .

Combining different programmes: Many possibilities

At some universities, however, you can also create your own programmes with several subjects. You can combine studies in natural science with studies in humanities or social sciences. If you later want to teach biology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science or geography at a school, you have to study at least two subjects at the same time.

The boundaries between natural sciences and engineering sciences are often fluid. Innovative areas of research from several disciplines continue to emerge, too. New courses of independent study such as biochemistry, molecular life science, bioinformatics and genome research, biomathematics, environmental chemistry, nanoscience or geo informatics are just a few examples.

 

Example of combined studies: Sustainability Studies – Shaping the Future

One example of combined programmes is the field of Sustainability Studies. It brings together various disciplines to work towards one common goal: creating a livable and environmentally friendly future. Sustainability is more than just environmental protection—it requires a deep understanding of ecology, economics, and society. In this program, you’ll combine natural sciences like biology and geography with humanities and social sciences, such as ethics, environmental policy, and economics. This prepares you to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

This interdisciplinary approach equips you with a broad skill set, opening doors to careers in research, policy, and industry, where you can make a real impact. 

 

Requirements

“Today, the demand is high for scientists who are more than mere specialists”, says Kolja Briedis from the HIS Institute for University Research. “Natural scientists have to work together in interdisciplinary teams and generally think in complex structures.” You should have the following qualifications for studying natural sciences:

  • analytical abilities
  • logical thinking, curiosity, ambition, and the ability to handle stress
  • mathematical understanding
  • good foundation in mathematics
  • ability to work in a team
 

Employment outlook and salaries

The Mint initiative

“The job market for scientists, mathematicians and computer scientists is good”, says Kolja Briedis from the HIS Institute. “There are hardly any problems finding work.” The career opportunities vary from subject to subject, but there is an increasing demand across the board in Germany. That’s because there is a foreseeable shortage of qualified specialists in many disciplines. In Germany there is an initiative to get more young people interested in studying mathematics, IT, natural sciences or technology. The term combining these subjects is called MINT.

Conclusion

There are many exciting professions open to natural scientists in Germany. These include the profession of researcher or schoolteacher.

Also, of course there are opportunities in technical vocations. Successful graduates have very good job prospects and opportunities to advance in both Germany and abroad.

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