Individual Research Master's program starts in winter semester 26/27

From cultural studies and psychology to business informatics, engineering, and sustainability science: In the new Individual Research Master's program, it is not the subject but the research interest that determines a place in the program: "The program is aimed at highly motivated students from all disciplines who know early on that they want to pursue a doctorate," explains program director Prof. Dr. Manuel Bohn, professor of developmental psychology. 

"The core of the program is an individually developed research project and curriculum that students work on throughout all four semesters," says Prof. Dr. Ricardo Usbeck. The professor of business informatics, specializing in artificial intelligence and explainability, is one of the initiators of the program. He emphasizes: "In terms of content, the master's program combines freedom and personal responsibility with a clear structure."

A central element is intensive supervision by a Leuphana professor. As mentors, they introduce students to their respective disciplines, open up scientific networks, supervise individual research topics, and, ideally, also offer subsequent supervision during doctoral studies. Academic mentors can be, for example, supervisors of bachelor's theses or professors who advertise research projects.

In addition to their own research project, students take individually selected modules from existing master's programs at the Graduate School, including interdisciplinary ones. There are also joint research modules that begin in the first semester: in interdisciplinary formats, students learn to systematically explore research literature, identify research gaps, and plan and implement projects. Presentation techniques, academic writing, poster design, and feedback culture are also part of the program.

A special element is the close integration with doctoral studies via the so-called Doctoral Track. "Students can enroll in doctoral studies at an early stage and complete central doctoral modules while still in their master's program," says Manuel Bohn. Students on the Doctoral Track also benefit from various funding instruments such as the Qualification Fund, which enables conference trips, summer schools, or research stays. "With the Individual Research Master's program, we want to not only facilitate the transition to doctoral studies, but also prepare students systematically," explains Ricardo Usbeck. With the new study program, key preparatory work—from pilot studies to initial publication drafts—can already be tackled during the master's program.

International mobility is expressly encouraged and included in the curriculum, usually in the third semester. Mentors provide support in selecting suitable universities and research environments. "We want our students to learn early on to think about research internationally and to be able to confidently participate in conferences."

The Individual Research Master's program is thus considered unique in Germany in this form: interdisciplinary, highly individualized, and closely linked to doctoral studies.