Program overview This English-language master's gives a research-focused, molecular view of human disease and its experimental investigation. Core teaching spans genetic and developmental mechanisms, high-throughput and computational genomics, host–pathogen interactions and immunology, cardiovascular disease and pharmacology, cancer biology, and endocrine system regulation. Across these topics you will cover both fundamental molecular mechanisms and their translational and clinical relevance, including ethical and diagnostic aspects.
Practical and transferable training The curriculum balances theory with hands-on practice and scientific skills training. You will work with bioinformatics and systems-biology approaches as well as wet-lab methods, and tackle topics such as genome statistics, transcriptomics and proteomics. Complementary modules develop essential research competencies — statistics, critical thinking in translational medicine, scientific writing and experimental design — while ethical issues, use of databases and animal model work are integrated where relevant. The programme culminates in two extended laboratory rotations and a six-month master’s thesis, ensuring sustained exposure to independent research.
Key programme components (requirements and structure)
This two-year, 120-credit (3,600-hour) Master’s programme is organised into a series of modules that combine classroom teaching and hands-on laboratory work. Modules follow a common format—lectures, seminars and tutorials led by different instructors—but vary in content to expose students to the full range of current research topics in molecular medicine. Typical weekly rhythm has lectures and tutorials in the mornings and practical lab placements in the afternoons, giving continual contact with research environments.
Laboratory training takes place in active research groups at the Charité and affiliated institutes, so students learn contemporary methods and frequently participate in projects that feed directly into ongoing publications. The programme is designed to develop practical technical skills, familiarity with experimental design and data interpretation, and experience working within real research teams.
After completing taught modules, students spend one month selecting a host lab and preparing a research proposal that must be approved before beginning the thesis project. The formal thesis research phase runs for six months (February through August), at the end of which the written thesis is submitted and the student defends their work to complete the degree.
Key learning outcomes include:
Requirements and structure (concise)
This master's is aimed at students who want to study the molecular biology of disease from both a research and clinical perspective. Applicants should hold a completed undergraduate qualification in a closely related scientific field; international degrees will be assessed for equivalence to the listed qualifications.
The programme accepts a range of prior study backgrounds and values practical laboratory experience as well as strong written recommendations and motivation. In addition to academic credentials, you will need to demonstrate English-language ability and provide evidence of hands-on or computational lab work. Equivalents to the listed degrees (for example from other countries) will be considered during the admissions review.
Required application documents and qualifications:
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates are well prepared for research careers in academia, clinical research, biotechnology and pharmaceutical R&D, and diagnostics. The programme's strong practical component (lab rotations and a six‑month thesis in Charité research groups) equips students with hands‑on wet‑lab and computational skills sought by employers in translational medicine and biomedical research.
Many graduates pursue PhD/doctorate programmes or work as research scientists, clinician‑scientists, project managers in biotech/pharma, or specialists in bioinformatics and high‑throughput data analysis. For roles in clinical settings or certain industry positions in Germany, additional German proficiency may be advantageous but is not required for programme admission.
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