Postgraduate Master of Science in Epidemiology

Overview

This postgraduate Master of Science in Epidemiology delivers an advanced, interdisciplinary curriculum to deepen methodological skills and expand competencies for conducting epidemiologic research. The programme is tailored to help students strengthen quantitative and analytic approaches used in clinical and population-health studies, with a strong emphasis on research methods and their practical application.

Teaching and partnerships

Coursework reflects current research and professional practice through extensive collaboration with public health and health-policy institutions. Instruction is provided by experienced faculty from Charité and partner organisations, including the Robert Koch Institute, the Max Delbrück Center, the Berlin Institute of Health, Bayer AG, and the Hasso Plattner Institute—connecting students directly with leading German research centres and agencies.

Career outcomes and context

Graduates are prepared for roles as research scientists in areas such as clinical trials, outbreak investigation, infection control, and disease surveillance, both in academic settings and within government or public-health organisations. Based in Berlin, the programme offers access to a dense network of research institutions and public-health stakeholders that can support practical training and professional networking.

Admissions profile / key facts

• Postgraduate (Master’s level) programme taught in English
• Designed for mid-career professionals from medical and natural sciences, social sciences, IT, or mathematics
• Strong emphasis on methodological training for epidemiologic research and applied public-health practice
• Close collaboration with national research and public-health institutions (e.g., Robert Koch Institute, Max Delbrück Center, Berlin Institute of Health)

Overview

This MSc curriculum combines a concentrated core of epidemiologic methods, specialised electives, and an independent research project culminating in a Master's thesis. The five core methods modules build a firm foundation in both the theory and practical application of epidemiologic research, and are delivered as seminar-style courses that encourage interaction and cross-disciplinary exchange. Electives let you deepen skills in specific areas, while the integrated research project and thesis let you design and carry out an original study under faculty supervision.

Key modules and structure

• Core methods: five modules (seminars) worth 5 credits each (25 credits total). These are intended to be completed by both full‑time and part‑time students during the first and second semesters so everyone acquires the same core methodological toolkit.
• Advanced electives: 15 credits of coursework chosen from themes such as applied methods, disease monitoring, and applied epidemiology. These electives are designed to provide specialised methodological skills relevant to different application areas.
• Master's project and thesis (Module 9 and Module 10): two linked courses (20 credits total) that account for one third of the degree. Module 9 supports the development and preparation of an independent research project; Module 10 is the execution and write‑up of the thesis. Each student works with two academic advisers from the programme faculty or affiliated research institutions.

Learning outcomes and student experience

By the end of the programme you will have: a comprehensive set of theoretical and applied epidemiologic research skills; specialised methodological expertise in at least one application area; experience designing and conducting an independent research study; and strengthened communication and collaborative abilities through seminar work. The thesis project also provides a practical bridge to research groups and potential employers. The programme’s flexible format allows full‑time completion in 12 months or part‑time completion over two years (four semesters), and supports individualized course plans if additional time is needed.

Requirements (concise)

• Complete five core methods modules: 5 modules × 5 credits = 25 credits
• Complete advanced electives: 15 credits (chosen from applied methods, disease monitoring, applied epidemiology)
• Complete Module 9 (Master's project) + Module 10 (Master's thesis): 20 credits total
• Total programme credits: 60 credits (sum of core, electives, project/ thesis)
• Core modules are expected to be finished in the first and second semesters for both full‑time and part‑time students
• Each student is supervised by two academic advisers for the project and thesis
• Courses are seminar‑based to encourage peer exchange and application of prior disciplinary or professional experience
• Completion timelines: full‑time = 12 months; part‑time = 24 months (4 semesters)

Graduates are prepared for research-focused roles in clinical trials, outbreak investigation, infection control, disease monitoring and public health surveillance. Typical employers include academic research groups, government public health agencies (e.g. national institutes of public health), and industry partners in pharma and biotech.

The programme’s strong methodological training in epidemiology, biostatistics, medical informatics and health data science equips alumni to work as research scientists, data analysts, or policy advisors, and to take on leadership roles in surveillance, health policy, clinical research and applied epidemiology settings.