Program overview The English-taught Master's in Medical Informatics is offered jointly by Fachhochschule Dortmund and University Medicine Essen (University of Duisburg–Essen). The programme trains students to design, develop and implement digital solutions for healthcare, with strong emphasis on software and information technologies. You will explore relevant AI models, cybersecurity aspects and the socio-economic consequences of digitisation in medicine, and learn to work in agile, interdisciplinary teams to deliver solutions that benefit patients and society.
Learning approach and structure The curriculum combines taught medical informatics modules, research-oriented projects carried out at the participating institutions, and a pronounced focus on user-centred, project-based development. This three-pillar model ensures you gain hands-on experience building complex healthcare software while developing research and teamwork skills applicable in both clinical and industry contexts.
Why study here You will study in a welcoming international environment in Germany’s Ruhr Valley, a rapidly evolving healthcare and high-tech region offering many local research and employment opportunities (including hospitals and companies in the Ruhr Valley). The programme features interactive learning methods, international and culturally diverse cohorts, links to DFG-funded RTG WisPerMed, opportunities for semester-abroad exchanges, participation in conferences and events, and direct research collaboration with University Medicine Essen — all supporting practical experience and networking across academia and industry.
More information and contact For the most up-to-date details on curriculum, application procedures and contact persons, visit the programme page: https://www.fh-dortmund.de/studiengaenge/medizinische-informatik-master.php
Admission — quick notes
This four-semester, interdisciplinary Master's programme in Medical Informatics combines core coursework, elective specialisation and a substantial research component, totalling 120 ECTS (3,600 hours). The curriculum is taught in English (including classes, labs, course documentation and exams), though students may submit written assignments and write their theses in German if preferred. Teaching mixes lectures (partly delivered online), hands-on laboratory work and project-based collaborations with clinical partners. Practical activities are typically small-team projects that mirror real-world development and clinical research scenarios.
Core teaching occupies the first two semesters, each containing five modules (compulsory modules are 6 ECTS each). These cover technical foundations and domain knowledge such as 3D computer vision and augmented reality in medicine; advanced biomedical signal and image processing; epidemiology and healthcare applications; knowledge-based systems; telemedicine technologies; and applied artificial intelligence in medicine. Elective courses (also 6 ECTS each) let you deepen expertise in areas like machine learning, usability engineering, requirements engineering, distributed systems, information security, web engineering and formal methods. The second and third semesters are when students typically focus their chosen specialisation, followed by a team-based MI project and an independent research project.
The degree culminates in a Master's thesis (30 ECTS) in the fourth semester. Thesis topics are grounded in the healthcare domain and often take the form of clinical research projects or development/research tasks; they can be carried out together with clinics, industry partners or as part of university research projects. Graduates leave with a combination of practical engineering skills, data- and AI-driven problem-solving in medical contexts, research competence for academic or clinical studies, and experience working in interdisciplinary teams across technology and healthcare.
Requirements (at a glance)
You should hold a completed Diplom or Bachelor's degree in a closely related field from a recognised institution. Acceptable backgrounds include Medical Informatics; Computer Science or Information Technology with a healthcare-related minor; or Medical Engineering with a software focus. Degrees may come from a university, a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), or an accredited cooperative education institution (Berufsakademie).
Your prior degree must have an overall grade of at least “good” (2.5). In addition to the subject-specific degree, you must be able to demonstrate solid skills in software development and engineering, plus foundational knowledge of medicine or healthcare information systems. It must also be clear from your academic record that your previous studies included a thesis project.
If you studied outside the German system, your diploma and grade will be assessed for equivalence; typical evidence used in evaluations includes transcripts, course descriptions, a copy of your thesis, project reports, certificates, or a coding/portfolio where relevant. Make sure to prepare documentation that shows both the technical coursework and the thesis component of your prior degree.
Admission requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
15 December 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles at the intersection of healthcare and IT, such as medical software engineer, clinical IT specialist, health data scientist, AI engineer for medical applications, and product developer for health‑tech companies. The programme’s practical projects with clinics and industry, plus a research‑oriented thesis, equip students to join hospitals, medical device and software companies, health‑tech startups, and IT departments of healthcare providers.
Career pathways also include research positions (PhD track possible in cooperation with partner universities), roles in digital health consulting, and opportunities in regulatory and cybersecurity teams addressing healthcare systems. The programme’s strong regional network in the Ruhr Valley and international exchange options help graduates access both German and international employers.
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