Overview The iImmune Master's is an international, research-driven programme created through a collaboration between the university’s natural sciences (biology) and medical faculties, with support from the Elite Network of Bavaria. It brings together strong immunology research from both biology and medicine, reflected in numerous collaborative research centres and doctoral schools, to deliver an integrated curriculum that bridges laboratory and clinical perspectives.
Why this programme The course is designed to combine fundamental and clinical immunology in a way that prepares students to address major health challenges of an ageing population—such as infectious diseases, chronic autoimmune conditions and allergies. By embedding clinical modules alongside basic science training, the programme enables a bench-to-bedside outlook that is accessible even to students coming from biology backgrounds, and it is also open to medical students.
Teaching approach and career preparation Instruction emphasizes close supervision, small-group formats and modern methods like problem-based learning, with a clear research orientation spanning both basic and clinical immunology. Graduates are prepared for research roles in academic, clinical and translational settings, and benefit from the university’s extensive immunology research network.
Who should apply / key aspects
Curriculum overview
The programme begins with a strong foundation in fundamental immunology during the first semester, combining lectures, seminars and tutorials with an integrated laboratory course to build practical bench skills. Complementary teaching in Cell and Molecular Biology is provided through a lecture and tutorial, and students can choose elective soft-skill modules such as imaging, bioinformatics, computer programming or ethics of science to broaden their technical and professional toolkit.
In the second semester the focus shifts to Translational Immunology, again delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials and reinforced by a dedicated integrated laboratory course. Clinical Immunology is taught with tutorials and supervised bedside visits, giving exposure to patient-oriented aspects of immune medicine and translational research.
The third semester is heavily research-oriented: students undertake practical project work with lab rotations in local Erlangen groups and complete an organised three-month placement in an international immunology laboratory. A parallel theoretical project runs across the whole semester and culminates in a written report and an oral presentation. The final (fourth) semester is reserved for the Master’s thesis. Throughout the programme students are encouraged to attend spring/autumn immunology schools, international congresses and the programme’s annual internal retreat to expand networks and stay current with the field.
Key modules and practical components
Learning outcomes (what you will gain)
You must hold a relevant Bachelor's degree (Biology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences or a closely related subject) with a final grade of 2.5 or better on the German grading scale — or an equivalent international grade. When submitting documents, provide full transcripts and any grading-scale information to help the admissions team assess equivalency.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview (15–20 minutes) that assesses suitability for the MSc. The interview is conducted by the programme admissions committee and will focus on basic concepts in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and some fundamental immunology. Interview dates are announced at least one week in advance; applicants are responsible for any costs that may be incurred.
Winter Semester (International)
1 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
The programme prepares graduates for research positions in both basic and clinical immunology, equipping them for roles in academic labs, clinical research units, and translational medicine. The integrated clinical modules and lab training foster skills relevant to diagnostics, immunotherapy research, and biomedical research projects.
Graduates are also well placed to pursue doctoral studies (PhD) or careers in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in specialised diagnostic and public health institutions. The international lab rotation and FAU's research network enhance candidates' competitiveness for research-focused positions and collaborations abroad.
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