Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics

This master's programme trains students to translate recent discoveries from the natural sciences and engineering into medical and life‑science applications that improve prevention, diagnosis and therapy. It has a strong societal focus, addressing healthcare needs arising from demographic change, and emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine, engineering and the life sciences.

Teaching and research cover a wide range of topics within biomedical engineering and medical physics. Core research areas include novel imaging techniques for microscopy and clinical imaging, biosensor development for lab‑on‑a‑chip systems, applications of artificial intelligence to medical data, improvements to therapeutic approaches, development of tracers and methods to support radiotherapy, and biomedical applications of biomechanics and biophysics. The programme is connected to many internationally networked research groups across physics, computer science, engineering, life sciences and medicine.

Students gain the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to run research or industrial projects at the interface of natural sciences, engineering and medicine. Alongside technical training, the curriculum supports development of self‑management and teamwork skills relevant to academic and industrial environments. Graduates are prepared for roles in experimental research, project planning and documentation, and a variety of positions in the biotech and medical‑technology sectors (for example development, patenting, project management) as well as in public institutions.

Requirements and key facts (check the official programme pages for formal admission criteria)

• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
• Language of instruction: English
• Available areas of specialisation: biomedical imaging; biosensors
• Research focus areas: imaging modalities (microscopy and biomedical imaging), biosensor technology (lab‑on‑a‑chip), AI for medical data, therapy improvements, radiotherapy tracers/methods, biomechanics/biophysics
• Outcome: research‑oriented training that equips graduates for academic research and a broad range of industry and service roles in biomedical engineering and medical physics

Curriculum overview

In the first year you concentrate on coursework and hands-on practicals, mainly by assisting lectures and participating in laboratory courses. You choose from a catalogue of compulsory and elective subjects that reflect current biomedical engineering research; elective options let you focus on specific topics aligned with the Physics Department’s and the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE)’s research strengths. The programme also includes a scientifically oriented lab course and a general-education subject designed to bridge to neighbouring scientific disciplines, giving you both technical depth and interdisciplinary perspective.

The second year is devoted to original research carried out as a Master’s thesis. After an initial familiarisation with a chosen research topic in medical physics, you conduct an independent research project with intensive supervision. Throughout this phase you benefit from the programme’s strong research environment and its national and international networks, gaining experience in experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication and collaboration within active research groups.

Key modules and programme requirements

• Selection from a catalogue of compulsory and elective subjects covering core and specialized biomedical engineering topics
• Assisting lectures and participation in laboratory courses during the study phase
• Scientifically oriented laboratory course to develop practical experimental skills
• General-education subject to provide interdisciplinary context and bridge to neighbouring scientific areas
• Second-year research phase culminating in an independently conducted Master’s thesis, including an initial familiarisation period and ongoing supervision
• Active engagement with research groups and access to national and international research networks

Graduates are prepared for roles in experimental research and development, particularly in biomedical imaging, biosensor development, medical physics and related areas of medical technology and biotech industries. Typical positions include research scientist/engineer roles, product development and project planning in medical device companies, roles supporting radiotherapy and imaging modalities, and positions in public research institutions or regulatory/patenting fields.

The programme's strong research orientation and interdisciplinary skillset also support career paths in academic research (including progression to PhD), clinical engineering departments, and specialist consultancy where integration of engineering, physics and life-science knowledge is required. The curriculum's practical lab experience and international networks improve employability across industry and research sectors.