This Master's programme trains students to become research-oriented scientists in medical fields by combining interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on/practice-oriented elements, and an international learning environment. The Faculty of Medicine has particular research strengths in neurosciences, immunology, oncology and infection biology; students deepen their expertise by selecting two of these four specialised areas. Courses and seminars are taught by specialists in each discipline and are designed to prepare graduates for careers in medical research.
Each specialisation offers an advanced lecture series and topic-focused teaching. Immunology covers regulation of cellular and immune processes, immune defects and tumour immunology, and recent advances such as therapeutic antibodies and computational immunobiology. Infection Biology addresses molecular mechanisms of bacterial, viral and parasite pathogenesis, with current emphasis on antibiotic development, malaria and viral oncogenesis, supported by the departments of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Tropical Medicine. Oncology provides training in molecular bases of tumour development, molecular pathology and diagnostics, and molecular strategies in cancer therapy, with a translational focus. Neurosciences concentrate on molecular and cellular mechanisms of the nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Core requirements / programme elements
Overview This one-year Master’s programme (two semesters, 60 ECTS) is designed to deepen theoretical knowledge and provide intensive hands-on training in modern molecular and biomedical research. The curriculum follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) to ensure international compatibility and mobility.
Structure and focus The first semester concentrates on advanced coursework and laboratory training: students select modules from a catalogue within two chosen specialisation areas so they can tailor the programme to their interests. In total five modules (33 ECTS) are taken during this phase, alongside compulsory seminars and laboratory rotations that build practical skills. The second semester is devoted to an individual Master’s thesis (27 ECTS): six months of full‑time laboratory research on an autonomous project, culminating in scientific writing and preparation of a research report suitable for publication.
Key modules and learning outcomes Core lectures include Advanced Immunology, Advanced Neurosciences, Advanced Oncology and Advanced Infection Biology (3 ECTS each), giving advanced disciplinary grounding in current concepts and mechanisms. Compulsory laboratory rotations—spanning Immunology, Neurosciences, Oncology and Infection Biology—provide intensive hands‑on experience with contemporary experimental techniques and experimental design. A compulsory seminar (“Meet the Expert”, 3 ECTS) develops presentation and critical discussion skills. Overall learning outcomes include the ability to plan and execute independent laboratory research, critically evaluate scientific literature, master advanced experimental methods relevant to molecular medicine, and present and write up results in a format suitable for the scientific community.
Program requirements (at a glance)
Admission overview
This one‑year consecutive Master's programme expects applicants to already have solid theoretical and practical foundations in key biomedical areas and common laboratory techniques. Admissions are based on a completed application and a set of minimum academic and documentation requirements; equivalence of foreign degrees is assessed by the selection committee. International applicants should note that, in addition to the degree requirements, proof of a general university entrance qualification and official verification of foreign certificates may be required.
You will need prior coursework credit in specific subjects (see list below) and demonstrable laboratory experience. Official proof of English language ability is also mandatory—accepted tests and score requirements are provided by the programme/selection office. A CV is required; a motivation letter is optional but may help your application (limit: two A4 pages). If applying for access to practical lab classes, a signed and stamped statement from your home institution confirming laboratory skills is required and is only accepted during the application period.
Required documents and criteria
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 April 2026
Graduates are prepared for research careers in academia and industry, including roles in biomedical and clinical research groups, biotech and pharmaceutical R&D, and translational medicine projects. The intensive laboratory training and thesis experience also provide a solid foundation for pursuing a PhD or other advanced research degrees.
Other career paths may include positions in diagnostic laboratories, scientific project management, regulatory affairs, and research-related roles in public health institutions or start-ups that focus on molecular therapeutics and infectious disease solutions.
Technical University of Munich — München
Technical University of Munich — München
Hochschule Fresenius - University of Applied Sciences — Berlin
Dresden International University — Dresden