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Master's programme

Master of Science in Medical Physics and Physics of Living Systems TU Dortmund University

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
2 April 2027 (summer semester)
Language level required
English: B2
German: None

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Master of Science in Medical Physics and Physics of Living Systems
© MMPPLS, TU Dortmund University

Master of Science in Medical Physics and Physics of Living Systems

Introducing the new Master's in Medical Physics and Physics of Living Systems (MMPPLS)

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Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MSc
Duration
4 semesters
Intake
Winter and summer semester
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No

Language of instruction

English

All compulsory courses are taught in English.

Since it is possible to take subjects from other degree programmes in the elective area, it is also possible to take courses that are taught in German.

The degree programme can be completed without having to take courses taught in German.

Programme description

The international Master’s programme in Medical Physics and Physics of Living Systems at TU Dortmund University offers interdisciplinary training at the intersection of physics, biology and medicine.

Students acquire advanced scientific skills and learn to apply physical principles to biomedical challenges – from diagnostics to biotechnology and health technology.

The programme offers two specialisation tracks:

  • Track A – Medical Physics:
    This track prepares students for a career as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in hospitals or for work in the healthcare industry and related research. The track benefits from strong collaborations with clinics and medical research institutions.

  • Track B – Physics of Living Systems:
    This track focuses on applying physics to understand biological systems. Students deepen their knowledge in areas like neuroinformatics, biochemistry, and modern life science methods.

Programme structure

The programme runs for two years.

In the first three semesters, students will attend courses corresponding to approx. 30 CP (both the first and second semester) and approx. 15 CP (third semester). These courses include synchronisation courses (9 CP), fundamentals (14 CP), specialisation (39 CP) and elective courses (13 CP).

In the third semester, students will start the transition into the research phase and spend approximately half of their time on their research project (research lab) and the other half in courses.

The fourth semester is dedicated to research for the Master's thesis.

Details about the courses offered can be found here.

Mode of study

  • Fully on-site

International elements in the curriculum

The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:

  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International guest lecturers
  • Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)

    Details about the optional exchange possibilities for students can be found on the website of the department.

    Students can participate in the Erasmus+ programme to study, do an internship or write their Master's theses abroad as part of the Master's programme.

    There are also other funding opportunities to study abroad or for internships outside of Europe. More details can be found on the website of the International Office.

  • Opportunities for students to work abroad

  • Access to established funded exchange with US universities (MIT, BU, MGH…)
  • BRIDGE.nrw, the Boston-Ruhr Initiative for Undergraduate and Graduate Student Exchange, building a bridge to establish Biomedical Physics & Computer Science internships between Boston and the Ruhr Area

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Summer semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
EU countries
Not specified
2 April 2027
Iceland
Not specified
2 April 2027
Norway
Not specified
2 April 2027
Liechtenstein
Not specified
2 April 2027
Non-EU countries
Not specified
15 January 2027

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
EU countries
Not specified
9 October 2026
Iceland
Not specified
9 October 2026
Norway
Not specified
9 October 2026
Liechtenstein
Not specified
9 October 2026
Non-EU countries
Not specified
15 May 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

  • A first cycle degree qualification according to the European Qualifications Framework or an equivalent degree qualification in the field of physics, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering and alike with a sufficient proportion of lectures in advanced mathematics and physics
  • The overall grade achieved in the required degree was at least 2.9 in the German grading scale.

All information can be found in the access regulations.

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution. Exceptions may apply. See our website for further details.

German language requirements

German: None

English language requirements

English: B2

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
Total: 4 / 6
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
Total: 72 / 120
IELTS Academic
Total: 5.5 / 9

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

The semester contribution amounts to 300 to 350 EUR per semester and includes:

  • public transport in North Rhine-Westphalia
  • "MetropolRadRuhr" bike sharing
  • theatre flat rate
  • "Studierendenwerk" fees

Information on the semester contribution can be found here.

Cost of living

An overview of the approximate costs of living in Dortmund per semester can be found on the website of the university.

Part-time employment

International students can work part-time for example as a student/scientific assistant. More details about opportunities and the allowed number of hours can be found on the website of the university.

Scholarships and financing information

"Deutschlandstipendium" scholarship for high-performing and talented students

The university further provides lots of useful information about how to apply for scholarships.

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
  • Support with registration procedures

The International Office offers support and counselling for international students and organises a variety of events. The physics department furthermore has a contact person for internationalisation (see here for more information) as well as a contact person in the Student Council.

Support for specific needs

Career advisory services

The Career Service (German only) of "stellenwerk" at TU Dortmund University helps students and graduates of all disciplines to develop a sustainable professional profile, to gain practical experience during their studies, to establish contacts with employers, and to learn application strategies and techniques in order to make their career entry in the best possible way.

Accommodation

Students are eligible for student dorms at the university. Please apply for accommodation as early as possible, as the waiting time can be several months. Details about how to find an accommodation in Dortmund can be found on the website of the International Office.

About us

View of the Mathematics Tower© TU Dortmund University

TU Dortmund University

A university with a unique profile:
Since its founding in 1968, TU Dort­mund Uni­ver­sity has developed a special profile encompassing 17 departments ranging from science and engineering to social sciences and cultural studies. The uni­ver­si­ty has around 29,500 students and more than 6,500 employees, in­clu­ding 340 professors. 6,400 of all students have an international background, which constitutes 19.5% of the total student body.

TU Dort­mund Uni­ver­sity has a strong focus on re­search. The uni­ver­si­ty’s departments — e.g. mechanical engineering (with its emphasis on production and logistics), physics, biochemical and chemical engineering, statistics and computer science, and education re­search — are well known for their outstanding re­search achievements both nationally and internationally.

Students at TU Dort­mund Uni­ver­sity can choose from classical subjects and in­no­va­ti­ve courses of study such as medical physics or degree programmes in spatial planning, statistics, and journalism. A particular focus is on teacher train­ing. TU Dort­mund Uni­ver­sity is one of only a few universities in Germany that offers professional teaching qualifications for all types of schools.

TU Dortmund University is part of the Uni­ver­sity Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr). Together with its partner universities, Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen, the UA Ruhr is one of the largest and most powerful university alliances in Germany. The alliance is strong in international research and offers students the opportunity to participate in courses offered by all three universities and earn credits with minimal bureaucratic effort.

Location

With more than 6,500 employees, TU Dort­mund Uni­ver­sity is one of Dort­mund’s largest employers and has helped drive the transformation of the city and the Ruhr region from Europe’s largest coal mining and steel production area into a high-tech and service location as well as a cultural metropolis.

Dortmund is located in the heart of Europe. It is the largest city in the Ruhr region and is home to the Borussia Dortmund (BVB) soccer club. All of this contributes to the many advantages that will make studying in Dort­mund an unforgettable experience. Apart from destinations for football fans, there are many other places of interest to discover in Dort­mund and the Ruhr region.

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Contact

Main contact

Physics

Address
44227 Dortmund
Email
E-mail

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Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.