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: B2German: None
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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)
Play videoProgramme 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
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
|
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
German language requirements
English language requirements
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?
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
Studying with a disability
The Department of Disability and Studies (DoBuS) at the Center for Higher Education offers counselling and support for current and prospective students with disabilities and chronic illnesses. DoBuS supports TU Dortmund University on its path to becoming a fully inclusive university: https://dobus.zhb.tu-dortmund.de/en/.
Refugee programme
TU Dortmund University supports prospective students and refugee students in language acquisition, application procedures for degree programmes, and social integration at TU Dortmund University: https://international.tu-dortmund.de/en/international-students/offers-for-refugees/.
Studying with a family
TU Dortmund University provides a variety of support and services for families and caregivers, such as childcare and financial support. You can find detailed information online: https://www.tu-dortmund.de/en/studies/study-with-family-responsibilities/.
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
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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