Master of Science in Molecular Medicine Ulm University

The Master's programme in Molecular Medicine builds on a BSc degree in the field of life sciences, especially in biochemistry, biomedical science, human biology, molecular biology, molecular biotechnology, molecular life science, or molecular medicine. Students can deepen and broaden their knowledge of the molecular pathways leading to proliferation, differentiation and death of cells, the physiology of cells and organs, and the pathophysiology of diseases, while at the same time enhancing their practical laboratory skills.

The interdisciplinary Master's programme in Molecular Medicine comprises two years of studies (four semesters). All lectures, seminars and practical training courses as well as all examinations are held in English.

In the first semester, students deepen their knowledge of topics such as Cell and Developmental Biology, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Ageing, Pharmacology and Drug Development and complete a three-week practical training in laboratory methods. In the second and third semesters, students focus on practical work in different research areas. Here, four different main subjects will be offered, consisting of various seminars and a four-week practical training. These main subjects are divided into four blocks, two blocks per semester with the main topics of Molecular Oncology, Trauma and Infection, Cell Biology and Toxicology. Four other smaller subjects go beyond purely scientific content and prepare students for the day-to-day work of a scientist. These include topics such as Clinical Trials, Bioethics, Good Scientific Practice as well as Project Management and Funding. The fourth semester is reserved for writing the practical Master's thesis. The Master's in Molecular Medicine concludes with an oral examination (disputation) at the end of the final semester.

Two European double degree programmes with partner universities in Padua (Italy) and Oulu (Finland) and two specialisation options in the fields of Molecular Oncology or Toxicology are attractive additional options. Students must apply separately after admission in their first year of study. It is not possible to take part in more than one of those options.

The study plan can be found here: https://www.uni-ulm.de/fileadmin/website_uni_ulm/med/01_StudiumUndLehre/02_Studienangebot/4_MTN/SP-MA-MolMed-FSPO2025.pdf.

The curriculum can be found here: https://www.uni-ulm.de/fileadmin/website_uni_ulm/med/01_StudiumUndLehre/02_Studienangebot/3_MolMed/Curriculum_Molekulare_Medizin_Master_-_FSPO_2025_-_03-2026.pdf.

The module handbook can be found here: https://campusonline.uni-ulm.de/.

For the double degree options: Università degli Studi di Padova (University of Padova, Italy), Oulun Yliopisto (University of Oulu, Finland)

In the first semester, students take part in a three-week practical training in laboratory methods, and a two-week long practical training in imaging techniques, which is offered as an elective course. During the second and third semester, four laboratory internships (each of four weeks duration) must be successfully completed. The fourth semester is reserved for a six-month practical Master's thesis.

Please refer to our Admissions Office Website.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in molecular medicine or at least an equivalent degree from a university, a university of applied sciences, a cooperative university or a recognised foreign higher education institution in the field of molecular medicine or in a related or subject-specific course of study (see below) at the level of at least three years of study, evidenced by an academic final examination with a Bachelor's degree with an overall grade of 2.5 or better. 

If the Bachelor's degree has not been granted yet, the average of examination results must be 2.7 or better (at the time of application). The equivalence of foreign grades will be checked by the Admissions Office of the Medical Faculty of Ulm University.

Possible related or subject-specific study courses include the following: biomedical science, molecular biotechnology, molecular biology, molecular life science, human biology, biochemistry, etc. The equivalence of the study programme is decided upon by the Master's Commission.

The semester contribution is 182 EUR per semester. For further details, visit the Office of the Registrar website: https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/study/organisation/tuition-fees/.

The cost of living in Ulm is estimated to be around 945 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month. For more information on the costs students in Ulm can expect, see the following website: https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/io/degree-phd/welcome/finances/living-expenses/.

Student assistant jobs are regularly offered by institutes in all faculties as well as in the central administration. Student assistants help with the preparation and execution of tutorials, work on research projects, or help with administrative tasks. Furthermore, several companies with strong ties to the university are located on campus (e.g. Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Continental, BMW Car IT, Sartorius, and more) and offer the possibility of student jobs.

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Students who perform well academically and/or participate in community service are eligible to apply for scholarships such as the "Deutschlandstipendium".

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The Career Service at Ulm University serves as a valuable resource for students, offering assistance in career exploration, skill development, and a successful transition from academia to the professional world.

The Graduate & Professional Training Centre Ulm ("ProTrainU") focuses on supporting doctoral students and other young researchers in their careers and professional development.

The Entrepreneurs' Campus at Ulm University offers opportunities for creative academics who want to develop their ideas into products or business models.

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office ("Studierendenwerk") or on the private market.

Students admitted to the programme have the opportunity to apply for a room in one of the student residences. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 298 EUR to 502 EUR per month. Further information can be found here: https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/en/.

Private accommodation must be arranged by the students themselves. Further information can be found here: https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/en/accommodation/private-room/.

Founded in 1967, Ulm University is dedicated to world-class teaching and research in medicine and STEM. Its 10,000 students are distributed among the faculties of medicine, engineering, computer science and psychology, mathematics and economics as well as natural sciences.

According to a Times Higher Education ranking based on research and teaching excellence, Ulm University is ranked 14th worldwide among all universities founded in the "Golden Age of Higher Education", an era between 1945 and 1967 that is characterised by rapid university expansion. Ulm University is also a founding member of YERUN, a network of highly ranked young European research universities.

Ulm University's subject range concentrates on the STEM fields (natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The latest research findings are swiftly incorporated into the curriculum, ensuring cutting-edge subjects and content. Ulm University attaches great importance to the ongoing refinement of its high standards in teaching, which are defined and anchored in its teaching mission statement. 

As a young research university, Ulm University is oriented towards the global challenges of the future. Strategic and interdisciplinary research themes are contributing to improvements in the areas of green energy, quantum technologies, data science as well as human health and well-being. Great success in the acquisition of third-party funding and numerous larger projects, such as collaborative research centres and a Cluster of Excellence, are all testimonies to the university's research strength.

Ulm University is the centre of and driving force behind the "Science City Ulm", an innovative teaching, research and science hub. There are numerous start-ups, development centres of renowned companies such as Siemens, Nokia, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, BMW and Continental, as well as clinics and non-university research institutions that are well-connected with the university. As a result of close collaborations with these partners, students benefit from access to contract lecturers from the industry as well as invaluable opportunities for research projects, internships and final theses. 

For more information on Ulm University, see https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/.

Ulm is one of the most innovative, dynamic, fast-growing and liveable cities in Germany. It is located in the heart of southern Germany near Stuttgart, Munich, the Alps and Switzerland.

With a population of more than 120,000 people, Ulm has an ideal size for living, studying and working. The city offers a mix of medieval and modern architecture and a great variety of cultural, sports and leisure activities.

A healthy mix of medium-sized businesses and global players, high-tech and trade, and innovation and tradition makes Ulm and the greater Ulm area one of Germany's economically most dynamic regions.

A truly outstanding landmark is the "Muenster", Ulm's cathedral. The Muenster has the world's second tallest church steeple, which measures 161.5 metres (530 ft).

Ulm is also the birthplace of Albert Einstein (1879 to 1955), the world's most famous scientist. 

Are you interested in learning more? Check out this video featuring the highlights of Ulm.