Radiation Biology (MSc) Technical University of Munich

Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz BfS

Institut für Radiobiologie der Bundeswehr

Language of instruction is English. 

People are exposed to ionising radiation for a variety of reasons. The sources of ionising radiation are diverse and can be both natural and artificial, for example in diagnostic or therapeutic medical applications. For the general population, radiation exposure from X-ray diagnostic procedures such as computer tomography is the highest and has steadily increased over the past decades. The number of people who have been treated for cancer by therapeutic doses of ionising radiation is also growing continuously. 

Radiation biology explores both the biological basis of the therapeutic use of radiation – especially in cancer – and the risks associated with the use of ionising radiation in medicine and technology, making it a highly interdisciplinary subject. 

The Master's programme is taught in English and has a duration of two years. The following specialisations are taught:

• Cell and molecular biology
• Pathophysiology
• Tumour biology and carcinogenesis
• Cytogenetics
• Immunology
• Radiation physics
• Radiation medicine and imaging (radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and radiology)
• Epidemiology
• Radiation protection
• Ethics

The Master's programme in Radiation Biology is characterised by its connection to the research and clinical areas of the Rechts der Isar university hospital and the resulting high research focus of the teaching. 

Our graduates act primarily as translational researchers in the field of radiation biology at the interface between research and clinical practice. They are an important driving force for further developments in preclinical research of innovative methods in nuclear medicine, radiology and radiation oncology.

Beginning: The programme starts in October each year (winter semester only).
Programme duration: The standard duration is two years (four semesters), full-time.
The programme is entirely on-site and full-time. There is no online or distance learning option.
The programme is attendance-based with classes held at the university in Munich.
The course follows a fixed curriculum with semester-based modules. 

Application Period

Winter semester: 1 January to 31 May

Please refer to the following website for more information on tuition fees at TUM: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition.

The Master’s programme in Radiation Biology is designed for four semesters with 120 CP. The first two semesters consist of mandatory modules that build the foundations for radiation biology. Both semesters are supplemented by practical work.

The mandatory modules build on each other in the semesters, thus providing a set module structure.

The elective area includes the research internship, the support elective courses for core skills, and the in-depth options in the third semester, which can be clinical and experimental radiation oncology, imaging in radiation research, or advanced molecular radiation biology. 

In the fourth semester, students will work on the Master's thesis.

Module descriptions (PDF)

• International student cohort – students from various countries, promoting intercultural exchange
• International lecturers and guest scientists – teaching staff from international research institutions
• Courses aligned with international research standards (e.g. ICRP, WHO, IAEA guidelines)
• Collaborations with international universities or research institutions
• International research projects or internships possible during the Master’s thesis
• Participation in international conferences encouraged (e.g. radiation biology, oncology, medical physics)

The Master's programme in Radiation Biology incorporates multiple integrated internships, primarily in the form of laboratory-based research internships. These are essential components of the curriculum, designed to provide students with hands-on experience in scientific research.

6,000 EUR

Please refer to the following website for more information on tuition fees at TUM: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition.

For more information, refer to: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees.

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Munich, we recommend a budget of at least 1,000 EUR per month.

Please refer to the following page for more information: https://www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/en/international/international-students-in-munich/in-preparation/cost-of-living/.

The Master's programme in Radiation Biology is primarily open to excellent graduates from German and foreign universities with a qualifying Bachelor of Science or an equivalent degree recognised in Germany in the field of physics, biology, medicine, chemistry, environmental sciences or related disciplines.

Basic scientific skills in mathematics, physics and biology are a prerequisite for successful studies. Furthermore, basic subject competences in either the natural sciences such as biology and physics or also medicine as well as all combined subjects that can be subordinated to these are required. Skills in scientific and method-oriented interdisciplinary work are also required, as well as a strong interest in radiation biology research and interdisciplinary learning. Applicants need to be highly motivated and disciplined for practical work in scientific laboratories and in terms of self-study.

Applicants must pass an aptitude test, which takes into account the applicant's professional and scientific qualifications, grade, motivation for the Master's programme in Radiation Biology, and other qualifications. Applicants should have prior knowledge of several areas, depending on their Bachelor's degree:

• Fundamentals of human biology
• Fundamentals of molecular biology
• Fundamentals of physics, especially biophysics, medical physics as well as nuclear and particle physics, experimental physics
• Basics of mathematics, especially analysis, algebra as well as statistics
• Fundamentals of chemistry, especially biochemistry
• Laboratory or practical experience, in particular sterile work, cell and molecular biology methods

English: TOEFL (88 points minimum), IELTS (6.5 points minimum), or equivalent required for non-native speakers; alternatively, proof of undergraduate studies carried out entirely in English

Please refer to the following page: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/university-admission/languagecertificates/.

German: none

Application Period

Winter semester: 1 January to 31 May

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

There are various opportunities as teaching assistants and research assistants at the university. Munich is also an excellent place to find internships at companies.

Please refer to the following page for more details: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/living-and-working/jobs-and-internships.

It’s not easy to find a place to live in Munich – but it’s not impossible either! The Technical University of Munich (TUM) supports students and staff in their search for accommodation by providing personal advice, in-house listings and useful information to ensure that you can quickly find a place to call your own.

https://www.tum.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/living-and-working/accommodations

Please refer to: https://www.community.tum.de/en/career-service/.

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe’s leading universities in research and teaching. As the Entrepreneurial University, it doesn’t just seek to understand the world – it sets out to improve it. TUM’s unparalleled range of disciplines covers engineering and natural sciences, life sciences and medicine, management and social sciences – a combination found nowhere else in Europe. TUM leverages this enormous potential by intensively and intelligently combining the different subjects. This inspires modern fields of research and teaching extending from bioengineering to machine intelligence. At the same time, TUM links technological questions closely with social, political and ethical issues.

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