Master's in Molecular Medicine Ulm University

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

All courses and exams are held in English.

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.

15 May for the following winter semester

Generally, the following people are not liable to pay tuition fees:

• German citizens, citizens of EU or EEA countries
• Most refugees
• Students who obtained their higher entrance qualification (normally the "Abitur") in Germany or a similar qualification from a German school in another country
• PhD/doctoral students

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

In the first semester, students deepen their knowledge of topics such as Cell and Developmental Biology, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, 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/3_MolMed/Master_Studienplan_Molekulare_Medizin.pdf.

Students have the possibility to take part in an European double degree programme with one of our partner universities in Padua (Italy) or Oulu (Finland). In this partner programme, students can spend one or two semesters at one of the partner universities and complete their studies with an international Master’s double degree. Similar curriculum structures simplify the organisation of the partner universities and allow for the recognition of course achievements. Each year, up to five students can participate in each of our two partner programmes.

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.

1,500 EUR

Generally, the following people are not liable to pay tuition fees:

• German citizens, citizens of EU or EEA countries
• Most refugees
• Students who obtained their higher entrance qualification (normally the "Abitur") in Germany or a similar qualification from a German school in another country
• PhD/doctoral students

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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/.

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 Admission 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.

As teaching will be in English, non-native speakers of English will have to demonstrate adequate knowledge of the English language (C1 level), i.e. by acceptable results in a standardised test (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS). Alternatively, proven higher education in English is accepted, i.e. a previous study programme completely taught in English.

• Higher education degree in a study programme with English as the sole language of instruction
• 7.0 points or more in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS, IELTS Academic [IELTS online] or IELTS Indicator – If both IELTS score and CEFR level are indicated, the higher indicated language proficiency level will be recognised.)
• Certificate in C1 Advanced English or Certificate C2 Proficiency in English in the Cambridge exam
• 490 (listening), 455 (reading), 180 (speaking) and 180 (writing) points or more in the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
• 95 points or more in the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT home edition)
• Level III or level IV of UNIcert®
• PTE Academic, with a score of 76 or higher
• CEFR C1 level or higher shown on the higher education entrance qualification. A level of language proficiency that is partly at CEFR C1 or lower is not recognised.

15 May for the following winter semester

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

Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 290 to 477 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/.

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

The Graduate & Professional Training Center 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.

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. In a broader perspective, Ulm University is ranked 199th worldwide among all universities regardless of their age and thus belongs to the 20 best universities in Germany, according to another recent analysis by Times Higher Education.

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 collaborative 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.

Ulm University is a founding member of YERUN, a network of highly ranked young European research universities, and it hosts the German headquarters of Germany’s largest transnational education project, the German University in Cairo.

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 literally outstanding landmark is the "Muenster", Ulm's cathedral. The Muenster has the world's highest 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.