Goal of the course
The English-language one-year Master’s programme in Medical Sciences – Cardiovascular Research will serve to educate small cohorts of basic scientists in medically relevant content, with the aim of training the next generation of translational scientists.
Successful translational medicine requires a combination of clinical and basic research. To achieve this we need to acquaint basic researchers with medical content. The core phase of professional orientation and development for junior basic scientists is immediately after graduation during the PhD. Internationally successful biomedical training centres follow a 1+3-year model of graduate training where in year-1 junior scientists obtain a broad range of thematically relevant insight, acquire practical skills, and experience potential PhD supervisors during project work, before they select their PhD project and commence comprehensive doctoral research.
In keeping with this model we offer this MSc as a preparation year for a PhD in cardiovascular science. This programme will enable candidates to communicate across real or perceived boundaries between basic science and medicine, by familiarising them with vocabulary, concepts, and key approaches, and by developing an awareness of the opportunities and limitations of medical practice in general, and of cardiovascular medicine in particular.
Course Structure
The English-language Master’s programme in Medical Sciences – Cardiovascular Research has been designed to offer a broad knowledge-base in cardiovascular medicine, and the opportunity to specialise in a subset of cardiovascular research.
The one-year curriculum is divided into two parts: the first consisting of a taught course to develop breadth and depth of understanding in the subject matter and in advanced laboratory and clinical techniques; the second dedicated to implementing an individual research project (= MSc Thesis).
Module components cover theoretical and practical aspects, with a mix of seminars, tutorials, practical classes, and demonstrations including clinical shadowing. Students will receive a comprehensive introduction to cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, molecular/ cell biology, biochemistry, and biophysics. This is followed by an exploration of pathology and pharmacology, as well as imaging and diagnostics relevant for examining the heart and vessels. A clinical module addresses cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, followed by biomathematics, biostatistics, and Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) accredited laboratory animal education and skills training.
The course puts strong emphasis on hands-on training. All modules contain practical classes: from derivation and evaluation of one’s own stress ECG over single cardiomyocyte contraction and action potential measurements, to observing open-chest surgery and study size planning for own MSc project. In addition to knowledge acquisition, this offers a broad-based introduction to prerequisites, opportunities, and consequences of medical activity, as well as a setting for extensive networking with colleagues from various institutions involved in basic and clinical research.
The MSc Medical Sciences – Cardiovascular Research is focused on student-centred implementation and therefore makes use of supervision in small groups. The small cohort enables an individual teaching and learning concept that actively integrates the different student expertise so that students learn effectively with and from one another.
*** Application for winter term 2025/2026 is now open ***
For the MSc Medical Sciences – Cardiovascular Research, 6 places are available per year and they will be awarded according to qualification, suitability for the course, and experience of the applicant.
Online application
To apply for one of the places, please go to the University of Freiburg ‘Application Portal’. The application window is from March 01 until March 31 for the start in September the same year.
Once you have entered the ‘Application Portal’, you will be guided through the complete process. Please take your time and read the instructions carefully. Please make sure to choose ‚winter semester [respective year]‘ in the dropdown menu, otherwise you will not find the MSc as it is not open to admission in the summer term.
For further queries regarding specific requirements for the MSc in Medical Sciences – Cardiovascular Research programme, please contact the MSc Office by e-mail: cvr-info@msc-medsci.uni-freiburg.de
Prior qualifications
- You should hold an MSc or a 4-year hons. BSc [240 ECTS] or equivalent degree with a grade point average of at least 2.0 in life sciences, natural sciences, bio-/ engineering, mathematics, computer sciences, human/ veterinary medicine, physiological sciences, or similar subject. Applications are welcome even if the required degree has not yet been awarded by the time of application, as long as it will be conferred before the course starts in early September.
- Proficiency of English language, equivalent to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is required.
Required documents
- Your undergraduate and any postgraduate degree certificate(s) (if not in English or German – with certified translation into English);
- Transcript of records of your BSc/MSc, showing all courses taken and grades obtained (if not in English or German – with certified translation into English);
- Proof of English language proficiency (at least B2);
- Curriculum vitae on the form provided (in English);
- Letter of motivation on no more than two pages explaining your wish to take the MSc in Medical Sciences – Cardiovascular Research programme at the University of Freiburg (in English),
- Signed declaration, stating that the information provided is correct and complete, and declaring any help received in writing the letter of motivation (in English);
- Two written recommendations by university staff familiar with your academic performance (in English, using the template provided).
If you have not yet completed your BSc (hons.) / MSc degree by the time of application, you can still apply if you can reasonably expect to achieve the admission requirement by 31 July of the year. This requires a transcript of records from the university (including grades and information on ECTS credits acquired, if applicable; we expect at least 200 ECTS credits at time of application), and a confirmation from the Dean of your faculty on the expected grade and the expected date of completion of your degree programme. Any offers made to candidates who are not yet fulfilling entry requirements will be conditional.
Please note that all documents must be uploaded to the Application Portal by March 31. Applications which arrive later, or are incomplete at the time of the deadline, cannot be considered. There will be no extension of this deadline.
Please note that for legal reasons only applications submitted via the ‘Application Portal’ can be accepted. Applications via email or mail cannot be considered.
***IMPORTANT NOTE***
Please upload your undergradudate transcript and certificate as this is the degree qualifying for admission to the MSc programme. If you hold a postgradudate degree/ are currently completing one, please also upload this postgraduate transcript and certificate.
Application procedure
First, applications will be checked for completeness (technical check). Complete applications will be assessed for academic background, records and grades, further skills and activities, and expected suitability for the course offered, resulting in an initial long-list of eligible applicants.
Second, long-listed applicants will be invited for an online interview. Based on submitted documents and interview performance, a short-list of applicants will be generated (up to 2.5 per place).
Third, shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 2-day on-site assessment at Freiburg, Germany (financial support will be offered). This includes a scientific presentation, group discussions, two separate interviews, and it offers the opportunity to meet students, staff, and potential supervisors of MSc and PhD research projects.
Subsequently, you will be informed whether we will be able to offer you a place on this course or if you are on the waiting list.
Dates & deadlines
Application period: 01.-31. March
Online interviews: 14.-17. April 2025
On-site interviews: 26.-27. May 2025
Admission letters: from middle of June 2025
Start of the course programme: 15. September 2025
Further information
For further information please contact cvr-info@msc-medsci.uni-freiburg.de
The statutes for application and admission to the programme can be found here.
