M. Sc. Medical Sciences – Cardiovascular Research

Welcome to the website of the newly established MSc Medical Sciences – Cardiovascular Research.

Our English-language MSc Medical Sciences – Cardiovascular Research is a 1-year programme, combining taught (first term) and project research (second term) content. It is dedicated to prepare basic scientists with an MSc or BSc (hons.) in any subject relevant for bio-medical sciences for their PhD in the field of cardiovascular research. This structured introduction into ‘anything there is to know’ about cardiovascular structure and function will lay a solid foundation for translational research.

What’s in it for you?

• Delve into the breadth and depth of the cardiovascular system
• Experience a unique learning experience due to the international, interdisciplinary, and integrative programme offered
• Optimally prepare for cardiovascular PhD research in a top-class study environment
• Benefit from a student-centric small cohort (6 per year!) teaching and learning concept
• Learn with and from your peers and generate a professional network with highly motivated colleagues
• Get the traction needed to subsequently move into independent research

Find the most important facts below:

Fast Facts

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.

Further details on individual modules can be found in the Module Handbook.

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.

Prior qualifications

1. You should hold 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. Also acceptable are a 3-year BSc + two successfully completed semesters of a MSc or a BSc + completed MSc in the above mentioned subjects with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better.
   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.
   Please note that a non-EU 4-year BSc degree is usually not equivalent to a German 4-year BSc degree. You can find out more about the equivalence of your degree here (website only in German, „how-to“ available here)
2. Proficiency of English language, equivalent to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is required. Here you find information on all accepted language certificates.

Required documents

1. Your undergraduate and any postgraduate degree certificate(s) (if not in English or German – with certified translation into English) – see *important note* below;
2. 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);
3. Proof of English language proficiency (at least B2);
4. Curriculum vitae on the form provided (in English);
5. 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)^*1,
6. Signed declaration, stating that the information provided is correct and complete, and declaring any help received in writing the letter of motivation (in English);
7. Two written recommendations by university staff familiar with your academic performance (in English, using the template provided);
8. An APS certificate (only for applicants who have studied in China, India or Vietnam).

***IMPORTANT NOTE***
Please upload your undergradudate transcript and certificate as this is the degree qualifying for admission to the MSc programme and a mandatory prerequisite to be considered further. If you hold a 3-year BSc, proof of two successfully completed semesters of an MSc are also mandatory.  If you hold a postgraduate degree/ are currently completing one, please also upload this postgraduate transcript and certificate.

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.

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: 13.-21. April 2026

On-site interviews: 21.-22. May 2026

Admission letters: from middle of June 2026

Start of the course programme: 14. September 2026

Note: if you have not heard from us by the online interview date (see above), your application was unsuccessful and you will not be able to take part in the further process. Rejection notices will only be sent after the process has been completed.

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.

Tuition fees

For students from outside the European Union, the State of Baden-Württemberg has introduced a tuition fee of 1,500 EUR per semester at all Baden-Württemberg universities, including Freiburg. Detailed information can be found on the website of the University of Freiburg.

There are no tuition fees for German students and students from inside the European Union in their first degree.

All students who take up a second or further consecutive Master’s degree programme following a higher education degree completed in the Federal Republic of Germany must pay fees of 650 EUR per semester.

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees apply to all students. At the University of Freiburg, these are currently 190 EUR per semester and cover administrative and student activity fees as well as a student government fee.

Funding and financial support

Successful candidates can apply for a scholarship hosted by the Neue Universitätsstiftung Freiburg. Scholarships will support housing and living costs and allow students to fully focus on the programme. Scholarships are kindly provided by Stockert GmbH, Digital Science, and Osypka AG. You can find all information on the webpage of the Neue Universitätsstiftung.

For information on scholarships by third parties please visit: https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/.

Here, we would like to shortly introduce current and alumni students of the MSc Medical Sciences – Cardiovascular Research programme.

Current student cohort

Jaide Cashin

Origin: Canada
Undergraduate studies: ‚Medical Sciences‘, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada

Personal statement: „I chose this program for its unique opportunity to learn directly from diverse experts in cardiovascular research. The MSc CVR program uses an interdisciplinary approach that will expand my knowledge and skills in research and medical sciences beyond the cardiovascular field. I’m looking forward to growing and collaborating with my fellow students over the next year! “

Jodi Lawson

Origin: USA
Undergraduate studies: ‚Biomedical Engineering‘, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Personal statement: „I pursued this program because of its unique curriculum, which offers detailed focus on the cardiovascular system through a multidisciplinary approach. The opportunity to learn from experts in the field is unparalleled, allowing me to gain insight into crucial concepts, foster critical thinking, and practice experimental techniques. This immersive approach provides the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in future cardiovascular research.“

Jana Meyer

Origin: Germany
Undergraduate studies: ‚Liberal Arts and Sciences‘, major ‚Life Sciences‘, Freiburg University, Freiburg, Germany

Personal statement: „I chose this Master’s programme because it offers the perfect balance between hands-on laboratory training and an interdisciplinary academic environment. After completing my bachelor thesis on human myocardial tissue slices, I knew I wanted to deepen my expertise in cardiovascular medicine. The programme’s small cohort size and close interaction with leading researchers provide an atmosphere where we are challenged to think critically and across disciplines which is the perfect preparation for pursuing a PhD in cardiovascular research in the future.”

Honor Pimentel

Origin: USA
Undergraduate studies: ‚Bioengineering‘, Harvard University, Boston, USA

Personal statement: “What excited me most about this program was its unique integration of theoretical depth, practical immersion, and interdisciplinary perspective. I also love the small group discussion-based learning style because I get to learn from both my teachers and my peers, each with their own unique experiences and specializations.“

Alumni students

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Class 2024/25

Helin Duman

Origin: Germany
Undergraduate studies: ‚Biosciences – Applied Biology for Medicine and Pharmacy‘, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Idstein, Germany

Personal statement: „This program’s ideal blend of practical experience across a variety of fields in cardiology, coupled with a very small cohort of students, made me choose it. I deeply value the opportunity provided to not only master essential techniques theoretically but also to apply all of them practically. I am confident that the experience and knowledge gained from this course will thoroughly prepare me for a career in cardiological research aimed at the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.“

Hannah Kleitke

Origin: Germany
Undergraduate studies: ‚Biotechnology‘, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
Graduate studies: ‚Medical Biotechnology‘, Technical University Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Personal statement: „I chose this course because I was impressed by the unique combination of content and the different fields of research involved. This provides me with an excellent opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the cardiovascular system and to apply this knowledge in my future research.“

Jayce Phillips

Origin: Canada
Undergraduate studies: ‚Medical Sciences‘, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada

Personal statement: „I chose this program due to its multidisciplinary yet focused nature. With a small cohort size and interactive lectures delivered by distinguished professionals, I have been able to further my interests in basic scientific and translational research. The comprehensive curriculum has allowed me to form cross-discipline connections between all areas of Cardiovascular Science.“

Emanuelle Rodrigues Costa

Origin: Brazil
Undergraduate studies: ‚Medicine‘, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

Personal statement: „I have been interested in cardiovascular sciences since my undergraduate studies, but I have never encountered a program with such a unique mix of theoretical knowledge, experimental practice, and a critical thinking-focused curriculum. The intercultural and interdisciplinary small cohort creates a rich and exciting environment for developing our abilities. I see this as an ideal opportunity to build a strong foundation for contributing to leading scientific research.“

Mustafa Sibaa

Origin: Syria
Undergraduate studies: ‚Medicine‘, Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia

Personal statement: „I chose this master’s program because it aligns with my goal of bridging clinical medicine and cutting-edge cardiovascular research. The opportunity to work closely with experts in a hands-on environment has enhanced my understanding of heart disease mechanisms. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I gain here will contribute to meaningful advances in heart health, ultimately improving patients‘ prognosis.“

Class 2023/24

Susan Chang

Origin: USA
Undergraduate studies: ‚Liberal Arts and Sciences‘, major ‚Life Sciences‘, Freiburg University, Freiburg, Germany

Personal statement: „I am here because of the multidisciplinary and contiguously taught curriculum, which provides me with tools to hopefully fulfill my desire to one day design a drug against cardiac fibrosis. The direct expertise imparted in our seminars taught by principal investigators at a research institute, as well as the potential to contribute to ground-breaking research at the institute following completion of the MSc, additionally drew me to the master’s program.“

Nicholas Cheverie

Origin: Canada
Undergraduate studies: ‚Medical Sciences‘, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Personal statement: „I chose this program because of my keen interest in the relationship between clinical medicine and basic scientific research. This program allows me to engage with current literature and methodology that pertain to cardiovascular research while also working in a small cohort. Not only have I benefited from my hands-on experiences with fundamental research techniques, but our small class size also ensures that all students are able to properly engage with course material and learn as a unit.“

Patricia Morais Costa

Origin: Brazil
Undergraduate studies: ‚Pharmacy‘, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil

Personal statement: „I chose this master’s program for the learning opportunities with distinguished professionals, hands-on classes, and the possibility of being part of this exclusive team. We have been in touch with new technologies, making valuable exchanges with experienced experts. It has exceeded my expectations, and I’m truly proud to belong to this exceptional group.“

Marryum Mustafa

Origin: Pakistan
Undergraduate studies: ‚Doctor of Physical Therapy‘, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Personal statement: „I enrolled in this course because I’m confident that immersing myself in cardiovascular research can play a pivotal role in enhancing heart health and, ultimately, in saving lives through scientific breakthroughs.“