Master's
degree
Winter and summer semesters
3 semesters
Special conditions
Giessen
Semester fee
The Master's program in Medical Physics offers you the unique opportunity to combine modern physics with direct clinical application. You will deepen your expertise in physics and apply it specifically in medical diagnostics and therapy.
Our curriculum is brought to life through close collaboration with renowned clinical partners who bring authentic questions from everyday clinical practice directly into the studies.
This program qualifies you for one of the most sought-after key roles in modern healthcare: that of a certified medical physics expert (MPE) . In addition to the Master's degree, you will earn five officially recognized radiation protection certificates – essential building blocks for subsequent professional licensure after two years of clinical practice. This means fewer obstacles, a faster entry into the profession, and a clear path to a meaningful clinical career. Whether in a hospital, research, or medical technology – this degree program positions you at the intersection of science, technology, and patient care.
Studies
Study content
In the first phase of your studies, you will acquire a solid foundation in medical physics. A well-balanced curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application – taught by experienced professors and clinical experts. Required modules ensure a strong academic base, while a wide selection of elective modules allows you to set individual priorities – according to your interests and career goals.
In the second phase of your studies, the focus shifts to practical application: You will work on projects in practical courses, utilize the university's modern laboratories, and participate in clinical lectures directly at our partner hospitals. There, you will learn alongside specialists from radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy – including particle therapy – and gain practical insights into modern procedures and technologies used in everyday clinical practice.
The studies are rounded off by a six-month master's thesis, which you can carry out in a practical setting in a clinic, a company or at our Institute for Medical Physics & Radiation Protection .
In addition to professional and clinical competence, we also specifically strengthen your interdisciplinary key qualifications: scientific communication, teamwork and intercultural competence – important skills for your career in an increasingly international research and healthcare landscape.
Another advantage: Digital Fridays at our university – all classes take place exclusively online on this day. This means more flexibility, reduced commuting time, and an early start to the weekend – or simply more time for self-study, part-time jobs, or travel.
Study programme
The following is a list of the courses offered in the degree programme. The numbers indicate the number of hours per week or the credit points you will receive for successful completion of the course.
Students enrolling for the winter semester begin with the modules of the second semester.
1
| MODULE | SWS | CrP |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation biology and radiation protection | 4 | 6 |
| Imaging systems in medicine | 4 | 6 |
| Dosimetry of ionizing radiation | 4 | 6 |
| Nuclear medicine | 4 | 6 |
| Elective module 1 | 4 | 6 |
| TOTAL 1ST SEMESTER | 20 | 30 |
2
| MODULE | SWS | CrP |
|---|---|---|
| Physics and technology of radiation therapy | 5 | 6 |
| Laboratory practical course in Medical Physics | 4 | 6 |
| Elective module 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Seminar Medical Physics / Guidelines for Scientific Papers | 2 | 3 |
| Project work in Medical Physics | - | 9 |
| TOTAL 2ND SEMESTER | 15 | 30 |
Elective module
| ELECTIVE MODULES | SWS | CrP |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging | 4 | 6 |
| Clinical Aspects of Medical Physics | 2 | 3 |
| Laser applications in medicine | 2 | 3 |
| Image processing and IT systems in medicine | 4 | 6 |
| Biocybernetics and machine learning | 2 | 3 |
| Neuroprosthetics/Neurophysics | 4 | 6 |
| Biomedical functional materials | 4 | 6 |
| Biosignal acquisition and processing | 4 | 6 |
| Numerical methods / Statistics | 4 | 6 |
| Computer simulations of medical physics | 4 | 6 |
| Monte Carlo simulations in medical physics | 3 | 6 |
| Radiation protection during the decommissioning of nuclear facilities | 4 | 6 |
| Audiology and hearing technology | 2 | 3 |
| Medical robotics | 4 | 6 |
The detailed study program can be found in the module handbook.
Career prospects
Perspectives
A Master's degree in Medical Physics opens up excellent career opportunities for you in a dynamically growing professional field – at the interface of science, technology and medicine.
As a graduate, you are exceptionally well-qualified for positions in hospitals, research institutes, government agencies, and the medical technology industry. Medical physicists are particularly in demand in the fields of radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy, where they play a central role in the safety, quality, and further development of imaging and therapeutic procedures.
A particular advantage: With the successful completion of your studies and the acquired radiation protection certificates, you already fulfill important requirements for recognition as a medical physics expert in accordance with the Radiation Protection Ordinance – a Europe-wide protected and clinically highly relevant professional title.
Furthermore, opportunities in industrial research, product development, quality assurance, approval and regulatory affairs are also open to you – especially in medical technology companies specializing in imaging systems or radiation-based therapies.
Many of our graduates also choose to pursue a doctorate and continue their academic career at home or abroad.
Study options
German and English study options
The Master's program in Medical Physics can be studied entirely in English – ideal for international applicants or for anyone seeking a scientific or clinical career in an international environment.
Both the compulsory modules and numerous elective modules are taught in English, creating an international, inclusive learning environment.
Depending on your language skills and interests, you also have a selection of German-language elective modules available – the design of your individual study combination remains completely flexible.
Switching between the English and German versions is possible at any time during the course of study, provided the corresponding language requirements are met.
Overview of language requirements:
For the English-language version, you must demonstrate basic German skills at level A1 in order to get by in everyday life.
If you already hold a German-language first university degree, you do not need to provide proof of an additional German language certificate.
Furthermore, English language skills at level B2 are required so that you can actively participate in the courses and contribute to scientific discussions.
Application and enrolment
Application
Degree awarded, standard period of study , accreditation, study formats, main language of instruction , study location, costs |
Master of Science (M.Sc.) 3 semesters AQAS Cologne Full-time study German, English Giessen Semester fee |
| Requirements | To be admitted to the Master's program in Medical Physics, you need a Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a final grade of at least "satisfactory" (2.7 or better) in Medical Physics, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field with a strong focus on physics and medicine. Ideally, your first degree should comprise 210 ECTS credits. In this case, you can enroll directly in the Master's program without any further requirements. Applications are also possible with a degree of at least 180 ECTS credits. In this case, you will acquire the missing credits through supplementary modules, which you complete alongside your Master's studies. This ensures that you will reach a total of 300 ECTS credits by the time you graduate – in accordance with the requirements for a consecutive Master's degree. Should you lack certain fundamental knowledge from your Bachelor's studies, we offer targeted supplementary modules that allow you to easily acquire the necessary knowledge. This way, you will be ideally prepared to begin the academic and clinical content of the Master's program. |
| Language requirements | German-language option: English language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) must be demonstrated to understand English-language academic literature. For international applicants who obtained their first university degree in a non-German-language program: proof of good German language skills (e.g., DSH-2, TestDaF with at least 4 points in each section) is required. English-language option: Basic German language skills at level A1 (or equivalent German-language first university degree) must be demonstrated. English language skills at level B2 are required for the program itself to actively participate in lectures and academic discussions. |
| Start of studies | Winter and summer semesters |
| Application period |
June 1 to September 1 (winter semester) |
| Application period for international students |
uni-assist |
Application |
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