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Deutsch Who is suitable for the Human Medicine programme at the Medical School Hamburg?
The Human Medicine programme at the Medical School Hamburg is aimed at school-leavers with a university entrance qualification as well as current students in the medical field who aspire to a medical career and value an interdisciplinary education. It is particularly targeted at individuals who are passionate about medical contexts, wish to take on responsibility in healthcare, and are interested in practical training according to modern quality standards. The programme is also suitable for lateral entrants who have already completed part of their medical studies and wish to enter a higher semester.
What formal criteria apply for admission?
To be admitted to the Human Medicine programme at the Medical School Hamburg, you must meet the following requirements:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or a foreign university entrance qualification recognised as equivalent
- Successful participation in a two-stage selection procedure of the university, consisting of a written medical test and a personal interview with integrated case simulation
- For entry into higher semesters: proof of completed academic achievements in the field of human medicine (e.g. completed first stage of studies, verification and recognition required)
- Complete application documents and, if applicable, payment of the application fee
Places are not allocated based on a numerus clausus (NC), but exclusively through the university's selection procedure. Specific prior knowledge in the medical field is not mandatory for admission to the first semester.
You should have a strong interest in medicine and natural sciences, possess well-developed communication skills, and enjoy working in a team. Responsibility, empathy in dealing with patients, and the ability to work precisely and with concentration under high pressure are important. A high degree of self-organisation and willingness to engage in lifelong learning are essential for a successful medical degree. Practical experience in healthcare (e.g. nursing internship, first aid training) is advantageous but not compulsory.
What content does the Human Medicine degree programme convey in detail?
The Human Medicine degree at the Medical School Hamburg covers all essential areas of knowledge required for the medical profession in Germany. You engage intensively with the natural sciences and medical fundamentals such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and histology. In addition, natural and social science basics are included, which promote, for example, psychological, ethical and communication skills.
- Clinical competencies: training in diagnostics, therapy and rehabilitation, practical training from the 1st semester in the Skill Lab and direct patient contact
- Interprofessional collaboration: acquisition of skills in working with multiprofessional teams based on the CanMEDS model
- Research competence: teaching of scientific fundamentals, methodological skills as well as integration of current research findings
- Interdisciplinary content: health management, e-health, medical technology and medical quality management
- Social and ethical action competencies: integration of a biopsychosocial understanding of health, communication with patients and relatives
Simultaneously, you attend seminars, internships, block internships as well as clinical traineeships. This enables you to acquire a broad spectrum of medical knowledge, practical skills and competencies in scientific work and ethical decision-making.
How is the organisation of the curriculum in the Human Medicine degree programme?
The programme is modular and lasts a total of 12 semesters and 3 months. It is full-time and divided into three consecutive phases. Each phase concludes with a state medical examination, conducted by the Hamburg State Examination Office.
- First phase (Preclinical, 4 semesters): Teaching of theoretical medical fundamentals at the MSH in Hamburg. In lectures, seminars, practicals and skill training you acquire the basic knowledge.
- Second phase (Clinical, 6 semesters): From the 5th semester onwards, teaching is predominantly at the campus of the Helios Clinics Schwerin. The focus is on clinical-practical and organ-related modules, clinical skills as well as interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Third phase (Practical Year, 2 semesters): Practical training in three tertials at hospital and clinic (e.g. Helios Clinics Schwerin or other approved clinics) to deepen medical practice.
Supplements such as nursing service, clinical traineeships, first aid training as well as continuous practical elements accompany the entire study period. Teaching and research laboratories as well as regular consultation hours are an integral part to promote practical competencies.
What career paths and professional opportunities open up after the state examination?
The Human Medicine degree with state examination qualifies you for licensure as a medical doctor in Germany. After successful completion, you can work in various fields:
- Clinical care in hospitals and practices in various medical specialties
- Research institutions at universities, non-university research centres as well as in the pharmaceutical industry
- Pharmaceutical development and clinical trials
- Occupational or company medicine in businesses
- Tasks in medical and quality management or in health facilities with an e-health focus
- Work at authorities, insurance companies, social psychiatric services or medical associations
- Opportunities for doctoral studies and advanced specialisations (e.g. specialist medical training)
Graduates are trained with professional, scientific and ethical competence for modern fields of activity in the healthcare sector.
At which locations does the training take place?
The studies begin at the main campus of the Medical School Hamburg in HafenCity (Am Kaiserkai 1). The first phase, with its theoretical and practical training, takes place at the modern Science Campus in Hamburg. The preclinical phase also uses other teaching sites such as the Kehrwiederspitze (Am Sandtorkai 74–76) and the Humboldthaus (Am Sandtorkai 37), among others for laboratory practicals and skill labs.
From the 5th semester onwards, you continue your training at the university campus at the Helios Clinics Schwerin. The maximum care hospitals there offer comprehensive clinical training and research. The Practical Year can also be completed in Schwerin or other approved clinics.
What are the costs for the Human Medicine degree and what financing options are available?
The following costs apply for the Human Medicine degree at the MSH:
- In the 1st and 2nd phases of study: €1,500 per month
- In the Practical Year: €300 per month (until completion of the 3rd medical examination)
- Enrolment fee: one-time €100
- Application fee: one-time €500 per application procedure
- Total costs for the full degree: approx. €94,500
Various financing options are available, for example educational funds, scholarships or student loans. The MSH provides information about individual funding opportunities at the start of studies and assists with the application for corresponding programmes.
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