Human Medicine, Staatsexamen

Who is the Human Medicine Degree Suitable For?

The Human Medicine degree (state examination) is ideal for you if you are aiming for a medical career in various healthcare sectors, research institutions, or medical management. It is especially suitable if you are passionate about natural sciences and human health and seek a responsible role involving direct contact with patients. The degree appeals to high school graduates who distinguish themselves through motivation, commitment, and interest in a demanding, practice-oriented course of study. A lateral entry into the clinical phase of studies is also possible if you have already completed the first phase of studies or medical studies (e.g. abroad).

Overview of Admission Requirements

For the Human Medicine degree at MSB Medical School Berlin, you must fulfil the following formal requirements:

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or an equivalent internationally recognised school-leaving certificate
• Application documents to be submitted: application form, tabular CV, Abitur certificate, identity card (or identity card), motivation letter (1–4 DIN A4 pages)
• Proof of completed vocational training, social activities or already completed academic achievements, if applicable
• Application procedure consisting of: written application, internal medical admissions test and individual interview with integrated case simulation
• Application fee: one-off 500 euros; enrolment fee: one-off 100 euros

For direct entry into the second/clinical phase of studies, proof of a completed first (pre-clinical) phase in the subject of Human Medicine is additionally required.

You should also consider personal prerequisites:

• Strong understanding of natural sciences, especially in biology, chemistry, and physics
• Analytical and structured thinking ability
• High social and communicative competence for interaction with patients and interdisciplinary teams
• Resilience, sense of responsibility and willingness to engage in intensive and continuous learning
• Interest in ethical, psychological and social issues in medicine
• Self-organisation and motivation for a long-term full-time university degree

Study Content in Detail: What Competences Does the Human Medicine Degree (State Examination) Impart?

In the medical degree programme at MSB Medical School Berlin, you acquire essential subject-related, methodological and communicative qualifications for independent medical practice. An overview of the most important content and competences:

• Fundamentals of the Natural Sciences:
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry and Chemistry
  • Histology
  • Foundations of Social Sciences
• Clinical Medicine and Specialties:
  • Organ- and topic-centred modules from the second study phase onwards
  • Interdisciplinary teaching concepts, including block internships and practical training placements (Famulaturen)
• Research Methodology and Scientific Work:
  • Training in research competences and evidence-based medicine
  • Literature research and evaluation of medical studies
• Basic Clinical-Diagnostic Skills:
  • Examination techniques within the Medical Teaching Program (MTP)
  • Practical training phases in Skills Labs as well as at the patient’s bedside
• Key Qualifications:
  • Communication skills and conduct of consultations
  • Ethics and medical professional understanding
  • Teamwork, interprofessional cooperation (especially elective modules "New Generation of Health Professionals")
• Practical Experience According to the Licensing Regulations:
  • Three months of nursing service
  • Training in first aid
  • Four-month practical training placement (Famulatur)

In the Medical Teaching Program, theory and practice are closely linked from the first semester. The Skills Labs provide a safe environment to practise practical skills such as blood sampling or patient consultations. The programme also supports you in developing personal and social competences for medical professional practice.

Course Structure: How Is the Degree Programme Organised?

The human medicine degree is a full-time programme lasting 12 semesters and 3 months, divided into three phases:

• First Study Phase (Preclinical, 4 semesters):
  • Teaching of theoretical basics (anatomy, biochemistry, physiology etc.)
  • Location: MSB Science Campus, Berlin
  • Lectures, seminars, practicals in laboratories and Skills Labs
• Second Study Phase (Clinical, 6 semesters):
  • Clinical-practical training, topic- and organ-related modules
  • Location: University Campus at Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch
  • Intensive practical training components in the hospital’s facilities, access to extensive medical specialist literature and modern simulation opportunities
• Third Study Phase (Practical Year, 12 months):
  • Completion in three so-called tertials of 16 weeks each
  • Performed at clinic partners (e.g. Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch) or other approved hospitals
  • Comprehensive insight into everyday hospital routines and close collaboration with various professional groups

• Teaching Formats: Combination of classical face-to-face teaching, Skills Labs, block internships, practical training placements (Famulatur), medical consultation hours, medical ethics seminars and research-related courses.
• Examinations and Degrees: After each study phase, a (state) medical examination is taken at the State Office for Health and Social Affairs in Berlin.
• Start of Studies: 1 April or 1 October

Career Opportunities & Professional Prospects: What Perspectives Do You Have as a Graduate?

With the state examination in human medicine, a broad spectrum of career opportunities within the entire medical sector opens up for you. Typical areas of activity include:

• Medical care in hospitals, clinics and practices
• Research at universities and non-university institutions
• Pharmaceutical development and pharmaceutical industry
• Occupational and company medicine
• Medical and quality management in public and private institutions
• Medical technology and e-health (digital health solutions)
• Insurance industry and authorities, including social psychiatric services
• Positions at associations of statutory health insurance physicians, the German Medical Association and in public health services

After graduation, further training to become a specialist physician in around 35 medical disciplines is also available. Another path is an academic career involving scientific research and teaching.

Costs and Financing: What Expenses Will You Have to Bear and How Can You Finance Them?

The degree programme is fee-based. The following fees arise in detail:

• Tuition Fees:
  • €1,500 per month in the first and second study phase (preclinical + clinical, total 10 semesters)
  • €300 per month during the Practical Year (third study phase, until completion of the third medical examination)
• Registration Fee: a one-off fee of €100
• Application Fee: a one-off fee of €500 per application procedure

• Financing Options:
  • Instalment payment of tuition fees is standard practice
  • Scholarship programmes, education funds and bank loans may be considered
  • Possibilities for tax deductibility of study costs in accordance with the relevant legal provisions

Whether and to what extent funding through scholarships or other programmes is possible depends on individual circumstances.