Medical Faculty Heidelberg Medicine (study location Heidelberg)
The Medical Faculty in Heidelberg is one of the oldest medical faculties in Germany, with an international reputation. Students benefit from outstanding opportunities for study and research.
The degree programme in Medicine lasts for a minimum of six years and three months and consists in three training phases:
- Preclinical study
- Clinical study
- Practice year
At the end of the degree programme, students complete the state examination and so become licenced to practice as a medical doctor. Graduates can specialise after completion of the degree programme by continuing to study whilst they work.
Special Features and Characteristics
The programme of study HeiCuMed (Heidelberger Curriculum Medicinale) provides students with a course which is easy to navigate and tailor to their individual needs. The programme is unparalleled in preparing students to practice as a medical doctor, or undertake research or teaching in the field.
Particular characteristics of the Heidelberg Curriculum Medicinale include:
- Students are very well prepared for examinations, for state examinations and for the demands of medical practice
- Students are supported throughout their learning by fully engaged lecturers who are highly qualified in their subjects and in didactics, and by learning coordinators
- The interdisciplinary nature of the course aids students’ learning as the coordination of subjects facilitates understanding of complex content
- Modern approaches to learning and tutor support mean the content is frequently repeated and appropriated by students
- Each semester, teaching is supported by communications training and practice classes or “SkillsLabs” during which students practice carrying out medical investigation and procedures
- E-learning programmes, digital databases and instructional videos are provided for independent study.
- Courses and examinations are divided into structured courses and modules. Examinations are of a high standard
- Teaching in so-called “class groupings” promotes effective learning within familiar seminar classes and small groups
- The degree programme offers flexibility and opportunities to develop areas of specialism according to students’ interests
- The standard period of study includes a semester during which there are no courses and students are able to carry out their own research. Students can choose when they take this semester and the majority of students in Heidelberg complete this semester within the standard period of study
- There is a comprehensive, structured range of elective courses, and numerous opportunities for students to participate in internal and external research projects
- There is a number of opportunities for, as well as advice on completing a period of study or work abroad
Research
The Heidelberg campus connects the numerous medical institutes and clinics which form part of the University clinic and sustains links to other faculties of the University where research focusses on the life sciences and the humanities. In addition, the Medical Faculty Heidelberg cooperates successfully with a number of large, external research institutes.
Research at the Faculty focusses in particular on infectious diseases, cardiovascular research, neurology, translational and individualised oncology, transplantation and individualised immunotherapy. The Medical Faculty makes an important contribution to the specialist research conducted for the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) and centres for health research.
The large number of research centres within the medical community in Heidelberg enables students to participate in numerous laboratory and research projects, pursue a doctorate and make contacts for any work they conduct in the field in the future. Students are supported by courses and advisory services offered as part of the Faculty’s doctoral programme.
Occupational Areas
Graduates of Medicine might pursue employment in a number of different fields: Medical roles generally require an acute sense of responsibility, physical and psychological stability, the willingness to work long hours and engage in ongoing professional training.
The major areas of employment for doctors are
- clinics, medical practices and centres
- medical research and teaching
further areas of employment
- public health or administration
- medical technology / biomedical technologies / medical physics
- medical informatics
- scientific or medical journalism / online services
- industry
Degree variants
State Examination
Learn more
Insights
Medical research in the coming years might well be one of the most exciting fields of study, marked by new discoveries with the potential to surprise us all. Whether we are talking genetics or technical solutions, the future should also be shaped here in Heidelberg.
Leonard Lintzen, 20, Medicine, preclinical study
Preparatory Course
Newly admitted Heidelberg University students with foreign school-leaving certificates and admission have the opportunity to attend a four-week preparatory course in September to prepare for their studies.
