Description
The PhD Programme in Medical Research in Cardiovascular Science is a collaborative effort between various departments of the LMU University Hospital and LMU, under the umbrella of the Munich Medical Research School.
This interdisciplinary full-time doctoral programme offers comprehensive training to both national and international doctoral candidates in various aspects of cardiovascular science. From cardiology to vascular and cardiac surgery, including paediatric cardiac procedures, the curriculum is designed to push the boundaries of research in this field.
Doctoral candidates have the opportunity to join international research groups focusing on the development, pathophysiology, and control of the cardiovascular system as well as exploring causes, consequences, and therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases. The research spectrum of this programme spans from basic laboratory investigations to clinical trials, bridging natural science research with clinical medical studies.
The programme welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including the life sciences, medicine, and related disciplines such as medical engineering, veterinary medicine, and epidemiology. The doctoral candidates work closely with a thesis advisory committee to define their research goals and curricular content, ensuring optimal subject and interdisciplinary qualifications tailored to specific needs.
Details
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Research – Cardiovascular Science
- Teaching language: English
- Languages: Courses are held in English only. PhD theses are written only in English.
- Full-time / part-time: full-time
- Programme duration: 6 semesters
- Beginning: Winter semester
- Application deadline: Applications for the PhD Medical Research – Cardiovascular Science are accepted once a year, with an application period of 1 December to 31 January of the following year. Applications must be submitted via the online application portal of the Munich Medical Research School (MMRS). Successful applicants will then start their PhD studies in the winter semester (October) of the same year.
Course organization
- Scope of the PhD Medical Research – Cardiovascular Science
- Within the framework of this structured PhD programme, doctoral candidates need to obtain a total of 180 ECTS:
- 30 ECTS that each student can choose individually to improve knowledge and methodological skills directly related to the PhD project
- 120 ECTS within the scope of the research project, including study blocks in Munich and regular research progress meetings
- 20 ECTS for the dissertation
- 10 ECTS for the disputation conducted in Munich
- In addition to the 30 ECTS required by the MMRS guidelines, PhD MR – CVS programme students have to earn extra curricular ECTS through the successful completion of pre-defined courses and the mandatory bi-monthly progress sessions (within the scope of the 120 ECTS).
Study Blocks in Munich
- Upon joining the PhD programme, candidates commence their doctoral journey with Study Block I in Munich, held from October to early December in line with LMU’s winter semester. All PhD MR – CVS programme students undergo the same curriculum to guarantee a consistent knowledge base across all candidates.
- Study Block I
- Study Block I, lasting eight weeks, is an intensive period filled with daily lectures, workshops, and seminars, requiring full-time commitment from all doctoral students. The programme focuses on the biology, cardiovascular disease insights, treatment options, epidemiology, and associated risk factors of a healthy cardiovascular system. In addition, it provides an understanding of basic research methods, analytical tools for cardiovascular studies, and interdisciplinary skills like scientific writing. Each module will be concluded with a written exam.
- Study Block II
- Study Block II, taking place in Munich in September and October of the following year, delves deeper into cardiovascular research and its methodologies, emphasising the latest advancements and current best practices in cardiovascular science. Furthermore, Study Block II overlaps with Study Block I for the new cohort of PhD candidates, providing a platform for networking and knowledge sharing among peers.
International elements
- Training in intercultural skills
- Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
- International guest lecturers
- Specialist literature in other languages
- Courses are led with foreign partners
- International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Academic admission requirements
- To apply for the PhD Medical Research – Cardiovascular Science, the following requirements must be met by all applicants:
- Qualifying degree in medicine, veterinary medicine, life sciences, pharmacy, health sciences or a related discipline, encompassing a minimum of 240 ECTS (in most cases this corresponds to 8 semesters)
- Proof of English proficiency
- Very good academic record
- Strong scientific motivation, to be shown by the letter of motivation
- For detailed information, please see our website .
Language requirements
- Applicants are required to fully understand and fluently communicate in written as well as spoken English. One of the following is required:
- EU level of B2
- IELTS score of 5 – 6.5 (5 is borderline between EU level B1 and B2)
- TOEFL score 87 or more
- Alternatively, diplomas of high school or university education with English as the major teaching language may be considered after individual assessment. If you are a native speaker, proof of English is not required.
Application deadline
- Applications for the PhD Medical Research – Cardiovascular Science are accepted once a year, with an application period of 1 December to 31 January of the following year. Applications must be submitted via the online application portal of the Munich Medical Research School (MMRS). Successful applicants will then start their PhD studies in the winter semester (October) of the same year.