International Programmes 2026/2027

PhD Medical Research — Cardiovascular Science PhD Medical Research — Cardiovascular Science

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München • München

Degree
PhD
Course location
München
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 periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
1 December - 31 January
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

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. After admission, 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.

Additional support is offered by the GraduateCenter.

Course organisation

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 two 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 (Study Block I and II) and the submission of mandatory bi-monthly progress reports (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.

  • 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
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Integrated internships

None

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
None
Semester contribution

Approx. 100 EUR per semester for enrolment at LMU

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

The PhD programme does not offer any scholarship opportunities right now.

However, the LMU offers divers funding possibilities. Please have a look at the LMU website: https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/student-support-services/finance-your-studies/scholarships/scholarships-for-international-students/index.html.

LMU Travel Grant, LMU Completion Grant

Academic admission requirements

To apply for the PhD Medical Research — Cardiovascular Science programme, 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
  • Full Research Proposal including sufficient funding
  • Contact details of two academic referees

For detailed information, please see our website.  

Important:

There are two different “study models” for applying to our PhD programme:

1) “Traditional” study model:

  • You will be employed by a department at LMU, the LMU University Hospital, or a related research institute (e.g. Helmholtz or Max Planck).
  • You will live and work in Munich/Germany for three to five years while working on your PhD project.
  • A supervisor can only offer you a position if they have funding both for the research and your employment.
  • You submit a project proposal in consultation with the supervisor who offered you the position. This means, you need the employment first, before applying to our programme.

2) “Sandwich” study model:

  • This option is especially suitable for all candidates who plan to work on a project based in their home country or at another location (outside Munich).
  • You will travel to Munich to attend the required study blocks but will carry out your research project elsewhere (e.g. outside Germany).
  • You must secure your own funding - both for your research and for covering your living and travel expenses.
  • You need a local supervisor who will support you during your studies.
  • You submit a project proposal in consultation with your local supervisor.
  • The matching with LMU supervisors will be done by the programme. You do not need to have contact to a LMU supervisor before submitting your application.
German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • IELTS Academic: 5
Language requirements exemptions
Please find details on the course website.
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
1 December - 31 January
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Possibility of finding part-time employment

The programme is designed as a full-time curriculum. Therefore, there is no possibility of finding part-time employment.

Accommodation

The International Office helps visiting academics, PhD students and postdocs who are travelling to Munich for a set period of time to find accommodation.

For further information, please visit the following link: https://www.lmu.de/en/study/important-contacts/international-office/index.html.

Rooms in shared flats are popular on the private market and reasonably priced at >600 EUR per month if located in central parts of Munich.

Phase 1: Preparing your move to Munich – LMU Munich

Structured research and supervision
Yes
Research training / discussion
Yes
Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Visa matters
  • Help with finding accommodation
  • Support with registration procedures

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

University location

Activate map

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.