Health Sciences
HAW Hamburg · Hamburg, Germany
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The M.Sc. in Health Sciences is a four-semester, research-oriented Master’s degree course at HAW Hamburg that builds directly on a first degree and prepares you for research as well as managerial positions in public health and healthcare.
The first two semesters focus on qualitative and quantitative research methods and advanced topics in public health, epidemiology, health policy and health economics, followed by a research project in the third semester and a Master’s thesis in the final semester.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Concepts and Dimensions of Health Sciences and Public Health and Basic Statistics and Basic Epidemiology (6 CP)
- Research Methods (6 CP)
- Ethics and Epistemology (6 CP)
- Digitalization and Communication in Health Sciences (6 CP)
- First-semester electives: Diversity in Health and Family and Community Health Research OR Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Research Interests (6 CP)
- Second-semester subject modules: Research and Project Management, Advanced Biostatistics, Health Policy and Health Economics Research, Occupational and Environmental Health Research, Health Promotion and Health Behaviour Research, Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Pandemic Control (each 6 CP, with the specific set chosen by the programme structure)
- Research Project (30 CP) completed as a practice-oriented research project in the third semester
- Scientific exchange as part of the Research Project module (as described in the module handbook module overview)
- Master thesis (30 CP) in the fourth semester
- Independently develop and apply a research question and study design, analyse empirical data, and derive practice-relevant recommendations
Curriculum
120 ECTS research-oriented M.Sc. Health Sciences with taught modules in semesters 1–2 (core and elective-compulsory), a research project in semester 3, and the master thesis in semester 4.
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | ECTS | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 5 modules (compulsory and elective-compulsory) | Concepts and Dimensions of Health Sciences and Public Health and Basic Statistics and Basic Epidemiology | 6 | 30 |
| Research Methods | 6 | |||
| Ethics and Epistemology | 6 | |||
| Digitalization and Communication in Health Sciences | 6 | |||
| Diversity in Health and Family and Community Health Research | 6 | |||
| Semester 2 | 5 modules (compulsory and elective-compulsory) | Research and Project Management | 6 | 30 |
| Advanced Biostatistics | 6 | |||
| Health Policy and Health Economics Research | 6 | |||
| Occupational and Environmental Health Research | 6 | |||
| Health Promotion and Health Behaviour Research | 6 | |||
| Semester 2 | 1 module (elective-compulsory, choice from the elective-compulsory set) | Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Research Interests | 6 | 6 |
| Semester 3 | Research project (compulsory) | Research Project | 30 | 30 |
| Semester 4 | Master thesis (compulsory) | Master thesis | 30 | 30 |
| Total | All taught modules in semesters 1–2 (with compulsory and elective-compulsory modules), plus the research project in semester 3 and the master thesis in semester 4 | 120 ECTS | ||
Career outcomes
- You gain research-oriented public health training designed to prepare you for health research roles and evidence-based decision-making in healthcare and public health settings.
- You build strong capability in research methods, statistics/biostatistics, and epidemiology, which supports careers in surveillance, evaluation, and health programme assessment.
- You develop skills for health systems and policy work through modules covering health policy and health economics research, preparing you for analytical and planning roles.
- You are trained to connect research to practice via the Research Project module (third semester), helping you graduate with applied experience for roles in institutions, NGOs, and health-related organisations.
- You gain competencies in diversity-related health research, occupational and environmental health research, health promotion/behaviour, and infectious disease epidemiology, supporting work across multiple public health specialisations.
Employability rate
Health Sciences (M.Sc.) graduates in Germany typically see an employability rate of around 86% and an unemployment rate of about 14%, reflecting ongoing demand for qualified public-health and health-services researchers and analysts.
Together, these figures point to a generally stable career outlook in public health research, health administration, and healthcare-related organisations.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| First university degree | International applicants must hold a first university degree in the field of health sciences that provides qualification for professional practice with at least 180 ECTS, or an equivalent university degree. |
| Diploma supplement or transcript of records | Applicants must submit a diploma supplement and/or transcript of records for the first university degree. |
| Proof of English proficiency and (if applicable) German C1 | Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency at the B2 level. Applicants who do not have a German university entrance qualification must provide proof of sufficient German language skills at the C1 level because the third semester research project is undertaken in Germany. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine & Health | Direct match | Applicants should have prior university studies in subjects from the health, social or human sciences, and a first degree in health sciences that provides qualification for professional practice with at least 180 ECTS (or an equivalent degree). |
Language requirements
The M.Sc. Health Sciences is taught in English and German. International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency at the required level for admission, and German language skills are required for students who do not already have a German university entrance qualification because the third semester research project is carried out in Germany.
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
Other accepted proofs
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Semester fee | EUR 397 / per semester | Semester contribution for the winter semester 2026/27 totals EUR 397.00, including Studierendenwerk, Students' Union (AStA), semester ticket, hardship fund contribution, and an administrative fee. |
Proof of financial resources
International applicants must be able to fund their studies in Germany. As part of the visa and residence permit process, you may be required to provide financial proof such as a blocked account and/or other evidence of sufficient funds, as described in the official German guidance and the embassy/consulate requirements applicable to your application.
- Blocked account or equivalent financial proof as required by the German embassy/consulate for your visa process
- Proof that you can cover living costs and study-related expenses while enrolled
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | June - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | June 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | July 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | July 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | July 15, 2026 |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A |
| Semester begins | October 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | June - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | June - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | July 15, 2026 |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A |
🎓 Scholarship
| Provider | Scheme name | Coverage | Eligibility notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD | EPOS — Development-Related Postgraduate Courses | Tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance | EPOS supports eligible applicants from developing countries to take postgraduate and Master’s studies in Germany in development-related fields, including health-related disciplines. Because this programme is a research-oriented Master’s in Health Sciences with public health and health-policy content, it may align with EPOS health-related study areas for eligible candidates. |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your international-application documents and credential checks
International applicants should have their certificates checked in advance and request a VPD (preliminary review documentation) for the application. Confirm you meet the entry requirements for a first degree in health sciences (180 ECTS or equivalent) and prepare your diploma supplement/transcript of records. Prepare your English language proof and (if required due to no German university entrance qualification) your German C1 proof early because the third semester research project is carried out in Germany.
Apply during the published online application window
The program admits students for the winter semester only and the application period is published on the program page. Submit your application online during the activated application period; the online system is not available outside the application window. While submitting, upload the necessary documents in the online application system to complete your application.
Follow the selection and ranking process
Places on the course are awarded according to a ranking list. The ranking is determined via points given for the final grade of the first degree, specialised knowledge aligned with the master’s objectives, and a written explanation of why you wish to attend (letter of motivation). If multiple applicants have the same points, successful applicants may be drawn at random.