Master of Science

Technical Physician

to the study programmes

Between medicine and engineering

The technical devices that doctors use during treatment are becoming increasingly complex. As a result, the need for specialists with both medical and technical knowledge is growing. Our Technical Physician master's addresses this interface between medicine and engineering.

 

  • ECTS: 90 ECTS
  • Programme duration: 3 semesters
  • Campus: Schwenningen
  • Faculty: Medical and Life Sciences
  • Programme begins: winter semester (October)
  • Application deadline: 15 July (winter semester)
  • Entry requirements: Completed university degree in the field of engineering or natural sciences (bachelor, Diplom). German: minimum DSH 2, DaF TDN4, CEFR B2 or equivalent
  • Teaching language: German and English
  • Accreditation: yes (accredited through the university system accreditation)
  • A real all-rounder In TP master's, we offer multidisciplinary insights into innovative technologies and the latest methods and devices in technical medicine. We also provide in-depth knowledge of the aspects of human medicine that are relevant to the use of this technology.
  • Independent and networked You'll be working on scientific research projects during your studies. This allows you to make contacts with clinics, industry and research institutions, which will help you later when looking for a job.
  • Possible additional ECCP qualification HFU is an accredited training centre of the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (EBCP). We work closely with the EBCP's Young Forum and are happy to qualify you as a perfusionist.
  • Linguistically fit In order to open up job markets at home and abroad, we teach in German and English and offer you the option of a bilingual degree.

Details of the programme

Programme content and structure

In this master's degree programme, we provide specialist know-how on future-oriented, innovative technologies, intelligent instruments and devices, new strategies and procedures in diagnosis and therapy.
In each of the three semesters of study, you can set your own focus by selecting your modules. You will deepen your specialisation through the topics you work on in the research project and your master's thesis.

First semester - special features

In the first semester, we deal with surgical basics and technical medicine in the OR, the state of the art in specialist disciplines such as cardiology and anesthesia, biocompatible materials and sensor technology, as well as the design of clinical studies, relevant probability models and statistical tests.

Second semester - advanced

Medical and medical technology knowledge is further deepened. Topics such as robots, endoscopes, disease groups and their pathophysiology, membrane processes and translational medicine will be addressed. The research project serves as preparation for the master's thesis and enables students to implement their own development ideas, including publication and presentation at a scientific conference.

Third semester - thesis

The master's thesis is completed in the final semester. This extensive academic work provides scope for the development (and application) of independent, application- or research-oriented ideas.

Entry requirements

The prerequisite for applying to TP is a bachelor's degree in Engineering or Life Sciences with 210 credit points (ECTS). Depending on your previous knowledge in medicine, medical technology and engineering sciences, you may be admitted with the requirement to complete up to 30 additional credit points (ECTS). This also applies to a bachelor's degree with 180 credit points (ECTS).

What's included

TP Study and Examination Regulations (SPO)

 

Special features

Studying part-time

We are very pleased to be able to officially offer the option of part-time study from winter semester 23/24. Detailed and individual advice is available at any time.

Ten years of TP 

In October 2023, our degree programme celebrated its tenth birthday. Ten years that we have used to optimise the content as well as to build a large cooperation network.

Are you interested in TP and need to improve your German?

If your German language skills are not yet good (DSH 2, DaF TDN4, CEFR B2.2, ALTE level 4 or equivalent) or if you do not have the required proof (e.g. TestDaF, DSH), you can concentrate on your language skills for your studies for one semester in the HFU.Prep programme.

Internal link opens in the same window:More information about HFU.Prep

Your career prospects

The possible fields of activity for TP graduates are extremely varied and highly qualified:

Medical technology companies

  • Development and optimisation of medical devices, implants and technical aids for diagnosis and therapy
  • Supporting medical approval for the national and international market
  • The "Technical Physician" is a medically application-oriented discussion partner for doctors, research and development partners and other users of the developed devices
  • Contact person in highly qualified product management.

Research institutions and universities

  • Research and development in the field of high-tech systems (e.g. intelligent implants, navigation systems for neurosurgery and orthopaedics, minimally invasive surgery, etc.)
  • Application of simulations of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in cooperation with doctors and nursing staff using virtual diagnostic and therapeutic guidance, thus optimally preparing doctors for the real situation
  • Cooperative implementation of clinical studies

Clinics, hospitals and medical care centres

  • Use of complex technical devices, such as cardiac support systems and extracorporeal circulation
  • Anesthesia and ventilation technologies
  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Use of invasive technical systems for cooperation with the surgeon in combination with imaging and interventional procedures, e.g. in neurosurgery
  • Use of intelligent implants
  • Other fields of work include quality assurance and hospital management

Medical laboratory facilities

  • Application-oriented research and development of high-tech medical systems
  • Laboratory and project management

Offices, authorities and hospitals

  • Assessment and approval of technical medical devices
  • Evaluation of health-promoting benefits for patients
  • Quality control
  • Scientific evaluation of technical medical devices

Clinics and specialist medical facilities, cardiotechnology

  • Application of complex technical devices, such as cardiac support systems and extracorporeal circulation (cardiotechnology)
  • Anesthesia and ventilation technologies
  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Imaging procedures
  • Use of intelligent implants
  • Other fields of work include quality assurance and hospital management

Emergency medicine, rescue services, intensive care transportation

  • Application of innovative "technical medicine" systems, such as heart and lung support systems and other "extracorporeal life support" devices in cooperation with emergency physicians and intensive care physicians
  • Training in the above areas

Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences

At the Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, everything revolves around the life sciences. Those who study with us contribute to improving people's health and quality of life. Our society is aging – which is why specialist knowledge in areas such as process engineering and (molecular) medicine, medical technology and biosciences is becoming increasingly important. Our degree programmes train you to become sought-after experts in biotechnology, the environment, diagnostics or therapy and prevention.

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences (MLS)

The MLS faculty is one of the strongest in research at HFU. You will gain many insights into current research issues during your studies and will be able to participate in specific tasks.

Click here for current HFU research projects.

Faculty news

Events

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We're happy to advise you on the TP Master!

Your key contacts

  •  Prof. Dr. med. habil. Folker Wenzel
    Prof. Dr. med. habil. Folker Wenzel Vice Dean Academics
    Dean of Studies Technical Physician (MSc)
    Head of the local Ethics Commission
  •  Kristina Kleiser
    Kristina Kleiser Member of academic staff