International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences
The Charité offers an international two-year Master’s Program in Medical Neurosciences. The Berlin, Germany academic setting of basic and medical sciences provides our students with a unique environment for acquiring scientific knowledge and skills. Our theoretical courses, scientific skills and laboratory training prepare the students for their PhD and future careers in neurosciences. We annually recruit up to 20 students from all over the world.
Additionally, we accept PhD and MD/PhD applications January 15, May 15 and September 15.
The Medical Neurosciences Master's application portal usually opens at the end of November. The deadline for submission of your application is January 15 each year, 11:59 PM CET. Please keep yourself updated on our website.
Call for Applications: Medical Neurosciences — International Master's Program
Master's Program
Applications are open now! See details on requirements and the program's core content.
Closing date for applications is 15 January 2024, 11:59 PM CET.
Medical Neurosciences — Welcome and Get to Know Us (live)
Are you a future neuroscientist? Are you interested in our program's content, culture, structure and organization?
Go to our Welcome Page and register for our next Town Hall meeting!
We regularly offer live online Town Halls where we introduce you to the MSc and PhD programs.
Structured Education Provided Together
Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure:
NeuroCure was pivotal in establishing the MSc and PhD programs, and has provided staff positions for the development and administration of the program, scholarships for MSc and PhD students, and established the Continuing Education and Career Modules.
NeuroCure faculty is actively involved in teaching and is thereby shaping the translational content of the program. NeuroCure was also the major driving force in the successful application for the PhD program Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin.
Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin (ECN):
The ECN provides PhD fellowships on interdisciplinary research projects and is involved in the establishment of innovation management training for early career researchers.
Berlin Institute of Health (BIH):
The BIH has supported translational and inter-institutional research projects by PhD fellowships. It is also a partner in the development of training formats for translational research and transformation of research results into innovative value for the society.
Neurasmus – A European Master's Program:
Neurasmus provides scholarships for students with international mobility within the consortium of six universities in five countries: Amsterdam, Berlin, Bordeaux, Göttingen and Laval.
Student Testimonials
Chrysavgi Fotiadou, MSc Medical Neurosciences
"After completing my Bachelor's degree in Biomedicine, I pursued the Master's in Medical Neurosciences—a program that ignited my passion for unraveling the complexities of the human brain. This transformative journey encompassed a broad spectrum of specializations, ranging from molecular to clinical neurosciences. The program's curriculum is well-constructed, seamlessly blending fundamental and advanced neuroscience courses guided by renowned professors. These courses not only honed my critical thinking skills but also deepened my understanding of the subject. One of the program's strengths lies in its practical emphasis. Internships provided hands-on experience in various neuroscience divisions, bridging the gap between theory and application. What truly sets this program apart is the opportunity to engage with prestigious figures in the field. These connections expanded my horizons and created new prospects within the neuroscience domain. In summary, the Medical Neurosciences program is a prosperous gateway to the world of neuroscience. It demands curiosity and proactivity and, in return, offers an abundance of knowledge and opportunities."
Nina Soto, MSc Medical Neuroscienes Alumna
"As a trained biologist, I have been interested in using the tools and knowledge available to me to understand how circuits important for emotion and cognition evolve, and how their impairments result in different psychiatric disorders. The medical neurosciences graduate program at Charité provides great grounds for translational research. During our lectures, we have been educated on the different facets of neuroscience, from the basics of neurobiology to cognitive neuroscience and neuropharmacology. I particularly liked the engaging discussions between our small group and the professors during lectures. The interdisciplinary, international background of our cohort exposed me to different perspectives during discussions. Given Berlin is a major neuroscience hub, we had the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in various labs and work with world-class scientists during lab rotations. I had a great time immersing myself in the world of high-dimensional neural data before delving into the inner machinery of neurons using electrophysiology. Lastly, as a woman in STEM, it was inspiring to meet many female scientists and PIs and learn that Charité puts a high emphasis on diversity in research."
Zara Khan, MSc Medical Neurosciences Alumna
"With a BSc in Biochemistry I dived into the program that provides a holistic view by combining Neurobiology and Clinical Neuroscience. I have been fortunate to interact with brilliant professors and highly motivated and diverse classmates. Early on we presented and discussed recent publications, using the knowledge and critical thinking skills of previous modules. A plethora of research Groups offers interesting lab rotations. I love the vibrant and interdisciplinary vibe of the Neuroscience community and am actively involved in the Charite Neuroscience Newsletter (run completely by students of the program) and several science communication initiatives. This program is what you make of it. So, if you're curious and proactive, you'll find the program to be rewarding. To top that, the entrepreneurial and tech-savvy environment will beckon you to develop your scientific ideas into something tangible."
Check out Zara's contribution to the Long Night of Science Slam
Mariana Cerdeira, PhD and Neurasmus Alumna
"The MedNeuro PhD program allows one to study the fascinating topics within Neuroscience while being part of the Charité, probably the most prestigious medical university in Germany. The graduate program has some unique features, such as its new Career Development Program, being established to offer students career guidance in and outside of academia, and its CNS Newsletter, a science journalism magazine written and run by students. Besides, Berlin is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that is fantastic to live in and is blooming with healthcare startups and job opportunities."
Check out Mariana's contribution to the Long Night of Science Slam
Ashraf Abdo, MSc Medical Neurosciences Alumnus, PhD Student
"Upon finishing my graduate studies, I wanted to go deeper in the neuroscience field. I found medical neurosciences master's program would provide me with the solid basic background that I could build on. As a pharmacist, I always wanted to relate what I am doing to the medical application. As a part of Charité hospital, medical neurosciences master's program has provided me with the atmosphere of translating the research done on the bench to the bedside. Being in a direct contact with the medical environment, you can always see the medical perspective and the aim of what is taught in the classroom or in the laboratory. Currently, I am continuing my studies as a Ph.D. fellow of Einstein Center for Neurosciences at the Charité in the great city of Berlin."
Check out Ashraf's contribution to the Long Night of Science Slam
Ahmed Khalil, PhD and Neurasmus Alumnus
"The MedNeuro MSc program is a truly unique experience. It gives students, regardless of their academic backgrounds, a solid education in cellular and molecular neuroscience with a focus on disease pathophysiology and its clinical consequences. This is supplemented by methodological and practical training in the melting pot of outstanding scientific research and discovery that is Berlin. For me, the most attractive aspect of the program was the freedom to choose what I wanted to learn about and do research on. This allowed me to explore fields I never thought I would be interested in and to take active control in shaping my scientific Career."
Check out Ahmed's blog
Priscilla Koduah, MSc Medical Neurosciences Alumna, PhD Student
"Having studied Biochemistry in Ghana, researching the brain suddenly became of much interest to me, which was not offered in my home country. My expectations of studying neuroscience at was to broaden my understanding of the various research areas and the state of the art techniques in the field to prepare me for a career in research. I am in my second semester in the program and I already have heard so much about different research areas and several techniques being used. I have had the opportunity of hearing so many scientific talks and doing a lab rotation in the field of neuroscience. The quality and diversity of the faculty, the carefully designed depth of courses, the areas of ongoing research and the cultural diversity of the school, provides the right atmosphere to nurture my academic and research interests and work towards my Goal."
Pilar Ziad, Neurasmus Alumna
"The MedNeuro program in 2014 was the starter of my Neuroscience degree. What intrigues me the most is how much the program continues to evolve. MedNeuro is constantly working to develop and improve the content, the laboratory internships, the mentoring and career help, and everything in between. I had a great educational and life experience between learning from world-renowned faculty and scientists about highly stimulating neuroscience theory and practical research methodology, and forming strong friendships with people of different backgrounds and cultures. An experience I'll always cherish and seek to extend by continuing to be a part of the MedNeuro community. "