Radiation Biology

The interdisciplinary degree program Radiation Biology covers all the relevant aspects of radiation, including molecular biology, genetics, cancer biology, immunology, radiation-induced early and late morbidities epidemiology, radiation physics and dosimetry, and radiation protection.

The program focuses on the medical uses of radiation and cancer research.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the Master’s program in Radiation Biology (PDF, German)

Radiation biology explores both the biological basis of the therapeutic application of radiation, especially in cancer, and the risks associated with the use of ionizing radiation in medicine and technology. The program, therefore, teaches the following disciplines and competencies: 

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Cytogenetics
• Immunology
• Tumor Biology and Carcinogenesis
• Pathophysiology
• Radiation Physics
• Imaging 
• Clinical and Experimental Radiation Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Radiation Protection
• Research Management
• Ethical awareness

Graduates act primarily as translational researchers in radiation biology at the interface between research and clinical practice. They are an important driving force for further developments in preclinical research of innovative methods in nuclear medicine, radiology, and radiation oncology. In addition, graduates can assume an essential role as professionally qualified advisors and communicators who can discuss and evaluate current topics regarding radiation in the dialogue between science and society and between medicine and the authorities.

The Master’s program in Radiation Biology is designed for four semesters with 120 CP. The first two semesters consist of mandatory modules that build the foundations for radiation biology. Both semesters are supplemented by practical work.

The mandatory modules build on each other in the semesters, thus providing a set module structure.

The elective area includes the research internship, the support electives for core skills, and the in-depth options in the third semester, which can be clinical and experimental radiation oncology, imaging in radiation research, or advanced molecular radiation biology. 

In the fourth semester, students will work on a master's thesis.

• Module descriptions (PDF)

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.  

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is English.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 6,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master’s program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a Bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. The aptitude assessment allows the TUM school to which you are applying to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a Bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a Master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more 

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Letter of Motivation
• Essay
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) was obtained outside the EU/EEA (from winter semester 2025/26: outside Germany)

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for winter semester: 01.01. – 31.05.

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. The aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its Master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your Bachelor’s program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected, or invited to an admissions interview.

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Description of the Aptitude Assessment (German) (PDF 516 KB)