The Master‘s Program Population-Based Medicine in Tübingen prepares students to respond to both challenges and opportunities to improve health within and across populations. Our goal is to train future population health experts with outstanding methodological knowledge and interdisciplinary expertise to address the full range of factors influencing health and disease. Population-Based Medicine works with big datasets and epidemiological and statistical methods to identify patterns in the diseases and health of large populations.
Studium und Lehre
an der Medizinischen Fakultät
der Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
The Master's Program Population-Based Medicine


Population-Based Medicine includes the designing, implementation and evaluation of intervention programs for health problems (e.g., lifestyle modification strategies and stress management), the development of prevention strategies at the population level (e.g., for diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer), as well as the development of policy recommendations, health education and outreach at community and population level (e.g., digital health technologies).
The Population-Based Medicine program in Tübingen is a 4-semester full-time program completely offered in English. One of the most important features of the program is a mandatory practicum in the third semester which can be completed in Germany or abroad. The master program is accredited and applies the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

Current news
Online Information Event 2023
In autumn 2023 we will be hosting an online information event via Zoom. Students interested in applying for the PBM program should send an email to pbm.studium@med.uni-tuebingen.de and register for the event. A Zoom link will then be sent to you shortly before the event.
Wednesday, 27th September 2023
5:00 pm, CEST
Apply now!
The ALMA application portal will be open from mid-December 2023 to the deadline on January 15th 2024.
We’re looking forward to your application for the summer semester 2024!
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Contact
Program Director

Prof. Dr. Norbert Schmitz
Head of Department Population-Based Medicine
E-Mail-Adresse: norbert.schmitz@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Contact person

Dr. Tanja Seifried-Dübon
Program Coordinator
E-Mail-Adresse: pbm.studium@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Telefonnummer: 07071 29-87111
Study PBM @Tübingen!

M.Sc. PBM Booklet
Check out our Booklet!Further information
How to apply and further information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the PBM program and a Public Health program?
A simple approach to bridging population-based medicine and public health: population-based medicine is the basic science of public health, much as biomedical research is the basic science of clinical medicine. Population-based medicine provides the basic understanding of how health is produced, while public health aims to apply that understanding toward building and promoting health in populations. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30207758/
What is the difference between the PBM program and an Epidemiology program?
Epidemiology provides essential knowledge to design, implement, and assess approaches to effectively prevent disease and improve health in populations. Epidemiological methods are the cornerstones of population health and population-based medicine, which consider the broader picture by integrating concepts, methods and evidence from behavioral, environmental, biological, social, economic, cultural, and psychological science.
Which first degree is required for the M.Sc. Population-Based Medicine program?
You need a Bachelor’s Degree (or an equivalent degree of at least 6 semesters) in Health Sciences or a comparable subject. Examples for potentially comparable subjects are:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Nutrition
- Pharmacy
- Health Economics
- Health Policy
- Biostatistics
- Psychology
- Sports
- Sociology
- Cognitive Sciences
- ...
Make sure to include a Transcript of Records or similar documents which describe the contents of your Bachelor’s Degree in order to allow for assessment of the comparability of the field. A final decision can only be made based on your complete application.
Do I need any specific skills in statistics and methods?
Yes, some knowledge in statistics and methods is expected. However, you may still apply for the program if your bachelor’s degree fulfills the admission requirements. During the selection process you may receive bonus points for obtained CP in statistics and methods. Also, the topic will be discussed during the selection interview.
Is work experience required for the application?
Work experience is not a prerequisite for your application. However, relevant work experience may give you bonus points for the selection process. Therefore, make sure to upload any certificate or verification you might have on your work experience.
How many students will be admitted?
There are 20 study places in Population-Based Medicine per year.
When does the program start?
The program currently only starts in the summer semester. Courses start mid-April.
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for your application is January 15th. No application received after this date can enter the selection process.
What is the language of instruction?
All courses and examinations will be held in English. You need English skills at the B2 level (CEFR). A corresponding certificate must be submitted with the application.
Do I also need German language skills?
Although you won’t need German in your courses, German skills are useful for managing your everyday life in Tübingen or in case you would like to complete your practicum in a German organization. Consider taking German lessons at the Centre for German as a foreign language.
What is the schedule of the program?
In the first two semesters, courses will be held according to a fixed schedule. In the third semester you will complete your mandatory practicum and attend an online practicum seminar. In the fourth semester you will attend a Master’s colloquium and write your thesis. The detailed schedule can be found in the module handbook which is available here.
Is there an opportunity to study abroad during the program?
A good opportunity to spend time abroad during your master studies is the practicum/internship in the third semester. Start looking for potential practicum organizations early and use a practicum/internship abroad for getting to know yet another health system.
Where can I work with a degree in Population-Based Medicine?
With a degree in Population-Based Medicine you can work in a variety of public and private organizations in the health sector (e.g., hospitals, consulting agencies), as well as NGOs. You will also be ready for pursuing PhD studies.