The overall aim of the degree programme Health Services Research and Implementation Science is to provide students with a solid foundation in health services research and implementation science principles. They will also acquire competency in using tools and methods to plan and implement effective trials in an efficient, sustainable and responsible way.

Course Content

The degree programme is characterized by:

• Focus on healthcare in Germany and Europe: The main focus of the course is on health care in hospitals and outpatient practices in Germany and Europe.
• Research orientation: The programme is research-oriented. Throughout the programme, research results, qualitative and quantitative methods as well as theoretical and conceptual approaches are addressed.
• Patient and stakeholder perspectives: The perspectives of the various stakeholders and especially users of health care systems are of central importance for health care research and implementation science.
• Location Heidelberg: The Medical Faculty Heidelberg – notably at the University Hospital Heidelberg – offers various opportunities to gain insight into practice and research in health care (e.g. in the context of internships, projects and theses).

Course Structure

The degree programme is a modular programme. In the first semesters it focusses on theoretical and methodical foundations of health care research and implementation science. This approach is complemented by compulsory elective internships or work placements in the second and third semesters. Students will finish their studies with the completion of a Master’s thesis.

Main study areas

Health care research and implementation science 

• Introduction to health services research  
• Introduction of implementation science  
• Quality improvement and evaluation  
• Organisational Development  in health care organisations  

Health care systems 

• Management, administration and legal aspects of health care systems  
• Health economic evaluation  
• Health care systems  

Scientific principles and methods 

• Academic Skills and Academic Writing
• Qualitative research methods
• Quantitative research methods

Areas of application in health care research and implementation science 

• Lecture series on current topics  
• Transfer project  
• Compulsory Elective Internship  
• Key Competencies  

Master’s thesis and colloquium

Terms of Application

The master program is admission-restricted. A maximum of 20 participants will be accepted each year.

Prospective students have to hold a bachelor’s degree (duration of at least 3 years or a minimum of 180 ECTS) in health science or related fields (e.g. health care management, health economics, midwifery science, nursing science, social science and therapeutic science) and a basic knowledge of social research methods (min. 6 ECTS).

Languages of instruction are German and English, solid language skills in both languages are mandatory. The DSH Examination of German language proficiency is required for admission to the university.

The program starts in the winter term only (mid October). Applications will be accepted from April 1st to May 15th. Applications have to be handed in via the online application portal of the university administration.

Required documents

• Copies of University Transcripts

• Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages) including details of extra-curricular activities, work experience, language skills etc.

• Letter of motivation (1 page), including: a) career background, b) reasons for applying, b) desired career after graduation

Applicants from other countries

Regarding the application process, non-German citizens may please visit the website of the  

Akademischen Auslandsamt of Heidelberg University (Seminarstraße 2) and read this information brochure carefully.

Documents for applying for 1st subject-related semester

Facts & Formalities