Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University

About the Faculty

The Medical Faculty Mannheim is one of two medical faculties of Heidelberg University, located in Mannheim on the Rhine. It admits approximately 270 students per winter semester and has operated the MaReCuM curriculum (Mannheimer Reformiertes Curriculum für Medizin) since 2006. The faculty has around 1,400 enrolled students in total; the affiliated University Medical Centre Mannheim (UKM) has 1,352 plan beds.

MaReCuM Curriculum

Unlike the traditional subject-by-subject approach, MaReCuM organises teaching around organ systems and disease entities. Students encounter cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, and other fields as integrated blocks that combine basic science, pathophysiology, clinical reasoning, and practical skills from the outset. From the second year, students make an early specialisation choice between three tracks: a practice-oriented track focusing on clinical skills, a scientific track for students aiming for a research career, and an additional Master's track for those wishing to obtain a second academic degree alongside the Staatsexamen.

Practical Year (PJ)

Mannheim’s PJ structure is unique in Germany. Instead of the standard three blocks of 16 weeks, Mannheim divides the year into four quarters of 12 weeks each: Innere Medizin, Chirurgie, a freely chosen Wahlfach, and — mandatory for all students — a quarter in ambulatory medicine. The ambulatory medicine quarter, which includes general practice and outpatient specialist care, is a distinctive feature not required at any other German medical faculty.

Admission

Admission is via hochschulstart (winter semester only). In the main quota: Abitur grade counts for 46%, TMS score for 44%, and other criteria for 10%. An aptitude quota weighted at 90% TMS also applies. No tuition fees are charged. Mannheim benefits from excellent ICE high-speed rail connections: Frankfurt am Main is approximately 30 minutes away, Heidelberg just a few minutes.

Admission

Winter semester only, via hochschulstart. Main quota: Abitur 46%, TMS 44%, other 10%. Aptitude quota: TMS 90%. No tuition fees.

Degree Recognition

Graduates receive the German Staatsexamen (Approbation as Arzt/Ärztin), recognised across the EU under Directive 2005/36/EC and in many other countries worldwide.

Campus Life

Mannheim is a lively Rhine city with a large student population and a compact, walkable city centre built on a grid plan. The faculty campus is well integrated into the city. ICE connections place Frankfurt and Stuttgart within easy reach, and Heidelberg — with its historic old town — is just minutes away by regional train.

What makes the MaReCuM curriculum different?

MaReCuM uses organ-system-based modules rather than separate subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Basic science and clinical content are integrated from the start, and students choose a specialisation track (practice-oriented, scientific, or additional Master’s) from the second year.

What is the ambulatory medicine PJ quarter?

Mannheim requires all PJ students to complete a 12-week quarter in ambulatory (outpatient) medicine — including general practice and outpatient specialist settings. This is not required at other German faculties and reflects Mannheim’s emphasis on preparing students for real-world outpatient care.

Is the TMS very important for admission?

Yes. The TMS counts for 44% of the main quota and 90% of the aptitude quota, making it highly influential at Mannheim.