The MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program is a one-year, 60 ECTS joint master’s initiative designed to address the critical need for specialized professionals in the field of mouse-model-based disease phenotyping. Developed in collaboration with four leading European universities—Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain), University of Naples Federico II (Italy), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), and the University of Lisbon (Portugal)—the program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates anatomy, pathology, biomedical imaging, and deep learning.
This intensive program aims to equip students with both practical laboratory experience and advanced computational skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the field of translational research. By bridging preclinical animal research with potential clinical applications, the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program plays a vital role in preparing graduates to support the development of innovative therapeutic solutions. Funded by the European Union under the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s framework, the program also offers generous scholarships to outstanding international candidates.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-10-2022
- End date 30-11-2028
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program offers students the opportunity to study at four top European universities, focusing on human disease models, morphological phenotyping, advanced imaging technologies
| Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) |
| University of Naples Federico II (UNINA) |
| Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) |
| University of Lisbon (ULisboa) |
| Spain |
| Italy |
| Greece |
| Portugal |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus Program
MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus is a 60‑ECTS, 12‑month joint master tailored to train elite mouse phenotyping scientists. It tackles four pillars—anatomy & embryology, pathology, imaging, deep learning—with immersive modules spanning Barcelona, Naples, Thessaloniki, and culminating in a thesis placement anywhere in the consortium
Key Features of the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus Program
- Strong EU funding—scholarships cover tuition, living stipend (€16,800 max.), plus insurance
- Joint diploma from four universities
- High-end research placements: from Cambridge to St. Jude’s to Czech phenogenomics
- Optional local language courses (Catalan, Italian, Greek)
- Inclusive support via special-needs services at all universities
Mobility Tracks of the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1: UAB (10 ECTS) → UNINA (20 ECTS)
- Semester 2: AUTH (20 ECTS) → Internship/dissertation at any partner (10 ECTS)
- Dissertation placements may be anywhere within the institutional network—including globally!
Admission Requirements
- Academic background: Bachelor’s in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Veterinary or Medicine
- English proficiency: CEFR C1 or TOEFL ≥ 90 (24 writing), IELTS ≥ 7.0 (min 6.0; 7.5 writing)
- Documents: transcript, diploma, CV, passport, motivation letter, 2‑page essay on a mouse organ integrating all 4 disciplines
How to Apply for MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus Program
- Get a UAB ID via UAB portal
- Log into the UAB Erasmus Mundus application
- Complete personal/academic info, upload required docs
- Submit motivation letter and scientific essay
- Download application confirmation
Tips to Win the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus Program
- Tailor your essay to show integrated anatomical, imaging, pathology, AI insight
- Show proficiency in English
- Highlight international interest—detail how European mobility energizes your growth
- Showcase self-discipline—a packed 12-month EMJM is no easy ride
- Polish motivation—personal story that meshes with phenotyping’s impact
- Apply early, double-check docs, don’t miss the April deadline
Application Timeline
- Opens: December
- Deadline: March
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus Program
| Phase | Location | Components |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | UAB | Mouse anatomy, pathology (10 ECTS) |
| UNINA | Imaging techniques (20 ECTS) | |
| Semester 2 | AUTH | Deep learning & experimental design (20 ECTS) |
| Any partner | Dissertation + internship (10 ECTS) |
Coordinator Contact
- Coordinator: Prof. Jesús Ruberte (UAB)
- Project Manager: Eva Gea Orriols
- Appeals inbox: coordinacio.master.morphophen@uab.cat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the duration of the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program?
The MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program is a one-year (12-month) joint master’s program, awarding a total of 60 ECTS credits.
Who is eligible to apply for the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program?
Applicants to the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program must hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, biomedicine, veterinary science, pharmacy, or a related field, and meet the required English language proficiency standards.
Does the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program offer fully funded scholarships?
Yes, the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program offers full scholarships covering tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel expenses, and insurance for selected students.
What are the key academic components of the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program?
The curriculum of the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program includes training in mouse anatomy and pathology, biomedical imaging, deep learning, experimental design, and an internship with a research dissertation.
What are the English language requirements for the MorphoPHEN Erasmus Mundus program?
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency—minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90 or IELTS score of 7.0, with higher requirements for the writing section.
