Doctor of Medicine and Surgery

Doctor of Medicine and Surgery

Course Title

Doctor of Medicine and Surgery

MQF Level

7

Duration and Credits

5 Years

300 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Information for International applicants

  1. two Advanced Level passes at Grade B or better in Biology and Chemistry and
  2. an Intermediate Level pass at Grade B or better in any subject taken in the Matriculation Examination except for the Environmental Science and Systems of Knowledge

provided that all passes in these Special Course Requirements are obtained together in one session of examinations (i.e. one sitting) and are from recognised examining boards from the same country.

A pass obtained in a session of examinations which is held after the results of a previous session were published shall be deemed to be a pass obtained in a session that is distinct from the previous one. This also applies to the second session of the Matriculation Examination offered by the MATSEC Board of the University of Malta according to the provisions of the Matriculation Examination Regulations, 2013 and this notwithstanding any other regulation governing the award of the Matriculation Certificate.

Applicants in possession of one of the following degrees obtained from the University of Malta together with a SEC Level pass in Maltese at Grade 5 or better may also apply:

  1. a Bachelor of Science with a classification of Category II or better or a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better, in both cases with Biology and Chemistry as principal areas, or a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better in either Biology or in Chemistry or in Chemistry with Materials or
  2. a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better in one of the following:

    Applied Biomedical Science (or Medical Laboratory Science), Applied Food and Nutritional Sciences, Community Nursing, Community Midwifery, Communication Therapy, Health Science, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, and Radiography or

  3. a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better or
  4. a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Science with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better or
  5. a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better if awarded from July 2009 onwards or
  6. the degree of Master of Dental Surgery or
  7. a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biochemistry with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better or
  8. a Master of Pharmacy with a classification of Merit or better or
  9. a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Technology with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better or
  10. a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmacology with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better awarded from July 2024 onwards or
  11. a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a classification of Second Class or better in Physics, Medical Physics and Radiation Protection.

During the first year of the Course, accepted applicants are also required to undergo an occupational health assessment, as detailed in the Occupational Health Protocol approved by the Faculty Board, so as to ascertain that they are fit for the duties related to their proposed studies. Students who do not fulfil this requirement may be barred from progressing with their studies. Failure to disclose information about a physical or mental health problem that could affect patient safety is considered to be a serious breach of the University Suitability to Practise Regulations.

All applicants are also required to be in possession of a pass in the Secondary Education Certificate in Maltese except that:

  1. Maltese applicants who, in terms of regulation 12(5) of the Admissions Regulations, 2016 are exempted from possessing a pass in the Secondary Education Certificate in Maltese are required to present the Medical Maltese Proficiency Certificate awarded by the University of Malta prior to the commencement of the Course and
  2. non-Maltese applicants are required to present the Medical Maltese Proficiency Certificate awarded by the University of Malta, or a pass in the study-unit in Medical Maltese as part of the Certificate in Medical Foundation Studies, prior to the commencement of the Course, provided that applicants presenting overseas qualifications and a pass in the Secondary Education Certificate examination in Maltese shall be exempted from presenting the Medical Maltese Proficiency Certificate. The Secondary Education Certificate pass in Maltese, or the Medical Maltese Proficiency Certificate (if applicants are eligible for exemption from the SEC in Maltese), is required for admission to both Year 1 and Year 3 of the Course.

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Applications for our February and October intakes have been officially open since the third week in November. You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery is a five-year degree course. The content is delivered as modules which are largely based on systems. The course is divided into preclinical and clinical phases which are spread out over several semesters. The teaching and learning methodology is a mix of traditional didactic teaching, such as lectures, tutorials and small group teaching) as well as problem-based learning where appropriate. In the preclinical years it also includes practicals (e.g. anatomy dissection) and in the clinical years bedside teaching, shadowing, observation, skills training, theatre and ward attendance.

Communication and Academic Skills Programme

The communication and academic skills programme complements students’ main course of study. It introduces them to writing and presenting as situated within academic contexts sensitive to specific disciplines and develops their competences for future careers.

 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS1032 Cardiovascular System 8 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS1011 Medical Leadership - Interpersonal Communication Skills 2 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS1023 Introduction to Medical Ethics and Professionalism 2 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS1030 Musculoskeletal - Physiology and Upper Limbs 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS1034 Respiratory System 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS1037 Organisation of the Body 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS1038 Cell Biology and Biochemistry 6 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 2
MDS1010 Blood and Body Defence Mechanisms 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS1026 Molecular Biology and Genetics 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS1031 Muscoloskeletal - Back and Lower Limbs 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS1033 Reproduction 5 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS1035 Research Skills 2 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS1036 Renal System 5 ECTS   (NC)  

 

 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS2009 Pharmacology 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS2028 Anatomy and Physiology Projects 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS2029 Integrated Biomedical Sciences 10 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS2037 Medical Leadership Teamwork and Intrapersonal Communication Skills 4 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS2004 Microbiology 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS2026 Integrated Metabolism and Endocrinology 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS2035 Nervous System: Head and Neck and Special Senses 7 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS2038 Gastrointestinal System 5 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS2008 Pathology 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS2036 Higher Brain Function and the Spinal Cord 7 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS2039 Psychological, Social, Environmental, Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Care 5 ECTS   (NC)  

 

 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS3006 Surgery 2 (Cardiothoracic, Vascular and Urology) 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS3008 Medical Leadership - Intrapersonal Communication Skills 2 and Reflective Practice 2 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS3009 Pathology 10 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS3010 Integrated Clinical Skills 3 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS3011 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1 5 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS3013 Medicine 2 (Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology) 8 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS3014 Surgery 3 (Orthopaedics and ENT) 7 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS1035 Research Skills 2 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS3001 Forensic Medicine 3 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS3005 Surgery 1 (General Surgery) 8 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS3012 Medicine 1 (Cardiovascular and Respiratory) 8 ECTS   (NC)  

 

 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS4013 Neurology and Ophthalmology 6 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS4012 Anaesthesia 3 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4014 Dermatology, Venereology and Infectious Diseases 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4015 Geriatric Medicine, Oncology and Palliative Care 5 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4020 Psychiatry 11 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS4016 Family Medicine 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4017 Public Health 3 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4018 Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1 12 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4019 Paediatrics 1 10 ECTS   (NC)  

 

 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS4029 Clinical Skills in Medicine 8 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4030 Clinical Skills in Surgery 8 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4031 Clinical Skills in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4032 Clinical Skills in Paediatrics 4 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4033 Essential Core Competences 6 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MDS4024 Medicine 8 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4025 Surgery 8 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4026 Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4027 Paediatrics 2 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MDS4028 Medical Leadership and Psychological and Social Aspects of Health Care 2 ECTS   (NC)  

 

This programme of study is governed by the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery Degree Course Regulations, 2013 under the auspices of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Carry out a consultation with a patient.
  • Assess clinical presentations, order investigations and make differential diagnoses.
  • Develop and implement a patient management plan.
  • Apply scientific principles, method and knowledge to medical practice and research.
  • Demonstrate an empathic and humane attitude.
  • Prescribe drugs in a safe and effective manner.

  • practice reflective lifelong learning
  • work within a multi-disciplinary team;
  • carry out a consultation with a patient;
  • prescribe drugs in a safe and effective manner;
  • demonstrate an empathic and humane attitude;
  • apply ethical and legal principles in medical practice;
  • develop and implement a patient management plan;
  • assess psychological and social aspects of a patient's illness;
  • apply the relevant clinical skills to carry out practical procedures;
  • provide immediate and appropriate care of medical emergencies;
  • apply the principles, skills and knowledge of evidence-based medicine;
  • communicate effectively in a medical context with patients and families;
  • use information and information technology effectively in a medical context;
  • assess clinical presentations, order investigations, make differential diagnoses;
  • apply scientific principles, method and knowledge to medical practice and research;
  • promote health, engage with population health issues and work effectively and safely in a health care System;

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 26,000

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

The degree awarded after successful completion of the programme entitles you to apply for limited registration with the Malta Medical Council and makes you eligible to apply for foundation doctor posts. The qualification is also mandatory for eventual full registration with the Medical Council. The degree is also required for postgraduate training in any of the medical specialties both locally and overseas. The degree also allows you to apply for higher degrees such as M Phil and PhD with the University of Malta and other universities. Successful completion of the programme is a pre-requisite for embarking on a career in any of the various specialties.

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