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Doctor of Medicine and Surgery

The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MD) is a five-year degree programme designed to provide students with a comprehensive medical education. The curriculum is structured into pre-clinical and clinical phases, spread out over several semesters.

Programme Overview

The learning experience includes a combination of traditional didactic methods, such as lectures, tutorials, and small group sessions, alongside problem-based learning where appropriate. During the preclinical years, students gain hands-on experience through practical sessions, including anatomy dissections. In the clinical years, students are introduced to bedside teaching, shadowing, observation, skills training, as well as theatre and ward attendance.

Intercalated Year

The Faculty of Medicine and Surgery offers an optional intercalated year after completion of the first two years (pre-clinical phase) of the MD course. This intercalated year leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Sciences, allowing students to deepen their laboratory-based research skills and is particularly beneficial if they are considering a future career as a Physician scientist.

Communication and Academic Skills Programme

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

Information for International Applicants

General Entry Requirements

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications.

Special Course Requirements

• Two Advanced Level passes at Grade B or better in Biology and Chemistry.
• 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.
• All passes in these Special Course Requirements must be obtained together in one session of examinations.

Notes and Other Requirements

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• Other specified degrees with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better.

Programme Structure

The programme is structured over five years, with compulsory units for each year.

Year 1

• MDS1032: Cardiovascular System
• MDS1011: Medical Leadership - Interpersonal Communication Skills
• MDS1023: Introduction to Medical Ethics and Professionalism
• MDS1030: Musculoskeletal - Physiology and Upper Limbs
• MDS1034: Respiratory System
• MDS1037: Organisation of the Body
• MDS1038: Cell Biology and Biochemistry
• MDS1010: Blood and Body Defence Mechanisms
• MDS1026: Molecular Biology and Genetics
• MDS1031: Muscoloskeletal - Back and Lower Limbs
• MDS1033: Reproduction
• MDS1035: Research Skills
• MDS1036: Renal System

Year 2

• MDS2009: Pharmacology
• MDS2028: Anatomy and Physiology Projects
• MDS2029: Integrated Biomedical Sciences
• MDS2037: Medical Leadership Teamwork and Intrapersonal Communication Skills
• MDS2004: Microbiology
• MDS2026: Integrated Metabolism and Endocrinology
• MDS2035: Nervous System: Head and Neck and Special Senses
• MDS2038: Gastrointestinal System
• MDS2008: Pathology
• MDS2036: Higher Brain Function and the Spinal Cord
• MDS2039: Psychological, Social, Environmental, Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Care

Year 3

• MDS3008: Medical Leadership - Intrapersonal Communication Skills 2 and Reflective Practice
• MDS3009: Pathology
• MDS3011: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1
• MDS3018: Respiratory and Cardio-Vascular
• MDS3019: Integrated Clinical and Radiological Skills
• MDS3001: Forensic Medicine
• MDS3015: General Surgery and ENT
• MDS3016: Orthopaedics and Rheumatology
• MDS3017: Gastroenterology
• MDS3022: Public Health
• MDS3020: Urology and Nephrology
• MDS3021: Endocrinology

Year 4

• MDS4034: Anaesthesia and Clinical Pharmacology
• MDS4035: Family Medicine
• MDS4036: Neurology and Ophthalmology
• MDS4015: Geriatric Medicine, Oncology and Palliative Care
• MDS4037: Dermatology, Venerology and Infectious Diseases
• MDS4038: Psychiatry
• MDS4019: Paediatrics 1
• MDS4039: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Year 5

• MDS4029: Clinical Skills in Medicine
• MDS4030: Clinical Skills in Surgery
• MDS4031: Clinical Skills in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• MDS4032: Clinical Skills in Paediatrics
• MDS4033: Essential Core Competences
• MDS4024: Medicine
• MDS4025: Surgery
• MDS4026: Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2
• MDS4027: Paediatrics 2
• MDS4028: Medical Leadership and Psychological and Social Aspects of Health Care

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students 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.
• Apply ethical and legal principles in medical practice.
• 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.
• Promote health, engage with population health issues, and work effectively and safely in a healthcare system.

Fees

For non-EU applicants, the fee per academic year is Eur 26,000.

Career Prospects

The degree awarded after successful completion of the programme entitles students to apply for limited registration with the Malta Medical Council and makes them 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 students 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.