BSc Medicine and Surgery (Bolzano)

The BSc Medicine and Surgery (Bolzano) at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart is a six-year, English-taught medical degree designed for students who want to become internationally competent physicians through an integrated, patient-centred approach to healthcare. Location: Claudiana – University Center for Health Professions, Via Lorenz Böhler 13, 39100 Bolzano (Bozen), South Tyrol, Italy. Students benefit from early clinical exposure, simulation-based learning, and multilingual clinical training in English, Italian, and German through the South Tyrol hospital network, preparing them for modern healthcare environments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year establishes a strong scientific foundation by integrating biomedical sciences with the study of the human body. Students develop an understanding of cellular biology, physiology, and anatomy through modules such as Basic Sciences, Functional Architecture of the Human Body (MSK/Heart/Vascular System), Gene Regulation and Cell Metabolism, and Life of Cells, Tissues and Microbes, while also strengthening communication through Scientific English.

Year 2

During the second year, students deepen their understanding of normal and abnormal human function while learning the scientific principles behind disease development. Core subjects include Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Microbe–Host Interaction, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Functional Architecture of the Human Body 2 & 3, covering the respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and nervous systems.

Year 3

The third year transitions students from foundational sciences into clinical medicine by integrating disease mechanisms with diagnosis and patient care. Students study major clinical disciplines including Cardiovascular Diseases, Respiratory Diseases, and Renal and Urinary Diseases, while continuing to build clinical reasoning and patient assessment skills through integrated learning activities.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions across multiple specialties. Students undertake integrated modules such as Digestive Diseases, Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, and Neurological Disorders, while expanding their practical experience through supervised clinical placements and simulation-based training.

Year 5

In the fifth year, students gain extensive experience in major clinical specialties and multidisciplinary patient management. Coursework includes Women's and Children's Health, Emergency and Critical Care, and Mental Health, supported by increasingly independent clinical rotations that strengthen decision-making and professional competence.

Year 6

The final year prepares students for professional medical practice through advanced clinical training and supervised patient care. Students complete modules including Being a Physician, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, Bones and Joints, Public Health, Occupational Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Practical-Evaluation Training in General Medicine, and a Thesis Dissertation, demonstrating readiness for medical practice and postgraduate training.

Focus Areas

Integrated basic and clinical sciences, patient-centred healthcare, clinical reasoning, multilingual medical communication (English, Italian and German), medical ethics, public health, simulation-based learning, interdisciplinary teamwork, evidence-based medicine, early clinical exposure.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop comprehensive biomedical and clinical knowledge, accurately assess and manage patients, apply evidence-based medical practice, communicate effectively in multicultural healthcare environments, demonstrate professionalism and ethical decision-making, collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, and deliver safe, patient-centred care across diverse clinical settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme awards the Italian Single-Cycle Master's Degree in Medicine and Surgery (LM-41), following the national curriculum for medical education in Italy. It integrates professional training throughout the six years and includes substantial clinical internships that prepare graduates for medical practice in accordance with Italian higher education regulations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart is one of Italy's leading universities for medicine and health sciences. The Bolzano programme combines the university's academic expertise with clinical training delivered through the South Tyrol healthcare network, offering students multilingual clinical experience and international mobility opportunities that enhance graduate employability.