BSc Medicine and Surgery (Rome)

Location: Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome (RM), Lazio, Italy – Rome Campus, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)

The BSc Medicine and Surgery (6-Year Integrated Degree Programme) at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart is a fully English-taught medical program designed for students who aspire to become globally competent physicians. Combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with early clinical exposure at the renowned Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, the program integrates scientific excellence, patient-centred care, professional ethics, and hands-on clinical training to prepare graduates for medical practice worldwide.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year establishes a strong scientific foundation by introducing students to the structure and function of the human body while developing essential laboratory and communication skills. Students study subjects such as General and Inorganic Chemistry, Medical Physics, and Human Anatomy, alongside introductory medical sciences that prepare them for clinical learning.

Year 2

In the second year, students deepen their understanding of biological processes underlying health and disease through integrated biomedical sciences. Core modules including Biochemistry, Physiology, and Medical Microbiology & Immunology help students connect normal body functions with the mechanisms of disease while strengthening their analytical and diagnostic thinking.

Year 3

The third year bridges pre-clinical and clinical medicine by introducing disease mechanisms and diagnostic principles. Through subjects such as General Pathology, Pharmacology, and Pathophysiology, students begin applying scientific knowledge to real medical cases while enhancing clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making.

Year 4

Clinical education becomes the primary focus as students rotate through hospital departments and participate in supervised professional training. Learning includes disciplines such as Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and Diagnostic Imaging, with structured clinical placements at Policlinico Gemelli allowing students to develop practical patient-care competencies.

Year 5

Students expand their clinical expertise across major medical specialties while managing increasingly complex patient cases. Courses including Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Neurology are complemented by advanced clinical rotations that strengthen diagnostic accuracy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional responsibility.

Year 6

The final year focuses on advanced clinical practice and preparation for independent medical careers. Students undertake extensive professional internships in Emergency Medicine, Specialist Clinical Rotations, and General Practice, integrating their knowledge with real-world patient management before graduating as qualified physician-surgeons.

Focus Areas (in a string)

Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Neurology, Clinical Skills, Diagnostic Medicine, Medical Ethics, Evidence-Based Medicine, Patient-Centred Care, Preventive Medicine, Medical Humanities, Clinical Research.

Learning Outcomes (in a string)

Develop comprehensive biomedical knowledge, diagnose and manage common diseases, perform clinical examinations, apply evidence-based medical practice, communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams, demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility, integrate scientific research into clinical decision-making, deliver patient-centred healthcare, collaborate in multidisciplinary environments, and qualify for postgraduate medical specialization and physician practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

• Integrated LM-41 Medicine and Surgery degree qualifying graduates for the profession of Physician-Surgeon in Italy.
• Curriculum aligned with European medical education standards and integrates learning objectives from both European and US medical curricula.
• Extensive clinical training is delivered through Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, one of Italy's leading university hospitals.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

• Students receive clinical training at Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, ranked as Italy's best university hospital and 44th worldwide in Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals 2025.
• The university offers internationally recognised medical education with opportunities for Double/Triple Degree pathways in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University (USA), enhancing global employability.