Medicine (Malta, 5 Year Programme)

Years 1 - 2

Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2)

The initial phase of the MBBS program focuses on understanding health through modules based on the primary organ systems of the human body. During the first nine weeks, you will cover the fundamentals of medicine before delving into each subject in greater depth, as part of several modules. This approach ensures that you develop a strong foundation in the following areas:

• The functioning of cells, organs, and body systems
• The effects of illnesses on individuals and their families
• The influence of environmental and social factors on health

In addition to traditional lectures, a significant portion of core teaching is conducted through problem-based learning. These weekly small-group sessions will help foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication. 

Clinical exposure is an integral part of the curriculum from the start, providing opportunities for hands-on interaction with healthcare professionals and direct engagement with the healthcare environment.

In the second year, you will build upon the knowledge gained in Year One. The course structure remains similar, revisiting the same modules but with a stronger focus on diseases and the treatments used to restore patients to health. Two new modules are introduced: Human Science and Public Health, and Cancer.

Problem-based learning sessions become more clinically oriented in Year Two, providing you with a deeper understanding of real-life medical scenarios. Furthermore, your exposure to healthcare professionals expands during this phase, allowing for enhanced learning and practical experience.

During Year One and Two, you will have the opportunity to select two Student Selected Components (SSCs) based on your personal interests. These SSCs cover a broad range of subjects in basic sciences and clinical disciplines. 

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Years 3 - 4

Phase 2 (Years 3 and 4)

Students start Year Three spending several weeks in our state-of-the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite, to cement their preparation for the clinical environment. They then embark on the exciting world of three nine-week long clinical attachments in General Medicine, General Practice, and General Surgery.

Students are introduced to clinical medicine through a series of placements in our associated teaching hospitals and community placements in Malta and Gozo. In addition, they regularly return to the medical school for teaching weeks and assessments.

SSCs in Year Three build on the skills developed in previous years, and are tailored to coincide with your first experience of clinical rotations, with emphasis on the doctor-patient relationship. Their aim is to maximise this learning by enabling clinical tutors to involve you in a particular aspect of their specialty and learn in more depth whilst on the wards.

With a solid foundation in General Medicine, students are now given the opportunity to learn more about the specialties. In Year Four, students are fully immersed in the clinical environment, and have attachments in the following specialties:

• Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Paediatrics
• Musculoskeletal, Geriatric Medicine, and Dermatology
• Psychiatry and Neurology
• General Practice

This year’s SSC involves writing a 6,000-8,000-word dissertation in an area of medicine, clinical practice, or biomedical science. This is an opportunity for you to assess the wider impact of medicine on society, including public health issues and the role of evidence-based medicine in medical practice.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 5

Phase 3 (Year 5)

During the final year, students are guided to develop the mindset and behaviours of doctors. By providing support during this transition from student to doctor, graduates will be able to effectively perform their duties from the very beginning of their professional careers.

To facilitate this transition, students will work as assistants to the Foundation Doctors, actively participating in patient care. The assistantship model emphasises learning by doing. Students will be assigned to specific medical teams, becoming an integral part of them. This arrangement will enhance their practical experience and foster active learning under supervision, with the primary focus on ensuring patient safety. The medical teams will strive to provide adequate supervision and organisation. They will also allow students to take on active and significant roles within the team.

You’ll complete your SSC programme, which may include spending time in a clinical speciality not previously experienced or gaining a deeper understanding in an area that already interests you.

After your final examinations, you will have the option of completing a six-week elective in Malta or another country. For many students, this is one of the most eagerly anticipated and memorable experiences at medical school – an opportunity to explore medicine in an entirely new environment, both socially and culturally.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.