Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Cattolica International

Course details

The programme offers an innovative curriculum that combines basic sciences and clinical sciences from the very start. It also includes studies in human sciences and bioethics, helping students to develop strong communication skills for building effective doctor-patient relationships.

Students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience at the Central Hospital in Bolzano, as well as in other hospitals within the South Tyrol Region. A unique feature of the programme in Italy is the teaching of both Italian and German, enabling students to communicate easily with medical staff and patients.
The curriculum refers to the academic year 2024-2025 and may be subject to variations.

YEAR 1

  • Basic sciences (14 ECTS)
  • Functional architecture of the human body 1 (msk/heart/vascular system) (12 ECTS)
  • Gene regulation and cell metabolism (11 ECTS)
  • German language 1* (3 ECTS)
  • Italian language 1* (3 ECTS)
  • Life of cells, tissues and microbes (10 ECTS)
  • Scientific English (2 ECTS)
  • Theology 1: introduction to christology and scriptures

YEAR 2

  • Cellular and molecular pathology (8 ECTS)
  • Epidemiology and biostatistics (6 ECTS)
  • Functional architecture of the human body 2 (respiratory/digestive/urinary/reproductive) (15 ECTS)
  • Functional architecture of the human body 3 (endocrine/nervous system) (12 ECTS)
  • History of medicine and antropology (2 ECTS)
  • German language 2* (3 ECTS)
  • German language 3* (3 ECTS)
  • Italian language 2* (2 ECTS)
  • Italian language 3* (2 ECTS)
  • Microbe - host interaction (10 ECTS)
  • Theology 2: introduction to theological anthropology and ecclesiology

YEAR 3

  • Approach to diagnosis and treatment (11 ECTS)
  • Hematology (8 ECTS)
  • Infectious diseases (9 ECTS)
  • Introduction to clinical medicine
    (13 ECTS)
  • German language 4* (3 ECTS)
  • Italian language 4* (3 ECTS)
  • Mechanisms and manifestations of diseases (13 ECTS)
  • Theology 3: introduction to ethics and Christian ethics

YEAR 4

  • Endocrinology (6 ECTS)
  • Gastroenterology (12 ECTS)
  • Gynecology (10 ECTS)
  • Liver and biliary tract (6 ECTS)
  • Materno-fetal medicine and obstetrics (5 ECTS)
  • Metabolism and clinical nutrition (6 ECTS)
  • Neurosciences (14 ECTS)
  • Theology (seminarial course

YEAR 5

  • Cardiac diseases (9 ECTS)
  • Dermatology and rheumatology (9 ECTS)
  • Emergency and intensive care (9 ECTS)
  • Geriatrics and palliative medicine (7 ECTS)
  • Kidney and urinary system (8 ECTS)
  • Pediatrics (9 ECTS)
  • Respiratory diseases (8 ECTS)

YEAR 6

  • Being a physician (14 ECTS)
  • Bones and joints (8 ECTS)
  • Eye, ear, nose and throat (10 ECTS)
  • Practical-evaluation training general medicine (5 ECTS)
  • Public health, occupational medicine and forensic sciences (7 ECTS)
  • Thesis dissertation (18 ECTS)

*Students whose native language is Italian must attend German language courses. Students whose native language is German must attend Italian language courses. Students of other native languages must attend both Italian and German language courses.
The 6-year Single Cycle degree in Medicine and Surgery programme consists of a series of integrated courses, each one focusing on a specific area of scientific skills and dealing with specific notions.

The key features of teaching in the programme include:

  • Integration of knowledge across different subjects and throughout the years of study.
  • Teaching methods that focus on a strong foundation in the pre-clinical area and use a problem-based learning approach.
  • Early opportunities for contact with patients.
  • Development of both clinical and communication skills.

The teaching methods are highly integrated, flexible, and regularly updated. They are designed to give students a broad, interdisciplinary understanding, encouraging them to continually develop new skills and knowledge.
 

After completing an assessed internship, passing the State Examination, and registering with the Medical Association in their local province, graduates in Medicine and Surgery are fully qualified to provide clinical care in Italy.


Graduates are trained to perform surgery and work in clinical, health, and biomedical professional fields. The programme is particularly suited for students aiming to become qualified general practitioners.

Graduates may continue their education by entering specialty training schools or enrolling in the three-year regional programme for specific training in general medicine, for which graduates of the LM-41 class are eligible.

Those who complete the degree programme in English are eligible to take the USMLE Steps 1 and 2, allowing access to postgraduate training and residencies in the USA. They can also participate in similar programmes in European or non-European English-speaking countries.

Non-Italian graduates of the International MD Medicine and Surgery programme can attend Italian language courses to help them integrate into Italian society and improve doctor-patient communication in the national healthcare system. Knowledge of Italian also supports graduates in accessing specialty training schools within Italian universities.