The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery is a five-year degree course. The content is delivered as modules which are largely based on systems. The course is divided into preclinical and clinical phases which are spread out over several semesters. The teaching and learning methodology is a mix of traditional didactic teaching, such as lectures, tutorials and small group teaching) as well as problem-based learning where appropriate. In the preclinical years it also includes practicals (e.g. anatomy dissection) and in the clinical years bedside teaching, shadowing, observation, skills training, theatre and ward attendance.

Communication and Academic Skills Programme
The communication and academic skills programme complements students’ main course of study. It introduces them to writing and presenting as situated within academic contexts sensitive to specific disciplines and develops their competences for future careers.

Applicants must satisfy the General Entry Requirements for admission, namely, the Matriculation Certificate and Secondary Education Certificate passes at Grade 5 or better in Maltese, English Language and Mathematics.

Applicants must also satisfy the following Special Course Requirements:

a) two Advanced Level passes at Grade B or better in Biology and Chemistry and

b) 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

provided that all passes in these Special Course Requirements are obtained together in one session of examinations (i.e. one sitting) and are from recognised examining boards from the same country.

A pass obtained in a session of examinations which is held after the results of a previous session were published shall be deemed to be a pass obtained in a session that is distinct from the previous one. This also applies to the second session of the Matriculation Examination offered by the MATSEC Board of the University of Malta according to the provisions of the Matriculation Examination Regulations, 2013 and this notwithstanding any other regulation governing the award of the Matriculation Certificate.


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) 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, or 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 or

b) a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better in one of the following:
Applied Biomedical Science (or Medical Laboratory Science), Applied Food and Nutritional Sciences, Community Nursing, Community Midwifery, Communication Therapy, Health Science, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, and Radiography or

c) a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better or

d) a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Science with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better or

e) a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better if awarded from July 2009 onwards or

f) the degree of Master of Dental Surgery or

g) a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biochemistry with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better or

h) a Master of Pharmacy with a classification of Merit or better or

i) a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Technology with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better or

j) a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmacology with a classification of Second Class (Honours) or better awarded from July 2024 onwards or

(k) a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a classification of Second Class or better in Physics, Medical Physics and Radiation Protection.

During the first year of the Course, accepted applicants are also required to undergo an occupational health assessment, as detailed in the Occupational Health Protocol approved by the Faculty Board, so as to ascertain that they are fit for the duties related to their proposed studies. Students who do not fulfil this requirement may be barred from progressing with their studies. Failure to disclose information about a physical or mental health problem that could affect patient safety is considered to be a serious breach of the University Suitability to Practise Regulations.

All applicants are also required to be in possession of a pass in the Secondary Education Certificate in Maltese except that:

a) Maltese applicants who, in terms of regulation 12(5) of the Admissions Regulations, 2016 are exempted from possessing a pass in the Secondary Education Certificate in Maltese are required to present the Medical Maltese Proficiency Certificate awarded by the University of Malta prior to the commencement of the Course and

b) non-Maltese applicants are required to present the Medical Maltese Proficiency Certificate awarded by the University of Malta, or a pass in the study-unit in Medical Maltese as part of the Certificate in Medical Foundation Studies, prior to the commencement of the Course, provided that applicants presenting overseas qualifications and a pass in the Secondary Education Certificate examination in Maltese shall be exempted from presenting the Medical Maltese Proficiency Certificate. The Secondary Education Certificate pass in Maltese, or the Medical Maltese Proficiency Certificate (if applicants are eligible for exemption from the SEC in Maltese), is required for admission to both Year 1 and Year 3 of the Course.

The admission requirements are applicable for courses commencing in October 2023.

For more detailed information pertaining to admission and progression requirements please refer to the bye-laws for the course available here.