The course of study lasts six years which include altogether 360 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), in accordance to current Italian and European legislation. At least 60 ECTS are to be acquired through training activities aimed at the maturation of specific professional skills. The professional activities are essentially carried out in the Operative Units of the "G. Martino" University Hospital in Messina, where care and assistance to the patient are combined with teaching and scientific research, and in the studios of the General Practitioners.
During the first two preclinical years the Course provides the harmonious and progressive acquisition of knowledge provided by basic sciences, which is preparatory to the acquisition of clinical skills through the study of the characterizing disciplines, the development of professional activities and the preparation of the thesis, which all together occupy the remaining period of study. The students can also personalize their study plan with elective didactic activities in fields of their own interest which allow for total acquisition of 8 ECTS (seminars, monographic courses, participation in conferences and congresses, clinical and research internships in Italy and abroad, etc.).
It is possible to carry out training periods abroad at partner Universities both in Europe and outside the EU.
The Course ends with the discussion of the thesis which is worth of 18 ECTS. Pursuant to article 102, paragraph 1, of law decree no. 18/2020, the final exam of the Single Cycle Medicine and Surgery Degrees relating to the LM-41 class in Medicine and Surgery has the value of a state exam enabling the exercise of the profession of Medical Doctor, after passing the practical-evaluation traineeship governed by the Decree of the Minister of Education, University and Research 9 May 2018, n. 58.
The official language of the Course for lessons, practical activities and exams is English (minimum level of knowledge required for access: B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference of languages (CEFR) In order to guarantee productive learning during professional activities at the patient's bed, Italian language courses are organized, in the first two years, at the University Linguistic Center (CLAM), or equivalent Organization, which will attest the achievement of the minimum level of knowledge required: B1 (CEFR).