Programme in Medicine

The programme leads to a Degree of Master of Science in Medicine, which qualifies graduates to apply for a medical license from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare/Socialstyrelsen. During the programme, students acquire the knowledge and skills required to work as licensed physicians and are well prepared for foundation training and specialist training. Furthermore, the programme provides general eligibility for third-cycle (doctoral) studies.

General entry requirements, as well as Biology 2, Physics 2, Chemistry 2, and Mathematics 4 (or Mathematics D), alternatively Biology Level 2, Physics Level 2, Chemistry Level 2, and Mathematics Advanced Level 2.
Additional entry requirements are specified in the respective course syllabi.

The programme leads to a Degree of Master of Science in Medicine.
The courses within the programme belong to the main field of study of Medicine.

The Medical Programme comprises 360 higher education credits (ECTS credits), divided into three stages, and is structured around semester-long courses. Teaching is conducted at first-cycle level during the first six semesters and at second-cycle level during semesters 7–12. The programme is full-time. Elements of distance or web-based teaching may occur in certain courses, which requires access to a computer, webcam, and internet connection.

The programme is delivered within a comprehensive academic environment with strong links to research, in collaboration with the healthcare sector and the wider community. The programme includes clinical placements organised according to the intended learning outcomes. Throughout the programme, subject-specific teaching runs parallel with training in Professional Development (PD).

The teaching aims to promote students’ responsibility for their own learning and to provide opportunities for reflection and critical thinking. The programme is based on a broad pedagogical approach, with student-active learning as its foundation, and incorporates a variety of learning activities such as lectures, laboratory sessions, group exercises, simulation exercises, clinical skills training, and independent projects.

The structure and implementation of the programme ensure progression in students’ knowledge, skills, and professional approach, providing both breadth and depth across the programme’s subject areas. Basic scientific and clinical subjects are integrated throughout the courses.

The clinical components of the Medical Programme are carried out in close collaboration with the healthcare services in the Västra Götaland Region and Region Halland. Clinical placements take place at all hospitals within the two regions, as well as at primary healthcare centres. Training and assessment of students’ professional activities, encompassing essential knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes required for graduation, are conducted according to the national competency framework for Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), both during clinical placements and in simulated environments.

Students also have the opportunity to complete parts of their education abroad.

The programme follows a fixed study progression, meaning that courses must be taken in the order specified in the curriculum below.

The Medical Programme at the University of Gothenburg – Programme Structure and Course Sequence

Basic Science and Clinical Introduction

Semester 1

Basic Science and Early Professional Contact 1, 30 credits

Semester 2

Basic Science and Early Professional Contact 2, 30 credits

Semester 3

Basic Science and Clinical Introduction 1, 30 credits

Semester 4

Basic Science and Clinical Introduction 2, 30 credits

Clinical Theory and Practice

Semester 5

Clinical Theory and Practice 1, 30 credits

Semester 6

Clinical Theory and Practice 2, 30 credits

Semester 7

Clinical Theory and Practice 3, 30 credits

Semester 8

Clinical Theory and Practice 4, 30 credits

Semester 9

Clinical Theory and Practice 5, 30 credits

Professional Application and Advanced Studies

Semester 10

Degree Project, 30 credits

Semester 11

Professional Application and Advanced Studies 1, 24 credits
Elective Course, 6 credits

Semester 12

Professional Application and Advanced Studies 2, 30 credits

Professional Development

A continuous element throughout the programme is Professional Development (PD), which is divided into six areas:

• communication skills and self-reflection
• leadership and collaboration
• ethical approach
• human rights and gender perspectives
• scientific approach
• sustainable development

Teaching aims to strengthen students’ professional maturity alongside the development of their medical competencies. During the early semesters, a theoretical foundation is established, while continuous teaching throughout the programme includes activities such as themed study days. Learning otherwise occurs primarily through integrated clinical education during clinical placements (VFU). Strong emphasis is placed on students’ reflective ability and professional conduct.

Semester Descriptions

Semester 1

Basic Science and Early Professional Contact 1, 30 credits

The course includes an introduction to university studies and the basic scientific subjects of biochemistry, cell biology, histology, and anatomy. Teaching provides an overview of the structure of the human body from molecule to organism. Early professional contact takes place through clinical placement (VFU), where training in doctor–patient interaction begins. Clinical placement is carried out within primary care (1.5 credits).

Semester 2

Basic Science and Early Professional Contact 2, 30 credits

The course includes teaching in physiology, cell biology, and immunology concerning bodily functions from the cellular level to organs, forming the basis for continued understanding of the development of ill health and disease. Clinical placement takes place within early professional contact and includes an introduction to person-centred care. Clinical placement is conducted within inpatient care (1.5 credits).

Semester 3

Basic Science and Clinical Introduction 1, 30 credits

Teaching within the course includes clinical anatomy, radiology, developmental biology, cell biology, pathology, and consultation skills. Clinical anatomy forms the basis for physical examination and is integrated with teaching in practical examination techniques and interpretation of radiological images. Clinical placement comprises 3 credits, of which 1.5 credits are within primary care.

Semester 4

Basic Science and Clinical Introduction 2, 30 credits

The course includes pathology, genetics, pharmacology, and consultation skills. Disease mechanisms and their manifestations in tissues, as well as disease genetics, are studied, together with pharmacological treatment of disease. Clinical placement comprises 3 credits, of which 1.5 credits are within primary care.

Semester 5

Clinical Theory and Practice 1, 30 credits

Teaching during the fifth semester includes infectious diseases, immunology, microbiology, allergology, venereology, and rheumatology. Teaching is integrated between basic scientific and clinical subjects. The focus is on diagnosis and treatment of common, serious, and acute conditions within the included clinical disciplines. Clinical placement takes place within infectious diseases, rheumatology, and clinical microbiology (6 credits), as well as 1.5 credits within primary care.

Semester 6

Clinical Theory and Practice 2, 30 credits

Subjects included are general internal medicine, emergency medicine, diabetology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hepatology, haematology, cardiology, respiratory medicine, nephrology, general practice, clinical pharmacology, clinical chemistry, clinical physiology, and radiology/radiation protection. Teaching focuses on the management of common, serious, and acute internal medicine conditions. Clinical placement comprises 15 credits, including 3 credits within primary care.

Semester 7

Clinical Theory and Practice 3, 30 credits

The course consists of theoretical and practical components within surgery (gastrointestinal, breast, endocrine, hand, vascular, and plastic surgery), including trauma care, as well as aspects of gastroenterology and hepatology. Orthopaedics, urology, anaesthesiology and intensive care, radiology/radiation protection, and oncology are also included. Students are expected to diagnose and treat common, serious, and acute conditions within the course areas. Clinical placement comprises 18 credits, including 3 credits within primary care.

Semester 8

Clinical Theory and Practice 4, 30 credits

Subjects included are clinical neuroanatomy, psychiatry, neurology, otorhinolaryngology, and ophthalmology. Within these fields, students are expected to diagnose and treat common, serious, and acute conditions. The course also includes training in leading and coordinating medical care within an interprofessional team in a simulated environment. Clinical placement comprises 15 credits.

Semester 9

Clinical Theory and Practice 5, 30 credits

The course includes paediatrics (including paediatric allergology, cardiology, gastroenterology, immunology and rheumatology, endocrinology and diabetes, nephrology, oncology, neurology and habilitation, as well as neonatology), paediatric surgery, paediatric orthopaedics, child and adolescent psychiatry, gynaecology, obstetrics, reproductive medicine, clinical genetics, and dermatology. Students are expected to diagnose and manage common, serious, and acute conditions within these areas and describe children’s psychomotor development. The course also provides knowledge of healthcare systems worldwide and global health conditions. Learning outcomes related to health determinants and their impact on individual and population health are included. Clinical placement comprises 18 credits.

Semester 10

Degree Project, 30 credits

The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of research processes and a scientific approach through the completion of an independent scientific project addressing a medically relevant research question. The project may be experimental, epidemiological, clinical, or consist of an analytical systematic literature review.

Semester 11

Professional Application and Advanced Studies 1, 24 credits

The course includes community medicine, geriatrics, radiology, and clinical practice. Community medicine includes general practice, social medicine, occupational and environmental medicine, and forensic medicine.

Within the clinical areas of the course, students are expected to diagnose and treat common, serious, and acute conditions. Clinical practice takes place partly within an internal medicine specialty and partly within a surgical specialty. In geriatrics, the focus is on structured team-based care. Professional Development is integrated into the clinical practice, where students train and reflect on their professional competencies. The course also includes theoretical preparation for the quality improvement project undertaken during Semester 12. Clinical placement comprises 18 credits.

Elective Course, 6 credits

The elective course provides broader and deeper knowledge within a subject related to the medical field.

Applications for credit transfer of elective courses are processed according to the Medical Programme’s procedures. Courses eligible for credit transfer usually comprise at least 6 credits and must have Medicine or a closely related field as their main area of study. The courses must also be relevant to the student’s future professional role or to the programme’s intended learning outcomes. To qualify for credit transfer, the course must be offered at second-cycle level.

Semester 12

Professional Application and Advanced Studies 2, 30 credits

The course includes general practice, emergency medicine, geriatrics, advanced radiology, and clinical practice. The intended learning outcomes focus on common, serious, and acute conditions, and students practise core professional activities for physicians through patient management and medical decision-making. During the course, students complete a quality improvement project.

Clinical placement during the semester comprises 28 credits, including 10.5 credits within primary care. The course also includes a clinical placement period equivalent to four weeks (6 credits), during which students choose a clinical specialty for further in-depth study. Students thereby gain deeper clinical knowledge and skills and further develop generic competencies through responsibility for patient management.

General Intended Learning Outcomes for the Degree of Master of Science in Medicine

According to the Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100, Appendix 2, Qualifications Ordinance):

For a Degree of Master of Science in Medicine, the student shall demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to qualify for registration as a medical practitioner.

Accordingly, for a Degree of Master of Science in Medicine, the student shall demonstrate:

Knowledge and Understanding

• broad and in-depth knowledge within the field of medicine,
• knowledge of the scientific basis of the field and insight into current research and development work, as well as knowledge of the relationship between science and proven experience in professional practice,
• knowledge of fundamental scientific methods within the field and insight into the possibilities and limitations of these methods,
• knowledge of ethical principles and their application within healthcare as well as in research and development work,
• knowledge and understanding of societal conditions affecting the health of individuals and groups from both national and global perspectives,
• knowledge of men’s violence against women and violence in close relationships,
• knowledge of healthcare systems in Sweden, including their organisation and governance, familiarity with such systems in other countries, and understanding of strategies for equitable access to healthcare,
• knowledge of patient safety, quality, and prioritisation within healthcare, as well as methods for evaluating medical practice, and
• knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations.

Competence and Skills

• advanced ability to interact professionally with patients and their relatives, respecting their integrity, needs, knowledge, and experiences,
• ability to critically and systematically integrate and apply knowledge, and to analyse and assess complex phenomena, issues, and situations,
• ability to independently diagnose and initiate treatment of acute life-threatening conditions,
• advanced ability to independently diagnose the most common diseases from pathophysiological, psychosocial, and other relevant perspectives, and in collaboration with the patient manage these conditions,
• ability to initiate and participate in health promotion and disease prevention work for individuals and groups, and to explain how such work is conducted at the societal level,
• ability to communicate interventions and treatment outcomes orally and in writing with relevant stakeholders and to document these in accordance with applicable regulations,
• advanced ability to contribute to learning in different groups and to undertake supervisory responsibilities,
• ability to demonstrate leadership and interprofessional collaboration both within healthcare and with professions in other sectors of society,
• ability to initiate, participate in, and carry out quality improvement work, and to demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development work,
• advanced ability, based on scientific principles, to discuss new facts, phenomena, and issues within medicine with different groups, and to critically review, assess, and apply relevant information, and
• ability to use digital tools in healthcare as well as in research and development work.

Judgement and Approach

• ability to demonstrate self-reflection, empathy, and a professional approach,
• ability to adopt a health-promoting approach with a holistic perspective on the patient, based on scientific principles and with particular consideration for ethical principles and human rights, and
• ability to identify the need for continuous professional development and to take responsibility for such development.

Independent Project (Degree Project)

For the Degree of Master of Science in Medicine, students must, within the framework of the course requirements, complete an independent project (degree project) comprising at least 30 higher education credits.

Local Intended Learning Outcomes

Students shall demonstrate:

• familiarity with the concept of sustainable development from a health perspective and the ability to discuss its connection to planetary health, as well as the ability to identify how potential health synergies may be created through sustainability work within healthcare from local to global levels,
• knowledge of human rights and everyone’s right to the highest attainable standard of health, and the ability to discuss the application and realisation of these rights within healthcare from local to global levels.

The intended learning outcomes for the Degree of Master of Science in Medicine are further specified and clarified in the course syllabi for each semester course. Upon completion of the programme, students shall independently be able to perform a number of profession-specific activities (Entrustable Professional Activities, EPAs; see Appendix 1), and manage a number of clinical situations (see Appendix 2).

Students admitted to the 330-credit Medical Programme (M2LÄK) may apply to transfer to the 360-credit Medical Programme through an application for course placement. Selection for course placement in the 360-credit Medical Programme is made according to a specific order of priority. Transferring to the 360-credit Medical Programme entails an extended period of study for the student.

During clinical placements (VFU), certain healthcare providers may require students to present an extract from the criminal records register. It is therefore important that students always have a valid extract available upon request. In some settings, student identity checks may also be carried out.

During clinical placements, the confidentiality and secrecy regulations of the Västra Götaland Region and Region Halland apply.

Requirements regarding clothing and hygiene follow the directives of the healthcare services.

The Sahlgrenska Academy has exchange agreements with several international universities. As part of the programme’s internationalisation, certain courses may be taught in English.

Clinical placements are carried out within outpatient care, inpatient care, and primary healthcare services in the Västra Götaland Region and Region Halland. Some placements may involve travel and accommodation expenses for the student.

Certain clinical placements take place during evenings, nights, and weekends.

The examiner may, with immediate effect, terminate a student’s clinical placement or equivalent training if the student demonstrates such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills, or professional conduct that patient safety or patients’ confidence in healthcare is at risk. If a clinical placement is terminated in this manner, the student will fail the relevant component and one clinical placement opportunity will be considered used. The reasons for termination must be documented, and an individual action plan established specifying the activities and assessments required before the student may undertake a new clinical placement. A student who fails a clinical placement is entitled to one additional clinical placement opportunity within the course.

Follow-up and evaluation of the programme are conducted in accordance with the current Policy for Quality Assurance and Quality Enhancement of Education at the University of Gothenburg.

Internationalisation

The Sahlgrenska Academy is an active partner in numerous international cooperation agreements and promotes internationalisation that reflects the Academy’s research profile. Exchange agreements also create opportunities for students at the Sahlgrenska Academy to study abroad. Through international and well-established partnerships, students in the Medical Programme are given enhanced opportunities to prepare for multicultural healthcare environments and labour markets, and to develop a broader global understanding of their profession.

Through quality-assured exchanges with carefully selected partner institutions, students gain new perspectives and a deeper understanding of different healthcare systems and cultures. The Medical Programme at the University of Gothenburg strives to be an attractive education programme where students are given opportunities to broaden their perspectives in an international context through partnerships in the Nordic countries, Europe, and countries outside Europe. Through the programme, students may study at partner institutions where the Academy, teachers, and regional hospitals have often contributed to establishing contacts and agreements.

International student exchanges within the programme primarily take place during the later years of study and through elective courses, although exchanges may also occur during other semesters. Through various exchange opportunities, students may complete an entire course or parts of a course abroad, or pursue advanced studies within a specific specialty during elective courses or the degree project.

By offering English-taught elective courses during the final year of the Medical Programme in Gothenburg, the programme is an attractive partner for international universities, where incoming exchange students are also integrated with Swedish medical students. This contributes to internationalisation at home and provides a broader international perspective for more students.

Bachelor’s Thesis, 15 credits

Students who do not intend to complete the programme leading to the Degree of Master of Science in Medicine may, after the first five semesters, apply for an individual study plan in order later to apply for a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Medicine, including a Bachelor’s thesis of 15 credits. The Bachelor’s thesis cannot be taken simultaneously with any other course in the Medical Programme. The individual study plan requires that all examination components within the courses of the first five semesters have been successfully completed.

Students who follow the programme according to the prescribed pace of study are guaranteed a place in the compulsory courses offered within the programme, provided that they fulfil the entry requirements specified in the course syllabus for each course. A limited place guarantee applies to elective courses and placements within the programme, meaning that students cannot be guaranteed a place in their first-choice elective course.

Appendix 1 – Professional Activities

Upon completion of the programme, the physician shall be entrusted to independently perform the nationally agreed professional activities (Entrustable Professional Activities, EPAs) listed below. Each activity contains defined subcomponents and limitations.

The activities require the student to integrate theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional attitudes. To clarify the situations in which these activities are to be applied, the programme has defined 108 clinical situations (see Appendix 2).

• Obtain a medical history and perform an appropriate physical examination
• Prioritise a working diagnosis among relevant differential diagnoses
• Establish an initial diagnostic investigation plan
• Formulate an initial management plan and carry out treatment
• Identify the need for and initiate preventive measures
• Perform general medical procedures
• Identify patients in need of emergency care and carry out primary management
• Document care and issue prescriptions and certificates
• Collaborate within healthcare and with professionals in other sectors of society
• Contribute to a culture of patient safety within healthcare

Appendix 2 – Clinical Situations

1. Aggression and irritability
2. Acute stress reaction
3. Breathing difficulties
4. Loss of appetite
5. Abnormal diagnostic and incidental findings
6. Deviations from normal child development
7. Child abuse
8. Assessment of functional impairment/disability
9. Blood in stool
10. Blood in urine/proteinuria
11. Haematemesis
12. Haemoptysis
13. Blood pressure abnormalities
14. Bleeding tendency
15. Burns and cold injuries
16. Abdominal pain
17. Shock
18. Diarrhoea
19. Near drowning/drowning
20. Death
21. Electrical injuries
22. Fever
23. Discharge (women/men)
24. Fractures
25. Foreign bodies
26. Functional assessment in normal ageing
27. Poisoning/intoxication
28. Confusion
29. Altered skin colour
30. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
31. Altered bowel habits
32. Changes in disease patterns
33. Forgetfulness/memory loss
34. Heartburn/acid reflux
35. Hoarseness
36. Palpitations/abnormal heart rhythm
37. Cardiac arrest
38. Cough
39. Skin conditions
40. Headache/facial pain
41. Hair and nail disorders
42. Health-promoting interventions
43. Hearing impairment/tinnitus
44. Nausea and vomiting
45. Itching
46. Weakness/loss of strength
47. Seizures
48. Sensory disturbances
49. Susceptibility to infections
50. Loss of smell and taste
51. Chronic pain/aches
52. Altered consciousness
53. Menstrual problems
54. Oral cavity disorders
55. Normal childbirth/breastfeeding
56. Nasal congestion/runny nose
57. Involuntary movements
58. Chest pain
59. Sore throat
60. Back/neck/shoulder pain
61. Eye pain
62. Ear pain
63. Worry/anxiety/panic attacks
64. Palpable masses
65. Person resisting care considered necessary
66. Personality changes
67. Pigment changes
68. Contraception
69. Mental ill health
70. Psychological effects of trauma
71. Reproduction/pregnancy
72. Risk of violence towards others
73. Movement disorders
74. Red eye
75. Screening
76. Sexual dysfunction/loss of sexual desire
77. Pain during defecation
78. Painful and/or swollen joint(s)
79. Speech and language disorders
80. Bites and stings
81. Mood disturbances
82. Substance use and withdrawal
83. Suicide risk/suicide attempt and/or self-harm behaviour
84. Burning sores/itching in the genital area
85. Sweating/hot flushes
86. Fainting/syncope
87. Abdominal swelling/distension
88. Swollen extremities
89. Difficulty swallowing
90. Visual disturbances/visual phenomena
91. Wounds/injuries
92. Sleep disorders
93. Testicular pain/testicular swelling
94. Trauma (high-energy)
95. Trauma (low-energy)
96. Fatigue
97. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours
98. Thirst/dehydration
99. Vaginal bleeding
100. Delusions/hallucinations
101. Urinary problems
102. Weight loss
103. Violence in close relationships
104. Violence/assault
105. End-of-life care
106. Dizziness/balance disorders
107. Eating disorders
108. Overweight/obesity