University of ParmaMedicine and Surgery (Piacenza Campus)
Discover a unique, internationally-focused medical program on a dedicated campus, where the resources of a historic university meet an intimate, modern learning environment.
Parma-Piacenza at a Glance
The 6-year single-cycle Master's Degree in Medicine and Surgery in Piacenza is a new and innovative program offered by the ancient University of Parma. It is uniquely structured with a dedicated campus and hospital system exclusively for the English-taught course. This avoids competition for resources with Italian-track students and creates a tight-knit, international community. The curriculum has a strong global health perspective, preparing doctors to understand and operate within different healthcare systems worldwide, a crucial skill in modern medicine.
Educational Philosophy
The program's philosophy is centered on creating a "global physician." It combines a strong, integrated science curriculum with an emphasis on communication, health economics, and management. A distinctive feature is the focus on comparative healthcare systems, with opportunities for international training in the final year. The dedicated campus fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment, with a high faculty-to-student ratio.
Key Competencies Developed
- Global Health Literacy: In-depth understanding of diverse international healthcare models.
- Exclusive Clinical Access: Unrestricted access to clinical rotations in a dedicated hospital.
- Health Management Skills: Knowledge of health economics and management principles.
- Strong Communication: Emphasis on patient communication and interprofessional collaboration.
- Adaptability: Preparedness for international careers and diverse clinical settings.
Year 1: Foundations of the Human Body
Building the scientific fundamentals from the cellular level to the complexity of human anatomy, with an early start on medical humanities.
- • Human Morphology
- • Cell and Molecular Biology
- • Basic Medical Sciences
- • Medical Humanities
- • Clinical Clerkship I
- • Scientific English
Year 2: Organ Systems and Functions
Exploring the physiology of organ systems and introducing the principles of disease at the microscopic level.
- • Structure and Function of Organs
- • Pathogens and Immune System
- • Biostatistics
- • Clinical Clerkship II
- • Medical Psychology
- • Lab Medicine
Year 3: Mechanisms of Disease & Clinical Methodology
Focus on pathology, pharmacology, and developing systematic approaches to clinical problem-solving and diagnostics.
- • Mechanisms of Disease I & II
- • Clinical and Surgical Semeiotics
- • Diagnostic Imaging
- • Clinical Clerkship III
- • Public Health I
- • Pharmacology
Year 4: Medical and Surgical Specialties I
Deep dive into major clinical disciplines through integrated clerkships covering a wide range of specialties.
- • Cardiovascular and Respiratory
- • Endocrine, Renal, and Blood
- • Skeletal System
- • Digestive System
- • Clinical Clerkship IV
- • Hygiene and Preventive Medicine
Year 5: Medical and Surgical Specialties II & Global Health
Advanced clinical training in specialized areas with a unique focus on international healthcare systems and management.
- • Neurosciences
- • Oncology and Dermatology
- • Maternal and Child Health
- • Public Health II & Health Systems
- • Clinical Clerkship V
- • Legal Medicine
Year 6: Clinical Practice, Thesis, and International Training
Final year dedicated almost entirely to practical clinical work, with options for training abroad, culminating in the final thesis.
- • General Medicine & Surgery
- • Emergency Medicine
- • Clinical Clerkship VI
- • International Training Period
- • Thesis Preparation
- • Final Examination
The Clinical & Academic Environment
An innovative model with a dedicated hospital network and campus, ensuring an optimal learning environment for international students.
The main clinical training site is the "Guglielmo da Saliceto" Hospital in Piacenza. What makes this unique is that the entire hospital network in the city is dedicated to the English medical program, providing unparalleled access for students.
- Exclusive Access: No competition with Italian-track students for clinical spots.
- Comprehensive Care: A large provincial hospital offering a full spectrum of medical and surgical specialties.
- High-Tech Facilities: Modern diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical equipment.
- Direct involvement of hospital staff in teaching and mentorship.
The program is based in Piacenza, a separate campus from the main university in Parma. This creates an intimate, focused, and highly international environment where all resources are tailored to the needs of the English-track medical students.
- First-year lectures held at the historic Collegio Alberoni.
- High faculty-to-student ratio ensuring personalized attention.
- Modern teaching facilities, including simulation labs and digital classrooms.
- A close-knit community of international students from around the world.
A Medical Student's Life in Piacenza
Enjoy a high quality of life in a beautiful and safe historic city, known for its superb food and strategic location in the heart of Northern Italy.
Piacenza offers affordable student housing compared to larger cities. Students can find rooms in shared apartments or choose dedicated student residences, all within a compact and easily navigable city.
Cost: €300 - €500/month
Located in Emilia-Romagna, Italy's "Food Valley," Piacenza offers an incredible culinary experience. The city has a relaxed pace of life, with a beautiful historic center, friendly locals, and a safe, welcoming atmosphere.
Cost: €250 - €400/month
Piacenza is perfectly positioned. It's just 30-40 minutes by train to Milan and about an hour to Bologna, offering easy access to major cities and airports while providing a quieter, more focused study environment.
Train to Milan: ~€7
The Application Journey
Your step-by-step guide and key contacts to apply to the Parma-Piacenza program.
Admission is based entirely on the IMAT score. The dedicated campus makes it an attractive option, so a competitive score is necessary.
Step 1: Pre-enrollment on Universitaly (April-July)
Mandatory for all non-EU candidates. You must select the University of Parma as your first choice.
Step 2: Register for IMAT (August-September)
Register for the exam via the official testing portal. The exam is typically held in mid-September.
Step 3: Check Rankings & Enroll (October)
Successful candidates in the national ranking must follow Parma's specific enrollment procedures promptly.
Step 4 (Non-EU): Apply for Student Visa
Use the admission letter to apply for a Type D student visa at your local Italian consulate.
Contact Details
medicine.surgery@unipr.it
corsi.unipr.it/en/cdlm-ms