The complete course of medical studies comprises two 3-year-long courses (Bachelor's and Master's degrees)
The first year of the Bachelor in Medicine lays the foundations of scientific knowledge that form the basis for the description of normal physiological and pathological processes and clinical investigation technologies (physics, chemistry and biology). A significant part of the course is also dedicated to studying the relationship between medicine, patients and society, from the perspective of the human sciences in medicine.
The second year approaches the study of the human body.
The third year supplements the theoretical approach with blocks of teaching on the wards.
IMPORTANT: from the 2022-2023 academic year onwards, students in the first year of the Bachelor in Medicine course will advance to the second year on the basis of a competitive examination. More information available on the School of Medicine website.
Organiser
Faculty of Biology and Medicine: School of Medicine
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Medicine (BMed)
ECTS Credits
180
Duration
6 semesters
Teaching Language
French
Enrolment Deadline
Compulsory pre-registration with swissuniversities in Bern before 15 February.
In addition to this pre-registration, you must apply online at UNIL before 30 April.
Further information
Pre-registration (swissuniversities)
Applications at UNIL
Course description
Timetables
At UNIL, the following Master's programmes are open without further conditions to holders of the Bachelor in Medicine:
Areas of activity
- Hospitals and private practices
- University research laboratory
- Pharmaceutical laboratory
- International or humanitarian organisations
FMH specialisation
Specialisation after your studies fall outside the University’s remit: the award of the Diplôme de médecin spécialiste (specialist doctor qualification) is governed by the Institut suisse pour la formation médicale (Swiss Institute for Postgraduate and Continuing Medical Education – ISFM), which is attached to the Swiss Medical Association (FMH).
The ISFM awards qualifications to doctors who, having obtained their federal qualification, have successfully completed the five or six years’ training required to practise as a specialist.
A detailed list of specialisms and sub-specialisms can be found on the FMH website.
In figures
Every two years, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS) conducts a survey on graduate employment, one year after students have completed their course. View the results for Medicine graduates online:
- “Premier emploi après les études” (“First job after graduating”) survey on employment among Swiss university graduates
- De l’UNIL à la vie active (From UNIL to working life) – results of the survey for UNIL graduates specifically
