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.
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.
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.
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:
Results of the survey for UNIL graduates specifically
Inès Holzmann
Student, Bachelor of Medicine
How did you choose your studies?
"I chose to study medicine because it combines the humanitarian side (when I was little I dreamed of joining the Red Cross), the human side through contact with patients, and the biological side of how the body works. I chose to study medicine because it combines the humanitarian side (when I was little I dreamed of joining the Red Cross), the human side through contact with patients, and the biological side of how the body works. I haven't yet decided what I'm going to specialise in: it's enough to have a course on an interesting subject that you hadn't thought of before to give you new ideas... In medicine, there's something for everyone!"
The first semester requires a great deal of rigour, not only because you have to find your own way of working and discipline yourself to follow the courses, but also because there are some very basic modules (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) which don't seem to us to be very representative of medicine (spoiler: in reality they are). From the second semester onwards, we start to get into something more medical, with a little less atoms and more molecules and proteins! The second year is all about the physiology of how the body works. It's really interesting, but it's the hardest year in terms of the amount of work and the complexity of the courses. As time goes by, the subject becomes more and more concrete and exciting! The third year is really great because you have more free time alongside your studies, and most students get involved in associations at the Faculty. At the beginning of the Master's programme, a lot of people go on exchange. Personally, I chose to go to Freiburg to perfect my German so that I could do work placements in German-speaking Switzerland. I'm really looking forward to it!
This year, I'm part of the Association des Étudiantes en Médecine de Lausanne (AEML) as head of socio-cultural affairs. It's great because you learn so many things: like organising events for a thousand people! I had to learn how to deal with lots of different opinions, how to try to be as inclusive as possible, how to communicate with the faculty and so on. The AEML offers a lot of events. I strongly recommend that first-year students take part in the rally, which is a great way to meet new people, and that they take advantage of the sponsorship programme with a third-year student. Personally, my sponsor really helped me to get through my first year! In second year, an integration weekend is organised by the third-year students. It's the moment when you feel part of the faculty, because you've got through the hardest part and you finally meet your class. That's when most friendships are made! The funny thing is that we're a bit like a family, we follow the same rhythm and we influence each other.
The atmosphere at university is really great, but you also have to be prepared for a lot of hard work! I'd advise you not to hesitate to compare yourself (without overdoing it either), so that you know where you stand at the start. It's also important to be able to question the way you work, and the way you live alongside your studies, because you can't afford to have a thousand activities. That said, as the years go by, you find your own way of working and you gain self-confidence, which means you have more time for other activities.
Exchanges and mobility
Going on a university exchange is a unique and highly rewarding experience, provided you prepare well. The first thing to remember is that you need to start taking steps well in advance. For example, if you're planning to go away in your 3rd year of a bachelor's degree, you should start taking steps at the beginning of your 2nd year at the latest.
