Welcome to the Academic Guide for the English Medical Program (EMP) at the University of Patras. This page outlines the educational structure, enrollment procedures, examination policies, and academic regulations that will govern your studies throughout your 6-year medical journey.
Curriculum Structure & Attendance
Academic Semesters
- The academic year officially starts in September and ends in August of the following year.
- The curriculum is strictly divided into two semesters (Winter and Spring), each consisting of at least 13 full weeks of teaching.
The Three Study Modules & ECTS Rules
The 6-year program is legally structured into three consecutive educational phases. Moving from one phase to the next depends on your earned credits (ECTS):
- Pre-clinical Module: 1st to 4th semester.
- Clinical Module: 5th to 10th semester.
- Clinical Practice Module: 11th to 12th semester.
- Progression Prerequisite: To advance to the 2nd (Clinical) or 3rd (Clinical Practice) modules, students must fully participate in their courses and successfully pass at least 2/3 of the total ECTS credits from the previous module.
- Carrying Credits Forward: If a student carries forward the remaining 1/3 of ECTS credits from the Pre-clinical module, they must successfully complete those specific credits before they are allowed to enter the final Clinical Practice module. A maximum of 1/3 of ECTS credits from the second module can be carried over to the final year.
Examinations & Grading Framework
Examination Periods
The examination period at the end of each semester lasts between 3 to 4 weeks. Exams are held exclusively at the end of the winter and spring terms for the courses taught during those semesters, respectively.
- January–February: Exams for Winter semester courses only.
- June: Exams for Spring semester courses only.
- September: A remedial examination period where students are entitled to take exams for courses from both semesters (Winter and Spring).
Note: The exact exam timelines are determined by the University Senate and published on the official Academic Calendar. Special arrangements for oral examinations are provided for students with documented dyslexia, following the university’s internal regulations.
The 10-Point Grading Scale
Course grading is determined by the instructor and may include written exams, oral exams, laboratory exercises, or assignments administered traditionally or electronically. The grading scale is structured as follows:
| Classification | Grade Range |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 8.50 – 10.00 |
| Very Good | 6.50 – 8.49 |
| Good | 5.00 – 6.49 |
| Fail | 0.00 – 4.99 |
Minimum Passing Grade: 5.00
Graduation & Degree Grade Calculation
Graduation Prerequisites
To graduate and be awarded the Medical Degree, students must successfully complete 12 semesters (6 academic years), pass all mandatory and required elective courses, and accumulate a total of 360 ECTS credits.
Maximum Duration of Study
Pursuant to Greek Higher Education Law, the maximum permissible duration to complete the program is equal to the standard curriculum time (6 years) plus an additional two (2) years (N+2 framework).
Final Grade Calculation
- Your final degree grade is calculated as a weighted average. The numerical grade of each individual course is multiplied by its designated weighting factor; the sum of these products is then divided by the total sum of the weighting factors of all courses in the curriculum.
- Language Course Exclusions: Greek language courses and other foreign language courses are not included in the calculation of your final graduation GPA. However, successfully passing the examinations for these courses is a strict requirement for graduation, and the results will be officially recorded on your final transcript.
Clinical Training Location & Thesis Policy
- Hospital Placement: All core clinical training takes place locally at the University General Hospital of Patras (PGNP) (pgnp.gr). Students are not required to complete internships outside the university hospital structure.
- Graduation Thesis: There is no requirement for a graduation dissertation or thesis to complete this degree.
Language & Learning Methods
- Greek Language Courses: During the first six (6) semesters, students will follow mandatory Greek language courses to ensure they develop the necessary communication skills required for interacting with patients in clinical settings.
- Instruction Formats: Courses are delivered through traditional formats (lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and clinical training), electronic formats (synchronous or asynchronous e-learning), or hybrid/blended models. E-learning involves active student participation through interactive presentations and medical case studies.
Clinical Skills & Logbooks
- Integrated Teaching: Clinical courses use an integrated system where basic sciences are reinforced alongside real-world clinical applications. Clinical course examinations are kept entirely separate from basic science exams.
- Simulations & Mandatory Logbooks: During the first four semesters, students learn essential clinical skills in a controlled simulation environment taught by clinical professors. In all clinical phases, students must maintain official logbooks documenting the skills they acquire. You will not be eligible to take the final exam for a clinical course unless your required competencies are fully completed and signed off.
Student Registration & Digital Portals
First-Year Enrollment
- Online Registration: Within the first week after admission results are formally announced, newly admitted students must complete their online registration through the University of Patras’ dedicated platform. Exact links and updates will be posted on the EMP portal.
- Account Activation: Upon finalization of your enrollment, you will electronically receive your personal user credentials, including your official academic email (UPnet ID) and registration certificates.
- Academic Advisor: During your first week, you will be assigned an Academic Advisor—a faculty member who will guide and support your academic progress throughout the entire duration of your studies. An introductory orientation meeting will be scheduled to welcome you.
Semester Renewals & “Progress” System
- Course Registration: At the beginning of every semester, students are required to renew their enrollment and digitally register for their specific courses through the electronic secretary system on the dates announced by the EMP Secretariat.
- Tracking Academic Status: Your entire journey from enrollment to graduation is tracked electronically through the university’s student management system at upatras.gr. You will use this platform to view course assignments, check submitted grades, request special approvals, and obtain official academic certificates.
Academic Holidays
Lectures, laboratory sessions, clinical clerkships, tutorials, and field exercises are suspended on the following official holidays:
- October 28 (National Day)
- November 17 (Polytechnic Anniversary)
- November 30 (St. Andrew’s Day – Patron Saint of Patras)
- Christmas Break: December 24 to January 6
- January 30 (Three Holy Hierarchs)
- Clean Monday (Moveable Feast)
- March 25 (National Day)
- Easter Break: From Lazarus Saturday to Thomas Sunday
- May 1 (Labor Day)
- Feast of the Holy Spirit (Moveable Feast)
- Student Election Day (Variable)
Note: Any practical exercises or hospital duties explicitly scheduled during holiday periods are considered official academic duty for both the instructors and participating students.