Bachelor Human Medicine

The study of medicine enables practitioners to prevent, identify and cure health problems in humans, relieve pain and promote health.

Educational objective and career profile

The path via ETH Zurich (for the Bachelor’s degree) and one of its partner universities (for the Master’s degree) lays the foundations for an education in human medicine that will go on to open up opportunities for exchange with the world of science and pave the way towards new developments and technologies. Tackling methods used in the world today, for instance in the areas of personalised medicine and medical engineering, provides a greater understanding of the opportunities and limitations of future treatment methods.

Once the six-year study programme is complete, graduates must then obtain the Swiss federal diploma in human medicine, as well as completing a term of employment as an assistant doctor, before they are qualified for clinical activities. A direct move into different professional fields (research, consultancy) is also possible.

Application and aptitude test

Applications to study medicine are coordinated by Download swissuniversities and must be submitted by 15 February of the respective year of study.

In German-speaking Switzerland, it is currently also necessary to pass the aptitude test for medical studies, as the number of applicants is significantly higher than the number of available places. Furthermore, students must provide evidence that they have completed a four-week healthcare placement by the end of the Bachelor’s degree programme.

Bachelor's degree programme (180 credits)

The Bachelor’s degree programme introduces students to the fields of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the organs and organ systems, linking these subject areas to specific clinical and scientific issues. The programme also covers the natural sciences, with students being taught the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics. These essential foundations then enable students to tackle the various focus areas of medical science – digital medicine, medical engineering and medical imaging.

This knowledge is continuously applied in a clinical setting, with a focus on doctor-patient interactions and examination methods, taking into consideration the psychosocial, ethical and legal aspects. The Bachelor’s degree programme concludes with a translational research internship.

Medical modules:
Organ systems such as the locomotor system, nerve system, cardiovascular system, etc.
Clinical modules:
Conducting consultations, physical examinations, diagnostic procedures, etc.
Natural sciences:
Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Medical sciences:
Digital Medicine, Medical Engineering, Medical Imaging

For detailed information go to the pages in German Humanmedizin

Master’s degree programme (180 credits)

Partner universities:
– University of Basel
– Università della Svizzera italiana (Lugano)
– University of Zurich
Medical and clinical modules (including elective year and preparation for federal examination)
Scientific modules (including Master’s thesis)