The six-year medical studies in English allow students to enroll in the medical school directly from high school. The program is designed for students who are strongly motivated, have a good command of both written and spoken English and interest in medical science.
The Medical studies in English last six years (ten semesters and one-year of state clinical internships – 310 calendar days). Except for the fact that instructions, labs, lectures and examinations are conducted in English, the curriculum of the six-year medical studies in English is completely identical with the coursework pursued by Bulgarian medical students. Learning Bulgarian language is also compulsory during the first three years of the program. Students are required to learn Bulgarian in order to be able to communicate with the patients and in order to avoid the misunderstanding of the patients from the third year onwards.
The first two years of medical school includes an overview of fundamental or basic science courses. The first year is devoted to general understanding of biological, chemical and physical sciences applicable to the practice of medicine. Starting with the second year, the focus progressively narrows down, chanelling the studies towards those biomedical sciences that are most relevant for a practicing physician.
The theoretical training of the course of studies is conducted by obligatory, optional and facultative disciplines, in form of lectures, seminars, practical exercise and self-training.
The practical training of the course of studies is conducted by practical studies during the semester training, training practices and pre-graduation internship.
The theoretical and practical training in the programme is in compliance with the ECTS system.
The clinical years are what all medical students anticipate, a time when lectures and laboratories translate into patient care. The clinical studies examine the application of the biomedical sciences mastered during the first two years of medical school. The teaching from the third year onwards takes place exclusively in clinical settings of the modern facilities of the University teaching hospitals and involves work with patients admitted for treatment.
The last year of medical studies has exclusively practical purposes. During the last year, students work under the direct guidance of the assistants and instructors with high academic positions in the clinics.
Final assessment of knowledge acquired by the students after accomplishing their full course of studies is given by the State Examination Board Committees at comprehensive theoretical and practical state examinations.
After the successful completion of the 6-years course of academic studies in the Programme of medicine, students are awarded a Diploma of completed higher medical education. Graduates are conferred Master's degree along with the professional qualification "physician"- Doctor of Medicine. A European supplement to the medical Diploma issued in English language is also provided to the medical graduates upon graduation. The Master-physician is an accomplished specialist who enjoys the necessary knowledge, skills and qualities for the realization of the contents, goals and assignments of the general medical practice.
The possession of that degree enables the holder to practice medicine in EU countries as well as in many other countries worldwide.
