Programme Structure

The duration of the programme is 18 months (three semesters) with a flexible part-time option of up to four academic years.

The programme consists of eight core courses in semesters 1 and 2 and the option of one of two pathways in semester 3. Its curriculum has been mapped against the core competences of a Family Medicine practitioner as defined by the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations (WONCA) of Family Medicine.

The first two semesters are clinically focused, encompassing modules on Communication and Consultation Skills, Evidence-Based Practice, Managing Adults’ Common Diseases and Multi-Morbidity, Mental Health, Acute Serious Illnesses and Traumatic Conditions, Common Musculoskeletal Conditions, Paediatrics and Child Health Surveillance and Women’s Health.

The third semester provides two pathways for students: one is research-oriented and includes a research methodology module and a primary care research project; the second pathway entails the research methodology module together with the selection of elective modules (as depicted below).

Course assessment for the MSc in Family Medicine is based on a written applied knowledge examination; a workplace-based assessment portfolio; the design, implementation, completion, and write-up of a research project or the design of a research proposal and written exams for elective modules, dependent on the pathway chosen.

Semester Breakdown

FIRST SEMESTER  
(30 ECTS, all courses required)

• Communication and Consultation Skills
• Evidence-based Practice
• Managing Adults’ Common Diseases and Multimorbidity
• Common Musculoskeletal Conditions

SECOND SEMESTER    
(30 ECTS, all courses required)

• Acute Serious Illnesses and Traumatic Conditions
• Women’s Health
• Paediatrics and Child Health Surveillance
• Mental Health

THIRD SEMESTER    

Research pathway

The following two courses

• Research Methodology
• Research Project

Elective pathway
FMED-590C plus elective courses worth 20 ECTS:

• FMED-590C Research Methodology (Required)
• Wellbeing in Health and Lifestyle: Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention
• Learning and Teaching in Healthcare
• Health Protection: Safeguarding Wellbeing in Populations*
• Health Promotion: Maintaining Wellbeing in Populations*
• Health Policy, Management and Leadership
• Health Economics in the Context of Health Services and Systems: Global Perspectives
• Population Ageing and Health
• Social and Behavioural Dimensions of Health

Note: The availability of each of the elective courses offered in a given academic year will be based on student numbers. Some of the courses are currently delivered in Spring semester only.

*Linked courses. If one is selected, the other must be selected as well for the completion of 10 ECTS.

The above programme structure is based on prospective delivery from 2024-2025. The programme is subject to continuous evaluation and improvement, in consultation with students and faculty, and in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA), and therefore may be subject to additional changes.