The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA) and the University of Exeter, UK, are proceeding with the signing of a preliminary agreement, to the establishment of the first undergraduate undergraduate program in Medicine in Greece. This is a very important step in internationalization of the country’s higher education, as the first joint six -year undergraduate curricul

The signing of the Agreement was held in a climate of particular satisfaction and cooperation by the Rector of the NCSR, Professor Gerasimos Siassos, the Deputy Rector and Dean of the University of Exeter Professor Richard Holland, the Vice -Rector of the University of Exeter Professor Richard Holland, the Vice -Rector of Research and Innovation. The ceremony was also attended by the Vice -Rector of Academics, International Relations and Extraversion of the EKPA Professor Sofia Papaioannou, the Dean of the School of Health Sciences of the University of Athens Professor Pagona Lagos, the Vice President Exeter, which had a decisive contribution to the formulation and implementation of cooperation.

The joint program will be taught in English, with the contribution of academic teachers from both medical schools, and will be based in Athens. It is expected to welcome the first group of students in September 2028. The program aspires to provide an innovative educational experience with an international footprint, giving graduates the opportunity to practice the medical profession both in Europe and the United Kingdom.

Graduates of the program will receive two degrees – from the EKPA and the University of Exeter – and will be able to claim a specialty in both the United Kingdom and Greece as graduates of recognized medical schools in both countries.

The agreement provides for the establishment of a Strategic Cooperation Committee, which will oversee the development of the program and ensure the quality and harmonization of studies with the standards of both countries. The final cooperation contract will be concluded after the necessary approvals by the competent academic and regulatory authorities of the United Kingdom and Greece (General Medical Council and ETHAE respectively).

The creation of this joint program is a historical collaboration that changes the data of medical education in Europe between two leading universities and is part of the University of Athens Internationalization Strategy, promoting the innovation, quality and extroversion of Greek Higher Education.

The Rector of the University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, stressed on the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding:

“Today’s signing of the preliminary agreement with the University of Exeter marks an extremely important moment for the University of Athens and our Medical School. The establishment of the first international public degree in Medicine to be offered in Athens confirms our strategic objective of internationalization and enhances the academic presence of the University of Athens and in particular the Medical School in the International Educational Environment. Through this collaboration, we join forces with a leading British university, the University of Exeter, to offer a high quality program, with international orientation and perspective. The University of Athens invests in knowledge, innovation and the creation of opportunities for its students, inside and outside the borders. “

The Deputy Rector and Dean of the Medical School of the University of Exeter Professor Richard Holland said about the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding:

“This is an important day for both the University of Exeter and for the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as we unite our strengths to sign a pre -contractor to develop the only common undergraduate program of medical studies (or medical studies).

Medical students who are admitted to this program will attend a program that will combine the best elements of modern medical education with the use of virtual reality and the excellence of Greek medical education, in a degree that will allow graduates to work in the United Kingdom and the European Union. The common degree designed to be approval by both the Greek Authority and the GMC of the United Kingdom will be the first of its kind.

We consider this agreement much more than a simple connection through medical education, as it brings our two great universities closer, creating opportunities for even closer cooperation in common areas of research interest and the ability to develop educational cooperation.

Finally, I would personally like to thank the Rector and the President for their wonderful hospitality. The warm welcome and the excitement and commitment of all of your staff mean that this collaboration will be very successful. “

The President of the Medical School of the NCSR Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, referring to the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding, stressed:

“The collaboration of the Medical School of the NCSR with the Exeter University Medical School paves the way for the creation of a unique, leading undergraduate medicine program that will combine the best European and British educational standards. A big step forward for medical education not only in our country but internationally! “

Professor Marios Politis, a member of the EXETER University Curriculum Committee, said:

“The collaboration between the University of Exeter and the EKPA to establish the first audience (Dual) curriculum in Medicine is a historical milestone for the internationalization of medical education in Europe. The program incorporates the academic standards of both institutions and offers students a high -level educational environment, with international recognition and perspective. It is a historic moment for Europe and universities that consistently serve academic excellence and international cooperation. “

Photo: Dimitris Konstantinidis