Institution of Academic Advisor

OPERATION OF THE STUDENT COMPLAINTS

 

Regulations for Postgraduate Studies of the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program “Health and Environmental Factors” (according to the provisions of Law 4957/2022)

Εσωτερικός Κανονισμός Λειτουργίας

General Provisions

The second cycle of studies consists of attending a Postgraduate Studies Program (P.M.S.) and is completed with the awarding of a Postgraduate Diploma (D.M.S.).

This Postgraduate Studies Regulation complements the provisions of Chapter IX [Organization and Operation of Second and Third Cycle Programs] of Law 4957/2022 (Government Gazette 141/t.A’/21-7-2022): “New Horizons in Higher Education Institutions: Enhancing Quality, Functionality, and the Connection of HEIs with Society and other provisions,” as well as the Operating Regulations for Postgraduate Programs of A.U.Th.

It is clarified that this is not intended to replace the individual Regulations of the Departments for their various Programs, but to contribute to a kind of harmonization of all postgraduate studies at the University, within its guidelines, while maintaining the degrees of freedom and opportunities for innovation that arise due to the peculiarities of each postgraduate program.

The necessary adjustment of the Decision of establishment and the Regulation of the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program (DPM) according to Law 4957/2022 is in progress. The necessary documents will be submitted to the HQA (Hellenic Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency) when approved by the University’s Senate (Decision).

In Appendix 2.1 are attached:

1. Certification of the adaptation of the decision to the new Law for the DPM “Health and Environmental Factors” by the Assembly of the Department of Medicine in No. 13/19.12.2024, and
2. The transmittal of the Department with the relevant decision of the Department Assembly to the Postgraduate Programs Committee of A.U.Th.

 

Article 1 Subject-Purpose of the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program (IPP)

The Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences of Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), the Department of Environmental Engineering of the International Hellenic University (IHU), and the Department of Geology of the School of Science of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), organize and operate from the winter semester of the academic year 2024-2025, the IPP titled “Health and Environmental Factors.”

Successful completion of the IPP leads to the awarding of a Postgraduate Diploma (MSc) titled “Health and Environmental Factors.”

The subject of the Postgraduate Program “Health and Environmental Factors” is postgraduate teaching, research, training, and specialization of new scientific personnel in Health and Environmental Sciences. Special emphasis is placed on acquiring knowledge and skills in basic and applied laboratory and clinical research.

1. The study of the impact of environmental factors on various human diseases is a cornerstone in understanding and clarifying their etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology. Most diseases in modern society are of multifactorial etiology, resulting in the need for appropriate attention and study of the impact of the environment on these conditions. The key environmental factors affecting health and disease are revealed through research at the molecular and histological levels.
2. This IPP studies diseases of systems related to biological factors, organic and inorganic materials, as well as factors due to the natural or built environment. The study takes place both at the molecular level, using modern methods to detect mutagens and pathogens, and at the histological level, using immunohistochemistry techniques and observation with light and electron microscopy.

The general purpose of the IPP “Health and Environmental Factors” is to study the impact of environmental factors on various human diseases, as it is fundamental to understanding and clarifying their etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology. Most diseases in modern society are of multifactorial etiology, resulting in the need for appropriate attention and study of the impact of the environment on these conditions. The key environmental factors affecting health and disease are revealed through research at the molecular and histological levels. This IPP studies diseases of systems related to biological factors, organic and inorganic materials, as well as factors due to the natural or built environment. The study takes place both at the molecular level, using modern methods to detect mutagens and pathogens, and at the histological level, using immunohistochemistry techniques and observation with light and electron microscopy. Therefore, the purpose of the IPP is to provide students with a comprehensive view of the applications of histological and molecular sciences and to connect their professional training with the labor market.

The main objectives of the establishment of the IPP are:

• Providing education, promoting research, and specializing in knowledge of basic medical conditions related to various physical, chemical, biological, or psychosocial environmental factors. Students will be trained in basic molecular and histological techniques and acquire medical, toxicological, and chemical knowledge, as well as knowledge of the natural environment, both individually and in combination.
• Acquiring skills and experiences aimed at providing high-quality research, professional, and scientific work.
• Comparing the prevalence of diseases based on the cause, chronicity, and prognosis.
• Studying the change in the type of diseases over the years as a result of the ongoing changes in the environment.
• Highlighting the factors affecting public health, which plays a primary role in clinical medicine and promoting preventive measures for common conditions, with documented molecular or histological effects, is one of the main objectives of this IPP.
• Introducing new materials and substances of chemical and biological composition into the market with unknown long-term effects on the human body and associating these materials with common conditions of human systems is an area of particular interest and usefulness in human life.
• Studying the impact of many environmental factors on humans, particularly health. The study and highlighting of these effects through research significantly contribute both scientifically and socially.

The guiding principles of the IPP are to ensure that postgraduate students receive solid scientific foundations, contemporary knowledge, and appropriate research methods and principles that will enable them to continue their education and improve daily clinical practice. Additionally, practical skills are cultivated, which are necessary for responsible and comprehensive scientific and professional activities.

All contributors to the IPP are obligated to ensure the quality and continuous improvement of the program, the educational and research processes, and promote collaborations with related programs and centers domestically and internationally.

The learning outcomes and qualifications of those who have successfully completed the Program are the education of postgraduate students in contemporary scientific developments and the provision of high-level theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of applications of histological and molecular sciences. The Program aims to train students in studying the fundamental principles of how the environment affects health and investigating the health impacts arising from various environmental factors and phenomena. It aims to acquire the appropriate experience to address them based on data and bypass ideological perceptions cultivated in relation to them. It seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to overcome difficult situations related to environmental factors affecting health. Specifically, students, after completing their postgraduate studies, will possess:

• High-level theoretical and practical training on issues concerning the impact of the environment on health.
• The ability to construct correct questionnaires and draw accurate scientific conclusions.
• The ability to develop critical and research skills required for doctoral-level studies.
• Acquiring knowledge and skills for a successful career in the private, public, and academic sectors.

In addition to basic scientific knowledge, postgraduate students acquire:

• The ability to: 1) apply knowledge in practice, 2) search, analyze, and synthesize data and information using appropriate technology, 3) work autonomously or in a team or interdisciplinary environment, 4) adapt to new situations and make decisions, 5) generate new ideas and scientific knowledge, 6) demonstrate responsibility, 7) develop critical thinking, and 8) promote free, productive, and inductive thinking.
• Conduct research and write academic work with the ability to analyze, synthesize, and interpret information.
• Understand statistical studies.

Based on the above, the expected learning outcomes of the IPP based on the European and National Qualifications Framework are:

Knowledge: Possess specialized knowledge, some of which are cutting-edge knowledge in a field of work or study and form the basis for original thinking. Have critical awareness of knowledge issues in a field and its connections with different fields. Skills: Possess specialized problem-solving skills required in research and/or innovation to develop new knowledge and procedures and integrate knowledge from different fields. Competencies: Can manage and transform work or study environments that are complex, unpredictable, and require new strategic approaches. Take responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practices and/or for evaluating the strategic performance of teams.

Specifically, the expected learning outcomes of the IPP involve training students in basic molecular and histological techniques and acquiring medical, toxicological, and chemical knowledge, as well as knowledge of the natural environment, both individually and in combination. Therefore, acquiring skills and experiences through the program aims to provide high-quality research, professional, and scientific work. These are certified based on the courses and lectures by instructors and invited researchers and speakers of the IPP.

Scientific Orientation

The IPP aims to investigate and compare the prevalence of diseases based on cause, chronicity, and prognosis. Special emphasis is placed on studying the change in the type of diseases over the years due to the ongoing environmental changes. Public health holds a primary role in clinical medicine and promoting preventive measures for common conditions. Therefore, highlighting the factors affecting it, with documented molecular or histological effects, is one of the main scientific goals of the IPP.

The general objectives of the IPP aim to: a. Establish an enhanced framework for cooperation with universities and research centers in Greece and abroad, b. Showcase the research work of students at international and Greek conferences, where students will be invited to present their research work, c. Attract prospective entrants from other universities in Greece and abroad.

Postgraduate Studies aim to advance knowledge, develop research and the arts, and meet the educational, research, social, cultural, and developmental needs of the country, training high-level scientists capable of contributing to theoretical and applied areas of specific fields, special thematic units, or individual branches of the subjects of the first cycle of studies of the relevant departments, as well as producing and transmitting knowledge, know-how, methodologies, tools, and research results in the scientific field in which each department operates.

Article 2: Awarded Title of the IPP

The IPP awards a Postgraduate Diploma (MSc) titled: “Health and Environmental Factors.” Successful completion of the studies leads to level seven (7) of the National and European Qualifications Framework according to Article 47 of Law 4763/2020 (A’ 254).

Article 3: Bodies of Postgraduate Programs

The responsible bodies for the administration, organization, and operation of the postgraduate programs are: I. The Senate of the Institution: This is the responsible body for academic, administrative, and organizational matters of the IPP and exercises all competencies related to the IPP not specifically assigned to other bodies by law. II. The Postgraduate Studies Committee: Formed by a decision of the Senate, it consists of the relevant Vice-Rector, who acts as Chairman, as well as one (1) faculty member (DEP) from each School of AUTH, and one (1) member from the categories of Special Educational Staff (EEP), Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP), and Special Technical Laboratory Staff (ETEP) of AUTH. The members of the Committee have experience in organizing and participating in second-cycle programs. The term of the Committee is two (2) academic years. III. The Program Studies Committee is a seven-member body with the following responsibilities:

1. Forms Committees for the evaluation of applications from prospective postgraduate students and approves their enrollment in the IPP.
2. Assigns teaching duties to the instructors of the IPP.
3. Recommends to the Senate any modifications to the founding decision of the IPP and its extension.
4. Forms examination committees for the evaluation of the dissertations of postgraduate students and appoints the supervisor for each dissertation.
5. Confirms the successful completion of studies to award the IPP degree.
6. Approves the IPP’s report following the recommendation of the Coordinating Committee (CC).

The PSC consists of four (4) members from the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences of AUTH, one (1) member from the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences of Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), one (1) member from the Department of Environmental Engineering of IHU, and one (1) member from the Department of Geology of the School of Science of AUTH, elected for a two-year term by the Assemblies of the respective Departments.

The election of the PSC members is held before the end of the academic year during which the term of the previous PSC members ends. The PSC is chaired by the Director of the IPP.

The PSC exercises the responsibilities outlined in Law 4957/2022, specifically: a) Validates the final list of successful candidates in the IPP. b) Assigns the teaching of courses to faculty members of the collaborating Departments or other Departments of AUTH, or other Universities domestically or abroad, as well as to Emeritus and retired Professors, Visiting Professors, and Special Scientists or instructors of other categories, according to Article 36 of Law 4485/2017 or the current legislation. c) Supervises and coordinates the operation of the IPP. d) Appoints members of the examination committees. e) Awards postgraduate diplomas. f) Decides on any issue that arises during the operation of the IPP for which there is no competence of another body (presumption of competence).

The PSC decides by a majority of the present members. In case of a tie, the Director’s vote prevails, giving the majority.

The Coordinating Committee (CC) of the IPP consists of five (5) members: the Director of the IPP, one faculty member from the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences of AUTH, one faculty member from the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences of DUTH, one faculty member from the Department of Environmental Engineering of IHU, and one faculty member from the Department of Geology of the School of Science of AUTH, who have undertaken teaching or supervision of dissertations in the IPP. The Coordinating Committee is chaired by the Director of the IPP. The members of the Coordinating Committee are appointed by the PSC and can be its members. The CC exercises the responsibilities defined in Law 4957/2022.

The Director has the responsibilities provided in Article 82, paragraph 4 of Law 4957/2022 and any other responsibilities defined in the founding decision of the IPP:

1. Chairs the CC and the Program Studies Committee in case of an inter-departmental, inter-institutional, or joint IPP, prepares the agenda, and convenes the meetings.
2. Submits proposals concerning the organization and operation of the IPP to the Department Assembly in case of a single-department IPP.
3. Submits proposals to the CC and other IPP and HEI bodies regarding the effective operation of the IPP.
4. Is the Scientific Responsible of the program according to Article 234 of Law 4957/2022 and exercises the corresponding responsibilities.
5. Monitors the implementation of the decisions of the IPP bodies and the internal regulations of postgraduate and doctoral programs, as well as the execution of the IPP budget.

The Director of the IPP and the members of the CC and the Program Studies Committee are not entitled to remuneration or any compensation for the execution of their assigned responsibilities related to their duties.

1. The six-member Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Institution (AUTH), responsible for the external academic evaluation of the IPP (Article 44, paragraph 3 of Law 4485/2017). VII. The Selection Committee, formed by a decision of the PSC of the IPP, consists of three (3) faculty members of the same or related subject who belong to the CC of the IPP, responsible for the verification of documents, conducting the selection process, and ranking candidates based on the criteria calculation, and submits the list of successful candidates to the PSC, which validates it.

The administrative support of the IPP is provided by the Department of Medicine. The IPP Secretariat is responsible for maintaining files and grades of postgraduate students. It also informs postgraduate students about issues related to the organization and operation of the Program. Lastly, it is responsible for preparing the topics to be submitted to the Department Assembly or the Program Studies Committee.

In addition, individuals with university training, experienced in postgraduate programs, assist in the administrative support of the IPP. They handle student registrations, maintain grade files, evaluate instructors, maintain attendance records, issue degrees, certificates, and attestations. The Secretariat also deals with current issues concerning teaching staff, postgraduate students, the program, contacts with various services and collaborating institutions, and manages public relations and the program’s promotion.

 

Article 4: Categories of Candidates for Postgraduate Programs

1. Eligible Candidates:
   • Holders of first-cycle degrees from domestic institutions and recognized equivalent institutions abroad are accepted into the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program (IPP) (according to Article 34, paragraphs 1, 7, and 8 of Law 4485/2017).
   • Specifically, graduates from departments of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biology, Nursing, Medical Laboratories, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Geology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Polytechnic Schools and TEI Engineering, Economic Sciences, Management, Informatics, Psychology, Social and Humanitarian Studies, Physical Education Sciences, Nutrition, Aesthetics-Cosmetology, and other departments of domestic universities and recognized equivalent institutions abroad, as well as graduates from TEI departments and military schools with related fields of study, are accepted.
   • Members of the categories E.E.P. (Special Teaching Staff), E.DI.P. (Special Laboratory Teaching Staff), and E.T.E.P. (Special Technical Laboratory Staff), if they meet the requirements of the first sentence of paragraph 1 of Article 34, can be enrolled as supernumeraries, with only one per year per IPP organized in departments of the institution where they serve, provided the IPP is related to their degree and the work they perform at the institution.
   • Final-year students from the aforementioned departments can also apply to the IPP by providing a certificate of completion of studies.
2. Recognition of Foreign Degrees:
   • A Master’s Degree is not awarded to a student whose first-cycle degree from a foreign institution has not been recognized by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition Information Center (DOATAP), according to Law 3328/2005 (A’ 80).

The recognition of foreign degrees for admission to postgraduate programs is done by the Academic Departments. Even if a degree has been recognized for equivalence by DOATAP, the recognition process is still handled by the Department. The Academic Departments are responsible for the academic recognition of degrees and not their equivalence. For degree equivalence, DOATAP remains responsible. Candidates who have already applied or are attending Postgraduate Programs, pending the submission of an individual recognition act by DOATAP, are exempt from this obligation, and their application or continuation of studies is reviewed based on the new law’s criteria. The method for verifying the general type of first-cycle degree (Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts & Doctor of Philosophy) includes:

1. Authenticity Verification: 1.1. By Hague Apostille, 1.2. By submitting the degree and simultaneously notifying the foreign university by the applicant. The notification is accompanied by an official email from the foreign university, allowing the department’s secretariat to verify authenticity.
2. Specialization Verification: If the specialization conferred by the degree is required, verification is done through the degree transcript or the Diploma Supplement.
3. Grade Verification: If the grade is important, equivalence is done according to the procedure notified by DOATAP.
4. Academic Recognition: Academic recognition pertains only to the specific procedure, is established by a decision of the Department Assembly, and is not given to the applicant. If the candidate needs a related certificate, they must apply to DOATAP for equivalence.

Article 5: Number of Admissions, Criteria, and Selection Process

The maximum number of admitted postgraduate students per year is fifty (50). The IPP cannot operate with fewer than ten (10) postgraduate students. The IPP, by decision of the Program Committee, announces positions through an open process. The announcement specifies admission requirements, number of admitted students, candidate categories, admission method, selection criteria, deadlines for application submission, and required documents. The admission announcement is published on the Department’s website. Applications, accompanied by the necessary documents, are submitted to the Department Secretariat either in paper or electronic form. The selection criteria for admitted students include: a. Application accompanied by a short statement of interest. b. Detailed curriculum vitae. c. Copy of degree or diploma. d. Certificate of studies with a transcript of undergraduate and/or postgraduate courses. e. Certificate of sufficient knowledge of a foreign language (level B2). If the candidate does not have a language diploma, they are examined by the IPP committee for comprehension and translation of a text. If there is knowledge of a second foreign language, the corresponding certificate is also submitted. f. Supporting documents for any research and publication activity, as well as relevant professional experience (if any). g. Photocopy of Identity Card or Passport.

The selection process, by decision of the Program Committee, is conducted by a competent Three-Member Selection and Examination Committee composed of faculty members involved in postgraduate work. The Committee compiles a complete list of all candidates and, after the relevant review, rejects those who do not meet the minimum criteria set by the Department and invites for an interview, where provided, the shortlisted candidates who have met the prerequisites. The grading of candidates for admission to the IPP is as follows: a) General degree grade, multiplied by a coefficient of 2.5, with a maximum of twenty-five (25) points. b) Previous research activity: from one (1) to five (5) points. c) Possible professional experience: from one (1) to five (5) points. d) Other related degrees: from zero (0) to ten (10) points. e) Foreign language certificates, beyond the first foreign language: from one (1) to five (5) points. f) Oral interview with a grading scale from zero (0) to ten (10). The interview grade is multiplied by a coefficient of 2, i.e., the interview receives a maximum of twenty (20) points. After the completion of the process, with evaluation based on the document file and interview, the final list of successful candidates is compiled. Total points: 70 In case of a tie, all tied candidates are admitted as supernumeraries. Personal Interview: In the interview, candidates are graded on the relevance of their studies to the IPP subject, previous related research and professional experience, and the personal characteristics demonstrated during the interview. If admission slots remain vacant, they are filled up to the predicted number of admissions (according to the announcement), either by ranking, as successful, candidates in descending order of total score, provided it is at least, for example, thirty (30) points, or by a supplementary announcement of vacant positions. In case of a tie, all tied candidates are accepted. The final list of successful and possible alternates, after approval by the Department Assembly or the Program Committee, is posted on the Department’s website. Objections to the results can be submitted within five (5) working days from the announcement of the results. The registration of successful candidates is carried out following a relevant announcement by the IPP Secretariat within five (5) days, with the submission of any necessary documents. If a candidate does not register within the specified period, it is considered a refusal to accept the position, and it is filled by the next successful candidate.

 

Article 6: Duration and Terms of Attendance

Duration of Study

The duration of study in the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program (IPP) leading to the awarding of the Postgraduate Diploma (P.D.) is set at a minimum of three (3) semesters, including the time required for the preparation and evaluation of the master’s thesis. The maximum allowable time for completing the studies is six (6) semesters, as decided by the IPP.

Part-Time Study

Postgraduate students may opt for part-time study, which cannot exceed double the normal duration of study. Part-time study is available to those who can prove they are working at least twenty (20) hours per week and to non-working postgraduate students who are unable to meet the minimum requirements of the “full-time” program due to exceptionally serious reasons, as decided by the Department Assembly or the IPP, and as outlined in the Postgraduate Studies Regulations.

Suspension of Studies

Postgraduate students who have not exceeded the normal duration of study may be granted a suspension of studies upon submitting a relevant application. The suspension cannot exceed two (2) consecutive semesters. During the suspension, the student loses their student status. The suspension period is not counted towards the maximum duration of normal study. Upon resumption, students return to regular student status with all the rights and obligations provided by the IPP.

Extension of Studies

Students may apply for an extension of studies, either to complete their coursework or to prepare their master’s thesis, by submitting a justified application before the end of the normal study period. After the extension period, the student is removed from the IPP by a decision of the Department Assembly or the IPP Committee. Applications for part-time study, suspension, or extension of studies must be submitted before the start of the academic semesters.

Re-examination Policy

For issues related to re-examination in owed courses, postgraduate students have the right to re-examine a course up to three times. For issues related to student dismissal, the IPP Committee decides, upon recommendation by the Coordinating Committee, on the terms of re-examination and the reasons for dismissal, which are included in the Postgraduate Studies Regulations.

Rights and Obligations

Postgraduate students enroll and participate in the IPP under the terms and conditions outlined in the Postgraduate Studies Regulations. They have all the rights, benefits, and facilities provided to first-cycle students, except for the right to free textbooks. The Department provides accommodations for students with disabilities or special educational needs as specified in the regulations.

Visiting Participants

The IPP accepts “visiting participants” (auditors) who pay tuition fees and meet the requirements of Article 3. These individuals may attend up to four individual courses (subject to arrangements with the instructors) without being enrolled in the IPP. Visiting participants do not receive a P.D., but they receive a certificate of attendance upon fulfilling the course requirements. Indicative tuition fees: 600 euros per individual course.

Tuition Fees

The IPP charges tuition fees of two thousand seven hundred euros (2700) per study cycle, payable by the student (or a third party on behalf of the student) to the Special Account for Research Funds of the university. Payment of tuition fees is required to obtain the diploma or for continued enrollment in the IPP. Program funding may come from tuition fees, donations, sponsorships, endowments, research projects, especially from the European Union, the university’s own resources, and any other legal means. Tuition fees are paid in three equal installments: the first upon registration, the second before the start of the second semester, and the third before the start of the third semester, to a bank account maintained for this purpose by the university’s Special Account for Research Funds.

Depending on demand, the IPP, after approval by the Department Assembly and by decision of the university’s Senate, may adjust the tuition fees before the annual program announcement.

Refund Policy

Students may request a tuition refund for a semester only if they can adequately justify and prove an exceptionally serious reason for discontinuing their studies. The request must be submitted to the IPP within ten (10) days of the semester’s start.

Fee Exemption

Students who meet excellence criteria during their first cycle of studies, with a minimum grade of seven and a half out of ten (7.5/10), may be eligible for free tuition due to economic or social criteria. The specific terms and conditions for free tuition in postgraduate programs are described in the applicable legislation and the Minister of Education’s decision. Exempt students should not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the total number of students admitted to the IPP and may only participate in one postgraduate program. If eligible students exceed this percentage, selection is based on income, starting with those with the lowest income.

Applications for tuition exemption must be submitted to the Department after the student selection process for the IPP. Exemption is granted exclusively for one postgraduate program organized by a domestic higher education institution. The Postgraduate Studies Regulations define the necessary procedures for granting free tuition.

 

Article 7: Rights and Obligations of Study

Postgraduate students enroll and participate in postgraduate programs under the terms and conditions specified in the Postgraduate Studies Regulations. They have all the rights, benefits, and facilities provided to first-cycle students, except for the right to free textbooks. The Department must ensure accommodations for postgraduate students with disabilities or special educational needs.

Postgraduate students admitted to the IPP are required to:

1. Attend all courses in the curriculum. Attendance is mandatory, and deviations are allowed only for serious and justified reasons. No more than three (3) absences per course are permitted.
2. Participate in all educational and research activities.
3. Submit course declarations each semester on time.
4. Submit assignments required for each course within the prescribed deadlines.
5. Attend examinations.
6. Submit to the Secretariat, along with their thesis for evaluation, a statement that it does not contain any plagiarism.
7. Pay tuition fees within the specified dates.
8. Settle all financial obligations and any other obligations to the institution before the graduation ceremony. Failure to do so will result in the student not being allowed to graduate or receive their postgraduate diploma.
9. If they have received a scholarship, provide reciprocal work as required (such as tutoring, contributing to the library and research, or other university services).
10. It is possible to concurrently enroll in an undergraduate program and a postgraduate program or in two (2) postgraduate programs within the same or another Department, or within the same or another higher education institution.
11. Respect and comply with the decisions of the postgraduate program’s authorities and academic ethics. Failure to adhere to these requirements without justified reasons may lead to failure in a course or exclusion from the program.

Non-compliance with the above obligations without a serious and justified reason constitutes grounds for the student’s dismissal from the program.

Article 8: Curriculum and Knowledge Assessment

In the context of student-centered learning and teaching, we have listened to the opinions of the students and graduates of our Interinstitutional Program “Health and Environmental Factors” and have made minor changes as specified in the course framework. The aim of these changes is to provide comprehensive education for postgraduate students in environmental and health issues, deepen the fundamental knowledge required at the interdisciplinary level addressed by the IPP, and enhance this knowledge with contemporary issues concerning the global community without changing the structure or nature of the program.

In recent years, health crises and environmental health have been at the forefront of global interest. The pandemic, climate change, emerging diseases related to the environment, and crisis management are topics that the postgraduate program addresses and now establishes as mandatory education for its students. Considering the opinions of our students, the demands of modern society, the academic knowledge of our professors, and the needs of the job market, we present the ten (10) core courses that fully highlight the program’s content and equip students with knowledge based on global job market needs.

Structure of the IPP “Health and Environmental Factors”

The IPP is structured into three (3) semesters:

• In the first (A) semester, five (5) mandatory courses are taught, each worth 6 ECTS.
• In the second (B) semester, five (5) mandatory courses are taught, each worth 6 ECTS.
• In the third (C) semester, students complete their Master’s Thesis, worth a total of 30 ECTS.

Courses will be conducted using a mixed teaching system, with up to 70% being delivered via distance learning. The official language of the program is Greek, while the thesis can be written in Greek and/or English.

 

1. B) Knowledge Assessment – Student Evaluation

Assessment in individual courses is conducted at the end of each semester through written or oral exams, or the submission of assignments. The method of evaluation is determined by the instructor of each course at the beginning of the academic semester. The percentage of participation in other educational activities (such as laboratory exercises, assignments, and seminars where applicable) as well as the student’s participation during classes, is factored into the final grade for each course, following the instructor’s recommendation and approval by the Coordinating Committee of the Interdepartmental Graduate Program (IGP).

The grading scale for evaluating the performance of graduate students ranges from zero (0) to ten (10), as follows:

• Excellent (8.5 to 10)
• Very Good (6.5 to less than 8.5)
• Good (6 to less than 6.5)
• Passable grade is six (6) and above.

Attendance in courses or any other educational activity is mandatory. A graduate student is considered to have attended a course (and thus eligible to participate in exams) only if they have attended at least 70% of the theoretical hours of the course. Otherwise, the graduate student is required to retake the course in the next academic year.

If a graduate student’s absence exceeds 50% of the total courses, their potential removal from the program is reviewed by the Coordinating Committee, which then makes a recommendation to the Department Assembly.

In exceptional cases or for reasons of force majeure, exams may be conducted using electronic means, provided the integrity of the evaluation process is ensured. In cases of illness, the instructor is advised to accommodate the student in any suitable manner (e.g., oral or remote examination).

If a graduate student fails a course exam three times, they are considered to have not successfully completed the program. Upon their request, the student can be re-examined by a three-member committee of faculty members from the department, who have the same or related expertise to the course in question, appointed by the Department Assembly. The responsible instructor for the course is excluded from this committee.

The grade for the Master’s Degree (MSc) is calculated from the weighted average of the grades of the courses and the Master’s Thesis (weighted by the ECTS credits of the courses and the thesis) and is calculated to two decimal places, using the following formula: MSc Grade=(Course Grade 1×ECTS of Course 1+Course Grade 2×ECTS of Course 2+…+Thesis Grade×ECTS of Thesis)Total ECTS Required for MSc\text{MSc Grade} = \frac{( \text{Course Grade 1} \times \text{ECTS of Course 1} + \text{Course Grade 2} \times \text{ECTS of Course 2} + \ldots + \text{Thesis Grade} \times \text{ECTS of Thesis})}{\text{Total ECTS Required for MSc}}MSc Grade=Total ECTS Required for MSc(Course Grade 1×ECTS of Course 1+Course Grade 2×ECTS of Course 2+…+Thesis Grade×ECTS of Thesis)​

1. C) Master’s Thesis

For the completion of a Master’s Thesis (MT), where required, the Academic Committee, after receiving an application from the candidate on specified dates, stating the proposed title of the thesis, the proposed supervisor, and an attached summary of the proposed work, appoints the supervisor and forms a three-member examination committee for the approval of the thesis, one member of which is the supervisor.

Eligible to supervise theses are faculty members as described in Article 83 of Law 4957/2022: a. Members of the Teaching and Research Staff (TRS), Special Educational Personnel (SEP), Laboratory Teaching Personnel (LTP), and Special Technical Laboratory Personnel (STLP) of the department or other departments of the same or another Higher Education Institution (HEI), domestic or foreign, or Higher Military Educational Institutions (HMEI), with additional employment beyond their legal obligations if the IGP has tuition fees, b. Emeritus professors or retired TRS members of the department or other departments of the same or another HEI, c. Collaborating professors, d. Adjunct lecturers, e. Visiting professors or researchers, f. Researchers and specialized functional scientists from research and technological bodies under Article 13A of Law 4310/2014 or other research centers and institutes, domestic or foreign.

Members of the three-member examination committee must have the same or related scientific expertise as the IGP’s field of study.

The completion of the Master’s Thesis is governed by the Code of Academic Conduct of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Every creator or co-creator of any intellectual work has the right to be acknowledged as such, enjoying both the property and moral rights/powers derived from the work. Exceptionally, if the original intellectual creation (“work”) is the final outcome of a paid research project assigned by an external entity to the Aristotle University, the property rights of the creator or co-creators may be limited based on the terms of the contract assigning the research project, while moral rights remain with the creator(s), subject to necessary contractual restrictions for the exploitation/economic utilization of the created intellectual work.

For the presentation of the Master’s Thesis, a positive recommendation from the three-member examination committee is required. If the defense of the thesis is public, a specific date and place are set by the Coordinating Committee of the IGP. After the thesis defense, a record is made indicating the individual grade of each committee member, the average grade, and any comments or remarks. Following approval by the committee, the thesis is mandatorily posted on the university’s website.

If the thesis is not approved, the graduate student may resubmit the work incorporating the suggestions for improvement within a timeframe set by the three-member examination committee. If the second evaluation is also negative, the graduate student loses the right to be awarded the Master’s Degree.

In exceptional cases, if there is an objective inability or significant reason, it is possible to replace the supervisor or a member of the three-member examination committee and change the thesis topic after a decision by the Coordinating Committee.

The thesis can be theoretical, applied, or experimental. Graduate students can only defend their thesis after successfully passing all their courses.

For a Master’s Thesis to be approved, it must meet the following requirements: a) The topic and content of the thesis (theoretical or research) must be relevant to the field of the IGP. b) The thesis (excluding the bibliography) must be at least twenty (20) single-sided printed pages in Arial font, size 12, fully justified, with one-and-a-half spacing. The thesis must include (in addition to the main text) a detailed table of contents, an abbreviation list (if necessary), an appendix index, a summary in Greek and English, and a bibliography. c) The time for writing and submitting the thesis can be extended by three (3) semesters by decision of the Academic Committee. The submitted thesis is evaluated no later than three months after its submission. d) Changing the topic of a candidate’s thesis is possible only with a recommendation from the Coordinating Committee of the IGP and a decision by the Academic Committee, following a justified recommendation from the supervising professor. e) Upon completion of the thesis, it is submitted in electronic form to the IGP Secretariat, with the supervising professor’s consent that it meets the criteria for evaluation. f) The language for writing the Master’s Thesis is Greek (or English in justified cases). g) The IGP Director sends the thesis to the members of the three-member examination committee, who must decide on its acceptance within thirty (30) days from the submission. If a committee member requests a justified extension of up to thirty (30) days, and after this period the member does not fulfill their obligations, they must be replaced. In this case, the process must be completed within one month from the end of the 30-day extension. h) For the final evaluation and grading of the Master’s Thesis, the three-member examination committee calls the candidate for a public defense of their thesis, which may last up to one hour. Upon completion of the defense, the committee grades the thesis on a scale from zero (0) to ten (10), sending the examination record to the Department of Medicine Secretariat. The invitation and announcement for the candidate’s examination are made by the supervising professor of the committee, who coordinates and presides over the process. Graduate students are provided with a thesis writing guide (specifying the length, font, writing method, number of copies to be submitted, and any other related structural elements and correction timelines).

 

Article 9 Scholarships

It is possible, by decision of the Program Committee depending on the income of the MSc. program, to award scholarships to postgraduate students. Scholarships are awarded based on academic, objective criteria (such as academic performance based on the average grade of the previous semester) and must be included in the approved budget of the MSc. program. The terms of awarding, obligations, and rights of scholarship holders are determined on the recommendation of the Steering Committee and by decision of the Program Committee.

The AUTH may award reciprocal scholarships to postgraduate students with the obligation to support the educational process and provide additional teaching work. The MSc. program sets the maximum amount of reciprocal scholarship per student, the maximum number of weekly working hours, and other details related to the award of scholarships. Postgraduate students are informed following relevant notification from the Secretariat of the MSc. program.

Article 10 Teaching Staff

The teaching work of the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program (MSc.) is assigned, following the recommendation of the Coordinating Committee of the MSc. and the decision of the Program Committee, to the following categories of teachers:

1. Members of the Teaching and Research Staff (TRS), Special Education Staff (SES), Laboratory Teaching Staff (LTS), and Special Technical Laboratory Staff (STLS) of the Department or other Departments of the AUTh or other Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) or Higher Military Educational Institutions (HMEIs), with additional employment beyond their legal obligations, if the MSc. has tuition fees.
2. Honorary professors or retired members of the TRS of the Department or other Departments of the AUTh or other HEIs.
3. Collaborating professors.
4. Assigned instructors.
5. Visiting professors or researchers.
6. Researchers and specialized operational scientists of research and technological organizations under Article 13A of Law 4310/2014 (A’ 258) or other research centers and institutes in Greece or abroad.
7. Scientists of recognized prestige who possess specialized knowledge and relevant experience in the subject matter of the MSc.

Decisions of the Assembly or the Program Committee for the distribution of teaching work include mandatory information:

1. The name of the teacher,
2. Their capacity,
3. The type of teaching work assigned per teacher (course, seminar), and
4. The number of teaching hours per course or seminar.

The duty of the invited teacher is to follow the weekly teaching schedule as determined by the Steering Committee, and to comply with the examination and evaluation terms as described in this Regulation.

Among the duties of the teachers are the description of the course or lectures, the citation of relevant bibliography, the method of examination of the course, and communication with postgraduate students.

Teaching in the MSc. is conducted according to the timetable of courses prepared under the responsibility of the Director of the MSc.

With the start of attendance at the MSc., a permanent member of the Teaching and Research Staff (TRS) of the MSc. is appointed as an Academic Advisor for each postgraduate student. Their role is to monitor the progress of the students’ studies, to be informed by the teachers about any continuous absences of the students under their responsibility, and to communicate this information (through the Secretariat) that such absence may result in failure in the course. Additionally, the Academic Advisor provides assistance regarding the choice of the postgraduate thesis, taking into account the research interests of the postgraduate student. Postgraduate students are required to contact their academic advisor for any problem that may affect the smooth progress of their studies.

The Academic Advisor provides the postgraduate student with the necessary counseling to meet the requirements of the Postgraduate Program.

The Academic Advisor ensures regular meetings with the postgraduate students they have undertaken, at least twice (2) times per semester. Among their duties are:

• Identifying the needs and research interests of the postgraduate student, supporting their inclinations and skills, and encouraging them to focus on areas that suit them.
• Informing and facilitating the student’s contacts with the collective bodies of the MSc. and the administrative services.
• Providing assistance in preparing their individual semester study program and determining the topic of the postgraduate thesis.
• Identifying students who owe many courses.
• Care and planning for these students.

Upon recommendation of the Coordinating Committee of the MSc. or the Director, auxiliary teaching work may be assigned to PhD candidates of the Department or the School, under the supervision of the MSc. teacher. Auxiliary work includes the assistance of members of the Teaching and Research Staff (TRS) during their teaching work, the conduct of student exercises, laboratory exercises, supervision of examinations, and correction of exercises. By decision of the Department’s Assembly or the Program Committee, auxiliary work may be assigned or a call for expressions of interest may be published in subjects offered in the MSc. Curriculum. The Call for Expression of Interest specifies the deadlines for submission of candidacy and specific qualifications.

Teachers, during the period of educational leave or suspension of duties, may provide teaching work to the MSc., if they consider that their program allows it, provided, of course, that under the prevailing conditions, this is substantively and practically feasible, a matter that must be judged case by case.

 

Article 11

Program Revenues – Financial Management Procedure

The resources of the Postgraduate Program may originate from:

1. Tuition fees,
2. Donations, grants, and all types of financial aid,
3. Legacies,
4. Funds from research projects or programs, especially those from the European Union,
5. University’s own resources,
6. Any other lawful cause.

The payment of tuition fees, which are set at the amount of two thousand seven hundred euros (€2,700), is made by the student themselves (or by a third party, natural or legal person, on behalf of the student) into the ELKE account in three equal installments: the first at enrollment, the second before the start of the second semester, and the third before the start of the third semester.

The resources of the Postgraduate Program are distributed as follows:

1. Thirty percent (30%) of the total revenues from tuition fees is withheld by ELKE. This amount includes the percentage retained for ELKE’s financial management of the Postgraduate Programs. By decision of the Board of Directors, taken by the end of March each year, it is decided whether the remaining amount after the ELKE retention is transferred to the regular budget or allocated for the creation of projects/programs through ELKE, aiming to cover primarily the needs of Postgraduate Programs that operate without tuition fees, as well as research, educational, and operational needs of the University. For revenues of the Postgraduate Program from subparagraphs b) to d) of paragraph 1, the ELKE retention applicable to revenues from equivalent funding sources applies.
2. The remaining amount of the total revenues of the Postgraduate Program is allocated to cover the operational expenses of the Postgraduate Program.

The Postgraduate Program prepares, in accordance with current legislation, a detailed budget for the five (5) years of operation, including all resources of the program and its operational costs.

Article 12

Administrative Support – Technical Infrastructure

The administrative and secretarial support of the Postgraduate Program is provided by the Secretariat of the Faculty of Medicine. Additionally, university-trained individuals with experience in Postgraduate Programs participate in administrative support, and among other tasks, they handle student registrations, maintain grade files, evaluate teachers, keep attendance records, issue diplomas, certificates, and attestations. Moreover, the Secretariat manages current issues related to teaching staff, postgraduate students, the program, contacts with various services and cooperating institutions, and ensures the public relations and promotion of the program.

Article 13

Graduation Ceremony

The graduation oath is not a mandatory requirement for successful completion of studies but is necessary for the issuance of the diploma document. The matriculation is conducted within the School Assembly, in the presence of the Director of the Postgraduate Program, the President of the Department/Dean of the School or their deputy, and possibly a representative of the Rector, where possible.

Postgraduate students who have successfully completed the Postgraduate Program may request exemption from the matriculation obligation from the Secretariat of the School/Department in cases such as studies, residence, or work abroad, health reasons, etc.

Article 14

Type of Postgraduate Diploma (M.Sc.)

The Master’s Diploma is issued by the Secretariat of the Postgraduate Program. The diploma includes the Department or Departments or Institutions participating in the organization of the Postgraduate Program, the emblems of the institutions, the graduation year, the date of issuance of the M.Sc., the registration number of the graduation protocol, the title of the M.Sc., the details of the postgraduate student, and the assessment characterization: Good, Very Good, Excellent.

In addition to the Master’s Diploma, an Appendix Diploma [Article 15 of Law 3374/2005 and Ministerial Decision F5/89656/BE/13-8-2007 (Government Gazette 1466 B’)] is issued, which is an explanatory document providing information on the nature, level, general framework of education, content, and status of the studies successfully completed, and does not substitute the official degree title or the detailed grading of courses awarded by the Institutions.

Article 15

Plagiarism

By submitting any postgraduate thesis, the postgraduate student is obliged to disclose whether they used the work and opinions of others. Copying is considered a serious academic offense. Plagiarism includes copying someone else’s work, as well as using another’s work—published or unpublished—without proper citation. The citation of any documentary material, even from the candidate’s own studies, without appropriate reference, may result in a decision by the Department Assembly for expulsion.

In the above cases, and after reasoned recommendation from the supervising professor, the student must rephrase the thesis, and if this is not implemented by the student upon recommendation of the supervising professor, the Department Assembly may also decide on expulsion.

Any offense or violation of academic ethics is referred to the Coordination Committee of the Postgraduate Program for evaluation and recommendation for addressing the issue at the Department Assembly. Violations include offenses of copying or plagiarism and, more generally, any violation of intellectual property provisions by postgraduate students in the context of course work or the preparation of a postgraduate thesis.

For violations of ethics and study quality rules, the Ethics Committee of the Institution is competent.

Article 16

Certification – Evaluation of Postgraduate Programs (M.Sc.)

After the issuance of the decision to establish the Postgraduate Program and before its commencement, certification of the Postgraduate Program by the Hellenic Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency for Higher Education (HQA) is required, according to paragraph c) of paragraph 1 of Article 8 of Law 4653/2020 (Government Gazette 12). After their establishment, Postgraduate Programs are periodically certified, according to sub-paragraph bb) of paragraph 1 of Article 8 of Law 4653/2020, as part of the assessment of the academic unit to which they belong.

In case the decision to establish is modified, re-certification of the Postgraduate Program by the HQA is required, if the modification concerns elements such as the subject, purpose of the program, learning outcomes.

Article 17

Study Guide

 

The MSc Programme issues a Study Guide aiming to inform graduate students about its operation. The Study Guide may include:

 

General Information as well as useful electronic information about the Institution and the Department, particularly about administrative services or collective bodies that graduate students may address for the successful completion of their studies.

The purpose, the subject of the MSc Programme, as well as the qualifications acquired after the award of the Master’s Degree.

The academic calendar, which includes the start and end dates of academic semesters, examination periods, holidays, periods for the presentation of graduate theses, and any other obligations such as internships, seminars, conferences, etc.

The curriculum, specializations (if any), credit units, teaching staff, rights, and obligations of graduate students.

The official language of instruction and the preparation of the graduate thesis.

The administration of the MSc Programme.

Databases.

Library use.

Services for graduate students.

Article 18

Transitional Provisions

 

Any issue that arises in the future not covered by the relevant legislation or the Master’s Programme Regulations will be addressed by collective decisions, with amendments to the Regulations.