Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki
Website: www.med.auth.gr
Email: info@med.auth.gr
Phone: T2310-999900
Fax: F2310-999293
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Οδηγός Σπουδών

The Department of Medicine is one of the four Departments of the School of Health Sciences at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.). It was founded as the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 1942 (Government Gazette No. 28 – 18/2/1942), during the German Occupation in Greece. The reasons for its 17-year delay in founding, compared to the initial establishment of the University of Thessaloniki, should be sought, among other things, in the resistance posed by the then-medical establishment of the city for guild reasons. The number of students during its first academic year of operation (1942-43) reached 385, of which 274 were men. Some of the urgent issues the school faced, as mentioned in the album “63 Years of Medical School,” included the inability of elected professors from Athens to attend, the suspension and re-evaluation of professors after liberation, and infrastructure shortages. The first regular professors of the school were: N. Michalakeas, A. Kotsautis, S. Samaras, N. Kleisiounis, K. Iliakis, G. Pangalos, G. Chatzivasileiou, G. Deligiannis, K. Alexandridis, M. Petzetakis, P. Fotinos, and S. Veras.

The Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was renamed the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences according to Article 30, paragraph 1 of Law 1268/1982 and Article 6, paragraph 11 of Law 1351/1983. With Presidential Decree 247/2004 (Government Gazette 235/30.11.2004), the School of Health Sciences of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was abolished, and the Department of Medicine under it returned to its previous status as the Medical School. The renaming of the Department of Medicine to the Medical School was set for July 11, 2005 (Senate meeting 2770/29.6.2005 & Rector’s Council meeting 1205/27.7.2005 of A.U.Th.). With Presidential Decree 98/2013 (Government Gazette 134/5.6.2013), the Medical School was renamed the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences.

The purpose of the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences at A.U.Th. is the education of its students and the production of high-level medical scientific personnel for the country. Additionally, it aims to produce significant research work, both independently and in collaboration with other research centers in Greece and abroad. Efforts are made to engage students in the research process starting from their undergraduate studies, involving them in various research programs in laboratories and clinics, with results primarily presented at the Scientific Conference of the Department of Medicine (ESISAPTH) held every two years.

The primary educational goal of the Department is, first and foremost, to impart ethical values that govern the practice of the medical profession to the students and to ensure the scientific knowledge that will allow them to effectively diagnose and manage general medical problems they will encounter after graduation. Concurrently, the faculty members of the Department staff hospitals and other Public Health units, thereby offering significant social services. The Department of Medicine offers a six-year program, with undergraduate courses for the first five years structured in semesters. During the early years, courses focus primarily on basic sciences, while clinical training begins in the third year. After successfully completing their studies, students receive a Medical Degree (aligned with point 5.1.1 of Annex 5 of the Community Directive 2005/36/EC), allowing them to practice medicine in the public and private sectors. The Department offers fifty-four organized Postgraduate Programs, fourteen of which are Interdepartmental/Interinstitutional, with the Department of Medicine at A.U.Th. as the lead department.

Administrative Bodies of the Department
According to the provisions of Law 4485/2017 (Government Gazette A’114), the administrative bodies of the Department are:

1. The Department Assembly
2. The Administrative Council
3. The Department Chair
4. The Deputy Chair

 

Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program in Health and Environmental Factors

The Department of Medicine at the School of Health Sciences organizes and operates a Postgraduate Program (hereinafter referred to as the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program, or IPP) titled “Health and Environmental Factors.” The program focuses on the postgraduate education, research, training, and specialization of new scientific personnel in the fields of Health and Environmental Sciences. Emphasis is placed on acquiring knowledge and skills in basic and applied laboratory and clinical research.

Objective: The study of the impact of environmental factors on various human diseases is a cornerstone in understanding and clarifying their etiology and pathophysiology. Most diseases in modern society have multifactorial causes, necessitating a thorough investigation of the environmental influences on these conditions. This research is conducted at both the molecular and histological levels, utilizing modern methods to detect mutagenic and infectious agents, as well as immunohistochemical techniques and observation through optical and electron microscopes.

Program Focus: The IPP investigates diseases related to biological factors, organic and inorganic materials, and factors stemming from the natural or built environment. Research occurs at the molecular level, employing advanced detection techniques, and at the histological level, using immunohistochemistry and microscopy. The aim is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of histological and molecular sciences and to connect their professional training with the job market.

Key Objectives:

• Provide education, promote research, and specialize in understanding basic medical conditions in relation to various physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial environmental factors. Students will be trained in basic molecular and histological techniques and will gain medical, toxicological, and chemical knowledge, along with environmental science insights, both individually and in combination.
• Develop skills and experiences aimed at delivering high-quality research, professional, and scientific work.
• Compare disease prevalence based on causation, chronicity, and prognosis.
• Study the evolution of disease types over time due to ongoing environmental changes.
• Identify factors affecting public health, which is crucial in clinical medicine practice and the promotion of preventive measures for common diseases, supported by documented molecular or histological impacts.
• Introduce new materials and substances of chemical and biological composition with unknown long-term effects on the human body and link these materials to common human conditions.
• Investigate the effects of various environmental factors on human health. Highlighting these impacts through research contributes significantly at both scientific and social levels.

Guiding Principles: The guiding principles of the IPP include providing postgraduate students with solid scientific foundations, modern knowledge, and appropriate research methods and principles, ensuring their capability for continuous education and improvement of daily clinical practice. Additionally, practical skills necessary for responsible and comprehensive scientific and professional activity are cultivated.

Quality Assurance: All contributors to the IPP are responsible for ensuring the quality and continuous improvement of the program’s operation, educational and research processes, and promoting collaborations with related programs and centers domestically and internationally.

 

Learning Outcomes and Qualifications for Graduates of the MSc Program “Health and Environmental Factors”

Students who successfully complete the Program will acquire:

1. Theoretical and Practical Training:
   • High-level scientific knowledge and practical skills in areas concerning the impact of the environment on health.
   • The ability to correctly construct questionnaires and derive accurate scientific conclusions.
2. Critical and Research Skills:
   • Development of critical and research skills necessary for doctoral-level studies.
   • Knowledge and skills for a successful career in the private, public, and academic sectors.

Additionally, graduates will gain:

• Ability to Apply Knowledge: The capability to apply knowledge in practice, search, analyze, and synthesize data and information using appropriate technology.
• Independent and Team Work: The ability to work independently or in teams, including interdisciplinary environments.
• Adaptability and Decision Making: The capacity to adapt to new situations and make decisions.
• Innovation and Knowledge Creation: The ability to generate new ideas and scientific knowledge.
• Responsibility and Critical Thinking: Demonstrating responsibility, developing critical thinking, and promoting free, productive, and inductive thought.
• Research and Academic Writing: The ability to conduct research and write academic work, with skills in analyzing, synthesizing, and interpreting information.
• Understanding Statistical Studies: A comprehension of statistical studies.

Based on the above, the expected learning outcomes of the MSc Program according to the European and National Qualification Framework are:

• Knowledge: Possess specialized knowledge, some of which is cutting-edge in a field of work or study, forming 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: 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.

Scientific Orientation

The MSc Program aims to investigate and compare the prevalence of diseases based on their cause, chronicity, and prognosis. Particular emphasis is placed on studying the changes in disease types over time due to ongoing environmental changes. Public health plays a central role in clinical medicine and in promoting measures to prevent common diseases. Therefore, identifying the factors that impact public health, with documented molecular and/or histological effects, is one of the primary scientific goals of the MSc Program.

General Objectives of the MSc Program “Health and Environmental Factors”

The general objectives of the MSc Program aim to:

1. Enhance Collaborative Frameworks: Establish and strengthen collaborative frameworks with universities and research centers in Greece and abroad.
2. Promote Student Research: Showcase students’ research work at international and Greek conferences, where students will be invited to present their research papers.
3. Attract Prospective Students: Attract prospective applicants from other universities in Greece and abroad.

The Graduate Studies aim to advance knowledge, develop research and arts, and meet the educational, research, social, cultural, and developmental needs of the country. They also aim to train high-level scientists capable of contributing to theoretical and applied areas of specific academic disciplines, special thematic units, or subfields of the disciplines of the first cycle of studies of the respective departments. Moreover, they seek to produce and disseminate knowledge, know-how, methodologies, tools, and research results in the scientific field in which each department operates.

Academic Calendar

The academic year begins on September 1 and ends on August 31 of the following year.

Each academic year’s teaching is structured into two semesters:

• Fall Semester (a): Duration of 13 weeks.
• Spring Semester (b): Duration of 13 weeks.

After each semester, there is an exam period, followed by a repeat exam period in September.

In the third semester, MSc students undertake their dissertation work.

At the beginning of each semester, students are required to declare their courses for the current semester. The deadline for course declarations is announced by the MSc Program’s Secretariat. Course registration and participation declarations for the selected courses for each academic semester are recorded electronically and automatically by the Electronic Secretariat Services of AUTH (sis.auth.gr) in the student’s personal account.

Awarded Degree of the MSc Program

The MSc Program awards a Master’s Degree (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).

Categories of Applicants for Postgraduate Programs

 

Eligibility: The MSc Program accepts holders of first cycle degrees from domestic institutions and recognized equivalent institutions abroad (Article 34, paragraphs 1, 7, and 8 of Law 4485/2017). Specifically, graduates from the Departments of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biology, Nursing, Medical Laboratories, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Geology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering Schools and Technological Educational Institutes (TEI), Economics, Management, Informatics, Psychology, Social and Humanities Studies, Physical Education, Nutrition, Aesthetics-Cosmetology, and other university departments, as well as graduates of TEI and Military Schools with related fields of study, are accepted.

 

Special Categories: Members of the categories EEP (Special Teaching Staff), EDIP (Special Laboratory Teaching Staff), and ETEP (Special Technical Laboratory Staff), provided they meet the conditions of the first sentence of paragraph 1 of Article 34, can enroll as supernumeraries, with only one admitted per academic year per MSc Program organized by the departments of the institution where they serve. The MSc Program must be related to their degree and the work they perform at the institution.

 

Final Year Students: Final-year students of the above-mentioned departments can apply for the MSc Program by submitting a completion of studies certificate.

 

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 and Information Center (DOATAP), according to Law 3328/2005 (A’ 80).

 

Recognition of Foreign Degrees for Admission to Postgraduate Programs

 

The recognition of foreign degrees for admission to a postgraduate program is done by the academic departments. Even if the degree equivalency is granted by DOATAP, it is not mandatory to submit it. If equivalency is provided, the process is still handled by the department. Academic departments are responsible for the academic recognition of degrees only, not for their equivalency. The responsibility for degree equivalency remains with DOATAP.

 

Interested parties who have already applied or are enrolled in Postgraduate Programs, pending the submission of an individual recognition act by DOATAP, are exempt from this obligation. Their application or continuation of studies is assessed based on the criteria of the new law.

Procedure for Verifying the General Type of First Cycle Degree (Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, & Doctor of Philosophy):

 

Authenticity Verification:

1.1. With an Apostille stamp,

1.2. By submitting the degree and simultaneously informing the foreign university by the interested party. The notification is accompanied by an official email from the foreign university, allowing the Secretariat of the respective academic department to verify authenticity.

 

Specialty Verification: If the specialty conferred by the degree is required, the verification is done by listing it on the degree, the detailed transcript, or the Diploma Supplement.

 

Grade Verification: If the grade is relevant, equivalency is determined using the procedure notified by DOATAP.

 

Academic Recognition: Academic recognition only pertains to the specific procedure, is confirmed by a decision of the Department Assembly, and is not given to the interested party. If the candidate requires a related certificate, they must apply to DOATAP for equivalency.

 

Number of Admitted Students, Criteria, and Admission Process

Number of Admitted Students

The maximum number of admitted postgraduate students per year is set at fifty (50). The MSc program cannot operate with fewer than ten (10) postgraduate students.

Admission Process

The MSc program announces open positions through a public call based on the decision of the Department Assembly or the Program Studies Committee. The announcement includes the admission requirements, the number of admitted students, categories of candidates, the admission method, selection criteria, application deadlines, and required documentation.

Application Submission

The call for postgraduate student admissions is published on the Department’s website. Applications, along with the necessary documentation, are submitted to the Department Secretariat either in paper or electronic form.

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for admitted students include:

1. Application accompanied by a brief statement of purpose.
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
3. Copy of Degree or Diploma.
4. Transcript with detailed grades of undergraduate and/or postgraduate studies.
5. Certificate of Proficiency in a Foreign Language (B2 level). If the applicant does not have a language certificate, they will be examined by an MSc committee for comprehension and translation of a text. If knowledge of a second foreign language is present, the corresponding certificate should also be submitted.
6. Proof of Research and Publications and relevant professional experience (if available).
7. Photocopy of ID Card or Passport.

Selection Process

The selection process, decided by the Department Assembly or the Program Studies 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 review, rejects those who do not meet the minimum criteria set by the Department. Qualified candidates are invited for an interview, if required.

Scoring Criteria

The scoring criteria for admission to the MSc program are as follows:

1. Overall Degree Grade: Multiplied by a factor of 2.5, with a maximum of 25 points.
2. Previous Research Activity: 1 to 5 points.
3. Relevant Professional Experience: 1 to 5 points.
4. Other Related Degrees: 0 to 10 points.
5. Foreign Language Certificates (beyond the first foreign language): 1 to 5 points.
6. Interview: Scored on a scale from 0 to 10, multiplied by a factor of 2, with a maximum of 20 points.

The total score is 70 points. In the case of a tie, all tied candidates are admitted as supernumeraries.

Personal Interview

During the interview, candidates are assessed on the relevance of their studies to the MSc program, their previous related research and professional experience, and the personal qualities demonstrated during the interview.

Filling Vacant Positions

If there are vacant positions, they are filled by ranking candidates in descending order of their total score, provided it is at least 30 points, or through a supplementary call for applications.

Final Selection and Registration

The final list of successful candidates, including any alternates, is approved by the Department Assembly or the Program Studies Committee and posted on the Department’s website. Appeals can be submitted within five (5) working days from the announcement of results. Successful candidates must register within five (5) days of the relevant announcement by the MSc Secretariat, submitting any necessary documentation. Failure to register within the prescribed period is considered a refusal of the position, which is then offered to the next successful candidate.

Selection Process for Candidates

The selection process for candidates, decided by the Department Assembly (or the Program Studies 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 review, rejects those who do not meet the minimum criteria set by the Department. Qualified candidates are then invited for an interview, if required.

Scoring Criteria

The scoring criteria for admission to the MSc program are as follows:

1. Overall Degree Grade: Multiplied by a factor of 2.5, with a maximum of 25 points.
2. Previous Research Activity: 1 to 5 points.
3. Relevant Professional Experience: 1 to 5 points.
4. Other Related Degrees: 0 to 10 points.
5. Foreign Language Certificates (beyond the first foreign language): 1 to 5 points.
6. Interview: Scored on a scale from 0 to 10, multiplied by a factor of 2, with a maximum of 20 points.

The total score is 70 points. In the case of a tie, all tied candidates are admitted as supernumeraries.

Personal Interview

During the interview, candidates are assessed based on the relevance of their studies to the MSc program, their previous related research, and professional experience, and the personal qualities demonstrated during the interview.

Filling Vacant Positions

If there are vacant positions, they are filled by ranking candidates in descending order of their total score, provided it is at least 30 points, or through a supplementary call for applications.

Final Selection and Registration

The final list of successful candidates, including any alternates, is approved by the Department Assembly or the Program Studies Committee and posted on the Department’s website. Appeals can be submitted within five (5) working days from the announcement of results. Successful candidates must register within five (5) days of the relevant announcement by the MSc Secretariat, submitting any necessary documentation. Failure to register within the prescribed period is considered a refusal of the position, which is then offered to the next successful candidate.

Duration and Terms of Study

Duration

The minimum duration of study for the MSc program leading to the award of the Postgraduate Diploma (D.M.S.) is set at three (3) semesters, including the time for the preparation and evaluation of the master’s thesis. The maximum allowable time for completion of the program is six (6) semesters, as decided by the Department Assembly.

Part-Time Study

Postgraduate students may opt for part-time study, which cannot exceed twice the normal duration of the program. Part-time study is available for those who can demonstrate that they work at least twenty (20) hours per week, as well as for non-working postgraduate students who are unable to meet the minimum requirements of the full-time program due to exceptionally serious reasons, as determined by the Department Assembly or the Program Studies Committee and included in the Postgraduate Study Regulations.

Suspension of Studies

Postgraduate students who have not exceeded the normal duration of study may be granted a suspension of studies, upon submission of a relevant application, for a maximum of two (2) consecutive semesters. During the suspension period, the postgraduate student loses their student status. The suspension period does not count towards the maximum duration of normal study.

Resumption and Extension of Studies

Upon resumption of studies, postgraduate students return to normal study status with all the rights and obligations provided by the MSc program. Additionally, upon a justified request before the completion of the normal duration of study, a postgraduate student may request an extension for the completion of studies or the preparation of the master’s thesis. After the extension period, the postgraduate student is dismissed from the MSc program by decision of the Department Assembly or the Program Studies Committee.

Application for Part-Time Study, Suspension, or Extension

Applications for part-time study, suspension, or extension of studies by postgraduate students must be submitted before the start of the academic semesters.

Regarding the re-evaluation of courses for overdue subjects, a postgraduate student has the right to re-examine the course up to 3 times.

For matters of deletion, the Program Committee decides upon the proposal of the Coordinating Committee, which determines the conditions for re-evaluation and the reasons for deletion, all of which are included in the Postgraduate Studies Regulation.

Postgraduate students enroll and participate in the MSc Program under the terms and conditions specified in the Postgraduate Studies Regulation. Postgraduate students have all the rights, benefits, and facilities provided to first-cycle students, except for the right to free textbooks. The Department ensures facilities (as specified in relevant provisions) for postgraduate students with disabilities or special educational needs.

The MSc Program accepts “visiting participants” (listeners) who pay tuition fees, meet the requirements of Article 3, and wish to attend up to 4 individual courses (after consultation with the instructors) without enrolling in the MSc Program. “Visiting participants” do not receive an MSc but receive a certificate of attendance upon completion of the obligations arising from the requirements of each course. Indicative tuition fees: 600 euros per individual course.

Tuition Fees: Tuition fees in the MSc Program amount to two thousand seven hundred euros (2700) per cycle of studies. Payment is made by the student themselves (or by a third natural or legal person on behalf of the student) into the E.L.K.E. account. Incomplete payment of financial obligations constitutes sufficient reason for non-award of the Diploma or deletion from the MSc Program. The resources of the Postgraduate Studies Program may come from:

• Tuition fees,
• Donations, sponsorships, and any kind of financial support,
• Legacies,
• Resources from research projects or programs, especially those of the European Union,
• Own resources of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,
• Any other legal cause.

Payment of tuition fees is made in three equal installments: the first during registration, the second before the start of the second semester, and the third before the start of the third semester, into a bank account maintained for this purpose in the Special Account for Research Funds of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Depending on demand, the MSc Program, following approval by the Department Assembly and decision of the Senate of the Institution, may adjust the amount of tuition fees before the annual announcement of the program.

A postgraduate student’s application for reimbursement of tuition fees for one semester is allowed only if the student cites and adequately proves an exceptionally serious reason for discontinuing studies, and this application must be submitted to the MSc Program no later than ten (10) days from the start of the semester’s classes.

The right to grant free tuition due to economic or social criteria is granted to postgraduate students who meet the excellence criterion during the first cycle of studies, corresponding to at least a grade of seven and a half out of ten (7.5/10). Specific terms and conditions for the right to free tuition in MSc programs are described in the current legislation and in the decision of the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs. Exempted students should not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the total number of students admitted to the MSc Program, and this applies to participation in only one MSc Program. If eligible applicants exceed this percentage, they are selected in order of ranking, starting with those with the lowest income.

The application for exemption from tuition fees is submitted by the interested party to the Department after completion of the selection process of students in the MSc Program. The possibility of exemption from the obligation to pay tuition fees is exclusively provided for the attendance of one (1) MSc Program organized by Greek Universities. The necessary procedures for the successful completion for granting the right to free tuition are described in the Postgraduate Studies Regulation.

Rights and Obligations of Enrollment

 

Postgraduate students enroll and participate in the postgraduate programs under the terms and conditions specified in the Postgraduate Studies Regulation. Postgraduate students have all the rights, benefits, and facilities provided to undergraduate students, except for the provision of free textbooks. The Department is obliged to provide facilities for postgraduate students with disabilities or special educational needs.

 

Postgraduate students accepted into the MSc Program are obligated to:

 

Attend classes of the study program continuously. Attendance of classes and exercises is mandatory. Deviations are allowed only for serious justified reasons. More than three (3) absences per course are not permitted. The possibility of absences extends to a maximum of 20% of the total teaching hours. The course can be made up by attending it in a subsequent academic semester without financial burden and special administrative procedures, if desired by the postgraduate student.

 

Participate in all educational and research activities.

 

Submit their course registrations timely every semester.

 

Submit the required assignments for each course within the specified deadlines.

 

Attend examinations.

 

Submit to the Secretariat, along with their dissertation for evaluation, a signed declaration stating that there are no elements of plagiarism.

 

Pay the tuition fees within the specified dates.

 

Settle all their financial obligations, as well as any other obligation towards the Institution, before the graduation ceremony. Otherwise, they will not be entitled to take the oath and/or receive the postgraduate diploma.

 

If they have received a scholarship, they must provide reciprocal work, if stipulated (e.g., tutoring, contribution to the library and research, and where necessary, university services).

 

Concurrent enrollment in an undergraduate program and a postgraduate program or in two (2) Postgraduate Programs of the same or different Departments of the same or another Higher Education Institution is possible.

 

Respect and adhere to the decisions of the postgraduate program bodies as well as academic ethics. Failure to comply with the above, without documented justification, may result in failing a course or exclusion from the program.

 

Non-compliance with all of the above without serious and documented justification constitutes grounds for the deletion of the postgraduate student from the program

The official language of the program is Greek. The language of the Master’s Thesis can be either Greek or English, or both.

The educational process will be conducted using a blended learning system: face-to-face teaching and online with modern distance learning, up to 35% of teaching hours, or asynchronous distance education methods, not exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) of the credit units. Blended learning allows students to access a variety of digital materials, enabling them to study and practice various skills whenever they desire. This broadens the flexibility of learning and supports personalized teaching. Additionally, blended learning encourages interaction and collaboration between the instructor and the learner, even when conducted online, creating a more dynamic learning atmosphere and fostering the development of social collaboration skills.

The official language of the program is Greek. There is also provision for limited teaching by foreign faculty members and supplementary educational material in English. The language of the Master’s thesis is Greek (and in documented cases, it may be English with an extensive summary in Greek).

The courses can be found here  https://websites.auth.gr/medhef/en/programme/courses/

The organization of courses and the examination periods of the MSc/Postgraduate Program are determined by the academic calendar of the program, with approval from the Program’s Coordinating Committee. Classes may be conducted on Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate working graduate students.

 

The distribution of the aforementioned percentages of distance learning per course may be modified annually, up to a maximum of seventy-five percent (75%) synchronous distance learning in total teaching hours per semester. This adjustment considers the specific needs of students, the availability of instructors for travel, epidemiological conditions in the country, and other factors that may affect the optimal teaching method.

 

In this context, if deemed beneficial for students, the addition of asynchronous distance learning methods for one or more courses will not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total program credits of the MSc/Postgraduate Program.

Master’s Thesis

1. B) Knowledge Assessment – Student Evaluation

Assessment in individual courses occurs at the end of each semester through written or oral exams, assignment submissions, or a combination thereof. The method of evaluation is determined by the Director of the MSc Program and the Course Coordinator at the beginning of each academic semester. The percentage of participation in other educational activities (such as workshops, projects, and seminars as applicable) is included in the final grade of each course, based on the recommendation of the Course Coordinator and approved by the Program’s Coordinating Committee.

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

• Excellent (8.5 to 10)
• Very Good (6.5 to 8.5, non-inclusive)
• Good (6 to 6.5, non-inclusive)
• Pass grade is six (6) and above.

Attendance in classes 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 80% of the course hours. Otherwise, the graduate student is required to retake the course in the following academic year.

If the absenteeism rate of a graduate student exceeds fifty percent (50%) in total across all courses, their case is brought up for potential dismissal. This matter is reviewed by the Program’s Coordinating Committee, which provides its recommendation to the Department’s Assembly.

Examinations are conducted remotely using electronic means, ensuring the integrity of the process, or in-person where deemed necessary. In cases of illness, the instructor is encouraged to facilitate the examination in a manner they find appropriate (e.g., oral or remote examination).

If a graduate student fails an examination for a course or courses three times and is deemed not to have successfully completed the program, they can appeal to a three-member committee consisting of faculty members with expertise in the relevant field, appointed by the Department’s Assembly. The examiner responsible for the course examination is not included in this committee.

The grade for the Master’s degree (MSc) is derived from the weighted average of the courses of the MSc program and the Master’s Thesis (where applicable). The weighting is based on the ECTS credits of each course and the Master’s Thesis, calculated to the nearest second decimal place, using the following formula:

MSc Grade = (Grade of Course 1 x ECTS of Course 1 + Grade of Course 2 x ECTS of Course 2 + … + Grade of Master’s Thesis x ECTS of Master’s Thesis) / Total ECTS Credits

Regulations for the completion and defense of a Master’s Thesis (M.Δ.Ε.) at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH):

1. Proposal and Supervision: The candidate submits a proposal with the title and summary of the thesis to the Postgraduate Studies Committee (ΕΠΣ). A supervisor is assigned, and a three-member Examining Committee is formed. The supervisor must have expertise related to the thesis topic.
2. Thesis Submission: The thesis must be submitted electronically to the Postgraduate Studies Secretariat, endorsed by the supervisor, and meet certain formatting requirements (e.g., minimum length, specific font, spacing).
3. Evaluation and Defense: The Examining Committee evaluates the thesis. If approved, a public defense date and location are set. The defense includes a presentation by the candidate and questioning by the Committee, followed by grading on a scale from 0 to 10.
4. Final Submission and Publication: After defense, the thesis, along with the Committee’s decision, is submitted to the Postgraduate Studies Secretariat. Upon final approval, the thesis is published on the institution’s website.
5. Regulations and Extensions: Extensions up to three semesters can be granted for thesis completion. Changing the thesis topic requires a recommendation from the Postgraduate Studies Committee and approval by the Examining Committee.
6. Academic Integrity and Rights: The thesis must adhere to academic integrity standards. Authors retain intellectual property rights, though contractual limitations may apply if the research is externally funded.
7. Revisions and Appeals: If the thesis is not initially approved, the candidate can revise it based on Committee feedback within a specified timeframe. A second negative evaluation results in the candidate’s loss of the Master’s degree eligibility.

These regulations ensure that Master’s theses at AUTH meet academic standards and contribute to scholarly knowledge in their respective fields.

Scholarships to graduate students within the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program of Studies (IPPS)

1. Scholarship Criteria: Scholarships are awarded based on academic and objective criteria, such as academic performance (average grade in previous semesters). The allocation is contingent upon the IPPS’s budget.
2. Terms of Award: The terms, obligations, and rights of scholarship recipients are determined by the Program Committee (PC) and approved by the IPPS. Recipients must be enrolled within the approved budget of the IPPS.
3. Remunerative Scholarships: The UoA can provide remunerative scholarships to graduate students. Recipients are required to support the educational process and provide additional teaching assistance.
4. Teaching Personnel: Teaching assignments within the IPPS are delegated based on recommendations from the Coordinating Committee (CC) and decisions made by the Program Committee (PC). Various categories of teaching staff include members of the academic and research staff, as well as visiting professors and researchers.
5. Academic Advisors: Each graduate student is assigned an Academic Advisor from the academic staff of the IPPS. The role includes monitoring the student’s progress, being informed about any absences, and advising on the selection of the master’s thesis topic.
6. Educational Support: The teaching and administrative staff collaborate to support the Academic Advisors in their role, ensuring smooth student progress and addressing any issues that may arise.
7. Additional Teaching Work: Upon recommendation by the Director and approval by the PC, doctoral candidates may undertake additional teaching work under the supervision of an IPPS instructor.

Revenue from Programs – Financial Management Procedure

The resources of the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program of Studies may come from: a. Tuition fees, b. Donations, sponsorships, and any other financial assistance, c. Legacies, d. Funds from research projects or programs, especially from the European Union, e. Own resources of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), f. Fees for external participants attending individual courses, g. Any other lawful reason.

The payment of tuition fees, set at €2700, is made by the student (or by a third party on behalf of the student) to the AUTh’s account. The fees can be paid in three equal installments at the beginning of each semester and may be adjusted upon proposal by the Program Committee.

Allocation of Program Resources

The resources of the program are distributed as follows: a. Thirty percent (30%) of the total income from tuition fees is retained by the AUTh. This includes the percentage retained for the financial management of the Postgraduate Programs. The remaining amount after this retention is decided by the Board of Directors and can be transferred to the regular budget or used for the creation of projects/programs through the AUTh to cover priority needs of programs operating without tuition fees and to cover research, educational, and operational needs of the AUTh. b. The remaining amount of the total income of the program is used to cover the operational expenses of the program.

Administrative Support – Technical Infrastructure

The administrative and secretarial support of the program is provided by the Secretariat of the Faculty of Medicine. Additional university-trained personnel participate in administrative tasks, including student registrations, maintenance of grade records, evaluation of teaching staff, attendance records, issuance of diplomas, certificates, and attestations. The Secretariat also handles current issues related to teaching staff, postgraduate students, the program, contacts with various services, and collaborating institutions, as well as managing public relations and program promotion.

Graduation Ceremony

The graduation ceremony is not a mandatory requirement for successful completion of studies but is a necessary condition for the issuance of the diploma document. The registration is carried out during the School Assembly in the presence of the Program Director, the Department Chair/Chancellor of the School, or their deputies, and possibly a representative of the Rectorate.

Type of Master’s Degree Awarded (MSc)

The Master’s Degree is issued by the Secretariat of the program. It includes information such as the Department organizing the program, its emblem, the year of completion of studies, the year of issuance of the MSc, the protocol number of graduation, the title of the MSc, student details, and the evaluation rating (Good, Very Good, Excellent). Additionally, an Appendix to the Degree is issued, providing explanatory information about the nature, level, general framework of education, content, and status of studies successfully completed.

Plagiarism

Submitting any Master’s thesis requires acknowledgment if the work and opinions of others were used. Copying is considered a serious academic offense. Plagiarism includes copying someone else’s work, published or unpublished, without proper citation. Failure to rephrase the Master’s thesis, following a recommendation by the supervisor, can result in expulsion upon decision of the School Assembly. Any violation of academic ethics is referred to the Program Committee for assessment and recommendation for resolution.

Governance Bodies of the Program

The competent bodies for the administration and operation of the program are:

• The Senate of AUTh, exercising authorities as defined by current legislation.
• The Postgraduate Studies Committee of AUTh, consisting of the Vice-Rector, as Chair, and other members as determined by the regulations.

General Information for Students

• Health Services: Under the law 4452/2017, undergraduate, postgraduate students, and doctoral candidates who don’t have other healthcare coverage are entitled to full medical care under the National Health System (Εθνικό Σύστημα Υγείας – Ε.Σ.Υ.) with expenses covered by Εθνικό Οργανισμό Παροχής Υπηρεσιών Υγείας (Ε.Ο.Π.Υ.Υ.). Health services at the University Student Club include first aid, clinical examination, vaccinations, and health education advice.
• Academic Identity: All undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students are eligible for an academic identity card, which also serves as a special ticket for specific benefits under relevant legislation. Applications are processed via the university’s electronic governance center.
• Use of University Facilities: Students can use university facilities and equipment to meet the needs of their study programs in collaboration with academic staff. Usage requires approval from the responsible department.
• University Student Club: Located in a dedicated building on the east side of the university campus, it provides catering, housing, healthcare, library, cafeteria, and other services at student-friendly rates.
• Social Policy Committee (Ε.Κ.Π.): Established in 1997 by the University Senate, it aims to address student issues and enhance university life through various initiatives, including support for students with special needs, assistance for international students, cultural events support, health education, counseling, voluntary blood donation drives, and volunteer activities.
• Department of Studies: Responsible for compiling legislative documents, coordinating their uniform application across departments, managing scholarship programs, coordinating admissions of postgraduate students, maintaining an information library, and providing housing information to first-year students.