In a landmark move for Greek higher education, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom have signed a preliminary agreement to establish Greece’s first Joint (Dual) Undergraduate Degree Program in Medicine.
This groundbreaking six-year program will lead to the award of a double medical degree, marking a significant step in the internationalization of Greek universities.
The agreement was signed this week in Athens, underscoring a strong spirit of cooperation between the two institutions. The signatories included Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of NKUA, and Professor Richard Holland, Deputy Rector and Dean of the Medical School of the University of Exeter.
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Athens, Exeter universities program highlights
The joint program will be taught entirely in English and based in Athens, with faculty contributions from both medical schools. It is anticipated the program will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2028.
Graduates will receive two degrees, one from each university, enabling them to practice medicine in both Europe (including Greece) and the United Kingdom. This also allows them to pursue specialty training in both countries as graduates of recognized medical schools.
The curriculum aims to offer an innovative educational experience, combining modern medical education with cutting-edge technologies, such as virtual reality, while leveraging the excellence of Greek medical training.
To ensure the program’s quality and alignment with the standards of both nations, a Strategic Cooperation Committee will be established. The final agreement is contingent upon approvals from the relevant academic and regulatory authorities in the UK (General Medical Council) and Greece (ETHAAE).
A historic collaboration for European medical education
This joint initiative represents a historic collaboration between two leading universities, poised to reshape medical education in Europe. It aligns perfectly with NKUA’s broader internationalization strategy, promoting innovation, quality, and an outward-looking approach for Greek higher education.
Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of NKUA, emphasized the significance:
“Today’s signing marks an extremely important moment for the University of Athens and our Medical School. This first international joint degree in Medicine in Athens confirms our strategic goal of internationalization and strengthens our academic presence in the global educational environment. We are joining forces with a leading British University, the University of Exeter, to offer a high-quality program with an international orientation and perspective. We are investing in knowledge, innovation, and creating opportunities for our students, at home and abroad.”
Professor Richard Holland, Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the University of Exeter Medical School, highlighted the unique nature of the program:
“This is a significant day…We will develop a unique Joint Undergraduate Medical Studies Programme, with the ambition to start in September 2028. Medical students will experience a program combining the best of modern medical education with virtual reality and the excellence of Greek medical education. This joint degree, designed for approval by both Greek and UK authorities, will be the first of its kind.”
He also added that the agreement fosters closer ties and opportunities for research and educational cooperation.
Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, President of NKUA’s Medical School, expressed his vision,saying:
“This cooperation paves the way for a unique, top-notch undergraduate program in Medicine that will combine the best European and British educational standards. A big step forward for Medical education not only in our country but internationally!”
Professor Marios Politis, from the University of Exeter’s Curriculum Committee, whose contribution was crucial to the collaboration’s formation, underscored its historic impact:
“The collaboration…is a historic milestone for the internationalization of medical education in Europe. The program incorporates the academic standards of both institutions and offers students a high-quality educational environment, with international recognition and perspective. This is a historic moment for Europe and for universities that consistently serve academic excellence and international cooperation.”
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