1. Is the University of Bologna a public or private university?
+A: It is a recognised public university and is the world's oldest continuously operating university.
The University of Bologna – Ravenna Campus, School of Medicine and Surgery is one of the teaching campuses of the prestigious University of Bologna, the world's oldest continuously operating university. Located in Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, the campus provides high-quality medical education through an integrated curriculum that combines biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, scientific research, ethics, and patient-centred healthcare.
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna has earned worldwide recognition for academic excellence, innovation, and research. The Ravenna Campus contributes to this legacy by delivering modern medical education supported by advanced teaching facilities and strong partnerships with hospitals and healthcare institutions across the Emilia-Romagna region.
The six-year Single-Cycle Degree in Medicine and Surgery follows the standards of the European Higher Education Area and prepares future physicians through progressive scientific learning and extensive clinical education. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical clinical competence, evidence-based medicine, communication skills, professionalism, and ethical medical practice.
Students begin by studying anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, neuroscience, behavioural sciences, epidemiology, public health, medical ethics, and research methodology. These foundational sciences establish the knowledge required for advanced clinical education.
Teaching combines lectures, anatomy practicals, laboratory sessions, simulation-based learning, clinical skills workshops, case-based discussions, problem-based learning, digital learning platforms, and small-group tutorials. Students strengthen analytical thinking while developing teamwork, communication, professionalism, and patient-centred clinical reasoning.
Clinical education is delivered through affiliated teaching hospitals, specialist healthcare centres, outpatient clinics, primary healthcare facilities, and community healthcare institutions across Ravenna and the Emilia-Romagna healthcare system. Students progressively transition from classroom learning to supervised patient care across multiple specialties.
Clinical rotations include internal medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, emergency medicine, anaesthesiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, ENT, radiology, oncology, nephrology, endocrinology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, geriatrics, infectious diseases, family medicine, rehabilitation medicine, and community medicine.
Students actively participate in ward rounds, outpatient consultations, emergency departments, operating theatres, multidisciplinary clinical meetings, diagnostic procedures, and supervised patient management. Clinical responsibilities increase progressively throughout the programme under physician supervision.
Simulation-based learning plays an important role in practical education. Students receive training in modern clinical skills laboratories equipped with patient simulators, emergency medicine training facilities, procedural laboratories, consultation rooms, and digital healthcare technologies before entering hospital placements.
Research remains an integral part of medical education. Students are encouraged to participate in biomedical research involving neuroscience, oncology, genetics, molecular medicine, immunology, pharmacology, regenerative medicine, epidemiology, public health, and healthcare innovation. Research activities strengthen scientific reasoning and evidence-based clinical practice.
The university maintains close collaborations with teaching hospitals, biomedical research institutes, healthcare organisations, and international universities. These partnerships enhance clinical education while supporting international research collaboration and academic mobility.
The curriculum integrates evidence-based medicine, patient safety, medical ethics, professionalism, healthcare leadership, digital health, healthcare quality improvement, interprofessional collaboration, and public health throughout all six years. Graduates are prepared for modern medical practice according to European medical education standards.
Students benefit from modern educational infrastructure including anatomy laboratories, biomedical research laboratories, simulation centres, clinical skills laboratories, digital learning environments, medical libraries, and affiliated teaching hospitals equipped with advanced healthcare technologies.
Student life includes scientific societies, student research groups, sports clubs, cultural programmes, volunteering activities, leadership opportunities, international exchange programmes, and comprehensive academic support services. The university encourages both academic achievement and personal growth.
International students receive academic advising, counselling services, language support, career guidance, digital learning resources, and opportunities for international mobility through collaborations with universities worldwide.
Graduates continue into residency programmes, postgraduate medical education, biomedical research, academic medicine, healthcare administration, public health, and international medical practice according to national licensing regulations.
Today, the University of Bologna – Ravenna Campus continues the university's centuries-old tradition of excellence by combining innovative education, internationally recognised research, and outstanding clinical training.
