Integrated Reform Programme Medicine (iRM)
At Ruhr University Bochum, you can enrol in the integrated reform degree programme in medicine (iRM) with the aim of becoming a doctor. The programme builds on more than ten years of experience in modern teaching and learning methods at the Faculty of Medicine and consistently combines scientific principles with practical application.
The integrated reform programme takes a topic-oriented approach. Instead of treating individual subjects in isolation, organ systems and clinical pictures are taught in an interdisciplinary, coordinated curriculum. This enables students to understand medical content in context right from the start.
At the same time, the programme has been deliberately redesigned. Solid theoretical foundations are taught in systematic lectures and linked to practical and patient-related topics from the outset. In learning and working teams, students actively take responsibility for their learning process through problem-based learning. Practical exercises and internships enable students to directly apply what they have learned and develop medical skills for everyday clinical practice.
The programme is also geared towards the current requirements of the medical profession. In addition to medical expertise, communication skills and ethical, social and economic aspects of medicine are also taught.
Download the curriculum for the Integrated Reform Medical Programme (IRM)
Structure of medical studies
Medical studies in Germany are regulated nationwide by the Medical Licence Regulations (ÄAppO) and last six years and three months. At Ruhr University Bochum, studies begin exclusively in the winter semester.
It is divided into a two-year pre-clinical study section and a four-year clinical study section, including the practical year. Each section is completed with state examinations. The Physikum marks the transition to the clinical study section. The third section of the medical examination takes place after the practical year and completes the university medical degree.
Pre-clinical stage of studies
From the very first semester, scientific and medical fundamentals are systematically linked to clinically relevant content. There is a particular focus on practical and patient-related aspects.
In small groups of around ten students, problem-based learning (PBL) is used to work on specific patient cases and apply theoretical knowledge to medical practice. In addition, medical skills such as taking medical histories and performing physical examinations, as well as communication skills, are practised. The fundamentals of hygiene, healthcare, radiation protection and ethical issues are also an integral part of the programme.
This content specifically prepares students for a clinical placement in a general medical practice during the first stage of their studies. At the same time, scientific work is systematically taught in theory and practice.
Clinical trial section
In the clinical study section, the practical skills already learned in the pre-clinical phase are further developed, including in a cross-semester examination course. Another new feature is the close thematic link between core subjects such as internal medicine, surgery, neurology and psychiatry.
Students acquire interdisciplinary knowledge in interdisciplinary cross-sectional subjects. Medical interaction – i.e. professional interaction with patients – is firmly anchored in the curriculum in all clinical semesters. Through clinical placements, students are intensively involved in clinical processes beyond the regular courses.
Studying in the regional hospital network
A particular advantage of studying in Bochum is access to a nationwide unique hospital network with over 5,600 patient beds. This association of several regional hospitals provides realistic insights into everyday medical practice at an early stage.
In addition to the clinics in Bochum and Herne, hospitals in East Westphalia-Lippe are also involved in university teaching.
The practical year (PJ)
The practical year (PJ) marks the end of medical studies. It consists of continuous practical training over 48 weeks, divided into three 16-week terms.
The PJ comprises the compulsory areas of internal medicine and surgery as well as a freely selectable, recognised specialist area. The training can be completed at a university hospital or a recognised academic teaching hospital anywhere in Germany.
Further information can be found in the section Praktisches Jahr (PJ) section of the Faculty of Medicine.
