Brief Overview

Identity and Institutional Framework

The Postgraduate Program (MSc) in Surgical Oncology of the School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), was established in 2016. In 2018, the program was re-established in accordance with the legislative framework governing the organization and operation of postgraduate programs in force at the time, ensuring the continuity of its operation under the updated institutional requirements.

In 2024, the program was revised and updated through the issuance of the current Government Gazette (Official Gazette, Series B, No. 5027/4.9.2024), achieving full compliance with Law 4957/2022 and the Regulations for Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies of NKUA. This revision confirms the program’s institutional continuity and its alignment with the contemporary regulatory framework.

The MSc Program has a duration of four (4) academic semesters and comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. Upon successful completion, students are awarded a Master of Science (MSc) in Surgical Oncology.

The program is delivered by the Department of Surgery of the School of Medicine, NKUA, in collaboration with the First Department of Surgery at Hippokrateio General Hospital of Athens and the Second Department of Surgery at Aretaieio University Hospital, utilizing university-affiliated clinical departments and tertiary-care diagnostic facilities.

Academic Scope

The academic focus of the MSc Program is Surgical Oncology, with particular emphasis on:

  • the diagnosis and staging of neoplastic diseases
  • the surgical management of malignant diseases
  • the multidisciplinary therapeutic management of oncology patients
  • the integration of clinical practice with evidence-based scientific research

The program provides comprehensive and structured coverage of the major categories of oncological diseases relevant to surgical practice, including:

  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Oncological Diseases of the Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Tract
  • Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Neoplasms
  • Endocrine Gland Neoplasms
  • Complex and Specialized Oncological Conditions

In addition, the curriculum includes thematic modules in Carcinogenesis, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Research Methodology, and Clinical Research, strengthening students' systematic understanding of the scientific foundations of contemporary oncological practice.

Educational Approach

The educational philosophy of the MSc Program is based on:

  • interdisciplinary collaboration and participation in tumor boards
  • structured and compulsory clinical and laboratory training
  • the progressive deepening of knowledge from the basic principles of carcinogenesis to complex surgical management
  • the development of critical thinking and the ability to evaluate the international scientific literature

Practical and laboratory training is documented through a formal Logbook, in which participation in clinical activities, tumor boards, laboratory sessions (Pathological Anatomy, Radiotherapy, Radiology), and surgical procedures is systematically recorded.

The Program is completed with the preparation of a Master’s Thesis, which is an integral part of the overall academic structure of the MSc Program and contributes to the development of research skills and scientific evidence-based practice.

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