Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences: SMALL GROUPS, EXPERTISE AND ACCESS TO PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES ARE KEY IN MEDICINE

Interested in studying Human Medicine or Psychology? Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences in Krems (KL), Austria, focuses on practice-orientated learning and individual supervision. With four university clinics, the KL can not only guarantee high teaching standards and internationally recognised research, but also provides students with the necessary practical experience – and all this in one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Professionalism, international orientation, and a patient-orientated education are the university’s core values and ideas. Besides core contents, important cornerstones are the students’ personal development; the ability to communicate and self-reflection, for example. These skills, as well as an interdisciplinary approach, are especially important in the medical field. ”Students will develop the core competences they will later need in their profession,” explains vice rector for Education Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manfred Wieser, MSc. The Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences is a groundbreaking educator with an innovative Bachelor’s and Master’s programme that will turn students into experts in their respective fields. “The modular structure of the medical and psychology degree offers the opportunity to finish it in minimum time,” says Wieser.

In the Skills Lab medical students learn all the necessary clinical skills. Photo: KL/Michael Liebert

Core competences and practical knowledge

What makes Karl Landsteiner University so different in comparison to other universities in Austria and abroad is the very personal and individual approach. In medicine, for example, the ratio between fully-qualified doctors and students is around 1:3, which means the university can guarantee a high-quality teaching standard and great learning experience.

Medical Studies in Krems consist of a Medical Science Bachelor and a Human Medicine Master programme, both with an interdisciplinary approach that will help students become a new and great generation of physicians. Both take three years, and particularly the Master has a stronger focus on medical practice. Clinical teaching primarily takes place at the three university hospitals in Krems, St. Pölten and Tulln. The curriculum has a modular structure and the teaching centres on the clinical context which, for example, includes the discussion of relevant practical case studies and concrete research questions students might encounter. Next to medical knowledge, students will also gain insights into other fields like health economics and medical technology, giving them a wider expertise and a better chance on the job market, preparing them for a career in practical medicine or medical research.

Study zones on two levels serve as a meeting space for students from different years and study programmes.

Interdisciplinary courses and innovative teaching methods

A praxis-focused approach is similarly important in psychology. Here, students among others will work with actors portraying patients to get a real-life experience. The programme integrates natural science, as well as human and social science approaches, from the very beginning, to give students a wide knowledge base. “Self-awareness training and supervisions are also already part of the curriculum,” says Wieser. The study programme is divided into a three-year Bachelor’s and a two-year Master’s programme that builds on the knowledge students have gained during their bachelor studies. Students can focus on clinical psychology and work, plus organisational and economic psychology. The university therefore offers proper education for two fields that are currently in high demand, making it easier for students to later access the competitive job market.

Students starting a study programme at the university need English and German language skills, other requirements are determined by the relevant entrance criteria for medicine or psychology, and an admission process. (www.kl.ac.at/en/study)

Within bedside teaching, students are educated in small groups at the university hospitals in Krems, St. Pölten and Tulln.

More than just studying: Krems provides a rich social life

Of course, universities today have to offer more than just good courses to be attractive for students. Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences in Krems is located in one of the most beautiful places in Europe, namely at the entrance to the World Heritage Wachau. “At Campus Krems we currently have 10,000 students and it therefore offers the perfect surroundings to learn, meet and enjoy some spare time together,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manfred Wieser. Next to the teaching and research facilities, the Kolping Campus Krems has cafés, a cinema and the university’s sports centre. Art, culture and parties – in Krems, students will find everything they need to enjoy their time at university.

The seminar lessons are held in small groups with individual support and mentoring.

Web: www.kl.ac.at