Clinical Medicine Programme (Regulated by HPCZ & UNZA)
The Clinical Medicine programme at High Hopes Institute is designed in accordance with the standards and scope of practice set by the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) and academically aligned with the University of Zambia (UNZA).
The programme equips students with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and clinical competencies in diagnosis, treatment, patient management, and preventive healthcare. Training follows a structured progression from classroom-based foundational sciences to supervised clinical practice in accredited health facilities.
Graduates of the programme are eligible for registration and licensure with HPCZ upon successful completion and fulfilment of all regulatory requirements, enabling them to serve effectively within Zambia’s healthcare system.
Programme Duration
The Clinical Medicine programme runs for a total period of three (3) years.
- Year 1: Delivered using a semester system (Semester 1 and Semester 2)
- Years 2 & 3: Delivered using a full academic year system
This structure is designed to ensure that students acquire a strong foundation in basic and social sciences before progressing to integrated core clinical training and assessment.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must possess O-Level certificates with passes in the following subjects:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics or General Science
Assessment & Progression Rules
Year 1 (Semester 1 & 2)
- Students who pass all courses with Grade C or better will:
- Progress to Semester 2 (from Semester 1), or
- Progress to Year 2 (from Semester 2)
- Students who fail a minimum of two full courses or four half courses with Grade D+ may be allowed to sit for a supplementary examination, provided their Continuous Assessment (CA) score is 20% or above.
- Students who fail any course with Grade D or E will be required to repeat the failed course(s).
- Students who fail supplementary examination(s) will be required to repeat the failed course(s).
Year 2
(Pre-requisite: Successful completion of all Year 1 courses)
- Students who pass all courses with Grade C or better will progress to Year 3.
- Students who fail a minimum of two courses with Grade D+ may sit for supplementary examinations, provided CA is 20% or above.
- Students who fail any course with Grade D or E will be required to repeat the academic year.
- Students who fail three or more courses (more than half the course load) will be required to repeat all courses.
- Students who fail supplementary examinations will be required to repeat the failed course(s).
Year 3
(Pre-requisite: Successful completion of all Year 2 courses)
- Students who pass all courses with Grade C or better will be eligible for graduation.
- Students who fail two full courses or four half courses with Grade D+ may be allowed to sit for supplementary examinations, provided CA is 20% or above.
- Students who fail any course with Grade D or E will be required to repeat the failed course(s).
- Students who fail all courses will be required to repeat the academic year.
- Students who fail supplementary examinations will be required to repeat the failed course(s).
Course Coding System
All courses are identified using an alphanumeric coding system consisting of letters and numbers.
Year 1 (Semester-Based Coding)
- Course codes are derived from the course title (e.g. Human Anatomy and Physiology = HANP)
- Each course carries a four-digit numerical code, which indicates:
- Year of study
- Subject band
- Course sequence number
- Semester (1 = Semester 1, 2 = Semester 2)
Years 2 & 3 (Academic Year Coding)
- The coding system remains the same, except for the fourth digit, which indicates course type:
- 0 – Full course
- 5 – Half course
- 4 – Project course
Programme Rationale
The programme structure promotes:
- Strong grounding in basic and social sciences
- Integrated learning of core clinical disciplines
- Comprehensive assessment of clinical competencies
- Better understanding through integrated learning rather than isolated subject silos
This approach ensures graduates are competent, confident, and well-prepared for clinical practice.