About this course
You will study medicine over 4 years and draw on your existing knowledge and experience as you begin your training as a doctor. You'll be part of a small group of graduates embarking on this intensive but rewarding programme. You'll get clinical experience from the first weeks of your course, meeting patients in hospital and primary care settings.
This course is designed to support graduates to achieve excellent learning outcomes over 4 years instead of the usual 5. You can apply with any 2:1 degree or equivalent qualification, including arts and humanities degrees.
We offer a number of places to this BM4 programme for graduates from the University of Southampton. Applicants must meet both the non-academic and academic criteria for this programme.
As part of your course, you can take your final-year elective placement anywhere in the UK or abroad. You can also get involved in research and entrepreneurship. We work on life-changing treatments and therapies in partnership with industry and with experts in the physical sciences, computing, engineering and mathematics.
You'll meet patients in clinical settings and will learn from volunteer patients, simulated environments and prepared patient cases.
In years 1 and 2, students will be placed in partner trusts including Winchester as well as Southampton. In the final 2 years of the programme, students are placed across the Wessex region. Learn more about placements.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 419.66 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Highfield campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
C including Chemistry or CC including AS Level Biology/ Human Biology and Chemistry
Applicants to BM4 are required to achieve an upper second-class honours degree in any subject, in their first degree.
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
5 in HL Chemistry
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
N/A
Other qualifications
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
For this programme we do not make an alternative offer, however we welcome applicants who have achieved a good grade in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Our Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery 6 year degree programme has been established to widen access into the medical profession. Please see here for more information about the eligibility criteria for this programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
N/A
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Medicine - May be accepted from approved institutions or with suitable scientific content. We will review whether there are sufficient graded units in Chemistry and applications will be assessed on a case by case basis. As a minimum, 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 are required. Likely that Chemistry modules at Level 3 will need to be Distinction
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H4 in Higher Level Chemistry
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
C1 in Higher Level Chemistry
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M3 in Chemistry
Welsh Baccalaureate
N/A
European Baccalaureate
7.5 or above in Chemistry
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including mathematics with biology and chemistry, or mathematics with additional science and science or mathematics with combined science. English language (or GCSE English) is required at a minimum of grade C/4
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band H IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 7
- writing
- 7
- speaking
- 7
- listening
- 7
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
UCAT Test required for all applicants. Required to meet 3 out of 6 eligibility criteria. Only Home/ EU students eligible
International qualifications
This course is not available to international students.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways. Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Course structure
The 4 years of the programme are described as years 1, 2, 4 and 5. This is because BM4 students undertake a four-year programme. Years 1 and 2 are taught independently of the BM5 and BM6 programmes and the final 2 years are taught alongside years 4 and 5 of BM5 and BM6.
Over the first 2 years, your learning will be focused on a series of clinical topics. You'll work in graduate groups to apply problem-solving skills, with the help of a facilitator. From year 4 onwards, you'll study the same curriculum as students taking the 5-year degree.
You'll get clinical experience from the first weeks of your course. This may involve some weekend and evening working.
You must pass all the course modules to progress to the next stage and graduate.
Year 1
BM4 phase 1
The first 18 months of the course are made up of 4 university semesters. You'll develop your understanding of the role of a doctor as a practitioner and a professional. From the beginning, you'll meet patients and learn in the context of primary medical care and hospital-based medicine.
You'll cover a series of clinical topics, taking placements, lectures and practical sessions. Your understanding of clinical practice will integrate:
biomedical science, including anatomy, molecular biology and pharmacology
health science
psychology
social, legal and ethical aspects of clinical practice
your own knowledge and life experience
Full-time clinical attachments start after Christmas in year 2, when you'll undertake placements in medicine, surgery and primary care.
Year 2
You'll complete BM4 phase 1.
Year 3
This course has no year 3.
Year 4
Phase 3: Developing Clinical Practice
This phase takes place through year 4 over 37 weeks. It continues through the first half of year 5 and ends with the year 5 exams. During this phase your studies and clinical practice will include the following modules:
acute care
child health
clinical ethics and law
speciality weeks (neurology, dermatology, head and neck and ophthalmology)
obstetrics and gynaecology and genitourinary medicine
psychiatry
In year 5, in the 24 week placement leading up to finals, you will have clinical placements in medicine, surgery and primary care. You can also choose to complete a fourth student selected unit.
Year 5
You'll continue with phase 3: Developing Clinical Practice, and move into phase 4.
Phase 4: Preparing for Independent Practice
After finals you will undertake an elective: an 8-week placement abroad or in the UK. You will also complete an assistantship module where you will shadow a Foundation doctor for 2 weeks each in Medicine and Surgery. This will prepare you for entering the Foundation programme as a newly qualified doctor in August.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 2:
Modules year 3
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 3:
Modules year 4
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 4:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Support for your studies
You'll have your own personal academic tutor assigned to you. They will offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your studies.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 32%
- Independent study
- 62%
- Placement
- 6%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 34%
- Independent study
- 47%
- Placement
- 18%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 5%
- Independent study
- 42.5%
- Placement
- 52.5%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 10%
- Independent study
- 40%
- Placement
- 50%
Course leader
Benjamin Chadwick is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- placement assessment
- portfolios
- written and practical exams
- oral presentations
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 63%
- Practical exam
- 32%
- Coursework
- 5%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 8%
- Practical exam
- 75%
- Coursework
- 17%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 25%
- Practical exam
- 34%
- Coursework
- 41%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 1%
- Practical exam
- 80%
- Coursework
- 19%
Careers
With a medical degree from Southampton, you'll have excellent career prospects. All of our students are in work or further study within 6 months of completing their degree.
At the end of the course you will be qualified to register with the GMC and apply for a Foundation Year 1 post. Most of our graduates do this. Learn more about the Foundation scheme and what happens after graduation.
At the end of the undergraduate course you will have the following qualifications: a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc) and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS) degree, which is a primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a PMQ means you can apply to work in the NHS.
Our graduates go on to practice medicine in a wide range of careers including:
accident and emergency
anaesthetics
armed forces medicine
general practitioner (GP)
gynaecology
hospital medicine specialties
medical research
obstetrics
orthopaedics
paediatrics
pathology
primary care
psychiatry
public health
radiology
surgery
You'll be supported by your personal academic tutor who can advise you on your career path throughout your course.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
This course is not available to international students.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
You will be responsible for paying certain costs not covered by the tuition fee. These include:
vaccinations and immunisation
£100 per year towards travel costs associated with clinical placements
medical insurance if you choose to do an elective in another country
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Conference expenses
- Parking costs (including on placements at hospitals)
- Anything else not covered elsewhere
- Medical Equipment and Materials: Fobwatch; stethoscopes;
- Approved Calculators
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Textbooks
- Hardware
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Clothing
- Stationery
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 419.66 KB).
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees.
Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You’ll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: A101
UCAS Institution Code: S27
What happens after you apply
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
You'll also be assessed on the strength of:
your score on the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
a selection day, which includes an interview and group task
Download our full selection policy for 2020 entry (PDF, 190KB).
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.