About this course
On this BMBS Medicine BM5 degree, you'll study medicine at one of the UK's leading teaching hospitals – Southampton General Hospital – and at our purpose-built Life Sciences facilities on campus. You'll get clinical experience from the first weeks of your course, meeting patients in hospital and primary care settings. You'll also benefit from our world-leading medical research groups, carrying out your own in-depth project.
If you already have a degree, you may be able to apply for our 4-year medicine course.
As part of your degree you will:
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attend weekend shifts as a healthcare support worker to experience multi-professional teamwork
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undertake your own research project in year 3
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take a student assistantship module in year 5
You will meet patients in clinical settings and will learn from volunteer patients, simulated environments and prepared patient cases.
You can:
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take your year 5 elective anywhere in the UK, or abroad
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apply for a master's of medical science at Southampton – or study for a BSc or MSc at another university – between year 3 and year 4 (known as intercalation)
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take an optional French or Spanish language module in year 3
You can 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 fields.
In year 3, students may be placed in partner trusts including Portsmouth and Winchester as well as Southampton. In the final 2 years of the programme, students are placed across the Wessex region. Learn more about placements.
Accreditations
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and University Hospital Southampton.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be 18 or over at the start of the course.
Open to Home and International students.
Applicants being considered as mature non-graduate must be over 21 years old at the point of submitting their application (15th October) and not hold a degree.
A-levels
AAA to include A level Biology and one additional science (with a pass in the practical element where it is separately endorsed)
BM5 graduate applicants please see BM4 entry requirements.
A-levels additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Human Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
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
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
School Leaver applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
AAB to include A level Biology and one additional science (with a pass in the practical element where it is separately endorsed). Please see A Levels additional information for further details of subjects.
School leaver applicants need to meet two contextual flags in accordance with the University of Southampton’s Contextual Admissions Policy. Please see the University Contextual Admissions page.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Overall score of 36 points with 18 at Higher Level, with 6 in Biology and one additional Science
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. If English Language is not met from GCSEs but is being taken in the IB, we also require IB English Language Syllabus A, Standard Level, Grade 5.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Human Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
BTEC
AA from two A levels in Biology and one additional science and Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (360 GLH) at Distinction. Subjects with material that overlaps with Chemistry & Biology A Level may not be accepted. Applied Science is not accepted. Subject provided reviewed on a case by case basis
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma as a qualification on its own. BTEC Applied Science is not accepted.
QCF BTEC
AA from two A levels in Biology and one additional science and Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (360 GLH) at Distinction. Subjects with material that overlaps with Chemistry and Biology A Level may not be accepted. Applied Science is not accepted. Subject provided reviewed on a case by case basis
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Medicine - May be accepted from approved institutions or with suitable scientific content. 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 all of which must at Distinction.
Access to HE additional information
Access courses may be considered on a case by case basis and we would expect there to be a significant amount of time between the previous qualification (where relevant) and the Access course. Access courses are most likely to be considered for applicants who have not taken Science qualifications or applicants who took their qualifications some time ago.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2, with H2 in Biology and one additional science
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2, with A2 in Biology and one additional science
Irish certificate additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography.                                                                                                                                                                                     Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Human Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Scottish Qualification
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) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3, including Biology and one additional science
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography.                                                                                                                                                                                   Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Human Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA to include A level Biology and one additional science (with a pass in the practical element where it is separately endorsed) or AA from two A levels in including Biology and one additional science and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography.                                                                                                                                                                                     Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Human Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including grade 8.5 in optional elective Biology, grade 8.5 in optional elective Science and 8.5 in one further optional elective subject. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Human Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
BM5 (standard applications) - Applicants must hold 7 GSCEs at grade B/6 or above, including English language,mathematics and either biology and chemistry, combined science, or science and additional science.
BM5 Grad – See BM4 for entry requirements (Degree and GCSEs need to be offered).
BM5 mature non-graduate applicants- Applicants must hold 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English language,mathematics and either biology and chemistry, combined science, or science and additional science.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 7.0
- writing
- 7.0
- speaking
- 7.0
- listening
- 7.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways. Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Non-academic entry requirements
UCAT
All applicants must take the University clinical aptitude test (UCAT). Applicants are ranked by UCAT score and the top number invited to interview. Please see the ''How to apply'' tab for further interview details.
Non- academic Entry requirements.
In addition to academic entry requirements, the selectors will look for evidence of non- academic criteria during the selection process.
Applicants must be able to show they;
• Are self -motivated and resilient
• Have reflected on and learnt from life experiences (this may include work experience, paid employment and personal experiences both in and outside health and social care settings)
• Can communicate effectively
• Are able to interact successfully with others
• Can demonstrate an understanding of the values of the NHS Constitution
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This 5-year course is split into 4 phases, with clinical practice throughout.
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 overview
Phase 1, 'the fundamentals of medicine', takes place over the first 2 years and is made up of 4 university semesters. During this phase, you'll complete a number of systems-based modules integrating anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology with the psychosocial sciences.
You'll also complete a Medicine into Practice Module in years 1 and 2. This will give you the opportunity to learn medical history-taking and examination skills in primary care and hospital settings. In year 1, you'll choose 2 units focusing on public health and medical humanities.
Phase 1 modules are:
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Foundations of Medicine
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Cardiopulmonary
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Locomotor
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Renal
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Nervous System
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Gastrointestinal System
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Endocrinology and the Life Cycle
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Research into Medicine and Health
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Medicine in Practice 1 and 2
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Student Selected Unit 1 and 2
Year 2 overview
You'll complete phase 1.
Year 3 overview
This year, you'll undertake phase 2, 'progression into clinical practice'. Year 3 begins with a 16-week module focusing on your research project.
This is followed by 24 weeks of clinical placement focusing on:
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Primary Care and Long-term Conditions
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Medicine and Elderly Care
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Surgery and Orthopaedics
This course also has the option to take a Masters of Medical science between year 3 and year 4 (known as intercalation). You can apply for this in year 3.
Year 4 overview
Phase 3, 'developing clinical practice', 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:
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Acute Care
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Child Health
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Clinical Ethics and Law
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speciality weeks (neurology, dermatology, head and neck and ophthalmology)
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Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Genitourinary Medicine
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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 overview
You'll continue with phase 3 and move into phase 4, 'preparing for independent practice'.
After finals, you'll undertake an elective: an 8-week placement abroad or in the UK. You'll also complete an assistantship module where you'll 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
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
The Foundations of Medicine module aims to provide a broad base from which students can build deeper knowledge in the subsequent modules. Teaching is through lecture based material, small group tutorials and practical sessions.
The Locomotor module primarily focuses on the anatomy of the limbs and peripheral nervous system and the physiology and pathology of the locomotor system. The course is composed of four weeks which will introduce students to a range of integrated basic sc...
The course gives you an opportunity to meet patients and to learn important clinical skills from your first weeks within the Faculty of Medicine. This is an experience that we find students both value and enjoy. MiP 1 provides an introduction to clinic...
This module consists of two student selected components in public health and medical humanities. These aim to offer student choice and to develop students' professional knowledge, skills, and values and behaviour through reflective practice
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This is an eight week module which begins with basic endocrinology, moving on to how this is relevant in understanding adult reproductive function. Following this, the module moves on to the establishment of new life - pregnancy and birth - then child dev...
This module will introduce students to the key elements of the gastrointestinal system from development through to clinical pathophysiology. The module will focus on the anatomy and physiology of the normal GI system and investigate the common mechanisms ...
The MiP2 course builds on the communication and history taking skills introduced in MiP1 ,to further develop and expand the clinical history . The course also teaches the physical examination of all the major systems , using a variety of methods including...
This module will offer an insight into the complexities of the brain and central nervous system. Building from single synapses through to higher cortical functions the module will demonstrate how the structure of the brain relates to normal neurological f...
This module will consolidate and build on the basic medical sciences covered in Foundations of Medicine and Cardiopulmonary modules of Year 1. In particular, it will focus on the renal system, its associated diseases and treatment options. The module will...
The Research for Medicine & Health module will introduce the core concepts of critical appraisal and statistical analysis in order to allow you begin to effectively interpret published research findings in both clinical and basic environments. The module ...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The purpose of this module is to ensure students can apply and integrate knowledge and understanding to common clinical conditions and scenarios and professional practice. The third year of the programme in which this module is embedded is considered to b...
Description: a 16 week study in depth of scientific research, clinical research or service evaluation leading to the completion of a dissertation and presentation at an internal Faculty conference
The purpose of this module is to ensure students can develop and apply clinical and procedural skills to professional practice, using common clinical conditions and scenarios. Much of the learning that underpins this module is undertaken during other m...
This module provides the students with the opportunity to gain experience of history taking and clinical examination in General Medicine and Elderly Care in the ward and outpatient clinic environment This module focuses on the General Medicine and Elde...
This module provides the students with the opportunity to gain experience of history taking and clinical examination in the primary care environment. The BM programmes are however highly contextualised and integrated programmes in which the application...
The aim of the Student Selected Unit (SSU) is to introduce an element of choice into the Third Year curriculum to widen the experience of the student. Students must undertake two Special Study Units to fulfill the requirements of this module. The speci...
This module focuses on the general surgical and elective orthopaedic basic knowledge and understanding, practitioner and professional skills required of a newly qualified doctor and the assessments within this module will focus on these areas. The BM p...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
This module focuses on the Acute Care knowledge and understanding, practitioner and professional skills required of an F1 doctor, and the assessments within this module will focus on these areas. The BM programmes are however highly contextualised and ...
This module focuses on the Child Health knowledge and understanding, practitioner and professional skills required of an F1 doctor, and the assessments within this module will focus on these areas. The BM programmes are however highly contextualised an...
The module will run throughout the year with a variety of activities occurring during the 8 and 4 week placements of the other clinical modules. Teaching will take place within the clinical module placement hours. This module focuses on developing cri...
This module focuses on the Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Genitourinary Medicine ( for BM(EU) also Urology) knowledge and understanding, practitioner and professional skills required of an F1 doctor, and the assessments within this module will focus on the...
This module focuses on the Psychiatry knowledge and understanding, practitioner and professional skills required of an F1 doctor, and the assessments within this module will focus on these areas. The BM programmes are however highly contextualised and...
This module focuses on the dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology and head & neck knowledge and understanding, practitioner and professional skills required of an F1 doctor, and the assessments within this module will focus on these areas. The BM progr...
This is a synoptic assessment module that comprises the two MCQ Papers at the end of the year along with revision sessions that help prepare students for this assessment. The BM programmes are highly contextualised and integrated programmes in which t...
Year 5 modules
You must study the following modules in year 5:
The Student Assistantship is a four week clinical placement undertaken in the last six months of Final Year. It is a transitional bridge to prepare students for practicing as competent Foundation Doctors. The module will normally take the format of a 4...
This module provides the students with the opportunity to gain experience in different health, social or community care settings which can be in the UK or abroad - in accordance with prevailing University and Foreign-Commonwealth Office travel guidance. ...
This module provides the students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes which are necessary to practice in Medicine as a newly qualified doctor. This module builds on earlier Medicine attachments and the Acute Care and Ethics...
The module is ‘nested’, running alongside two eight-week clinical attachments in Medicine and Surgery, a four-week clinical attachment in Primary Medical Care and SSU4. It provides students with the opportunity to translate the Duties of a Doctor into day...
This module focuses on the knowledge and understanding, practitioner and professional skills required of a newly qualified doctor in Primary Care, and the assessments within this module will focus on these areas. The BM programmes are however highly c...
The Selected Unit allow students to develop skills and experience in any clinical postgraduate speciality provided within the final year training centres. The module will normally take the format of a 3 week placement in one or more of our University o...
This module provides the students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes which are necessary to practice in Surgery as a newly qualified doctor. This module builds on earlier Surgical attachments and the Acute Care and Ethics ...
This module is a synoptic assessment module incorporating all previous modules in the programme and constitutes the Applied Knowledge Assessment component of ‘Finals’. This module comprises the Applied Knowledge Assessment (currently MCQ format) asses...
This module is a synoptic assessment module incorporating all previous modules in the programme and together with the other 3 assessment modules constitutes ‘Finals’. This module comprises the clinical procedural skills assessment (CPSA) component of...
This module is a synoptic assessment module incorporating all previous modules in the programme and together with the other 3 assessment modules constitutes ‘Finals’. This module comprises the data interpretation and summarisation component of ‘Finals’...
This module is a synoptic assessment module incorporating all previous modules in the programme and together with the other 3 assessment modules constitutes ‘Finals’. This module comprises Workplace Based Assessment ( WpBA) component of Finals. This i...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- oral presentations
- portfolios
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- oral presentations
- portfolios
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- oral presentations
- portfolios
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- oral presentations
- portfolios
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
Year 5
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 5:
How we'll assess you
- oral presentations
- portfolios
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 5:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Deborah Rose is the course leader.
Careers
At the end of the undergraduate course, you'll have the following qualifications: a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc Honours) 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 National Health Service.
At the end of the course, you will be qualified to register with the GMC and apply for a Foundation Year 1 post.
With a medical degree from Southampton you'll have excellent career prospects. 100% of our students are in work or further study within 6 months of completing their degree.
Most of our graduates go straight into work as a Foundation Year doctor. Learn more about the Foundation scheme and what happens after graduation.
Our graduates go on to practise medicine in a wide range of careers including:
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accident and emergency
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anaesthetics
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armed forces medicine
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general practitioner (GP)
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gynaecology
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hospital medicine specialties
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medical research
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obstetrics
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orthopaedics
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paediatrics
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pathology
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primary care
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psychiatry
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public health
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radiology
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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
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £25,000.
What your fees pay for
If you're an EU or international student, please note that fees for your clinical years - years 3, 4 and 5 - are £49,000 per year.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
You'll be responsible for paying certain costs not covered by the tuition fee. These include:
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vaccinations and immunisation
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£100 per year towards travel costs associated with clinical placement
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medical insurance if you choose to do an elective in another country
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.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: A100
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We’ll assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted or actual grades
- University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) scores
- selection day performance (which we use for offer making)
We rank applicants by UCAT score and invite the top candidates to interview.
Selection days
Personal statements are used at the Selection day. During a selection day you must show how you meet our non-academic criteria by demonstrating that you:
- are self-motivated and resilient
- have reflected on relevant life experiences
- can communicate effectively
- can interact successfully with others
- understand the values of the NHS constitution
The selection process includes an interview and group task. If you’re invited to attend we’ll email you full event details 2 weeks beforehand. For 2022 entry, the selection day will be held online. Visit our selection day page for more details.
We aim to respond to you by the end of March with a decision about your application.
Download our full selection policy for 2022 entry (PDF, 190KB)
Please note:
- your reference is not used as part of the selection process but you must provide it as part of your application
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
