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
-
apply for a master's of medical science at Southampton – or study for a BSc 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
This course is accredited by:
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAA to include A level Biology and one additional science (with a pass in the practical element where it is separately endorsed)
A-levels additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
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
AAB to include A level Biology and one additional science (with a pass in the practical element where it is separately endorsed)
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.
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.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Not accepted on this 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
BTEC additional information
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma as a qualification on its own.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
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
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
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
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
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.
Non-academic entry requirements
UCAT Test required for all applicants.
Applicants being considered as mature non-graduate must be over 21 years old
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
BM5 (standard applications) - Applicants must hold 6 GCSEs at grade A/7 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 B/6
BM5 Grad – See BM4
BM5 mature non-graduate applicants- 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
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 an overall score of 7.0 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- 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.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways. Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAA including Biology and Chemistry (minimum grade A)
A-levels additional information
BM5 Graduates have different A Level requirements – See BM4 for requirements.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
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 Diploma
Overall score of 36 points with 18 at Higher Level, with 6 in HL Chemistry & Biology
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
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.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Not accepted on this programme
BTEC
AA from two A levels in Chemistry & Biology 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
BTEC additional information
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma as a qualification on its own.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
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
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2, with H2 in Chemistry & Biology
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2, with A2 in Chemistry & Biology
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 Chemistry & Biology
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Welsh Baccalaureate
AA from two A levels in Chemistry & Biology and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including grade 8.5 in optional elective Chemistry, grade 8.5 in optional elective Biology and 8.5 in one further optional elective subject.
Non-academic entry requirements
UCAT Test required for all applicants.
Applicants being considered as mature non-graduate must be over 21 years old
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
BM5 (standard applications) - Applicants must hold 6 GCSEs at grade A/7 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 B/6
BM5 Grad – See BM4
BM5 mature non-graduate applicants- 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
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 an overall score of 7.0 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- 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.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways. Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +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
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following modules in year 3:
You must study the following modules in year 4:
You must study the following modules in year 5:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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
Jane Wilkinson 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
-
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
-
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
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £21,580.
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:
-
vaccinations and immunisation
-
£100 per year towards travel costs associated with clinical placement
-
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 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 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.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000