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 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
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 (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)
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 students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students 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).
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
BTEC additional information
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma as a qualification on its own.
BTEC Applied Science is not accepted.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
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.
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.
Non-academic entry requirements
All applicants must take the University clinical aptitude test (UCAT)
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?
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.uk
Tel: +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
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
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
Non-academic entry requirements
UCAT Test required for all applicants. Applicants being considered as mature non-graduate must be over 21 years old
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.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
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
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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 £23,738.
What your fees pay for
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250
- EU and international students pay £23,738
If you're an EU or international student, please note that fees for your clinical years - years 3, 4 and 5 - are £46,992 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 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)
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 2021 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 2021 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?
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.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
