Medicine BM6 Widening Participation (BMBS)

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold 5 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

We also accept other English language tests.

Non-academic entry requirements

UCAT Test required for all applicants. Only Home/EU students eligible.

In order to be eligible for the programme, applicants should ensure that they fulfil three of the following eligibility criteria:
• First generation applicant to Higher Education
• Parents, guardian or self in receipt of a means tested benefit
• Young people looked after by a Local Authority
• In receipt of 16-19 bursary or similar grant*
• Resident in an area with a postcode which falls within the lowest 20% of the IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation), or a member of a travelling family.
• In receipt of free school meals at any time during Years 10-13 (normally for a minimum period of at least one school term/2 months.)

*Where an applicant chooses the Free School Meals criterion and the 16-19 bursary criterion, the 16-19 bursary must be awarded for something other than Free School Meals. For example. Transport costs between home and college, text books/stationery/printing.

Applicants should normally only submit eligibility criteria relating to one postcode/address and this is expected to be the address listed on the UCAS form.
The IMD score will be checked and verified by the Faculty of Medicine.
Parental/guardian means tested benefits will not normally be considered for mature employed applicants over the age of 21.
International applicants, graduate applicants, and students who have previously enrolled on a higher education course are not eligible to apply for the BM6 programme.
An eligibility form will be emailed to all applicants in November.

International qualifications

This course is not available to international students.

Other ways to qualify

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need.

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Year 1

Phase 1: The Fundamentals of Medicine

This phase takes place over the first 2 years and is made up of 4 university semesters. During this phase, you will 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 both primary care and hospital settings. In year 1 you will choose 2 Student Selected Units focusing on public health and medical humanities. 

Phase 1 modules are:

• Foundations of Medicine

• Cardiopulmonary 

• Locomotor 

• Renal 

• Nervous System

• Gastrointestinal System

• Endocrinology and the Life Cycle

• Research into Medicine and Health

• Medicine in Practice 1 and 2

• Student Selected Unit 1 and 2

Year 2

You'll complete phase 1.

Year 3

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:

• Primary Care and Long-term Conditions

• Medicine and Elderly Care

• 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

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. 

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:

How we’ll assess you

We’ll assess you using:

• placement assessment

Your assessment breakdown, year by year:

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.

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: 

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

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 placement.

• medical insurance if you choose to do an elective in another country

Extra costs you might have to pay

• Medical Equipment and Materials: Fobwatch; stethoscopes;
• Textbooks
• Clothing
• Printing and Photocopying Costs
• Parking costs (including on placements at hospitals)
• IT
• Conference expenses
• Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
• Anything else not covered elsewhere
• Stationery
• Approved Calculators

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.

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

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.