About this course
This integrated medicine course is only open to UK applicants.
You'll study at one of the UK's leading teaching hospitals, Southampton General Hospital, and at our purpose-built life sciences facilities on campus. You'll gain clinical experience from the start 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.
This BMBS Medicine BM6 course is designed to widen participation in medicine. For example, you may be able to apply if you or your parent or guardian receive benefits, or you are the first in your family to apply for a higher education course.
As part of your degree you will:
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attend weekend shifts as a healthcare support worker to experience multi-professional teamworking
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take a student assistantship module in year 5
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undertake your own research project in year 3
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.
You'll meet patients in clinical settings and will learn from volunteer patients, simulated environments and prepared patient cases.
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
“Southampton’s BM6 programme offered me the independence I wanted alongside the support I needed to take full advantage of the wide range of educational and social opportunities available here.”
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.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be 18 or over at the start of the course and meet both the eligibility and academic criteria to be considered for this course.
Only home students eligible. International applicants, graduate applicants, and students who have previously enrolled on a higher education course are not eligible to apply for the BM6 programme.
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.
A-levels
BBB including 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
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Overall score of 30 points with 15 at Higher Level, with 5 in HL 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).
BTEC
BB 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
BTEC additional information
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma as a qualification on its own.
BTEC Applied Science is not accepted for BM6.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold 5 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?
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
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 course lasts for 6 years. Year 0 is designed to build your skills and confidence and give you a grounding in scientific and professional practice.
After year 0, the course is the same as our main A100 BM5 medical degree. It is split into 4 distinct phases, with clinical practice throughout.
You will get clinical experience from the first weeks of your course. Clinical experience may involve weekend and evening working. In year 0, most of your teaching sessions will take place over 3 days of the week. From year 1 onwards, your course will be timetabled throughout the week.
You must pass all the course modules to progress to the next stage and graduate.
Year 0 overview
You'll have interactive sessions studying physiological, anatomical and biochemical concepts and principles and learn how they apply to medicine. You'll also take placements where you can observe how things work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and GP surgeries. You'll meet patients and healthcare staff.
You'll further develop your professional abilities by learning about ethics, psychology and sociology, including the factors that influence health and illness. You'll produce a portfolio of your project and placement experience.
Year 1 overview
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:
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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
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 master's 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
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:
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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: 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
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 0 modules
You must study the following modules in year 0:
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 0
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 0:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 0:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Sally Curtis is the course leader.
Careers
Accreditation
At the end of the undergraduate course you will 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.
Careers this course can lead to
With a medical degree from Southampton you'll have excellent prospects for medicine career path. 100% of our graduates move on to jobs in the medical field 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 a wide range of careers in medicine:
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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.
- This course is not available to EU and 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:
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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.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: A102
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We’ll assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted or actual grades
- eligibility criteria: you must meet 3 out of 6 criteria. See Section 3.14 of the selection policy below and the entry requirements section of this page
- selection day performance (which we use for offer making)
You’ll receive an eligibility form in November. You must provide evidence showing how you meet our criteria and return the form to us. This form includes answering 3 questions. Your answers help us assess your suitability for the course:
- why is the BM6 programme at Southampton right for you?
- what motivates you to study medicine?
- reflect on a challenging situation you’ve experienced: how will this help you as a medical student?
A panel of BM6 staff will review your answers against our criteria and decide who is invited to a selection day.
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
- University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) scores are only used to give final offers where selection day scores are tied
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
