Our Bachelor of Medicine (International Transfer) programme welcomes international students from the International Medical University (IMU) in Malaysia, and the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD). On successful graduation, you will receive a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS) degree and can apply for provisional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).
You have the opportunity to complete your clinical medical studies at a global university that is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Medicine and Life Sciences (QS World University Rankings, 2020). You will start with a bespoke 12-week module specifically designed to introduce you to clinical medicine at Southampton.
Our staff have been nationally recognised for their teaching innovation and excellence, and will enable you to develop the critical thinking and independent learning skills that are essential for future leaders and decision makers.
The Bachelor of Medicine (International Transfer) programme at the University of Southampton is based within a thriving and ambitious, multidisciplinary medical school that has an outstanding reputation for combined expertise in research and teaching.
The University is a national leader in medical education and a founding member of the Russell Group. Our academics are experts in their fields, continually embedding the latest research into the curriculum.
You will spend three years learning in a range of clinical environments such as general practice, community medicine, and hospitals within the Wessex region including the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust - one of the UK's leading teaching hospitals.
One of the most fortunate experiences I had when coming to the University was the introductory module. The introductory module has given me an in-depth insight of the NHS system, patient communication skills in UK and most importantly what clinical skills our current batch has experienced. Unlike other partner schools where you start SUDDENLY, we were given a generously fair couple of months to help us blend into the system, culture and the UK before we started our clinical phase. For this I will forever be grateful.
Southampton is one of the UK's leading medical schools, delivering 50 years of medical education, training thousands of doctors and scientists, and leading cutting-edge research in a range of diverse areas including:
You will arrive in September and begin a 12-week module Introduction to Clinical Medicine in Southampton, before following the same curriculum as the BM5 programme for the remainder of year 3, year 4 and year 5.
The module will introduce you to studying as an undergraduate in Medicine at Southampton. We will familiarise you with key areas of undergraduate study and practice, including:
You will get the opportunity to undertake intensive work on communication and develop confidence in a wide range of practical and intellectual skills that you will require throughout your placements. Your placements will include:
You'll join the rest of the BM5 Year 3 students at the beginning of January.
From January, you will undertake clinical placements in hospitals and general practice in the Southampton, Portsmouth, and Winchester areas. The focus will be on the effects of clinical disorders on patients and their families, continuing the development of your clinical abilities and the reinforcement of systems courses and social science teaching.
In your second year in Southampton (BM5 Year 4) you will undertake placements in a range of clinical specialities in Southampton and a range of hospitals around the region.
In your final year you will gain experience in a wide range of hospitals, communities and general practices in the south of England and have an opportunity to undertake an elective placement in an area of your choice. You will be attached to a variety of clinical teams on an apprenticeship basis, learning the skills required to begin your Foundation Programme. You'll take your Final Examination around January and February, after which you will undertake a compulsory "preparing for practice" phase of the programme to ensure you are ready to start work before graduation.
We provide many opportunities for medical students to work and learn alongside other health professional students during their clinical placements.
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.
English Language requirements:
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in English (other than those in modern foreign languages).
Selection process:
Applicants applying for the BM (IT) must have completed the Advanced Diploma in Medical Sciences at IMU, in Malaysia, or the Bachelor of Health Science at the UBD, in Brunei.
Your first twelve week Introductory Module structure will consist of:
You will then join the BM5 programme. For full list of modules visit the BM5 module page, where you will join in January year 3.
You will learn through a combination of teaching and clinical placements from our expert staff who are nationally recognised for their teaching innovation and excellence.
Specific teaching and learning methods used include: lectures, tutor-led tutorials, practicals, guided self-study, problem-solving scenarios, role play, projects, group work, portfolios, study packs, eLearning, and patient-based learning.
Assessment methods
A range of assessment methods are used depending on the learning outcomes.
Coursework will include:
Examinations will include:
Breakdown of study time and assessment
A medical student is studying not only for a university degree but also a professional qualification. Upon successful completion of the training he/she will not only have the BMBS degree but also be able to practice as a doctor. The training, therefore, is conducted in an environment that requires medical students to behave throughout their training in ways that are consistent with the principles of medical professional practice. Find out more
Professor Ruihua Hou is Associate Dean International, Professor of Biological Psychiatry, and the Bachelor of Medicine International Transfer - BM(IT) programme lead.
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University Hospital Southampton is the Trust’s largest location, with a great number of specialist services based here, ranging from neurosciences and oncology to pathology and cardiology.
Based on the University's main Highfield campus, Medicine is situated in the Life Sciences Building.