First-time graduation for all three medicine degrees
A special celebratory event is being held at the University of Southampton to mark the first time students have graduated from all three of its Bachelor of Medicine degree programmes.
Over recent years the University's School of Medicine has introduced two alternative medicine degree programmes: a four-year course for graduates, and a six-year course which aims to encourage under-represented groups into medicine.
These are in addition to their established five-year programme.
For the first time students from all three degree courses will be graduating together this summer and a celebration is being held at the University's Highfield campus on Thursday 17 July.
Deputy Head of the School of Medicine Dr Chris Stephens said: "One of the strategic aims of our school has been to develop and innovate high quality medical education.
"Part of this has included expanding our programmes to include students from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and knowledge bases. By introducing the two new Bachelor of Medicine degrees we have removed many of the barriers to studying medical sciences."
The school has also reviewed the five-year Bachelor of Medicine programme which now includes more placements and practical teaching.
Another strategic aim for the school is to continue to develop its research programmes, particularly where the school has a leading international reputation for discovering new treatments for cancer, arthritis and respiratory disease and investigating the impact of early development (in childhood and also in the womb) on long-term health.
To celebrate the school's achievement students, staff and academics will be celebrating at the Garden Court Restaurant from 5.30-7pm.
Notes for editors
The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship.
This is one of the country's top institutions for engineering, computer science and medicine, and home to a range of world-leading research centres, including the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, the Optoelectronics Research Centre, the Centre for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, and the Mountbatten Centre for International Studies.
We combine academic excellence with an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to research, supporting a culture that engages and challenges students and staff in their pursuit of learning.
As one of the UK's top ten research universities, we offer first-rate opportunities and facilities for study and research across a wide range of subjects in humanities, health, science and engineering.
We have over 22,000 students, around 5,000 staff, and an annual turnover in the region of £350 million.
For further information
Liz Gilbride, Communications, University of Southampton,
Tel: 023 8059 2128, email: L.Gilbride@soton.ac.uk