Overview
Do you have the dream and the drive to become a doctor? Our Medicine degree leads to a Primary Medical Qualification that will allow you to register with the General Medical Council*. Study full-time over five years, and learn in our cutting-edge skill laboratories and cadaveric anatomy suite at the School of Medicine in Chelmsford. Placements start early, in primary and acute care settings, and in centres of excellence such as St Andrew’s Centre for Plastic Surgery and Burns and the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre. Build a bright future, for yourself and for your community.
Careers
When you graduate with your MBChB degree you’ll be able to apply for your 1st of two Foundation Years. Having studied with us you’ll be in a good position to apply to the Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire (EBH) Foundation School. On successful completion of your Foundation Years you’ll be able to apply for further study within your chosen specialism. We envisage that our graduates will want to study further and work locally as there are many opportunities for training doctors within the region.
Curriculum
Core curriculum
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About the core curriculum
The core components of the curriculum represent the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes that you must acquire to practice as foundation doctors on graduation. The core curriculum has been designed to: ensure breadth of coverage; allow integration of basic and clinical sciences; align theory with practice; and to ensure you’ll have excellent opportunities to achieve the learning outcomes set by the General Medical Council.
The curriculum is divided into three phases, with core modules in each phase
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Phase 1: Year 1
Phase 1 runs over the first year of the course. It takes a systems-based approach, and is part of a fully integrated course that focuses on normal and abnormal structure, function and behaviour, basic and clinical sciences and hospital and community perspectives on health. The first year is made up of a period of systems-based teaching: after a basic ‘principles of medicine’ block you’ll cover the cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems The systems are taught in a way that integrate theoretical, practical and clinical aspects with lectures, laboratory work, small group work, clinical exposure and private study time. Phase 1 introduces you to the important fundamental principles that we’ll build upon as you progress through the course. -
Year 1: MBChB
Year 1 takes an organ system-based approach to the body, but the year is also fully integrated focusing on normal and abnormal structure, function and behaviour, basic and clinical sciences, and hospital and community perspectives on health. Problem-oriented learning, where learning is structured around examples of clinical problems, will be used wherever appropriate. Year 1 is comprised of the following: Principles block; Respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems blocks; Student selected component; Core clinical placements: GP and acute trusts. The aims of this year are to: introduce the biomedical-scientific principles underlying the practice of medicine; develop an understanding of normal and abnormal structure, function and behaviour of the various body systems; provide an introduction to clinical practice in both hospital and community settings; demonstrate how basic and clinical science integrates with clinical practice; instil the values of professionalism and enable development of students’ professional identities. -
Phase 2: Years 2 and 3
During this phase there are a further ten systems based blocks and you’ll begin the transition to the final clinical phase of the course. In the third year you’ll begin to consolidate your knowledge and focus on its application to the clinical setting via a series of rotational clinical experiences which occur in the second half of the year. -
Year 2: MBChB
Year 2 takes an organ system-based approach to the body, but the year is also fully integrated focusing on normal and abnormal structure, function and behaviour, basic and clinical sciences, and hospital and community perspectives on health. Problem-oriented learning, where learning is structured around examples of clinical problems, will be used wherever appropriate. Year 2 is comprised of the following: Systems: dermatology, musculoskeletal, endocrine, child and family, ENT, ophthalmology and renal; Student selected component; Core clinical placements: GP and acute trusts. The aims of this year are to: introduce the biomedical-scientific principles underlying the practice of medicine; develop an understanding of normal and abnormal structure, function and behaviour of the various body systems; provide an introduction to clinical practice in both hospital and community settings; demonstrate how basic and clinical science integrates with clinical practice. -
Year 3: MBChB
Year 3 takes an organ system-based approach to the body, but the year is also fully integrated focusing on normal and abnormal structure, function and behaviour, basic and clinical sciences, and hospital and community perspectives on health. Problem-oriented learning, where learning is structured around examples of clinical problems, will be used wherever appropriate. Year 3 is comprised of the following: Systems: neurology, psychiatry, reproductive and sexual health and haematology. Student selected component; Core clinical placements: GP and acute trusts. The aims of this year are to: continue the biomedical-scientific principles underlying the practice of medicine; develop an understanding of normal and abnormal structure, function and behaviour of the various body systems; provide an introduction to clinical practice in both hospital and community settings. -
Phase 3: Years 4 and 5
Phase 3 runs in Year 4 and Year 5. This phase of the course moves towards a case-based learning approach. A series of around 100 ‘core clinical problems’ will provide you with a framework to develop an integrated view of medicine. Phase 3 begins with a transition block, followed by a series of core specialty-based clinical placements and a final Preparation for Practice (PfP) placement. During the core clinical placements, you’ll organise your learning around the core clinical problems and observe these problems in different contexts and settings. The PfP teaching block allows you further development of experience, preparing you for your role as a junior doctor. You’ll undertake foundation assistantship teaching blocks in general practice, medicine and surgery. -
Year 4: MBChB
Year 4 (and 5, known as Phase 3) is based almost entirely on experiential learning in a ward or workplace setting and moves towards a task-based learning approach. In contrast to Systems in Practice, Year 4 is much more self-directed and less ‘pre-organised’. A series of around 100 ‘core clinical problems’ provide you with a framework for an integrated view of medicine. The year begins with a transition block, followed by a series of core clinical placements and includes Student Selected Components (SSCs). You’ll be expected to develop a wealth of clinical experience of patients and their problems, to master the competencies relating to the core clinical problems, and to learn to look at the patient as a whole rather than from the perspective of a disease entity. This strategy is aimed at enabling you to view patients’ concerns and problems as central to their practice. This year you’ll begin to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of a Foundation Doctor; a sound professional attitude towards patients and colleagues and an understanding of the obligations of the medical profession. -
Year 5: MBChB
There’ll be a change of emphasis towards the end of Year 5 to the development of experience provided by a particular specialty, and final preparation for practice as a Foundation doctor. In contrast to Year 4, Year 5 focusses on the key skills required as a Foundation Doctor acquired through an apprenticeship model. A series of around 100 ‘core clinical problems’ provide you with a framework for an integrated view of medicine. You’ll maintain and further develop their achievement of the curriculum outcomes within a framework of Student Selected Components, Electives and Pre-registration (Foundation) Apprenticeship blocks: the former provide an opportunity for in-depth study in selected areas and the latter for integrating theory and practice in preparation for their Foundation appointments the following year. You’ll develop a wealth of clinical experience of patients and their problems, to master the competencies relating to the core clinical problems, and to learn to look at the patient as a whole rather than from the perspective of a disease entity. This strategy is aimed at enabling students to view patients’ concerns and problems as central to their practice. This year you’ll continue to enhance the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of a Foundation Doctor; and will develop the skills to have the ability to take responsibility for self-directed continuing medical education and lifelong learning. -
Student Selected Components
Throughout the three phases, you’ll have the opportunity to study areas of your choice, in depth through Student Selected Components (SSCs). The SSCs will enable you to develop generic skills that are essential to your professional development. In addition, through SSCs you can achieve transferable skills like information management, innovation, education, critical thinking and independent learning. -
Longitudinal Themes
Longitudinal themes are topics that are integrated across the five years of your course. They include elements of the basic sciences such as anatomy and physiology, through to areas of medical specialism which do not receive teaching blocks in their own right (public health, palliative care, microbiology) and also include areas that are covered repeatedly and are a requirement of all doctors such as professionalism, ethics, and evidence-based medicine. -
Clinical Placements
Clinical placements are a key part of your learning over the entire course, with patient and community-related activity starting early in your first year. In Phase 1 and 2, you’ll have several full-day sessions in primary care at general practices, which may include experiences in community and mental health providers, as well as weekly half-day sessions in secondary care in the Essex Acute Trusts. In Phase 3, your clinical placements become your dominant learning environment, where you’ll have patient contact in a variety of settings, including primary care, mental health and acute care. You’ll develop a wealth of clinical experience of patients and their problems and learn to look at the patient as a whole, enabling you to pursue a career in medicine where patients’ concerns and problems are central to your practice. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake an elective placement in the UK or overseas.
Assessment
The aim of the course is to prepare you for clinical decision making and the capability to practice effectively as a doctor in a multi-professional team. You’ll be assessed by a combination of exams at the end of each year, and a portfolio of work that is completed throughout your course.
The exams will be in the form of Single Best Answers (SBA), Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and anatomy spot examinations. At the end of the course you’ll be assessed by the national MLA (Medical Licensing Assessment).
In addition you’ll be required to undertake a Prescribing Safety Assessment.
Where you'll study
Your department and faculty
Train to become a doctor at Essex’s first School of Medicine. We offer an innovative, fully integrated curriculum with a strong science base - as well as excellent clinical opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to work in, shape, and lead healthcare delivery in the 21st century.
Where can I study?
Chelmsford
Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.
Fees, scholarships and bursaries
Course fees
UK students starting 2021/22 (per year)
£9,250
Additional costs
- Travel to placements (variable)
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Lab coat
- Protective eye wear
- Stethoscope
- Course books
*Fees and bursaries
The five-year Medicine degree course is offered on a self-funded basis with students paying the standard rate of tuition fees for the first four years. For UK and EU students Year 5 is currently covered by an NHS bursary. Information on the funding arrangements for undergraduate medical courses can be found on the Health Education England website.
Fee information
For more information about tuition fees, including the UK Government's commitment to EU students, please see our UK/EU funding pages.
International applicants
We are currently unable to accept international applicants for this programme.
Entry requirements
- Grades AAA at A level taken within two academic years prior to the year of entry to include Chemistry or Biology; and one of either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics, plus one other.
- 5 GCSEs at grade A*-B (9-6), including English Language, Maths and two science subjects.
- A Level resit grades at AAA will be accepted within two academic years prior to the time of application (at first sitting applicants should have achieved AAB or BBB for a Widening Access to Medicine (WAMS) application).
- UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test).
- Successful Multiple Mini Interview.
- If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 7.5 (Academic level).
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory Occupational Health check.
- You must be a minimum of 18 years of age by 1 November, in the year that you commence your course.
Please visit the General Medical Council (GMC) website for their guidelines on outcomes for graduates.
International applicants
We are currently unable to accept international applicants for this programme.
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