MBBS Medicine

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MBBS Medicine with a Gateway Year

Key Details

Attendance: Full Time
Award: Degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
UCAS Course Code: A100
Entry Requirements: AAA (specific subject requirements apply)
Course Length: 5 years
Course Start Date: September 2024

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Course Overview

Studying Medicine at Norwich Medical School means that you’ll join an exceptional group of medical students studying in a thriving student-centred learning environment, where students and staff share a passion for making a positive difference to people’s lives.

Being a doctor is a privileged position which has at its heart a real and deep-seated vocation to help people. It’s a demanding and challenging profession, but very rewarding. Our course focuses on relating your learning to real life, using scenarios and clinical problems from patients, with an emphasis on developing your clinical experience as well as your theoretical knowledge from the start.

At Norwich Medical School, we believe in learning in context. From the very first weeks of our course, you’ll spend time every week in clinical practice, ensuring that you are able to apply your learning to patients in the same week.

About

At Norwich Medical School, we put patients at the heart of everything we do. With a curriculum approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) and developed in accordance with their standards, our MB BS degree in Medicine will see you embarking on placements almost immediately, so you’ll gain early exposure to the clinical skills essential to addressing the complex needs of patients in the 21st century. And you’ll graduate as a professional, ready to use your skills and knowledge in your chosen field to improve the health of patients in your care.

Our rigorous training ensures we develop doctors who are knowledgeable scholars and scientists, and well-prepared for clinical practice. And we pride ourselves on providing the highest possible quality of learning, in a supportive, nurturing and student-centred environment, where you can reach your potential.

Highlights of Medicine at UEA

Learning with and from real patients, from the first month of your course
Exploring anatomy linked to clinical practice in our anatomy facility, including dissection
Access to a varied range of clinical placements in acute hospital wards, specialist units and general practice
Linking theory with practice across the course, including during small-group teaching sessions and within primary care placements
Developing your clinical skills with access to the world-class and architecture-award winning Bob Champion Research and Education Building, with its state-of-the-art facilities and purpose-built clinical resource centre
Developing the art of communication through our excellent consultation skills programme, supported by dedicated tutors and role-players
A team of respected, highly experienced teaching and research academics and clinicians, who’ll support your learning in our friendly, student-centred School
Strong networks for student support, including a dedicated and experienced team of senior advisers.

Accreditations

Accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC), this primary medical qualification entitles the holder to apply to the GMC for registration to practise medicine in the UK.

Study and Modules

Structure

Our MB BS degree is organised into modules based on body systems. We aim to produce fully rounded medical graduates, so you’ll study the underpinning biological, social and clinical sciences of medicine, and then put theory into practice while on placements in hospitals and general practices.

Working in small groups, you’ll use problem-based learning (PBL) techniques to apply your learning to virtual scenarios. This will be complemented each week with teaching in primary care, where you will meet patients that can bring these scenarios to life. Your learning will be supported by a weekly programme of lectures and seminars. And you’ll undertake anatomical dissections on specimens and models to truly understand the structure and function of the human body. This is a practical, hands-on way to hone your knowledge and approach to medicine, allowing you to develop the relevant practical and communication skills in both simulated and real healthcare environments.

This course will be delivered through a blended learning approach. Blended learning reflects a teaching approach that has been demonstrated as the most effective and inclusive for all students. 'Blending' means that some activities will take place synchronously (in real time), with students working together with lecturers during scheduled teaching events. Synchronous activities can take place either in-person or online. Other activities will take place asynchronously, when students can access learning resources to study independently, or with their peers, in their own time. Lecturers will use a range of approaches to help students achieve their learning outcomes.

Your campus-based learning will be complemented by placements in secondary care and community hospitals, some of which may be residential. You will develop your clinical skills including practical procedures, attend ward-based sessions, outpatient clinics and operating theatres and learn directly from experienced clinicians.

Your first year has one core module where you will have an introduction to clinical, biological and social sciences which underpin all elements of medicine. This will be studied alongside the Musculoskeletal System, focusing on the clinical specialties of orthopaedics and rheumatology.

Compulsory Modules

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Teaching and Learning

Your first year is structured into blocks of campus week teaching and secondary care placements. During campus weeks, you’ll follow a series of lectures and seminars to support your underpinning knowledge and direct your learning, alongside anatomy and consultation skills training. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is an important element of each week, where, as a group of ten students, you’ll explore hypothetical clinical scenarios that relates to the clinical theme of the week. You’ll spend 3 hours a week completing PBL. You will also spend 1 day a week in primary care placement.

Up to nine weeks of the first year is spent in secondary care placement, which are completed in our NHS Partner Trusts. You’ll work closely with experienced clinicians in order to develop clinical skills as well as attend wards, clinics and theatres.

Integrated within PBL, you’ll spend time each week researching and writing up learning outcomes relevant to the clinical cases being discussed. You will also undertake independent study as part of your Student Selected Studies. Alongside this work, you'll spend time each week reviewing the content of lectures to secure your underpinning clinical knowledge.

Assessment

The MB BS is a pass all components course, this means that in order to progress into the next year of study, you must pass all summative assessments and OSCEs in the current year of study. As well as this, you must pass a fitness module, which confirms your professional standing across the year. In line with GMC requirements, all students must also engage with formative assessment. Feedback will be provided in written and oral form to guide your learning and development.

A wide range of mandatory formative assessments run throughout the first year. These include a written exam, practical Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), presentations through Student Selected Component, Medical Research exam, written Reflective case studies and Case Based Discussions collected whilst in primary and secondary care.

Structure

In year two, you will study four core modules that focus on the major organ systems in the body and their associated clinical specialties.

Compulsory Modules

Important Information

Teaching and Learning

Your second year is also structured into blocks of campus based teaching and secondary care placements. In this year, you will complete 4 modules, with each module following the same structure of 5 weeks of campus-based teaching that includes one day a week in primary care placements, and 3 weeks of placement in secondary care. During the campus weeks, Problem Based Learning (PBL) will set the theme for each week. You’ll be part of a small group of up to 10 students, facilitated by a tutor, that will explore a hypothetical clinical scenario. This will be reflected in the primary care teaching each week and bought to life through contact with real patients. You will also develop your clinical skills through consultation skills training that you can then hone when you meet patients. During campus weeks, you’ll follow a series of lectures and seminars to support your underpinning knowledge and direct your learning, alongside anatomy dissection and learning about medical research. In year 2, you will also have the option to participate in our Medical Humanities programme, which offers a wide range of choices such as language studies and British sign language, life drawing, philosophy, and medicine and the arts.

You will spend a total of 12 weeks in in secondary care placements, which are completed in our NHS Partner Trusts. You’ll work closely with experienced clinicians in order to develop your clinical skills as well as attend wards, clinics and theatres.

Independent learning:

Integrated within PBL, you’ll spend time each week researching and writing up learning outcomes relevant to the clinical cases being discussed. Alongside this work, you’ll also spend time each week reviewing the content of lectures to secure your underpinning clinical knowledge.

Assessment

In your second year, you’ll have a range of mandatory formative and summative assessments that includes coursework for Medical Research. You will also complete summative written exam, practical Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), as well as Cased Based Discussions collected whilst in primary and secondary care.

Structure

During your third year, you will study four core modules that also focus on the major organ systems in the body and their associated clinical specialties.

Compulsory Modules

Important Information

Teaching and Learning

In year 3 you will complete 4 modules, with each module following the same structure of 5 weeks of campus-based teaching that includes one day a week in primary care placements, and 3 weeks of placement in secondary care. During the campus weeks, Problem Based Learning (PBL) will set the theme for each week. You’ll be part of a small group of up to 10 students, facilitated by a tutor, that will explore a hypothetical clinical scenario. This will be reflected in the primary care teaching each week and bought to life through contact with real patients. You will also develop your clinical skills through consultation skills training that you can then hone when you meet patients. During campus weeks, you’ll follow a series of lectures and seminars to support your underpinning knowledge and direct your learning, alongside anatomy dissection and learning about medical research.

Independent learning:

Integrated within PBL, you’ll spend time each week researching and writing up learning outcomes relevant to the clinical cases being discussed. You will also undertake independent study as part of your Student Selected Component. Alongside this work, you’ll also spend time each week reviewing the content of lectures to secure your underpinning clinical knowledge.

Assessment

In your third year, you’ll continue to have a range of formative and summative assessments that includes coursework for your Student Selected Component, reflective practice and Medical Research. You will also complete summative written exam, practical Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), as well as Cased Based Discussions collected whilst in primary and secondary care.

Structure

Your fourth year has four core modules that will continue to extend your breadth of knowledge, skills and experience a range of clinical specialties, with a great focus on clinical placement. Year 4 also includes an external elective undertaken during the summer.

Compulsory Modules

Important Information

Teaching and Learning

In Year 4, there is a greater focus on clinical placement. All four modules are 8 weeks long. Three modules (4A, 4B & 4C) are structured into blocks of 4 weeks campus-based teaching that includes a weekly placement in Primary Care, and 4 weeks secondary care placements.

Module 4D is centered around a 6-week placement that includes rotating through Primary Care Palliative Care, Oncology and Older People’s Medicine. There will be 1-week of campus-based teaching to introduce this module and 1-week of campus-based teaching to consolidate learning at the end of the module. You will also learn about evidence based medicine during year 4.

For Modules 4A, 4B and 4C, during the campus weeks your Problem Based Learning (PBL) will set the theme for each week. You will be part of a small group of up to 10 students, facilitated by a tutor, that will explore during a 3-hour session a hypothetical clinical scenario. This will be reflected in the primary care teaching each week and bought to life through contact with real patients. You will also develop your clinical skills though consultation skills training that you can then hone when you meet patients. You will also follow a series of lectures and seminars to support your underpinning knowledge and direct your learning, alongside anatomy dissection.

For Module 4D you will have one campus week as an introduction to th module content, and includes seminars relating to the clinical content, consultation skills, anatomy and learning about clinical audit. There is one campus week at the end of the module to consolidate your learning and includes reflective practice and practical workshops. YYou will spend a total of 12 weeks in Module 4A, 4B & 4C in Secondary Care placements, which are completed in our NHS Partner Trusts. You’ll work closely with experienced clinicians in order to develop your clinical skills as well as attend wards, clinics and theatres.
In module 4D, you will have a 6-week block of clinical placement during which you will spend four weeks based in a Primary Care practice and related opportunities that include GP front-door services and a placement in breast medicine and surgery. Over a 2-week period you will rotate through palliative care, Oncology and Older People’s Medicine. These placements will be based in secondary care, community hospitals and local hospices.

Independent learning:

Integrated within PBL for Modules 4A, 4B, and 4C, you will spend time each week researching thelearning outcomes relevant to the clinical cases being discussed. Alongside this work, you will also spend time each week reviewing the content of lectures to secure your underpinning clinical knowledge.

You will also have the option to undertake an integrated programme of study to develop your teaching skills as a clinical educator.

Module 4E is the external elective at the end of year 4 and provides an additional and more autonomous opportunity for students to plan and undertake a 4 week placement that fits with their own interests and professional development. It can be undertaken anywhere in the world, subject to a risk assessment that students will be supported to complete.

Assessment

In your fourth year, you will complete summative written exam, practical Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), You will also undertake formative assessment in evidence –based medicine and reflective practice, and workplace-based assessments to underpin your clinical learning.

For the elective placement in your fourth year, you’ll be required to submit a risk assessment and elective proposal. You will also be provided with a formative opportunity to sit the Prescribing Safety Assessment and prepare for the requirements of the Foundation programme allocation process, in preparation for external assessments in your final year.

Structure

Your final year is focussed on preparing you for clinical practice as a new graduate. There are three core modules during this year, with a focus on acute and emergency care, and the majority of time is spent on placement.

Compulsory Modules

Important Information

Teaching and Learning

Module 5A is an opportunity for you to apply skills and knowledge developed over the previous 4 years and build upon them in acute and emergency settings over the 10-week module. During your placement, you will get to experience a variety of environments where acute and emergency medicine is practised, From primary care and the A&E department to the intensive care unit and theatres, you will have opportunities to learn from a variety of specialists. The Module will equip you to manage patients who are seriously ill, and to recognize who and when to seek help from. It will enable you to perform practical procedures and gain other skills that are relevant to the role of a foundation doctor.

Module 5B is your opportunity to “learn on the job” the Foundation Year 1 (FY1)/ Foundation Year 2 (FY2) role. The Module is ten weeks in total split into blocks in surgical and medical specialites, and primary care. You will be attached to an FY1/FY2 and their team. You will be an integral member of that team, helping with all the duties of a Foundation Year doctor and you will be supervised by a Consultant.

You will have the opportunity to undertake courses in ALERT (Acute Life-Threatening Event, Recognition and Treatment) and ALS (Advanced Life Support).

Module 5C has been developed to give students the opportunity to explore or further develop an aspect of their future medical career. This will support you to succeed during your FY1 post or when applying for specialty training. It is six weeks long and will predominantly consist of clinical experience.

This module will normally be undertaken based in the UK and takes place after students have sat their Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA).

Assessment

During your final year, you will undertake formative and summative workplace based assessment that includes practical procedures, case based discussions and observed clinical examination and skills. You will need to have demonstrated satisfactory attendance and engagement with the three modules in your final year, which will be assessed through tutor reports. You will also have a formative portfolio interview to support you in looking ahead to your future career.

In order to meet GMC requirements for practicing medicine in the UK, you must complete the medical Licensing Assessment (MLA). This comprises two elements, the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Clinical and Professional Skills assessment (CPSA). These are incorporated into your final year as the summative written and clinical OSCE assessments. On completion of all these elements, you will be put forward for graduation in Medicine.

You will also be supported to take the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA), which is a national assessment undertaken to support you in preparing for clinical practice. You will also be supported to complete the requirements for the Foundation Programme application process, which may include external assessment. This will support you in applying for your first job as a doctor.

Entry Requirements

A Levels

AAA including Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.

T Levels

Not accepted

BTEC

Not accepted

Scottish Advanced Highers

BBB including Biology or Chemistry

Irish Leaving Certificate

6 subjects at H2 including Biology or Chemistry

Access to HE Diploma

See below for a list of accepted courses and grade requirements

International Baccalaureate

36 points with HL 6 in three subjects to include Biology or Chemistry

GCSE

Six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Mathematics and either two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or double science. Alternatively, Triple Science, Science, Additional Science and Further Science GCSEs are accepted. 
GCSE English Language grade 6/B.
If Methods of Mathematics & Application of Mathematics are taken, we require grade 7 or grade A in both. They will be considered as a single grade 7/A for screening purposes as together they are equivalent to the full Mathematics GCSE.
We will only accept one of the following: Learning for Life & Work, Expressive Arts, Catering, Child Development, Business & Communication Systems (ICAA), Health & Social Care and Leisure & Tourism.

GCSE short courses, BTEC Level 2, OCR Level 2, AQA Level 2 and Functional Skills are not accepted

Applicants who do not meet the GCSE requirement MUST be resitting GCSE’s and predicted to achieve the required grade. This should be evident from their UCAS application.

GCSE requirements for Graduates are listed under the section titled "Minimum requirements for Graduates".

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

IELTS: 7.5 overall (minimum 7.0 in all components)

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list. 

The list below is not exhaustive. If your country is not listed, please contact the Admissions Service at admissions@uea.ac.uk. The information below is intended to be a guide only. A final decision on your application will be made on receipt of the full UCAS application before the closing date, UCAT score and receipt of any required supporting documents. Please list all academic qualifications on your UCAS application.

English Language: International applicants must sit an IELTS test and achieve 7.5 overall with a minimum of 7.0 in each component. VVO, IB and HKDSE English are accepted as an alternative. Native English speakers (as defined by the UK Visa and Immigration Service) may not be required to provide evidence of English speaking and listening abilities, provided a level of English proficiency is adequately demonstrated during the application process. Please contact the Admissions Service for further details.

Austria

1 overall in the Austrian Reifeprufung or Matura with 1 in 6 subjects including Maths and Science.

Bulgaria

The Diploma za Srendno Obrazovanie is not acceptable on its own.  Applicants will need to have undertaken further examinations, normally at GCE A level or International Baccalaureate. The Diploma za Srendno Obrazovanie can be accepted in lieu of GCSEs.  Grade 6 required in Mathematics and two science subjects.

Canada

Successful completion of Canada Diploma with 85% in at least 5 subjects from Grade 12 including Biology or Chemistry, with 85% in 6 subjects in grade 10 to include Maths, English, and one science. Ontario: Grade 12 subjects must be U, U/C or M courses.

Caribbean

Pass the CAPE with 111 in units 2 including Biology or Chemistry plus 6 subjects at 1 including Maths and two science subjects in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate.

Finland

Ylioppilastutkinto (Matriculation Examination) – 4 subjects at 6 (E - Eximia cum laude approbatur) to include Biology or Chemistry and Certificate of Secondary Education - 9/8 in six subjects to include Mathematics and two science subjects.

France

French Baccalaureat - 15, to include 15 in Biology (Life Science) or Chemistry (Physics and Chemistry) and 15 in two other subjects. Brevet des Colleges – 14-15 (bien) in five subjects to include Mathematics.

Germany

Abitur (Zeugnis Der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife) 1.6 overall, to include 13 in Biology or Chemistry and 13 in two other subjects plus Realschulabschluss or the Hauptschulabschluss grade 1/Very Good (13) in 6 subjects including Maths and two Sciences and grade 2/Good (10) in English Language.

Greece

Apolytirion - 19.5 overall, to include 6 subjects at 18.5 including two sciences and mathematics, plus A-Level Biology or Chemistry at grade A .

Hong Kong

Minimum of 3 Electives at level 5 including Biology or Chemistry, level 4 in Core Maths and level 5** in English with minimum level 5 in each component OR level 4 in English with IELTS 7.5 overall and no less than 7.0 in each component. Notes: Integrated or combined science not accepted. Core Mathematics combined with Extended Mathematics counts as one Elective.

Hungary

Erettsegi Bizonyitvany/ Matura - 5,5 in Advanced subjects including Biology or Chemistry and 5,5,5, in Intermediate subjects. This must include Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry or Physics.

India

Successful completion of Grade 12 Higher Secondary Certificate with 85% overall and 85% in four subjects including Biology or Chemistry. Grade 10 five subjects with 85% overall with 85% in Maths, and a science.

Italy

Diploma di Esame di Stato (Liceo Scientifico) - 95% overall including 14 in Natural Sciences and Mathematics plus 9 out of 10 overall from Year 2 of Liceo Scientifico OR Diploma de Licenza della Scuola Media to include 9 out of 10 in Mathematics and science.

Latvia

Atestats par Visparejo Videjo Izglitibu (Certificate of Secondary Education) 9 overall from at least 12 subjects with 90% each in three national centralised examinations plus A Level grade A in Chemistry or Biology. This includes both GCSE equivalent and Level 3 requirements.

Lithuania

9 overall plus three state exams at 80% including Biology or Chemistry in the Brandos Atestatas. In order to meet the GCSE requirement applicants must achieve a minimum of 6 subjects at grade 8 including Mathematics and two Sciences.

Norway

Successful completion of Norwegian Vitnemal Opplaering with 4.75 overall, to include no less than 6 in English, 5 in Common Core Mathematics, 5 in Biology (1&2) or Chemistry (1&2) and 5 in one of the following: Chemistry (1&2) or Physics (1&2) or Biology (1&2).

Poland

Certificate of Maturity - 80% overall with 80% in three Extended Level subjects including Biology or Chemistry plus Certificate of Completion from a General Lyceum with 5 points in six subjects to include Mathematics and two science subjects.

Portugal

Diploma Nivel Secundario de Educacao or The Certificado de Fim de Estudos Secundários - 18 overall, to include 18 in Biology or Chemistry and 18 in two other subjects. Diploma de Ensino Basico/3rd Ciclo – 5 points in six subjects to include Mathematics and two science subjects.

Romania

Diploma de Bacalaureat - 9 points overall, with 9 points in Biology or Chemistry.  If Biology or Chemistry is not included as an individual subject, we require an A-Level in Biology or Chemistry at a grade A. Junior High School Graduation Certificate/High School Graduate Certificate – require Very Good (9 points) in six subjects to include Mathematics and two science subjects.

South Africa

Successful completion of the South African National Senior Certificate at 77777 (not including Life Orientation) with a minimum of 7 in Life Sciences and Physical Science and Mathematics.

Spain

Titulo de Bachiller or Curso de Orientacio (COU) - 8.5 average with 8 in Biology or Chemistry. Graduado en Educacion Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) – six subjects at 8.5 including Mathematics and two sciences.

Sweden

Avgangsbetyg/ Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskola – 10 subjects at A including Biology or Chemistry, no less than a B in any other subject. Slutbetyg fran Grundskola - six subjects at 5 or A including Mathematics and two sciences.

USA

USA High School Diploma - Grade 12 completed with 3.75 GPA with 3 AP Exams at 544 to include a 5 in Biology or Chemistry and two further subjects (4,4). Grade 10 completed with 6 academic subjects at A, usually to include Mathematics, English and 2 sciences. A minimum 2 years of Mathematics, English and 2 sciences at grade A will be required.

Interviews

Interviews will be held on campus and will be in the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. All applicants will need to attend an interview on campus.

Please note that we do not disclose interview questions. We look for applicants to demonstrate at interview:

An acceptable approach to decision making when given incomplete or conflicting information
The ability to learn and work effectively in partnership
A caring and supportive attitude
An empathetic and caring approach
Insight into Medicine as a career and personal suitability for the profession
Honesty, integrity, and personal effectiveness.

We will individually email invitations to applicants who are selected for interview. Interviews will take place between November and February.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to home (UK) and overseas applicants. The annual intake is in September each year. In 2023 we had 13 overseas places and 190 home (UK) places. 2024 places subject to confirmation by the Office for Students.

Additional Information or Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Minimum A Level requirements

Applicants are expected to be taking a minimum of 3 A Levels in Year 13 and be predicted AAA or above, including Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry and two further A level subjects of the applicant’s choice. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Where an applicant is also taking additional qualifications such as a fourth AS/A level or EPQ these must also be included on their application but will not be subject to grade requirements. Applicants without a fourth subject will be considered. Grades must be achieved over 2 consecutive years.
If applying with achieved A levels applicants must include what they have been doing since completing A levels. Applications from those currently studying in higher education will only be considered if the qualification will be completed by 31 August 2024. This includes Master degrees and PhD degrees. If an applicant is in the first or second year of a degree they will not be considered. Please refer to our Graduate Requirement for full details.
Level 3 qualifications not accepted: Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Leisure Studies, Applied Science, General Studies, BTEC qualifications. Only one of Mathematics or Further Mathematics will be accepted, not both.
A Level resits can only be considered for applicants providing they achieved ABB/AAC at the first sitting. Resit applicants will be expected to achieve at least one A* in the subject or subjects they are sitting, to compensate for the additional time spent studying.
Applicants studying A Levels over more than two years will fall under our resit policy and will be expected to achieve an A* to reflect the additional time spent studying.

Minimum International Baccalaureate requirements

Predicted or achieved 36 overall with Higher Level 666 including Biology or Chemistry.
International Baccalaureate Middle Years is accepted in lieu of GCSEs with a minimum of 6 passes at 6 including Mathematics and Science. English language required at grade 5.
International Baccalaureate resits are only considered if 34 points overall with Higher Level 655/664 including Biology or Chemistry is achieved in the first sitting. Applicants who are resitting should be predicted 37 points overall with Higher Level 666 including Biology or Chemistry.

Minimum Scottish Advanced/Highers requirements

A minimum of three subjects to be studied at Secondary 6 (S6) and predicted or achieved either BBB in Secondary Six (S6) Advanced Highers including Biology or Chemistry in the first sitting or AB in Secondary Six (S6) Advanced Highers including Biology or Chemistry plus an additional Higher Level at grade A taken in Secondary Six (S6), in the first sitting. Combinations can be substituted with A Levels.
National 5s are accepted in lieu of GCSEs with a minimum of 6 subjects at grade A including Mathematics and two science subjects (Lifeskills Mathematics is not accepted). English Language required at grade B.
Individuals who have bypassed National 5 qualifications going straight to Higher Level courses require AAAAB including English, Mathematics and two science subjects in lieu of GCSE subjects.
Where taken, Standard Grades are accepted in lieu of GCSEs with a minimum of 6 Intermediate 2 Level subjects at 1 or 2 including English, Mathematics and two science subjects.

Minimum Irish Leaving Certificate requirements

Predicted or achieved 6 subjects at H2 including Biology or Chemistry. For the old grading system (pre 2017) achieved Higher Level AAAAAA (3 at A1 and 3 at A2) including Biology or Chemistry. 
Junior Certificates are accepted in lieu of GCSEs with a minimum of 4 subjects at Distinction including Maths and Science and 2 subjects at Higher Merit including English Language. Old system requires 6 O1 or O2 grades or 6 A grades including Mathematics and Science and O3 or B in English Language.
Irish Leaving Certificate resits are only considered if Higher Level AABBBB (or 2 at H2 and 4 at H3) is achieved in the first sitting. Applicants who are resitting should be predicted Higher Level AAAAAA (or six at H2) including Biology or Chemistry.

Minimum Cambridge Pre-U requirements

Predicted or achieved D3, D3, D3 including Biology or Chemistry in the first sitting.
GCSE requirements must also be achieved.
A combination of Cambridge Pre-U and A levels is accepted.  D3 will be required in all circumstances where a combination is taken.  Please refer to our A level requirements.

Minimum requirements for Graduates

Minimum Degree requirements

Predicted or achieved 2:1 or above in any subject, as well as satisfying the additional requirements below.
Masters and PhD applicants must meet the Graduate A level, GCSE and UCAT requirements and successfully complete their postgraduate study with verification of results by 31st August 2024.
Graduates must be in their final year or have completed their undergraduate degree to be considered. We do not accept any transfers from applicants, part way through a degree.
Applicants who have achieved a 2:2 or below during their academic history will not be considered, regardless of post-degree study.

Minimum A Level requirements for Graduates

Achieved BBB/ABC in the first sitting.
Applicants need to demonstrate recent competence in Biology or Chemistry. This can be demonstrated by:
 Achieving grade B in A Level Biology or Chemistry OR
 Undergraduate level study of Biology/Physiology or Chemistry or equivalent as part of their degree (65% requirement) OR
Approved Access course.
Only Mathematics or Further Mathematics will be accepted, not both.
Level 3 qualifications not accepted: A Level General Studies, Citizenship Studies, Leisure Studies, Applied Science, Critical Thinking and BTEC qualifications. Foundation Year Programmes are not accepted in lieu of the A Level requirement.

Applicants studying for a Master’s degree or PhD at the time of application must meet the undergraduate degree requirements outlined above. The Master’s degree or PhD must be fully and successfully completed with satisfactory verification by 31st August 2024.  If you are in this situation, please check that you are able to meet this deadline before applying for a place on this MB BS course.

UEA Graduates who meet the minimum academic requirements are guaranteed an interview.

If you do not meet our minimum requirements for Graduate entry you may like to consider the Postgraduate Physician Associate Studies course which can lead to working alongside doctors in a healthcare setting.

Applicants who have previously studied or are currently studying at a Medical School (UK or International) will not be considered for entry.

Minimum GCSE requirements for Graduates

Graduates are required to hold six GCSEs at grade 6 or grade B or above, including Mathematics, English Language and either two single science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Double Science.  Alternatively, Science, Additional Science and Further Science GCSEs are accepted. 

Minimum requirements for acceptable Access Programmes

Access/Pre-Medical courses are accepted from applicants who have not previously studied two or more science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) at A Level in the last 3 years.

We welcome applications from students holding or studying for one of the following Access qualifications;

The College of West Anglia (Access to Medicine)
East Coast College, Norfolk – Access to Medicine
Lambeth College (Access to Medicine & Biomedical Science)
City and Islington College (Access to Medicine & Medical Bio Sciences)
The Manchester College (Access to Medicine)
Bradford University (Foundation in Clinical Science/Medicine)
East Sussex College (Access to Medicine)
City of Liverpool University (Access to Science)
Truro and Penwith College – (Access to HE Medicine)
We require 75% overall and 75% in each module or Distinction in 45 credits at level 3.

Access applicants must also meet the GCSE and UCAT requirements.

For any applicant offering an Access qualification who also holds A levels, these must be at ABB/AAC or above, and attained at first sitting irrespective of subjects (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking, Leisure Studies, Applied Science and Citizenship Studies). BTEC qualifications not accepted. Applicants who resat A levels prior to their Access course will be considered on a case by case basis.

For any applicant offering an Access qualification who also holds a degree, this must be at 2.1 or higher.  They must also meet the GCSE, A level and UCAT requirements.  These applicants will be considered on a case by case basis.

The University reserves the right to make academic judgements outside these published guidelines in complex and exceptional cases. Meeting these minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an invitation to interview, due to the competitiveness of this course. 

Minimum requirements for Pre- Medical studies (ICE)

The Certificate of Higher Education in Pre-Medical Studies at the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), University of Cambridge is accepted.

Applicants must meet the minimum GCSE requirement:

Six GCSEs at grade 6/B or above, including English Language, Mathematics and two Sciences.
GCSE resits are accepted.
Not accepted: GCSE short courses, BTEC Level 2, OCR Level 2, AQA Level 2, Functional Skills.
Applicants on this pathway who meet the minimum entry requirements are guaranteed an interview.

We require 70% in the Certificate of Higher Education in Pre-Medical Studies to progress to MB BS Medicine.

Preparing For Medicine

Applying to study medicine can be daunting, especially without any experience of university or medicine in the family to draw upon. Preparing for Medicine supports Year 12 /Level 3 Year 1 students on their path to studying medicine through participation in a range of  free activities. 

Ukraine Medical Students

We recognise that medical students who have previously studied in Ukraine have had their studies disrupted but due to the integrated nature of our course, we are unable to consider transfers into our medicine programmes. We are able to support applicants who would like to transfer to an alternative non-medicine course, if places are still available, and would consider their academic background to check if entry requirements are met. At least one year of degree study would be required. In some cases, if at least two years previous degree level study has been completed, students may be considered for year 2 entry if the content is deemed comparable and grades achieved are acceptable. Please contact admissions@uea.ac.uk with details of your academic history from high school onwards.

University Clinical Aptitude Test

How do you use the UCAT?

ALL applicants are required to take the UCAT in the year of application, prior to applying. UEA does not have a cut off score. A high score is advantageous; a low score does not disqualify an applicant from consideration. The UCAT website has further information.

The overall score is used to rank the applicants for selection for interview.
The overall score is used alongside the interview score to rank and select applicants to whom an offer is made.
The SJT component score is included within the interview score.

Essential Information

Applicants for this course need to be aged 18 or over by the start date of this course. This is owing to the integrated nature of placements within the first year of the course and safeguarding implications. In view of this, applicants who will not be 18 years old or over by this date, should consider applying for deferred entry.
If your fee status changes, as this course has different application pools for overseas and home fee paying students, your application will be re-assessed within the relevant application pool. For example if your fee status changes from overseas to home during the application process, your application will be re-assessed alongside other home applications for a place allocated to home fee paying students.

Please note that all applicants need to show that they have achieved successful academic study within the past five years.  Qualifications to meet the subject specific requirement must also have been taken within this period.

Applicants are expected to meet both the Level 3 and GCSE equivalent requirements.

Applicants who have previously studied or are currently studying at a Medical School (UK or International) will not be considered for entry.

We are not able to accept transfer students onto our Undergraduate Medical Degree due to the integrated nature of the course. Applicants currently studying in higher education, irrespective of prior experience/qualifications, are required to have completed their current course of study prior to commencing their medical studies at UEA. We are unable to consider applicants who are part way through a degree.

Please see the How to Apply section at the bottom of the page for Frequently Asked Questions including how we process your application.

Programme Conditions

Offers to successful applicants will be subject to a successful interview, a satisfactory occupational health check, including evidence of appropriate immunisations. As this course includes patient facing placements in a health or social care settings and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.

Applicants will also be required to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In the interests of patient and public safety, we may share some of the information provided in your application form with the Medical Schools Council in order to verify your fitness to practise. If a fitness to practise finding is made against you in the future, this information and a copy of the decision against you will also be stored on the Excluded Students Database maintained by the Medical Schools Council. The database is accessible only to other medical schools in the UK and the General Medical Council. It is used only for proper fitness to practise purposes to protect patients and the public.

Important Information for All Applicants

Further information regarding requirements for medical students in relation to blood born infectious diseases, and information on Medical Students Fitness Standards is available. Any offer holder with a current or past history of health conditions (physical or mental health) should tell occupational health about any health conditions they have, and may be subject to an early occupational health check, for the following reasons:

Medical schools have a duty to support their students, but students must help the school to do this by being open and honest about their health.

Being open and trustworthy is an important part of being a doctor – patients and the GMC expect this of practising doctors. Failure by a doctor on the medical register to disclose a health matter that could potentially impact on patient safety is a breach of this duty.

A student should understand that their ill health could put their ability to study at risk. Where a student has this understanding – and shows this by getting help and support – their health condition rarely prevents them from completing the course. One way to demonstrate understanding from the start is for a student to declare whether they will need additional support when they begin their course.

Norwich Medical School will consider all requests for adjustments in line with the UK Equality Act 2010. Any student can graduate providing they are well enough to complete the course; they have no student fitness to practice concerns (having a health condition or disability alone is not a fitness to practice concern); they have met all the Outcomes for graduates, with adjustments to the mode of assessment as needed.

Further guidance and advice specific to undergraduate medicine courses, including clinical exams, can be obtained via med.senioradviser@uea.ac.uk . Student support and information regarding accessibility, written exam concessions and confidential advice and guidance on health and disability is also available.

After the Course

Postgraduate Foundation training and beyond.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Alternative Qualifications

Returning to learning

Places are allocated on merit, and we welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds. Each applicant will be assessed against the admission criteria, and all applicants will need to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study (within the past 5 years).

Open Days 2023 - University of East Anglia

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

View our information for Tuition Fees.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.

Course Related Costs

Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs

How to Apply

Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.

UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.

Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.

Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.

View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:

How to apply through UCAS

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you process my application?

All on-time applications proceed to primary screening, where checks are made to see that applicants meet, or are predicted to meet, our minimum academic entry criteria, have a satisfactory personal statement and reference and have taken the UCAT test in the summer prior to submitting the application. Applicants are then invited to interview (from late November/December onwards).

If the number of applications received exceed the number of interview places available those meeting primary screening requirements may also undergo secondary screening, where the overall UCAT score may be ranked against the applicant cohort, with the strongest applicants invited to interview.

Following the completion of interviews, interviewed applicants are ranked (by interview scores – which includes the UCAT SJT subsection score - and UCAT overall scores) within the applicant cohort. The interview score and UCAT score is weighted equally and the top ranking applicants will receive offers.

What if there is a mistake on my application?

Following the closing date, any errors or omissions should be notified to the Admissions Service immediately for consideration and verified by an official letter from your school. However, if notification is made after the October deadline, we reserve the right not to consider the application further.

What if my predicted grades change?

Following the closing date, any errors or omissions should be notified to the Admissions Service immediately for consideration and verified by an official letter from your school. However, if notification is made after the October deadline, we reserve the right not to consider the application further.

Can I send in additional supporting documents?

Only information submitted on the UCAS form will be considered unless supplementary information is requested by the Admissions Team. Factual errors on the form should be notified to the Admissions Service as soon as possible but additional information provided, or errors highlighted after submission of the UCAS form cannot be considered. Please note that we are unable to accept any unsolicited additional references or CVs.

How do I report extenuating circumstances?

These should be indicated on the UCAS application. Supporting evidence may be requested. Please note that adverse events potentially impacting on performance at A level (or equivalent) or degree classification, should be notified to the relevant examination board.

What if I will still be aged 17 at the start of the course?

Should I gain some voluntary or paid experience in the Healthcare professions?

If possible, but this is not a specific requirement. However, it is important that, prior to committing to 5 years intensive study, that you find out as much as you can about being a doctor.  Any experience that gives you an insight into your suitability to the profession is valuable.   Such experience may include work experience in a health care organisation (e.g. a hospital, hospice, or primary care setting), a regular commitment as a volunteer in a care-related setting, or paid employment as a health care assistant or similar. Please see current guidance from the Medical School Council regarding work experience. This list is not exhaustive, but at interview, you will be expected to draw on your personal experiences to demonstrate your suitability to be a doctor. If invited to interview, you are required to bring with you our work experience form.

If I am unsuccessful, can I reapply?

Applicants to Medicine at UEA will only be considered for two consecutive years. All applicants must have achieved successful academic study within the past 5 years. Please note that entry requirements may change each year and we would advise you to check our website before submitting an application. You will be required to retake the UCAT test as this is only valid in the year of application.

Employability

After the Course

Once you’ve successfully completed your MB BS, including the MLA, as long as there are no concerns regarding your fitness to practice, you’ll be entitled to provisional registration with the General Medical Council. You will then be able to practise as a doctor in approved Foundation Year One posts.

Once you have completed a satisfactory year as a Foundation Programme doctor you will gain full registration with the GMC.

Careers

A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

Hospital-based specialties including medicine, surgery, anaesthetics, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, emergency medicine, radiology and pathology
General Practice
Psychiatry
Public Health

Discover more on our Careers webpages.

MBBS Medicine

Chat to us on Unibuddy

Course Overview

Accreditations

Study and Modules

Structure

Compulsory Modules

MODULE 1: FOUNDATIONS OF MEDICINE & THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

INTEGRATIVE PERIOD - YEAR 1

FITNESS TO PRACTISE - YEAR 1

INTERPROFESSIONAL LEARNING - LEVEL 1

Teaching and Learning

Assessment

Structure

Compulsory Modules

MODULE 2A: THE HAEMATOLOGICAL SYSTEM (BLOOD) & SKIN

MODULE 2B: THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

MODULE 2C: THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

MODULE 2D: THE VASCULAR SYSTEM & STROKE

INTEGRATIVE PERIOD YEAR 2

FITNESS TO PRACTISE - YEAR 2

Teaching and Learning

Assessment

Structure

Compulsory Modules

MODULE 3A: THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

MODULE 3B: THE RENAL & UROLOGICAL SYSTEM

MODULE 3C: THE NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEM & VISION

MODULE 3D: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM & ENT

INTEGRATIVE PERIOD YEAR 3

FITNESS TO PRACTISE - YEAR 3

Teaching and Learning

Assessment

Structure

Compulsory Modules

MODULE 4A: WOMEN'S HEALTH

MODULE 4B: CHILD HEALTH

MODULE 4C: THE MIND

MODULE 4D: CONTINUING, SUPPORTIVE AND CANCER CARE

MODULE 4E: EXTERNAL ELECTIVE

INTEGRATIVE PERIOD YEAR 4

FITNESS TO PRACTISE - YEAR 4

Teaching and Learning

Assessment

Structure

Compulsory Modules

MODULE 5A: EMERGENCY CARE

MODULE 5B: STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP

MODULE 5C: CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLACEMENT

FINAL INTEGRATIVE PERIOD

FITNESS TO PRACTISE - YEAR 5

Teaching and Learning

Assessment

Entry Requirements

Additional Information or Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Preparing For Medicine

Ukraine Medical Students

University Clinical Aptitude Test

Essential Information

Programme Conditions

Important Information for All Applicants

After the Course

Admissions Policy

Alternative Qualifications

Fees and Funding

Course Related Costs

How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Employability

After the Course

Careers

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