MBBS Medicine (Graduate Entry)
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- UCAS Course Code
- A101
- Entry Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree 2:1
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
The Norwich Medical School Graduate Entry Medicine course offers an exciting and innovative four-year pathway to becoming a doctor.
Incorporating the latest medical educational techniques, our dynamic course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your future medical career and emerge as a leading doctor.
You’ll be taught through a combination of interactive face-to-face sessions, carefully curated online resources, and small group work. Our spiral curriculum ensures you encounter key material multiple times, reinforcing and deepening your learning throughout the course.
From the very beginning of your studies and throughout the course, as a graduate medical student, you’ll spend time with patients, immersing yourself in patient care. In your third year, you’ll undertake a transformative 20-week longitudinal integrated clerkship placement, where you’ll be embedded within a General Practice. This opportunity allows you to follow a cohort of patients and gain a profound understanding of the factors influencing their health.
Placements are strategically located at three hubs across Norfolk and Waveney (King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth, and Norwich), ensuring you become deeply embedded in the community. This approach not only enhances your direct patient care experience but also involves you in quality improvement projects aimed at elevating local healthcare. During the admissions process, we’ll work with you to determine your preferred placement hub, aligning your training with your career goals.
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
At the start of the course, you’ll learn what it means to be a doctor and be given an overview of the journey you’re going to be undertaking over the next four years.
During year 1, you’ll learn about “The human body in health”. You’ll cover each of the body systems including the underlying biomedical and social science. You’ll develop skills in clinical examinations and procedures relevant to the system.
An introduction to all areas of professional knowledge will also be covered with a focus on maintaining and preventing ill health. Year 1 will also include general practice placement.
As part of this year, you’ll be trained as a Health Care Assistant and become embedded in a healthcare team. This experience will allow you to learn key skills and gain an understanding of the roles of different members of the multi-disciplinary team in patient care. As a result of completing this training, you’ll have the opportunity to work as a health care assistant throughout the course.
Compulsory Modules
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
In year 1, you’ll complete three modules covering “The Human Body in Health’ theme. You’ll receive an introduction to Medicine and Health care, the NHS, as well an introduction to all areas of professional knowledge. You’ll study core knowledge and concepts focused on maintaining and preventing ill health as well as covering essential topics of anatomy, biochemistry and cell biology, homeostasis, pharmacology, physiology, human genetics and genomics, infection and microbiology, immunology, and nutrition, and their application to the system of the body. You’ll also be introduced to consultation skills training. In line with GMC recommendations and best practice, early patient contact is embedded in year 1.
Structure
“The human body in disease”, returns to each of the body systems but with a focus on the pathological processes, diseases and presentations. This will include returning to clinical examinations and learning the abnormal findings and their significance. There will be 12 weeks of integrated clinical placement where you’ll gain hands-on experience of the conditions you have been studying.
Compulsory Modules
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
As you move into year 2, you’ll cover the fundamentals of the human body in disease and build on your learning from year 1. Body systems will be considered and will include pathology, clinical presentations, investigation and management and abnormal clinical examination. Clinical placements are full integrated.
Structure
‘Health across the life course’ will be primarily based in placement and will be a combination of a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship and Health Improvement Project. Unlike traditional blocks of rotational placement, you’ll become embedded within a community placement for around 20 weeks, working with a range of patient groups and developing multiple core competencies during this period.
Compulsory Modules
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
The majority of year 3 will be placement-based as you complete the Longitudinal-Integrated Clerkship placement and Quality Improvement Plan. Throughout this module, you’ll be in one General Practice setting and will be fully embedded, adopting an apprenticeship style approach to learning. You’ll deepen your understanding of clinical medicine through seeing undifferentiated patients, undertaking assessment and forming a management plan which will then be discussed with a GP tutor before implementation. Throughout the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship, you’ll also undertake a Quality Improvement Plan, to improve practice and seek ways to continually improve the use and prioritisation of resources.
Structure
‘Complexity in health’ will focus on preparing you for life as a doctor as well as the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA), including a Student Assistantship placement. You’ll spend time on medical and surgical wards, as well as acute and emergency care. This will ensure you’re well prepared and confident when you start work as a foundation year doctor.
Compulsory Modules
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
Complexity in Health will build on previous learning and prepare you for Foundation years and the Medical Licensing Assessment. As well as the Student Assistantship, you’ll cover areas such as anaphylaxis, cardiorespiratory arrest, deteriorating patient, overdose, positing, trauma and haemorrhage. The use of simulation and virtual reality will enhance your campus learning.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. The entry point is in September each year.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements, GCSE requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below.- GCSE Requirements UK
Applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in a minimum of five subjects at grade 5 or B or above including Mathematics, English Language and one science subject. GCSE resits are accepted.
If Methods of Mathematics & Application of Mathematics are taken, we require both. They will be considered as a single grade for screening purposes as together they are equivalent to the full Mathematics GCSE.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
There is no A level requirement
Bachelor’s Degree
2:1
Applicants who have previously studied or are currently studying at a Medical School (UK or International) will not be considered for entry.
- GAMSAT or UCAT
Applicants must sit the GAMSAT prior to applying. Scores are valid for two years.
How do we use the GAMSAT?
UEA does not have a cut off score. A high score is advantageous; a low score does not disqualify an applicant from consideration.
- The overall GAMSAT score is used to rank applicants for selection to interview.
- The overall GAMSAT score is used alongside the interview score to rank and select applicants to whom an offer is made.UCAT for 2025 entry only
For 2025 entry only, we will consider applicants who will have achieved a Bachelor degree in a Bioscience subject alongside taking the UCAT in the summer before applying. Accepted Bioscience subjects are:
- Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Science
- Molecular Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacy
How do we use the UCAT?
UEA does not have a cut off score. A high score is advantageous; a low score does not disqualify an applicant from consideration.
- The overall UCAT score is used to rank applicants for selection for interview.
- The overall UCAT 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.- English Foreign Language
Applications from UK (home) fee paying students whose first language is not English are welcome. We may 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. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
-
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Gap Years - If applying with achieved qualifications, applicants must include in their personal statement what they have been doing or what they plan to do, during any gaps in education.
Previous Degree Study - Applications from those currently studying in higher education will only be considered if the degree qualification will be completed by 31 August 2025.
Applicants in the first or second year of a degree will not be considered. Applicants who have started a degree but not completed it successfully, will not be considered.
We are unable to accept transfer students onto our Medicine degree due to the integrated nature of the course.
Applicants who have previously studied or are currently studying at a Medical School (UK or International) will not be considered for entry.
Fee Status - This course is open to UK (home) fee payers only.
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 setting 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.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) - 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. Where applicable an Overseas Police Check may be required. 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.
Medical Students Fitness Standards - 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.Progression and Continuation - Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
After the Course - Postgraduate Foundation training and beyond.
- Interviews
Interviews are Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and will be held on campus. All applicants will be required 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
- Honesty, integrity and personal effectiveness
- Insight into Medicine as a career and personal suitability for the profession
- Insight into health needs in the Norfolk and Waveney population.
We will email invitations to applicants who are selected for interview. Interviews will take place between November and February.
Work Experience - If you are invited to interview you are required to provide two examples of relevant work experience which have informed your decision to study Medicine.
The Medical Schools Council has published some very useful information on Work Experience.
- Placements
This course will include practice placement in a variety of settings that include hospitals, community services, general practice, social services and voluntary or private organisations. Placements are typically allocated throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Please refer to the Course Overview for further information.
- Deferred Entry
Deferred entry is not permitted.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
Not required for applicants taking the GAMSAT. Recent study within the last five years is required for applicants presenting with a Bioscience degree and taking the UCAT (2025 entry only).
- Age on Entry
Applicants must 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 study and safeguarding implications.
- How will you process my application?
Briefly, 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 hold either a valid GAMSAT test result OR applicants with a Bioscience degree who have not taken the GAMSAT, hold a valid UCAT test result. Applicants who are presenting with a Bioscience degree and have taken the GAMSAT cannot choose to apply with a UCAT score instead. Applicants are then invited to interview (from late December/January onwards).
If the number of applications received, exceed the number of interview places available, those meeting primary screening requirements may also undergo secondary screening. Secondary screening will take place for each pool of applicants:
1) The overall GAMSAT score may be ranked against the GAMSAT applicant cohort, with the strongest applicants invited to interview.
2) The overall UCAT score may be ranked against the UCAT applicant cohort, with the strongest applicants invited to interview.Following the completion of interviews, interviewed applicants are ranked in each pool (by interview scores and GAMSAT overall score OR by interview scores including the SJT band score and UCAT overall score ) within the applicant cohort. The interview score and overall GAMSAT score OR interview score including SJT Band score and overall UCAT score is weighted equally and the top ranking applicants from each pool will receive offers.
All graduates will enter the NHS Foundation programme and places are developed to meet medical student numbers in training. Our aspiration will be to see a large percentage stay within the Norfolk and Waveney area and NHSE will allocate a percentage of Foundation places in Norfolk and Waveney to graduates from this course.
Admissions approach
To ensure we meet the aim to help address workforce challenges in Norfolk and Waveney, we expect 50% of places will be allocated to candidates with an established connection to Norfolk and Waveney, with the remaining 50% being open to graduates from other regions. Applicants will be classified as having an established connection to Norfolk and Waveney based on living in one of the following postal codes:• Any NR postcode + PE12, PE13, PE14, PE34, PE38, PE30, PE32, PE31, PE36, PE37, PE35, PE33, PE15, IP26, IP25, IP27, IP24, IP20, IP22, IP18, IP19, IP20 evidenced in the home address on the UCAS application.
- Frequently Asked Questions
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 University. However, if notification is made after 15 October, we reserve the right not to consider the application further.
What if my predicted grades change?
Your application will be processed using the information provided on your UCAS form. Any changes in predicted grades will not be considered once processing has commenced following the UCAS deadline.
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 degree classification, should be notified to the relevant examination board.
What funding is available?
Please refer to NHS information on financial support for medical students.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
- Home/UK Students: £9,250 per year
Financial Support for Medical Students
For further information on financial support for medical students on graduate-entry medicine courses, please check out the "Funding for accelerated courses' section on NHS financial support.
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
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:
Employability
After the Course
Graduates will gain the full range of attributes and skills outlined by the GMC in Outcomes for Graduates and the Medical Licensing Assessment content map. The course will specifically equip you with:
- Advanced skills in leadership
- In-depth knowledge and skills of health inequalities, how they arise and how they can be combatted both at the patient and population level
- Deep insight into the importance of place-based care and appreciation of the variety of locations care is delivered
- Skills to ensure ongoing continuous professional development and lifelong learning
- Driving research and innovation, as identified in ‘The Future Doctor’
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- General Practice
Discover more on our Careers pages.