Medicine MBBS

Medicine will provide you with an exciting range of career opportunities. Our Medicine MBBS course will enable you to graduate with the educational, clinical and professional skills you will need as a new doctor, ready for further training in the UK or overseas. 

The Medicine MBBS is open to International students only for 2022/23 entry

It is our aim to open our admission to home (UK) students at the earliest opportunity.

How to Apply

You can find information on how to apply, what to include in your application and the selection process in the Brunel Medical School Admissions FAQ

UCAS

You can apply through UCAS. Medicine MBBS application opens 7 September and closes on the 26 of January 2022.

Apply directly to the University

You can apply directly to Brunel. Application opens 5 September and will continue over an extended timeline, subject to availability of places.

Due to a high level of demand, we encourage you to make your application as early as possible. This may increase your chances of an early interview and, if successful at interview, an early offer.

Successful applicants will receive a provisional offer to study Medicine MBBS, and all these applicants- both those who applied through UCAS and those who applied directly will then have their applications processed by UCAS.

Graduates can apply

If you already have an undergraduate degree in a subject related to Medicine and your degree qualification meets our minimum entry criteria, then you can apply for the MBBS programme.

More information: 

Email enquiries: medicine.admissions@brunel.ac.uk

Scholarships

Medical School virtual tour and facilities

Clinical placements 

Meet the Medical School team

Student Support and Well-Being

Student accommodation 

Brunel University London 

Brunel University London, a university for a changing world, is a highly regarded multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university, with a vibrant  and dynamic population of staff and students from all over the world. Brunel Medical School is part of the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (CHMLS), which is a leading provider of undergraduate and postgraduate health professions education, including Physician Associate, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Social Work programmes. Thus the College provides opportunities for interprofessional learning. 

View our London campus here.

Ranking- 24th in the world for International Outlook: Times Higher Education, World University Rankings (2022).

Scholarships 

Brunel Medical School will award a number of scholarships specifically for MBBS Medicine for 2022/23 entry. For information please visit the scholarships web page.

Team-based Learning (TBL)

Our MBBS course has a strong emphasis on developing teamwork skills. Teamwork takes place in all clinical settings where you will be working alongside colleagues and other healthcare professions to care for patients.

We are among the few medical schools in the world to use Team-based Learning (TBL) as our main method of classroom instruction, replacing traditional large group teaching and providing you with high quality online lectures. You will be studying the lecture material in time-tabled periods and also in your own time, at your own pace, whenever and wherever convenient.

TBL is a form of ‘flipped classroom’ learning. You will study online material before coming to class for TBL sessions, where you will be working with your team-members, developing your ability to explain your understanding of the material to your peers and to the whole class. Your team of 6 students will be your study group for the whole year.

In the classroom the discussions will be guided by experienced educators with academic and clinical expertise. Your learning will be enhanced and consolidated using individual and group quizzes and working on real-world clinical problems together.

Learn more here.

Clinical and communication skills

We have developed a curriculum that puts people and patients first. You will learn to deliver compassionate care, and this will start in the first weeks of year 1 with communication skills sessions involving simulated patients – actors trained to role play as patients.

You will gain confidence in learning how best to listen to patients, ask the right questions at the right time, show empathy and overcome language and cultural barriers. You will also learn clinical skills in our dedicated laboratory and simulated ward. Simulation technology, manikins, virtual reality and augmented reality will also feature in your educational journey.

High number of MBBS places available for international students

At Brunel Medical School we have many more places available for international students than most other UK medical schools. 

Early patient contact

In parallel with the clinical and communication skills learned on campus, from term 1 you will also learn about patient care from supervised interactions with real patients, through regular placements in General Practice clinics.

You will learn to look at healthcare and illness from the patient’s perspective and understand how teams of professionals work together and make a difference to people’s lives.

The latest digital technology

You will be well prepared to practise medicine in the modern world. Changes in medical practice are accelerating, driven by molecular sciences, a greater understanding of the demographic variations in health and illness and of the specific needs of individual patients. 

You will understand the impact of healthcare costs and developments in remote care, artificial intelligence and robotics. Our modern and innovative curriculum incorporates digital technologies to enhance the way you learn and the environment that you learn in.  

Outstanding student support service

Studying medicine can at times be challenging and being far from home in an unfamiliar environment can certainly make things more difficult. We provide a support system for the duration of your time in Brunel to build your resilience and help you cope with the pressures.

The School will support your progress in a holistic manner, to foster a sense of belonging and identity in our community. Support includes 1:1 sessions with a mentor, peer support sessions and teaching on healthy living and lifestyle medicine.

Clinical placements

You will undertake a range of clinical placements in locations across Greater London and the South East of England. You will have access to a diverse patient population providing you with the experience needed to become a well-rounded doctor. 

A focus on the UK health system

As a Brunel medical student, you will be learning medicine in one of the most famous healthcare organisations in the world – The National Health Service (NHS). The experience gained here will help prepare you for entry to the two-year UK Foundation Programme, of which the first year (FY1) is the starting point for pursuing a medical career in the UK and an excellent preparation for careers overseas. 

Medical Licensing Assessment

Our curriculum will prepare you for the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA).

Please note. From 2024, all UK medical school students will be required to pass the MLA in order to practise as FY1 doctors. International medical graduates will also need to pass the MLA in order to practise in the UK.

USMLE and MCCQE support and guidance

Some of you may wish to pursue your medical careers in Canada or the USA. A dedicated assessment advisor in the School will offer guidance on the USMLE and MCCQE assessments. The assessment advisor will discuss individual needs, and provide advice on approved preparatory resources, including review texts, practice question banks and online courses. 

Student electives

You will have the opportunity to choose and experience medical practice in a completely different environment. Learn more here.

Interviews (2022/23 entry)

Interviews will be held online.

Please visit our Multi Mini Interview web page for details.

Foundation Colleges 

We accept applications from candidates who have attended University Foundation Courses, either in the UK or overseas. These courses are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis. 

Applicants who meet the required academic admissions criteria from approved courses will be invited for interview if admissions criteria are competitive as determined by the ranking exercise carried out by the School.

We accept Medicine foundation qualifications from the following Foundation colleges for 2022/23 entry:

• Bellerbys College
• CATS College
• David Game College – University Foundation Programme
• ONCAMPUS Global 

Please refer to the entry requirements for more information.

 Guaranteed student accommodation on campus

If you are applying for September 2022/23 entry, you will have the opportunity to apply for student accommodation on campus for the duration of the MBBS course.

 General Medical Council (GMC)

All medical schools are periodically reviewed by the UK General Medical Council (GMC), the body responsible for ensuring that medical education and training is of a high standard and that all medical schools meet the requirements set out in Promoting excellence: standards for medical education and training.

In addition, new medical schools like Brunel Medical School are subject to successful progression through stages of the GMC’s rigorous quality assurance process for new medical schools. We have completed several stages of this process to date, and we will continue to be closely reviewed by the GMC until the programme has been successfully delivered and the final-stage approval for the award of the MBBS degrees is granted. During the period of close review, the GMC requires all new medical schools to have a contingency school to partner with the new school and provide regular support. The University of Buckingham Medical School is Brunel Medical School’s contingency school.

The list of new medical schools under GMC review can be found here.

The MBBS programme specification is subject to amendments.

Years 1 and 2 form Phase 1 of the MBBS course. Phase 1 is characterised by the student experience of their learning environment.

Year 1

In year 1 you will develop an understanding of basic scientific concepts that underpin health and disease in your patients. You will study the main body systems in turn, examining the anatomy and the workings of body, starting with the heart, circulation and the respiratory system, integrating knowledge from molecules to organs.

Hormones and their regulation will be studied next, followed by the renal system and excretion, and then the limbs, joints and movement. Throughout the year, learning about body systems will be complemented by relevant clinical and communication skills, and teaching of medical ethics and professionalism. The use of technologies in healthcare will be investigated and important principles of anatomy, biochemistry, physiology will be brought to life through hands-on practicals.

Having gained confidence through your training in clinical communications you will experience primary care settings throughout Years 1 and 2 where you will interact with patients, under the supervision of experienced clinicians to hone your skills. You will also have the opportunity to learn from, and with, other healthcare team members, such as physiotherapists, physicians associates and nurses.

Year 2

In year 2, you will continue to study body systems, starting with digestion and absorption, the nervous system and mental health, reproduction and ageing. There will be greater focus on diseases, infections, drugs and diagnosis. You will continue to sharpen your clinical and communication skills and you will grow your understanding of digital health, ethics and professionalism. The end of year two is largely dedicated to student-selected course components where you may decide to get involved in a research project, explore improvements in healthcare delivery or learn about the needs of minority groups in the community. 

Years 3 and 4 make up Phase 2 of the course, which is characterised by an intensive clinical experience in a range of high quality hospitals and general practice clinics across Greater London and South East England.

Year 3

In year 3 you will rotate through a range of medical and surgical placements across key specialties where you will apply your knowledge, clinical and communication skills and work in teams in the clinical settings. In these patient-facing placements you will learn to integrate clinical knowledge and patient care. Your placements in primary care settings will continue. Your knowledge, professionalism and skills will be continuously assessed by the clinical and academic teams. Regular practical exams will evaluate your progress in skill development.

Year 4

In year 4, you will continue rotations in primary and secondary clinical care settings. You will learn about holistic patient management and further extend your knowledge and expertise. Your performance will continue to be assessed by the professionals with whom you will be interacting on a daily basis.

Phase 3 is the final, 5th year of the programme.

Year 5

Year 5 is designed to help you in the transition from student to doctor. This includes a series of apprenticeship placements in clinical settings. You will also be able to apply for an elective placement abroad. You will be formally taught about safe prescribing and expectations of professional behaviour. 

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This course can be studied 5 years full-time, starting in September.

After the MBBS 

Achieving an MBBS degree from Brunel Medical School will provide students with a primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a PMQ allows students to apply for provisional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and license to practise in approved Foundation Year 1 posts in the UK.

As a UK medical school, all Brunel Medical School graduates will be eligible to apply to the UK Foundation Programme for Foundation Year (FY) Clinical Training.

The Foundation School to which students will be allocated will be dependent on the chosen FY1 post.*

*This information is correct as of July 2020 but please be aware that regulations in this area are subject to change.

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2022/23 entry

The MBBS is open to International students only.

It is our aim to open our admission to home (UK) students at the earliest opportunity.

Applicants are advised that meeting the general criteria for admission and achieving the minimum academic criteria for admission is not a guarantee of invitation to interview. 

General requirements

• Fee status - International fee status
• English language – IELTS at least 7.0 in each component (or equivalent). English language requirement is one of the conditions of offer, and will be assessed once an offer has been made
• Personal statement - Satisfactory personal statement. Please visit our FAQ page for more information on personal statements
• Reference - One satisfactory academic reference. Please visit our FAQ page for more information on academic references
• Age - We normally require applicants to be 18 years old by the 26 September 2022.

Work experience

Brunel Medical School takes reference from the Medical School Council’s guidance on work experience, including options which may be more feasible during the covid pandemic. This guidance can be found here Work experience | Medical Schools Council (medschools.ac.uk). In addition, please refer to the Brunel Medical School guidance on personal statements in our FAQ page as this includes advice about work experience.

Minimum academic requirements

School leavers

• Mathematics proficiency: At least Grade C in Mathematics GCSE (or equivalent)
• English language proficiency: At least Grade C in English Language GCSE (or equivalent e.g. IELTS).

And

A-levels: 

Applicants should normally have, or be expected to achieve, a minimum of grades AAB at A-level, to include:

• Chemistry or Biology and
• a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) or Mathematics and
• a third subject (except General Studies).

Or

International Baccalaureate:

Applicants should normally have, or be expected to achieve, a total score of 33 points with

• Higher Level 6 in Chemistry or Biology and
• Higher Level 5 in a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) or Mathematics.

Or

International Secondary School Qualifications: 

Applicants should normally have, or be expected to achieve, a pattern of grades equivalent to AAB at ‘A’ level, to include

• Chemistry or Biology at the highest level studied and
• a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) or Mathematics.

For a list of all our international high school qualifications please click here.

Graduates

• Bachelor’s degree:

Upper second-class degree or equivalent in a subject relevant to Medicine.

Or

• Master’s degree:

Awarded with Merit or equivalent, in a subject relevant to Medicine.

Applicants presenting university degree qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis.

If you are unsure if you meet the requirements please email your qualifications, a transcript of your degree and evidence of High School qualifications to Medicine.Admissions@brunel.ac.uk 

Retakes

Applicants who have had to retake the matriculation qualifications required for entry onto the MBBS programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis where there have been extenuating circumstances.

Deferred entry

Applications for deferred entry will not normally be considered.

Exclusion criteria for admission

Applications in the following circumstances will not be normally considered:

• Previous enrolment on a medicine course, whether completed or not
• Transfer from another undergraduate science or medicine programme
• Previously undertaken Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) at Brunel Medical School.

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) 2022/23 entry

UCAT is not a requirement for Medicine MBBS.

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) 2023/24 entry

Brunel Medical School is planning to include UCAT in the Medicine MBBS selection process. Details will follow in due course.

Please visit the UCAT website for further information.

Foundation colleges (UK and international) 

For 2022/23 entry we accept applications from candidates who have attended Foundation Colleges, either in the UK or in other countries. These applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Other entry requirements

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

MBBS students will be in contact with children and/or vulnerable adults as part of their programme of study on a regular and sustained basis. All students must therefore undergo an extended criminal record check as a condition of acceptance of an offer. This will include an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) record and (for applicants residing overseas) a Criminal Clearance Certificate which should be completed prior to arrival in the UK. Further information about the process can be found here. The School will assist the students to undertake the DBS checks.

Occupational Health Clearance

As a condition of acceptance for a place to study on the MBBS programme, all applicants must comply with occupational health requirements. Confirmation of occupational health clearance, evidenced by a fitness certificate issued by the Brunel Occupational Health service, must be obtained before the start of clinical placements in November 2022.

The purpose of occupational health clearance is to confirm that applicants are fit to study on the programme, identify the need for any adjustments to support learning and clinical training, determine whether there is clearance for exposure prone procedures (see paragraph 7.9) and whether, with necessary adjustments, applicants are expected to be able to meet the competencies required for graduation, as described in Outcomes for Graduates. This information will be recorded in the fitness certificate, in accordance with guidelines by the Higher Educational Occupational Practitioners (HEOPS) for medical students. The fitness certificate will be held securely, accessible only to nominated senior medical school staff and will not include any clinical information.

Application and Selection process

Please visit our FAQ page for details regarding our application and selection process.

MBBS recognition

We encourage all students to check with their home country Medical Council that the MBBS will be recognised in their country before applying. For any advice and guidance please contact medicine.admissions@brunel.ac.uk

Course related expenses

Students will be expected to incur some course-related expenses . These include the cost of a stethoscope and the cost of travel to clinical placements.

Student visa application information, including financial requirements

Please visit the Making a student visa application web page

More information

You can find more information on how to apply, what to include in your application and the selection process in the Brunel Medical School Admissions FAQ

IELTS :7.0 overall (min 7.0 in all areas)

Pearson : 64 overall ( min 64 in all subscores) 

BrunELT : 68% overall ( 68 in all subscores)

TOEFL : 98 overall (min 23 in all areas) 

The MBBS is open to International students only.

At the earliest opportunity we will be discussing with Health Education England and the Office for Students about offering our medicine degree to students from the UK.  

Annual tuition is £41,200 for 2022/23 entry. 

Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.

See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.

Patient-first  

We have developed a curriculum that puts people and patients first. You will learn to deliver compassionate care, and this will start in the first weeks of year 1 with communication skills sessions involving simulated patients – actors trained to role play as patients.

You will learn how best to listen to patients, ask the right questions at the right time, show empathy and overcome language and cultural barriers. You will also learn clinical skills using simulation technology, including manikins, virtual reality and augmented reality.

Anatomy 

You will learn anatomy using preserved human anatomical specimens (plastinated specimens). These specimens, prosected and displayed to museum-quality standards, will help you develop an understanding of the three-dimensional arrangements of organs.

These will be used together with medical imaging, which is how doctors visualise body structures and organs, as well as ultrasound, where imaging is combined with physiological function and movement.

To view our MBBS course structure graphic please click here.

As a new school, we will take programmatic approach to assessment, namely observing your behaviour and knowledge many times throughout the year so that we can build a reliable picture of your progress through the programme and your preparation to becoming a doctor.

You will receive detailed feedback about your performance and progress to help you improve and excel. You will sit exams, but your responses will be looked at in conjunction with the information we have collected through the years. This reduces exam pressure and gives a fairer assessment of your preparation to becoming a doctor.