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

UCAS

You can apply through UCAS. Medicine MBBS application opens 7 September 2021.

Application deadline is 26 January 2022.

Apply directly to the University

You can apply directly to Brunel. Application opens 5 September and will remain open until all Medicine places have been filled. Successful candidates will receive a provisional offer to study Medicine MBBS. Your application will then be processed by UCAS.

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.

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

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

Scholarships

Clinical placements 

Meet the Medical School team

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.

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 

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.

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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The MBBS is open to International students only.

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

• A-levels: Applicants should normally have, or be expected to achieve, a minimum of grades AAB at A-level, to include either Chemistry or Biology, a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics) and a third subject (except General Studies).
• International Secondary School Qualifications: Applicants should have, or be expected to achieve, a pattern of grades equivalent to AAB at ‘A’ level, to include either Chemistry or Biology and a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics) at the most senior level studied. 
• International Baccalaureate: Applicants should have, or be expected to achieve, a total score of 33 points with Higher Level 6 in either Chemistry or Biology and Higher Level 5 in a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics).
• Mathematics proficiency: The required mathematics competence of at least Grade C in Maths GCSE (or equivalent).

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

2022/23 entry

UCAT is not a requirement for Medicine MBBS

2023/24 entry

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

Further information

Please visit the UCAT website

Graduates: An upper second class (2.1) degree in a subject cognate to medicine will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Graduates with a non-UK degree

Graduates with a degree with at least an upper second class honours or equivalent, who have graduated from a university outside the UK will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

Prior to applying, please email your qualifications, a transcript of your degree and evidence of High School qualifications to Medicine.Admissions@brunel.ac.uk 

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 serious extenuating circumstances.

Foundation colleges (UK and international) 

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

We would be looking for applicants to secure a good overall result to include good results in a Chemistry or Biology module, and good results in a further science module from Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics, and with no failed modules.

A typical offer could be -

70% overall, including 70% or above in either Chemistry or Biology; and 70% or above in a second science subject from Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics, and with no failed subjects.

Under 18 policy

Entry into the Medicine MBBS programme requires students to have reached the age of 18 by the time they are to be in contact with patients in clinical settings. This means that applications from applicants who will not be 18 years old by the start of the course cannot be offered an interview for this academic year.

References

One satisfactory reference is required to support your application dated within the last year. The reference must be an academic reference if studied in the last 3 years. Your referee should know you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. We do not accept references from family, friends, partners, ex-partners or yourself. 

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. Students will be required to gain an enhanced disclosure certificate from the UK Disclosure and Barring Service or the equivalent criminal record declaration from their country of domicile prior to joining the School. The School will assist students in obtaining these records.

Occupational Health Clearance

All MBBS offers are subject to satisfactory occupational health clearance. Applicants who accept our offer as their firm or insurance choice will be asked to complete and return the Health Questionnaire and other relevant paperwork and consent to testing and immunisations. Compliance with the Occupational Health Clearance requirements is necessary prior to students joining the School and interacting with patients.

Singapore

The 5-year MBBS offered by Brunel Medical School is not currently recognised by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). This means that graduates from Brunel Medical School would not be able to practise medicine in Singapore. To find out which Medical Schools are recognised in Singapore, and for more information, please visit the SMC website.

Malaysia

For those of you who wish to practise medicine in Malaysia following the MBBS, you may be asked to sit the Malaysia Medical Council Examination for Provisional Registration (MMC ERP). We advise that you check with the MMC about your pathway to becoming a doctor in Malaysia before joining Brunel Medical School. 

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.