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BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
| UCAS tariff | A*AA - AAB |
| UCAS course code | A100 |
| Institution code | P60 |
| Duration | 5 years (with placements) |
| Course type | Full-time |
| Study location | Plymouth, Torbay and Somerset |
Do you want to make a difference? With patient experience and student satisfaction at its heart, this hands-on, forward-thinking degree will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to become an outstanding doctor primed for tomorrow’s healthcare needs. Nurturing critical thinking and a caring approach to your medical practice, we’ll help you develop the clinical and communication, teamwork and leadership skills for a top career in medicine.
Key features
- Meaningful and immediate clinical experience with placements starting at the beginning of Year 1.
- You will benefit from close relationships with our principal NHS hospital partners.
- Develop communication, teamwork, leadership and management skills essential for modern medical careers and high-quality, empathic patient care.
- Use the latest in inclusive anatomy models, enhanced visualisation tools and Anatomage tables in our Life Sciences Resource Centre.
- Make a difference to community health through hands-on, real world advocacy and quality improvement projects.
- Explore medicine in different social and cultural contexts through a medical elective and unique Special Study Units such as ‘Medicine in Society’.
- Practise your clinical and communication skills in specially designed, high-specification replicas of hospital wards, emergency rooms and simulated patients in our
Clinical Skills Resource Centre . - Your learning will follow best practice at the cutting edge of medical knowledge, delivered by internationally renowned teachers and researchers.
- Take part in expert and student-led discussions integrating clinical case studies, medical science breakthroughs and ethical issues.
- Share knowledge, experience and support with your peers through a variety of small group teaching approaches and a host of vibrant student societies.
- Acquire skills from other disciplines through our
Intercalated degrees programme. - All students spend years 1 and 2 in Plymouth. In years 3-5, students will normally spend at least one year in either Taunton or Torbay in addition to Plymouth, also travelling to GP practices from these main hospital sites. This provides you with diverse placement opportunities and learning experiences across our NHS partners.
- Equip yourself for success in postgraduate Foundation training and beyond. We consistently excel in the General Medical Council survey of Foundation Doctors’ Preparedness for Practice.
Course details
-
Year 1
-
In the first two years, you’ll learn the core scientific foundations of medicine within a clinical context. We’ve structured our curriculum around the human life cycle, so in the first year you’ll study human physical and psychological development from conception to old age. You’ll learn from real-life clinical case studies and experience healthcare in a range of community settings, meeting patients and service users, and learning from health and social care professionals.
Core modules
MED410
Medical Knowledge 1 50 creditsThis module enables students to demonstrate the integrated application of basic human and biomedical sciences at the level appropriate for a first year student
MED411
Clinical and Communication Skills 1 30 creditsThis module deals with the acquisition of the basic core clinical and communication skills underpinning modern clinical practice.
MED412
Personal Development and Professionalism 1 10 creditsThis module deals with personal & professional development including team working, reflection, time management, ethical practice, feedback and professional skills.
MED414
Student-Selected Component 1 (SSC1) 30 creditsThis module focuses on research skills. The module aims to emphasise the development and achievement of skills in: searching sources, critical evaluation, synthesis, presenting evidence, effective planning, developing research questions and problem solving.
HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1 -
Year 2
-
In the second year, you’ll revisit the human life cycle, this time with an emphasis on disease, pathological processes, and the human and social impact of illness and disease. You’ll do a series of placements in a single general practice, enabling you to learn about long-term health issues and see teamwork in action.
Core modules
MED520
Medical Knowledge 2 50 creditsThis module enables students to demonstrate the integrated application of basic human and biomedical sciences at the level appropriate for a second year medical student.
MED521
Clinical and Communication Skills 2 30 creditsThis module deals with the further acquisition of the core clinical and communication skills underpinning modern clinical practice.
MED522
Personal Development and Professionalism 2 10 creditsThis module deals with the continuing further personal and professional development including team working, reflection, time management, ethical practice, feedback and professional skills.
MED524
Student-Selected Component 2 (SSC2) 30 creditsThis module focuses on research skills in addition it evaluates the role of doctors as educators. The module aims to emphasise the development and achievement of skills in: searching sources, critical evaluation, synthesis, presenting evidence, effective planning, developing research questions, problem solving and project management.
HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2 -
Year 3
-
In your third and fourth years, you’ll learn more about clinical practice and spend more time in a patient-centred learning environment. Completing a series of hospital and general practice-based community placements, you’ll gain valuable experience in a wide range of clinical settings and see first hand how the NHS works as a team to deliver patient care. Year three focuses on three ‘Pathways of Care’: Acute Care, Ward Care and Integrated Ambulatory Care.
Core modules
MED630
Medical Knowledge 3 40 creditsThis module deals with the further acquisition of the core knowledge of the sciences underpinning clinical practice.
MED631
Clinical and Professional Development 1 50 creditsThis module deals with the further acquisition of the core clinical skills and professional behaviours underpinning modern patient centred clinical practice and their application within a real clinical setting.
MED634
Student Selected Component 3 30 creditsThis module further develops students’ written and verbal communication as well as research and critical thinking skills. In addition, it evaluates the role of doctors as advocates for health and wellbeing. The module aims to emphasise the development and achievement of skills in: communication, project management, technological application, patient and public engagement.
HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3 -
Year 4
-
You’ll continue working and learning in hospital and general practice settings, further developing your communication, clinical, problem-solving and analytical skills. The three ‘Pathways of Care’ continue in year four with a focus on: Acute Care, Palliative Care/ Oncology and Continuing Care.
Core modules
MED640
Medical Knowledge 4 40 creditsThis module deals with the further acquisition of the core knowledge of the sciences underpinning clinical practice.
MED641
Clinical and Professional Development 2 50 creditsThis module deals with the further acquisition and refinement of the core clinical skills and professional behaviours underpinning modern patient centred clinical practice and their application within a real clinical setting.
MED645
Student Selected Component 4 (SSC4) 30 creditsThis module further develops students' written and verbal communication as well as research and critical thinking skills. In addition, it evaluates the role of doctors in quality improvement and enhancing patient safety. The module aims to emphasise the development and achievement of skills in: communication, leadership, project management, technological application, patient and public engagement, teamwork and peer assessment.
-
Final year
-
You’ll now be all set to apply the knowledge, skills and confidence you’ve acquired over the first four years by working ‘on the job’, as part of a healthcare team in action, based in either Derriford or Torbay hospital. You’ll become more assured when dealing with clinical situations, and develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of practice in the NHS. Supplementing your independent learning with a portfolio of indicative presentations, you’ll also have the opportunity to do an elective in a different social or cultural context.
Core modules
MED650
Medical Knowledge 5 40 creditsThis module deals with the further acquisition of the core knowledge of the sciences underpinning clinical practice.
MED651
Clinical and Professional Practice 70 creditsThis module enables students to demonstrate their clinical and professional ability to carry out clinical procedures, investigations , analysis and interpretation of evidence and production of a clinical management plan for a range of core acute and chronic conditions. It will include demonstration of a professional and ethical approach to clinical practice, working in a patient centred manner and as part of a multi disciplinary team in the delivery of health care within the NHS.
MED654
Student Selected Component 5 10 creditsThis module builds on and refines skills in independent learning, team working and critical thinking through the planning and execution of an elective period of study of the student's own design.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff
A*AA - AAB
In order to meet the academic requirements for this programme, you must have one of the following combinations of qualifications:
- GCSE, A levels and UCAT
- GAMSAT
- A levels and stage 1 of either Biomedical Science or Human Biosciences with the University of Plymouth. Degree study at other institutions is not considered.
- A Bachelors degree course through the University of Plymouth School of Biomedical Sciences. Degree study at other institutions is not considered.
Full details on the subject and grade requirements for these qualifications can be found below.
None of the typical offers listed necessarily determine interview selection. As described in the relevant sections, various factors influence the threshold on an annual basis.
We are unable to consider applications from students who have academically failed a previous medical degree or incurred Fitness to Practise (FtP) proceedings. If you apply and indicate you have previously enrolled onto a medical degree elsewhere, the School will contact your former institution for confirmation of any academic failure or FtP.
GCSE
Applicants need to achieve 7 GCSE passes (minimum grade 4/C) which must include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Two Science subjects - either GCSE Double Award Science or two from single award Chemistry, Biology, or Physics
We are unable to consider functional skills in lieu of GCSEs.
A Level
We are only able to consider A levels, or equivalent qualifications, completed within five years of the start of the application cycle. For example, qualifications completed since 2019 would still be valid when applying in September 2024.
If your A levels, or equivalent qualifications, outdate this, please refer to the GAMSAT section.
Additional AS levels or Extended Project Qualifications (EPQ) are not recognised and will not advantage an application.
The typical offer is AAA – AAB at GCE A level which must include the following :
- Grade A in Biology
- Grade A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
- Your third A level can be in any subject, we do not give preference to three science A levels. General Studies is not accepted.
For AAB offers please refer to the Widening Access section.
Alternative qualifications to A level
The following qualifications can be considered in place of A levels, alongside the GCSE and UCAT requirements.
International Baccalaureate
36–38 points overall to include the following:
International Baccalaureate
36–38 points overall to include the following:
- Higher Level 6 in Biology
- Higher Level 6 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology
Scottish Advanced Highers
AAA to include the following:
AAA to include the following:
- Grade A in Biology
- Grade A in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology.
We are unable to consider Scottish Highers for entry onto this course.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge/Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge (now called Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales) can be considered in place of a third A Level alongside Biology and a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge (now called Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales) can be considered in place of a third A Level alongside Biology and a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Biology and one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Biology and one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma
D3, D3, D3 including Biology and one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
For widening access applicants, we will consider M2 in place of grade B at A Level.
D3, D3, D3 including Biology and one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
For widening access applicants, we will consider M2 in place of grade B at A Level.
Other UK qualifications
We do not consider any UK Level 3 qualifications for this course that are not listed above. If you do not have any of the above qualifications, please refer to the GAMSAT section.
We do not consider any UK Level 3 qualifications for this course that are not listed above. If you do not have any of the above qualifications, please refer to the GAMSAT section.
Qualifications awarded outside of the UK
We welcome applicants with qualifications from outside of the UK and assess equivalence to UK qualifications using Ecctis. To check the academic suitability of your qualification, please contact the Admissions Team meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
We welcome applicants with qualifications from outside of the UK and assess equivalence to UK qualifications using Ecctis. To check the academic suitability of your qualification, please contact the Admissions Team meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
UCAT
As part of our commitment to a fair and transparent admissions process, Peninsula Medical School uses the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) alongside A levels and GCSEs to select applicants for interview. The Admissions Advisory Panel reserve the right to consider all aspects of the UCAT when shortlisting for interview.
The UCAT is valid for 12 months and must be sat in the year of application.
The UCAT threshold score applied to determine candidate selection for interview can alter each year and is influenced by the number and quality of applications received. We are therefore unable to confirm the cut off for the coming academic year until all applications have been received and assessed. Previous overall score thresholds are shown below for illustration:
2020 entry: Home – 2290 points
2021 entry: Home – 2400
2022 entry: Home – 2610
2023 entry: Home – 2680 International – 2440 UKWPMED – 2330
2024 entry: Home – 2210 International – 2600 UKWPMED – 2210
If you have sat the UCATSEN you will need to provide standard evidence of your entitlement to this additional time by submitting the following:
If you are still in education, an official letter from your school, college or university stating that following diagnosis from a qualified medical practitioner, educational psychologist or specialist teacher the candidate is currently entitled to additional time in public examinations (or has had additional time in public examinations within the last two years)
or
If you are no longer in education, a post-16 years diagnosis or report from a qualified medical practitioner or educational psychologist that explicitly recommends additional time in public examinations.
Please consult the UCAT website for advice, information and preparatory resources.
Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)
Peninsula Medical School uses the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) as an alternative entry route to A levels. Although the GAMSAT is called a graduate admissions test, you do not need to be a graduate to sit the GAMSAT or apply with this qualification. We are unable to consider previous degree study for this programme, other than the internal transfer options detailed below. Candidates holding degrees or without suitable A levels should therefore sit the GAMSAT to meet the entry criteria.
The GAMSAT assesses your academic aptitude for the study of medicine, including reasoning in humanities, social science, biological science, physical science and written communication. Results from the test are the only academic qualification that will affect the shortlisting process and previous qualifications will not be considered. The results are valid for 2 years but must be sat at the latest by September in the year of application.
As the GAMSAT assesses academic aptitude, you will still need to show us at interview that you have the appropriate personal qualities to train and practise as a doctor.
We are unable to set the GAMSAT threshold in advance of the application deadline. All GAMSAT applicants are ranked based on scores achieved, examples of the score thresholds applied in previous admissions cycles are:
2020 Entry
Section 1: 55 Section 2: 55 Section 3: 58 Overall: 63
2021 Entry
Section 1: 47 Section 2: 48 Section 3: 54 Overall: 66
2022 Entry
Section 1: 53 Section 2: 55 Section 3: 66 Overall: 66
2023 Entry
Section 1: 54 Section 2: 47 Section 3: 53 Overall: 61
2024 Entry
Section 1: 43 Section 2: 43 Section 3: 48 Overall: 52
Section 1: 55 Section 2: 55 Section 3: 58 Overall: 63
2021 Entry
Section 1: 47 Section 2: 48 Section 3: 54 Overall: 66
2022 Entry
Section 1: 53 Section 2: 55 Section 3: 66 Overall: 66
2023 Entry
Section 1: 54 Section 2: 47 Section 3: 53 Overall: 61
2024 Entry
Section 1: 43 Section 2: 43 Section 3: 48 Overall: 52
You will typically only get student finance if you are completing your first higher education qualification, even if your previous course was self-funded. You may still be eligible for limited funding in certain circumstances and for some courses. Within your offer conditions you will be required to provide evidence that you have funds available to cover tuition costs for the first four years of the programme.
Fees, costs and funding
| New student | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * |
|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,250 | £9,535 |
| International | £39,500 | £40,700 |
| Part time (Home) | N/A | N/A |
* UK Government announcement on tuition fees
On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.
Fees for entrants in 2025-26
- International fee-payers will be charged £40,700 in their first year of study. In subsequent years, inflationary increases will apply.
Fees for continuing students who entered in 2024-25
- International fee-payers will be charged £40,700 for their studies in 2025-26. In subsequent years, inflationary increases will apply.
Fees for continuing students who entered in 2023-24
- International fee-payers will be charged £22,100 for Year 1 (if repeating), £25,500 for Year 2 (if repeating), and £41,100 in subsequent years (inflationary increases may apply)
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the
Faculty of Health
and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page:
Faculty of Health additional costs
.
How to apply
All applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All applications for the BMBS and BDS courses must reach UCAS between 01 September and 18.00 on 15 October annually. Applicants should apply to no more than four of the same clinical degree courses but may wish to consider BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy and Hygiene, BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography, or one of our School of Biomedical Sciences courses as their fifth choice. The UCAS code for the Faculty of Health is P60 PLYM.
For more information contact the Admissions Team:
Admissions Team
Faculty of Health
The John Bull Building
Plymouth Science Park
Plymouth
PL6 8BU
Tel: +44 1752 583222 Fax: +44 1752 517842
Email: meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Admissions Team
Faculty of Health
The John Bull Building
Plymouth Science Park
Plymouth
PL6 8BU
Tel: +44 1752 583222 Fax: +44 1752 517842
Email: meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
General Medical Council
Information for applicants
At the end of the undergraduate course you will receive your BMBS degree, which is a primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a PMQ entitles you to provisional registration with the General Medical Council, subject only to its acceptance that there are no Fitness to Practise concerns that need consideration. Provisional registration is time limited to a maximum of three years and 30 days (1125 days in total). After this time period your provisional registration will normally expire.
Provisionally registered doctors can only practise in approved Foundation Year 1 posts: the law does not allow provisionally registered doctors to undertake any other type of work. To obtain a Foundation Year 1 post you will need to apply during the final year of your undergraduate course through the UK Foundation Programme Office selection scheme, which allocates these posts to graduates on a competitive basis. So far, all suitably qualified UK graduates have found a place on the Foundation Year 1 programme, but this cannot be guaranteed, for instance if there were to be an increased number of competitive applications from non-UK graduates.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year 1 programme is normally achieved within 12 months and is marked by the award of a Certificate of Experience. You will then be eligible to apply for full registration with the General Medical Council. You need full registration with a licence to practise for unsupervised medical practice in the NHS or private practice in the UK.
Although this information is currently correct, students need to be aware that regulations in this area may change from time to time.
Medical Licensing Assessment
The GMC has decided to introduce a Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) to demonstrate that those who obtain registration with a licence to practise medicine in the UK meet a common threshold for safe practice. The requirement to have passed the MLA will apply to UK students entering their final year in autumn 2023 for graduation in 2024 and after. Applicants should be aware that to obtain registration with a licence to practise, medical students will need to pass both parts of the MLA, pass university finals and demonstrate their fitness to practise.
The GMC has decided to introduce a Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) to demonstrate that those who obtain registration with a licence to practise medicine in the UK meet a common threshold for safe practice. The requirement to have passed the MLA will apply to UK students entering their final year in autumn 2023 for graduation in 2024 and after. Applicants should be aware that to obtain registration with a licence to practise, medical students will need to pass both parts of the MLA, pass university finals and demonstrate their fitness to practise.
The MLA will be in two parts: there will be a knowledge test, which will be set and run by the GMC, and an assessment, delivered by medical schools, that will evaluate students’ clinical and professional skills.
Find out more about the MLA
Find out more about the MLA
Further admissions information
Internal transfer options
The University of Plymouth offers its students the opportunity to apply for this course through two internal routes:
Stage One Transfer from Biomedical Science or Human Biosciences
This is a competitive route into our medical degree and is not guaranteed to any candidate. We are able to interview 20 candidates between medicine and dentistry and offer places to a total of 10 individuals across the programmes.
Stage one of degrees studied elsewhere will not be considered.
Students enrolled on stage one of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences should apply via UCAS by the published deadline for medicine. Successful candidates commence study of BMBS from stage one.
Stage one transfer applicants must meet these academic criteria:
Stage One Transfer from Biomedical Science or Human Biosciences
This is a competitive route into our medical degree and is not guaranteed to any candidate. We are able to interview 20 candidates between medicine and dentistry and offer places to a total of 10 individuals across the programmes.
Stage one of degrees studied elsewhere will not be considered.
Students enrolled on stage one of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences should apply via UCAS by the published deadline for medicine. Successful candidates commence study of BMBS from stage one.
Stage one transfer applicants must meet these academic criteria:
- Have achieved AAB at A level to include A in Biology and A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology.
- A minimum of 70% average across all Year 1 degree modules.
Most alternative level 3 qualifications, equivalent to AAB at A level will be considered as described above. For example, International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall with Higher Level 6 in Biology and Higher Level 6 in another science. Note that BTEC and Access course qualifications are not considered for entry via this route.
- An interview process is required however UCAT is not required.
Graduate entry
We will consider graduates from the University of Plymouth School of Biomedical Sciences for entry onto stage one of the BMBS programme. This route is valid for two years after graduation and all applications must be made via UCAS.
Graduate entry applicants must meet the following criterion:
Graduate entry applicants must meet the following criterion:
- Have achieved, or be predicted to achieve, a First Class degree (70% or higher) in a University of Plymouth School of Biomedical Sciences Bachelors degree programme.
- An interview is required however UCAT or GAMSAT are not required.
Degrees completed outside of the University of Plymouth will not be considered, such applicants should instead sit the GAMSAT.
Please note that if you have already completed a degree, you may not be eligible for a second student loan – please contact Student Finance England for advice. Within your offer conditions you will be required to provide evidence that you have funds available to cover tuition costs for the first four years of the programme.
Please note that if you have already completed a degree, you may not be eligible for a second student loan – please contact Student Finance England for advice. Within your offer conditions you will be required to provide evidence that you have funds available to cover tuition costs for the first four years of the programme.
Widening access contextual offers
For applicants from widening access backgrounds, we will accept AAB at GCE A Level, which must include the following:
- Grade A in Biology
- Grade A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology
- Your third A level can be from any subject area, we do not give preference to three science A Levels. General Studies is not accepted
- UCAT and GCSE requirements remain the same for all applicants
For students sitting the IB, the widening access offer would equate to 35 points overall with Higher Level 6 in Biology and Higher Level 6 in another science.
The resit policy for Widening Participation students is ABC.
Widening access contextual markers
To receive a contextual offer, applicants will need to meet a total of at least 5 points from any combination of the following criteria:
Each worth 2 points:
Each worth 2 points:
- Being in care or care-experienced
- In receipt of, or eligible for, free school meals
- Refugee/asylum seeker status
- Attending a low performing school/college based on 16-18 performance
- In receipt of EMA or 16-19 bursary
- In receipt of UCAT bursary
Each worth 1 point:
- Living in an area categorised as being in indices of mass deprivation (IMD) 1-4 or local equivalent
- Significant engagement in the Peninsula Pathways programme
- Living in a low participation area as determined by POLAR4 quintile 1 postcode analysis
- Being a south west resident (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset)
- In receipt of service pupil premium
Explanation of contextual markers
Being in care or care-experienced
Evidenced by school or local authority letter, submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Evidenced by school or local authority letter, submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Being in receipt of free school meals
Evidenced by school letter, submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Evidenced by school letter, submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Refugee or asylum seeker status
Evidenced by either an official letter from the Home Office or preferably a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Where English is not your first language and you do not have a GCSE or IGCSE Grade 4 in English language you must have an alternative English language qualification. Examples of acceptable language qualifications are the Certificate of Proficiency in English (Cambridge - Grade C) or the International English Language Testing System IELTS (at least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in every element).
Evidenced by either an official letter from the Home Office or preferably a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Where English is not your first language and you do not have a GCSE or IGCSE Grade 4 in English language you must have an alternative English language qualification. Examples of acceptable language qualifications are the Certificate of Proficiency in English (Cambridge - Grade C) or the International English Language Testing System IELTS (at least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in every element).
School performance
Attending or attended a low performing school/college whilst completing your level 3 qualifications e.g. 16–18 performance in the ‘below’ or ‘well below average’ classifications. If you attend a secondary school or college in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales, please contact meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Attending or attended a low performing school/college whilst completing your level 3 qualifications e.g. 16–18 performance in the ‘below’ or ‘well below average’ classifications. If you attend a secondary school or college in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales, please contact meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
UCAT, EMA or 16-19 bursary
In receipt of one or more of these bursaries. UCAT bursary entitlement can be downloaded from source. EMA or 16-19 bursary entitlement to be evidenced by an official award letter or a school letter submitted at the point of UCAS application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
In receipt of one or more of these bursaries. UCAT bursary entitlement can be downloaded from source. EMA or 16-19 bursary entitlement to be evidenced by an official award letter or a school letter submitted at the point of UCAS application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Indices of Mass Deprivation
Living in an area categorised as being in Indices of Mass Deprivation (IMD) 1–4 or 20% most deprived as determined by your postcode in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
Living in an area categorised as being in Indices of Mass Deprivation (IMD) 1–4 or 20% most deprived as determined by your postcode in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
Significant engagement in the Peninsula Pathways programme
Significant engagement includes completion of the five-day summer Work Experience Programme, being a member of the e-Mentoring scheme and having attended a minimum of three of the various Peninsula Pathways workshops by the end of Year 12.
Significant engagement includes completion of the five-day summer Work Experience Programme, being a member of the e-Mentoring scheme and having attended a minimum of three of the various Peninsula Pathways workshops by the end of Year 12.
POLAR4
Living in a low participation neighbourhood POLAR4 quintile 1 as determined by your postcode.
Living in a low participation neighbourhood POLAR4 quintile 1 as determined by your postcode.
Being in receipt of service pupil premium
Evidenced by school letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Evidenced by school letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
UKWPMED
For applicants who are part of the UK WPMED scheme, we will accept ABB at A Level, which must include the following:
- Grade A in Biology
- Grade B in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
- Your third A level can be from any subject area, we do not give preference to three science A levels. General Studies is not accepted
If you are applying through participation in the UKWPMED scheme, please ensure you have flagged your participation in the scheme on your UCAS application. We will contact the relevant university for confirmation of your participation.
International applicants
Peninsula Medical School welcomes and encourages applications from suitably qualified international students who are either self-funded, supported by scholarships from their respective governments, or sponsored by scholarship programmes operated by the British Council and similar funding bodies.
If you are an international applicant, you need to meet the equivalent admissions criteria described for home students, including the UCAT. Applicants applying with overseas qualifications should contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk prior to submitting an application through UCAS.
If English is your first language, we will accept your home country’s equivalent providing it is at Level C1 or above according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by achieving one of the following qualifications:
If you are an international applicant, you need to meet the equivalent admissions criteria described for home students, including the UCAT. Applicants applying with overseas qualifications should contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk prior to submitting an application through UCAS.
If English is your first language, we will accept your home country’s equivalent providing it is at Level C1 or above according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by achieving one of the following qualifications:
- IELTS band 7.5 or above with at least 7.0 in each of the Speaking and Listening sections (taken within 12 months of entry). The University will no longer accept the IELTS indicator (online test). All applicants will have to take the IELTS test at an approved centre.
- lGCSE or GCSE English Language (as a first language) grade A / 7. A supplementary statement confirming inclusion of the Speaking and Listening components will be required for IGCSE 0500 / 0990.
- IB score of 6 at the ordinary level in English Language (as a first language).
We know university life is a challenge for any student but especially when you are a long way from home. We pride ourselves on being friendly and supportive and we have a nominated academic lead who coordinates the induction and academic support provided to international students. We offer international student advice, student welfare support and counselling services, wardens and student health centres.
Student visas
If you have an offer of a place at the Faculty of Health you will need to apply for a Student visa (formerly Tier 4 General Student category) unless you have an alternate visa which allows study or a suitable UK passport. Further information is available on the UK Border Agency's website.
If you have an offer of a place at the Faculty of Health you will need to apply for a Student visa (formerly Tier 4 General Student category) unless you have an alternate visa which allows study or a suitable UK passport. Further information is available on the UK Border Agency's website.
Re-sit applicants
Re-sit applicants are considered for this course, with the following requirements:
- If you are applying with predicted grades, a minimum of ABB must have been achieved on your first sitting of A levels.
- Where ABB was not achieved on first sitting, applicants must re-sit the required qualifications and apply once suitable grades have been achieved.
- A level or accepted equivalent qualifications must be completed in no more than three years of study, unless otherwise advised.
- A suitable qualification profile must be achieved on first re-sit attempt.
We do not have an AS level resit policy, however, full A levels must be completed within the above timeframe.
IB resit policy: A minimum of 34 points overall with Higher Level 5 in Biology and Higher Level 5 in another science must be achieved on first sitting.
The resit policy for Widening Participation students is ABC.
For re-sit criteria of other qualifications, please contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Selection and admissions process
Applications should be made through UCAS by the published deadline. This is typically the 15 October. You can apply to no more than four of the same clinical course choice, so although you cannot apply for five medical courses, four medical courses and one dental course would be permitted. Further information is available through the UCAS website. You may also wish to consider an alternative course such as Biomedical Science or Human Biosciences as your fifth choice.
All decisions on applications are made by the Admissions Advisory Panel, which consists of academics, clinicians and senior members of the administrative team.
The University of Plymouth Medicine and Dentistry Admissions Team process applications as follows:
All decisions on applications are made by the Admissions Advisory Panel, which consists of academics, clinicians and senior members of the administrative team.
The University of Plymouth Medicine and Dentistry Admissions Team process applications as follows:
1. Shortlisting for interview– Applicants are considered for interview based on relevant academic qualifications alone. We do not consider personal statements or work experience when selecting for interview.
The Admissions Advisory Panel consider many factors when choosing who will be invited to attend an interview, including the number of places available on the course and the number of applications received, alongside the academic profiles of all our applicants.
The Admissions Advisory Panel consider many factors when choosing who will be invited to attend an interview, including the number of places available on the course and the number of applications received, alongside the academic profiles of all our applicants.
2. Interview – Successful applicants are invited to attend an interview process. We use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) as the format for our interviews.
Following interviews, candidates are ranked based on the score achieved and the top performing applicants are offered a place on the course
Following interviews, candidates are ranked based on the score achieved and the top performing applicants are offered a place on the course
3. Offer – Offers are made via UCAS. Within all offers, candidates are required to complete a series of health and police checks, full details of which are communicated to firm offer holders by the Admissions Team.
Practising as a doctor requires the highest standards and we take seriously our commitment to only enrol and teach students with the integrity required of the profession. Full details of these requirements, support for health issues and inclusion of students with disabilities can be found on our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page.
Deferred entry
We usually grant requests to defer entry when accompanied by a reasonable justification. We would rather you joined the course when you are ready and your circumstances are likely to maximise your enjoyment and success. We ask that deferral requests are submitted before 24 July. Although we will still consider requests after this date it is unlikely we will be able to grant them due to the need for planning cohort sizes.
If we lower our grade thresholds during confirmation, please note that a reduced grade(s) offer will only apply to those students starting the course in that cycle.
Deferred applicants will still be required to meet their original offer conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Medicine is an incredibly competitive course. What are my chances of being offered a place?
Typically, we invite around 60% of applicants for interview and about 25% of applicants are offered a place. The exact numbers fluctuate year on year however applications for medicine are always highly subscribed. We would encourage you to focus instead on your application and choosing a course that will best suit your personality and aspirations.
Typically, we invite around 60% of applicants for interview and about 25% of applicants are offered a place. The exact numbers fluctuate year on year however applications for medicine are always highly subscribed. We would encourage you to focus instead on your application and choosing a course that will best suit your personality and aspirations.
I am unable to obtain predicted grades for my qualifications. Will my application still be considered?
We are unable to consider any applicant who cannot provide predicted grades for pending qualifications.
We are unable to consider any applicant who cannot provide predicted grades for pending qualifications.
Do you consider late applications?
We are unable to consider any applications received by UCAS after the deadline, which is typically 18:00 (GMT) on 15 October. To ensure your application is considered, please do not leave it until the last minute, you will need to allow time for your school or college to add your reference and officially submit your application.
If you applied on time but changed your mind about your university choices, we will consider your application assuming you are within the 14 day cooling off period set by UCAS and your application was submitted prior to the deadline.
We are unable to consider any applications received by UCAS after the deadline, which is typically 18:00 (GMT) on 15 October. To ensure your application is considered, please do not leave it until the last minute, you will need to allow time for your school or college to add your reference and officially submit your application.
If you applied on time but changed your mind about your university choices, we will consider your application assuming you are within the 14 day cooling off period set by UCAS and your application was submitted prior to the deadline.
I will be turning 18 after the course has commenced. Will my application be considered?
For insurance purposes, we are unable to send any student who is under the age of 18 on placement or allow them to enter certain learning environments. Such sessions are mandatory and take place from the outset of the academic year, so we cannot enrol any candidate who has not turned 18 prior to the end of induction week. We will still consider your application, but you would be offered deferred entry if successful.
For insurance purposes, we are unable to send any student who is under the age of 18 on placement or allow them to enter certain learning environments. Such sessions are mandatory and take place from the outset of the academic year, so we cannot enrol any candidate who has not turned 18 prior to the end of induction week. We will still consider your application, but you would be offered deferred entry if successful.
Do you consider transfers from other medical schools?
We are unable to consider any transfers or degree study, regardless of extenuating circumstances, from any university other than the University of Plymouth.
We are unable to consider any transfers or degree study, regardless of extenuating circumstances, from any university other than the University of Plymouth.
When will interviews take place?
Interviews typically take place between December and February. You will be given the opportunity to choose your preferred interview date through our online booking system, and we endeavour to provide as much notice of interview dates as possible.
Where will interviews take place?
We are committed to online interviews for the current admission cycle.
Interviews typically take place between December and February. You will be given the opportunity to choose your preferred interview date through our online booking system, and we endeavour to provide as much notice of interview dates as possible.
Where will interviews take place?
We are committed to online interviews for the current admission cycle.
I have personal issues that I am worried could have affected my interview/exam performance. Do you consider extenuating circumstances?
Whilst we sympathise with the unfortunate situation you have experienced, in the interest of fairness to all our applicants we are unable to consider any extenuating circumstances at any stage of the admissions process.
Whilst we sympathise with the unfortunate situation you have experienced, in the interest of fairness to all our applicants we are unable to consider any extenuating circumstances at any stage of the admissions process.
Will you have places available through Clearing?
We very rarely have places available through Clearing, however you are more than welcome to call us on results day to check if there are places available.
We very rarely have places available through Clearing, however you are more than welcome to call us on results day to check if there are places available.
I have been given an offer but I am worried that I will not meet the academic criteria. What will happen if I don’t achieve the required grades?
We understand that applying for university and sitting exams is an incredibly stressful time. We will be unable to confirm whether we can accept your application if you do not meet the required grades until A level results day. At this point, we will know how all of our applicants have performed and the Admissions Advisory Panel will decide whether reduced grades will be considered. While we have softened entry requirements in the past, there is no guarantee this will be the case.
If we lower our grade thresholds during confirmation, reduced grade(s) offers will only apply to those students starting the course in the current cycle. Deferred applicants will still be required to meet their original offer conditions.
We understand that applying for university and sitting exams is an incredibly stressful time. We will be unable to confirm whether we can accept your application if you do not meet the required grades until A level results day. At this point, we will know how all of our applicants have performed and the Admissions Advisory Panel will decide whether reduced grades will be considered. While we have softened entry requirements in the past, there is no guarantee this will be the case.
If we lower our grade thresholds during confirmation, reduced grade(s) offers will only apply to those students starting the course in the current cycle. Deferred applicants will still be required to meet their original offer conditions.
A feature of this course is early clinical contact and high quality supervised clinical placements in multiple settings, including:
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* These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni (Unistats) is updated annually in September.
The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni (Unistats) website.
The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni (Unistats) website.