Medicine Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - BMBCh
Course Overview - Medicine Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - BMBCh
Summary
Medicine is a constantly evolving career where the study of people and science interact to understand health and illness.
At Southampton, you will study both on Highfield campus and at University Hospital Southampton, one of the UK’s leading teaching hospitals. From your first weeks you will learn in a way that reflects real medical practice. You will explore how to communicate with people, diagnose, treat and prevent illness and consider the whole person, not just the presenting condition.
The five-year BMBS (BM5) degree gives you...
Summary
Medicine is a constantly evolving career where the study of people and science interact to understand health and illness.
At Southampton, you will study both on Highfield campus and at University Hospital Southampton, one of the UK’s leading teaching hospitals. From your first weeks you will learn in a way that reflects real medical practice. You will explore how to communicate with people, diagnose, treat and prevent illness and consider the whole person, not just the presenting condition.
The five-year BMBS (BM5) degree gives you time to build confidence in clinical settings while learning through a curriculum shaped by the latest research. From early patient contact to advanced clinical experience, each stage prepares you for the realities of modern healthcare.
By the time you graduate, you will be ready to begin your Foundation Programme as a resident doctor. Your degree will enable you to follow careers that include hospital medicine, general practice, public and global health, research and leadership, while shaping the future of healthcare.
Key features of the course:
You will gain hands-on experience from the start with early and regular clinical placements in community and hospital settings.
Your learning environment will reflect your future career with early clinical skills training and reflective practice.
You will learn from people at the forefront of discovery, through teaching shaped by leading academics and medical researchers whose work is driving advances in healthcare.
Modules throughout the programme give you the opportunity to select and explore in depth, topics that interest and matter to you
You may develop your studies further with an optional intercalated master’s degree between Years 3 and 4 either within Southampton or externally. All students in final year are supported to arrange their own elective placement from a variety of options in the UK or abroad (clinical, research or educational) to suit.
Additionally, in final year, you will complete a student assistantship, working alongside resident doctors to finalise your preparation for clinical practice.
Student support
From day one you will be part of a close and supportive community which includes small group teaching creating spaces for discussion, collaboration and personalised support. You will be able to build strong relationships with your peers and develop the communication and teamwork skills essential for clinical practice.
Academic tutors and clinical mentors will guide you through both the scientific and practical aspects of the course. The University’s 24 hr access to Wellbeing services and pastoral care, a specialised Senior Tutor group for medical students and a wide range of student-led societies (many designed specifically for and run by medical students) help you stay balanced and connected throughout your studies.
Further information
This programme is open to home and international students.
On successful completion, you will graduate with a BMBS degree and be eligible to apply for provisional registration with the General Medical Council.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
5 Years
Start Date
2027-09-20
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A23-E26
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
All applicants must have a minimum of AAA, including biology and one additional science (with a pass in the practical element where it is separately endorsed). Acceptable additional science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. General studies and critical thinking are not accepted. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education). Contextual offer School leaver applicants who meet two of the University contextual admissions criteria will be made a lower offer (AAB). This offer will include an A Level in biology and one additional science (with a pass in the practical element where it is separately endorsed). Acceptable additional science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. General studies and critical thinking are not accepted. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education). Applicants must meet two of the University contextual admissions criteria. For further information about the contextual criteria please see https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/medicine-bm5-degree-bmbs#entry For this programme we do not make an alternative EPQ offer, however we welcome applicants who have achieved a good grade in the EPQ.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
Assessed on a case by case basis . But generally, S5 minimum requirements Highers AAAAB to include Biology and one additional science Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Access to HE Diploma
offer-distinction: 45.0
Approved Access to Medicine courses with an appropriate scientific content may be accepted. We require 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 (or equivalent), all of which must be at Distinction . Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) will be accepted. Other access courses may be considered on a case by case basis, however, online access courses will not accepted. We would expect there to be a significant amount of time between the previous qualification (where relevant) and the Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) or alternative access course. Access courses are most likely to be considered for applicants who have not taken Science qualifications. We will not consider an application from an A Level student who undertakes an Access course shortly after completing their A Levels but fails to achieve the required advertised A Level grades.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. S6 Advanced Highers Advanced Highers to include Biology one additional science. Plus usually an additional subject at Advanced Higher or Higher. Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Overall score of 36 points with 18 at Higher Level, with 6 in HL Biology and one additional HL science. Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
AAA to include A level Biology and one additional science (with a pass in the practical element where it is separately endorsed) or AA from two A levels in including Biology and one additional science (with a pass in the practical element where it is separately endorsed) and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
AA from two A levels in Biology and one additional science and Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (360 GLH) at Distinction. Subjects with material that overlaps with Biology A Level and the additional science may not be accepted. Applied Science is not accepted. Subject provided reviewed on a case by case basis. Additional science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (examples of combinations include, but are not exclusive to, Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2, with H2 in Biology and one additional science Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
AA from two A levels in Biology and one additional science and Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (360 GLH) at Distinction. Subjects with material that overlaps with Biology A Level and the additional science may not be accepted. Applied Science is not accepted. Subject provided reviewed on a case by case basis. Additional science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (examples of combinations include, but are not exclusive to, Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3 D3 D3, including Biology and one additional science Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Bachelor Degree
Graduate applicants (to BM4 and BM5) need to achieve an Upper Second-Class Honours (2.1) in their first degree, this must be equivalent to a UK Honours degree. The degree can be in any subject and no preference will be given based on the degree subject taken. Please note we do not have any A Level requirements for graduate applicants. Please see below for Graduate GCSE requirements. GCSEs or equivalent: English language, maths and either biology and chemistry, or additional science and science, or combined science all at grade C (grade 4)
GCSE/National 4/National 5
In addition to the A level requirements applicants must offer the below. GCSE or equivalent School Leavers All school leaver applicants must have a minimum of seven B grades (grade 6) at GCSE , including English language, mathematics, biology and chemistry, additional science and science, or combined science (or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University). Graduate applicants. Degree: An upper second-class honours in your first degree in any subject. For further information regarding your first degree, please visit our BM4 page at https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/medicine-bm4-graduate-entry-degree-bmbs GCSEs or equivalent: English language, maths and either biology and chemistry, or additional science and science, or combined science all at grade C (grade 4).Please note there is no A level requirement for graduates. Mature non-graduate applicants Applicants being considered as Mature Non-Graduate applicants must be over 21 years old at the point of submitting their application (15th October) and not hold a degree. Applicants must meet the standard A Level or equivalent entry requirement. GCSEs or equivalent: A minimum grade C (grade 4) in mathematics, English Language and either biology and chemistry, or additional science and science, or combined science
Not accepted
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU, International | £0 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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