MB ChB Medicine (4.5 year degree)
- Full-time
- Typical Offers: Please see the entry requirements tab below
About the degree
Our 4.5 year programme is designed to train highly ethical, honest and compassionate doctors who will put the patient first. The Medical School received General Medical Council (GMC) accreditation in May 2019. Take a look at our GMC Accreditation FAQs.
The course is divided into Phases 1 and 2.
Phase 1 consists of a series of integrated and interdisciplinary units mostly based around the systems of the body and presented in a clinical context. By the end of Phase 1, our students will be able to communicate effectively with patients, examine them clinically, and have a sufficient understanding of how the body works in health and disease to embark on full-time clinical work.
Phase 2 is about building on the foundations of Phase 1 through intensive work with patients and doctors in the clinical environment. Over a series of themed blocks, our students will be given a structured exposure to all aspects of medicine in both the hospital and the community.
The placements take place in hospitals and general practices. In keeping with the Buckingham ethos, the ratio of students to clinical teachers and patients are kept low so that our students have the best chance to interact with a wide variety of patients and doctors.
Amongst our partner hospitals are Milton Keynes University Hospital, St Andrews Hospital in Northampton, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust and Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
Click here for more information about the Medical School.
Curriculum overview
In the case of applicants offering UK A-levels, they should have (or be likely to obtain before the medical course begins) a minimum of grades ABB, including Chemistry or Biology.
In the specific case of the International Baccalaureate, they should be expected to achieve or to have achieved a total score of at least 34 points with Higher Level 6 in Chemistry & Biology. Please note that the overall point score does not include theory of knowledge or extended essay.
For applicants offering a degree – they should have a Bachelor degree in a subject cognate to Medicine, and have or be predicted a minimum classification of 2.1.
For country-specific requirements, please see our Entry Requirements Document.
Medical students whose native language is not English must hold an IELTS UKVI or Academic Certificate of 7 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component. Alternatively, they can provide a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Certificate of an overall average score of 191, with a minimum of 185 in each paper.
Students whose native language is not English will be exempt from providing an English Test Certificate only if they have successfully completed a UK Bachelor degree, or are a national of one of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and USA.
Terms and conditions for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer.
Admissions process
Our admissions process consists of two stages: the first stage is to submit an application with all supporting documents (either via UCAS, or directly to us), via the Apply button.
If the applicant meets our entry requirements, he or she is invited to the second stage which is a Selection event. We hold numerous selection events during each admissions cycle.
Selection Day is when we interview candidates using Multiple Mini Interviews.
Our decision to make an offer is based on how well the candidates do at Selection.
Please note that we do not require UKCAT or BMAT.
Selection days
- 13 February 2020 (Buckingham)
- 14 February 2020 (Buckingham)
- 2 July 2020 (Buckingham)
- 27 August 2020 (Buckingham)
- 6 October 2020 (Buckingham)
In keeping with the Buckingham ethos, the ratio of students to academic staff, clinical educators and patients is kept low throughout Phases 1 and 2.
We will assess your progress rigorously throughout the course so that you, the Medical School and the public can be confident that you are meeting the high standards required of a doctor.
There will be a combination of written examinations, structured clinical examinations and the use of an e-portfolio of evidence of progress, all chosen to make the most valid and reliable test of your abilities.
The other main purpose of the assessment system is to drive the learning of all students, and the Medical School has therefore chosen to place a high weight on educational impact in the design of the assessment system. The aim is to assess students in ways that will drive deep, contextual and constructive learning that will last into life-long practice.
See the Medicine Curriculum Handbook for further course details, and the Medical School website for more information about the school.
The Student Support Team in the Medical School works closely with clinical staff and Higher Education Thames Valley in Oxford to provide careers advice for each stage of your MB ChB programme.
Through workshops and career education talks we aim to provide all medical students with the resources that you will need to make the right decision in your medical career or in selecting your chosen specialty.
The Student Support Team will assist you in providing advice or guiding you to the most appropriate person to talk to about:
- Career choice
- Applying for electives
- CV checking
- Interview skills
Fees
The University of Buckingham is a not-for-profit educational charity that receives no government subsidies. Tuition fees are invested fully into providing a first-class medical education and student experience.
Tuition fees for the 2020 intake will be £37,000 per annum for both home and overseas students. *All fees are subject to annual increase in line with inflation.
Additional Expenses
Stethoscopes
Our students need to purchase a stethoscope as part of their medical training. They can acquire it themselves, or through us once they join the medical school.
Costs of stethoscopes vary from around £30-£60.
Visits to Hospitals and GP Practices
Our students will rotate across our partner hospitals and a number of local GP practices throughout the Clinical Skills Unit in Phase 1 of the course.
Travel costs are incurred once a week in Phase 1 and it is around 45p per mile. We reimburse students whose travel is longer than 25 miles where we refund any mileage over 25 in one direction.
Patient Visit
As part of the Narrative Medicine component of the course, each of our students is assigned a patient whom they will visit on a regular basis. The frequency of the visits and the distance they need to travel vary from patient to patient.
Travel cost is around 45p per mile. We reimburse students whose travel is longer than 25 miles where we refund any mileage over 25 in one direction.
On-campus accommodation
We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.
Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.
What’s included?
All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.
We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, and campus tours include a typical student room. Arrange a tour via your Admissions Officer.
Apply directly
You can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the top of this page.
Help and support
If you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 827696 or +44 (0)1280 827555. We are available between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.
You may find it useful to download these great tips from Which University? on writing your personal statement.
Current applicants
If you would like to make any changes to your current application, please email (and make sure you have your application number ready!).