CertHE Medical Sciences Pre-Med (9-months)
A unique course for students that wish to enhance their medical or dental school application or study the first stage of the 2-year degree.
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Course overview
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FIND OUT MOREAbout the course
The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Pre-Medical and Health Studies is a one-year, full-time Level 4 qualification offered by The University of Buckingham. It provides students with a strong foundation in the biomedical and health sciences, combined with training in academic, digital, and professional skills.
The programme is designed for students aiming to progress into undergraduate degrees in medicine, biomedical sciences, public health, psychology, and other health-related disciplines. Delivered over three terms, the course integrates core sciences with applied learning, professional development, and exploration of wider social, cultural, and ethical aspects of health.
Programme objectives
The CertHE Pre-Medical and Health Studies programme aims to:
- Provide a robust foundation in biomedical sciences, public health, and psychology.
- Develop academic, digital, and professional skills necessary for higher education and healthcare.
- Encourage evidence-based learning, critical thinking, and appreciation of the limitations of scientific knowledge.
- Foster understanding of the wider social, cultural, and environmental contexts of health.
- Support professional behaviours, reflective practice, and ethical awareness.
- Introduce students to emerging global health challenges and innovations in medical science.
Key features
- Award: Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
- Duration: 1 year full-time (3 terms)
- Level: 4 (aligned with FHEQ standards)
- Location: The University of Buckingham
- Entry requirements: Three A levels (including Biology or Chemistry, BBC or above); English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
- Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, groupwork, simulation, and reflective learning.
- Assessments include exams, written work, group presentations, debates, and portfolios
Progression route onto MB ChB
As part of our entry requirements for Pre-Med, as well as meeting our academic requirements, you would be required to attend a Selection Event – Stage 2 Multiple Mini Assessment (MMA). Depending on your performance at this, you would then either be given an offer or will be unsuccessful in your application.
When confirmed, Selection Event dates will be detailed on the course page of the website and generally commence from February each year.
Should you enrol on the Pre-Med course and wish to apply for our Medicine course, you would be required to submit a Medicine application for your intended year of entry as well as achieve a minimum of 70% overall on the Pre-Med programme in order to be eligible for a Medicine offer. Please note, you would not need to interview for the Medical School if you were offered a place on our Pre-Med programme, as you would have already passed the interview process.
Welcome from Programme Lead
The programme lead, Dr Shazia Iqbal, is looking forward to welcoming you onto the programme. See more on Shazia’s profile page.
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Entry requirements
A-Levels
Required grades: BBC
International Baccalaureate
Required points: 28
Required subjects: an overall score of 28 points, excluding any additional points for Theory of Knowledge or Extended Essay. These must include HL Biology and Chemistry HL3 and HL4 (in either order) or SL5 Biology and Chemistry.
Equivalent Qualifications
- Approved Medical/Biomedical foundation programme
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma/A levels: We require a Merit overall with B, C in Biology and Chemistry A Level
Equivalent International Qualifications
For country-specific requirements, please see our Entry Requirements document.
English language requirements
If English is not a student’s native language, they are normally expected to have passed a recognised test in English to the level of IELTS UKVI Academic score of 6.5 or equivalent (with no less than 6.0 in each section). IELTS General Training is not suitable for this level; other recognised Secure English Language tests (SELTs) can be found on the GOV UK website.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract 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 student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Admissions process
The selection processes operate in two stages. The first stage is Academic Screening, and the second stage is a digital Multiple Mini Assessment (MMA).
Stage One: Academic Screening
This first stage involves judgements on the basis of the written application, primarily related to academic achievement as an indicator of intellectual suitability for a medical course and the practice of medicine. Applicants may offer a variety of qualifications, but the overriding principle is that achievement should be at the highest level, and comparable to entrants to other medical schools in the United Kingdom. It is not intended that ability to pay the fees for the course should compensate for academic achievement that is less than usual for entry to a medical course in the UK.
Stage Two: Multiple Mini Assessment
The second stage of selection applies only to those who meet the academic threshold and is intended to judge personal attributes relating to suitability for practice as a doctor. It is a computer-based test, made up of a series of tasks intended to test applicants’ analysis, interpretation and judgement abilities related to ‘Good Medical Practice‘, published by the UK General Medical Council.
Applicants who successfully pass will receive an offer; unsuccessful applicants will be advised.
To learn more, view our Preparing for Medicine Selection events webinar.
Schedule of selection events
More selection event dates will be added to this page soon.
NB – The use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the MMA and MMI is not permitted. Any suspicion that AI has been used will be investigated and may result in exclusion from this event and all future events.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, case-based learning, groupwork, debates, and experiential learning such as simulation and use of anatomical models. Students will also engage in independent and reflective learning, supported by journal clubs and portfolio work. The programme combines scientific training with applied and collaborative approaches to prepare students for healthcare study.
Programme structure
- Academic, Digital, and Professional Skills for Healthcare – training in critical thinking, digital literacy, and professional development.
- Foundations of Health and Disease – core biomedical sciences including anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and pathophysiology.
- Health, Society, and Inequality – public health systems, health inequality, sociology, and environmental health.
- Psychology and Behaviour in Health Contexts – psychological and behavioural theories, health communication, and professional conduct.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to evaluate knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours through a variety of methods, including:
- Written exams and independent assignments
- Group projects and presentations
- Poster presentations and debates
- MCQs and portfolio submissions
- Journal club participation and reflective work
After your course
Graduate attributes
Graduates of the CertHE in Pre-Medical and Health Studies will demonstrate:
- Knowledge and critical understanding of biomedical, psychological, and public health sciences.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills applied to real-world health contexts.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, including health communication.
- Digital literacy and professional behaviours expected in healthcare study.
- Teamwork, leadership, and reflective practice, supporting lifelong learning and professional growth.
- Awareness of cultural, social, and ethical issues influencing health and healthcare delivery.
Pathways after completion
Successful completion of the CertHE provides opportunities to progress into:
- Foundation or gateway routes into undergraduate Medicine programmes.
- Undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Science, Public Health, or Psychology.
- Health-related disciplines such as Nursing, Midwifery, or Allied Health Sciences.
- International programmes recognising this qualification as a preparatory pathway.
Course fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 | |
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Additional expenses
IT Requirements
Students must use their own IT devices for studying and assessments. Please ensure your device meets the following minimum standards to be compatible with Medical School software requirements.
Please note the minimum system requirements to run the current version of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences applications.
Minimum System Requirements – ExamSoft
Students and exam-takers should review the Minimum System Requirements (MSRs) to ensure devices are supported.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
Funded scholarships and bursaries may be awarded across all schools of study, and represent a partial remission from tuition fees. Bursaries are means-tested and are intended for those who need a contribution towards their fees in order to study at Buckingham.
Students applying for this course may be eligible for the following:
View all scholarships and bursaries.
Apply online from this page as: You can apply directly through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button. Alternatively, if you do not wish to apply directly with us, you can apply via UCAS where you can easily make Buckingham one of your UCAS choices. Do bear in mind that the application and decision deadline are set by UCAS and there is an application fee to UCAS.How to apply
Apply direct
Apply via UCAS