CertHE Medical Sciences Pre-Med (9-months)

The CertHE Medical Sciences Pre-Med (9-months)  is a unique programme taught on the Crewe campus awarding graduates of this course a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE.) in Medical Science qualification. The Pre-Med has been developed for students that wish to enhance their application to medical or dental school.

Please note: From September 2025, this programme will be based at the Buckingham campus.

The Biomedical Science content of this course focuses on how cells, organs and metabolic systems function in the human body. Through this understanding of health and disease processes, new treatments and therapies can be created or developed, which makes it a very dynamic and exciting field of study.

Key benefits

• Core modules are taught from a clinical perspective which provides students with the theory and experience to make the transition to medical or dental school.
• Our teaching strategy promotes student centred learning with a focus on small tutorials and workshops rather than large lecture based programmes.
• Students who have achieved at least 70% on the 9-months Pre-Med will be eligible to make an application to The University of Buckingham MB ChB Selection Process.
• Part of the Pre Med selection criteria is the successful completion of an MMI. Completing this prior to joining the programme, therefore, makes your application to our MB ChB an uncomplicated and streamlined process.

A Levels

Required grades: BBC

International baccalaureate

Required points: 30

Subject requirements

Required subjects: Chemistry and Biology

Preferred subjects: None

Equivalent qualifications

• Approved Medical/Biomedical foundation programme
• Irish Leaving Certificate
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
• Access to HE Diploma
• BTEC programme of study, however students who have a BTEC as their highest attained qualification will normally be offered the Medical Foundation programme.

Equivalent international qualifications

Prospective international applicants with other qualifications should contact us for an individual assessment.

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 three stages. The first stage is Academic Selection and the second stage is a digital Multiple Mini Assessment and the third is an Objective Structured Selection Examination, the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).

Stage One: Academic Selection

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 are satisfactory at this point will be able to progress to the third and final stage of the MMI application process. Exceptionally high performing applicants may receive an offer at this stage in the process.

Stage Three: Objective Structured Selection Examination

The third stage of selection is intended to judge personal attributes relating to suitability for practice as a doctor. It consists of an Objective, Structured Selection Examination (OSSE), made up of a series of tasks intended to test abilities related to ‘Good Medical Practice‘, published by the UK General Medical Council.

Selection Days

Please note: Eligible applicants will be invited to the next available interview.

Application deadline for September 2024 entry is 18 August 2024.

The programme is taught using a range of teaching methodologies such as lectures, small group tutorial sessions, problem-based learning, one-to-one personal tutoring, seminars, practicals and personal assessments.

Level 4 (October-June)

• Professional Values and Behaviour
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Brain, Muscle and Coordination
• Gut, Hormones and Metabolism
• Circulation and Fluid Balance
• Matter and Energy in Medicine

Transferable Skills for your CV

You will gain experience in laboratory work during your degree and this will equip you with the skills you need to plan, conduct and evaluate experiments. It will also enable you to comply with health and safety regulations and research and interpret scientific literature.

Transferable skills gained on your course include:

• analytical and problem-solving skills
• computing and the use of statistics
• data analysis, evaluation and interpretation
• project management
• numeracy
• organisation and time management
• oral and written communication
• team working – from laboratory work or activities such as sport, societies or voluntary work

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.

We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.