Triangle

Course overview

Doctors play a vital role in the lives of so many, from the most joyful, to the toughest moments. At Nottingham, we'll help you gain the clinical skills, knowledge and confidence to lead people through some of life’s most significant times.

Our unique course allows you to graduate with two degrees, a BMedSci and a BMBS. Once you complete your BMedSci, you'll then work towards your BMBS. 

The early years

You’ll develop an understanding of the scientific and professional basics of medicine. You'll be taught subjects based on clinically relevant topics and patient examples. Areas of study will include, but are not limited to: respiratory, cardiovascular, cancer, musculoskeletal systems, gastrointestinal medicine, renal, endocrine, reproduction, and Central Nervous System. From year one, topics studied in lectures, seminars, clinical skills, and anatomy suites are supplemented by patient interactions in hospitals or primary care settings. This part culminates in a research project and will see you graduate with a BMedSci degree after year three.

You'll be taught by experienced clinicians and tutors, research a topic from a broad selection of specialisms and benefit from being part of our Medical School, based at one of the UK’s busiest hospitals – the Queen's Medical Centre. Located just across the road from University Park Campus, meaning you’ll not only be part of our Medical School but also university life. You can take part in our student-led society, MedSoc at any stage of your course. They organise various events throughout the year, including a musical, and provide you with additional support, for example, peer mentoring.

The later years

Also called the Clinical Phase, is where you’ll undertake a series of immersive placements at hospitals and GP surgeries. You’ll cover a range of specialities and experience medicine in different care settings, giving you a broad understanding and experience of how differently the NHS functions and cares for patients. This part will see you graduate with a BMBS, enabling you to work as a doctor on the UK Foundation Programme after you graduate.

Our in-depth but highly rewarding course provides you with an excellent start on your journey to becoming a doctor.

Application process

We understand that applying for medicine can be complex. Please visit our applying to medicine guide for full information.

Choose a course that fits your study requirements

We offer multiple routes to medicine, if you meet the University of Nottingham contextual criteria but don't expect to meet the grades for this course, you may want to consider our Medicine BMedSci BMBS with a Foundation Year (A108). The foundation year course gives you an extra year to ensure you have the skills you need to succeed in medicine. You cannot apply for both a five-year medicine course and the Medicine with a Foundation Year course. You also cannot use other foundation courses at this university or any other medical school to transfer onto this course.

We also offer this course at the Lincoln Medical School, Medicine at Lincoln BMedSci and BMBS (A10L). This course offers you the chance to achieve a University of Nottingham degree while studying at our new medical school in the heart of Lincoln.

Why choose this course?

Extra BMedSci degree

Complete a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMedSci) degree in your third year. You'll undertake a supervised research project in an area you find interesting without needing to study for an extra year.

Full-body dissection

Learn anatomy using full-body dissection.

Case-based learning

A case-based learning course which makes use of real patient scenarios and focuses you on their key clinical points

Work with patients

through regular visits to GPs from as early as your first term in your first year and hospitals in your final years.

Placements

Experience placements across a range of NHS trusts and general practices in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire


Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level AAA (please see below)

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

Required subjects

A levels

AAA: must include biology (or human biology) and chemistry

A pass is required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately. Please see below for full details.

GCSEs

A minimum of six GCSEs at Level 7 (A), including both Biology and Chemistry, you must have achieved a minimum of a grade 6 (B) in Maths and English Language. We do not accept GCSE resits. Please visit our undergraduate selection process page for full details.

IB score IB 36 (6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including biology and chemistry, excluding core component) with GCSEs stated (or equivalent)*

Offer requirements

A level offer

Predicted A level grades, A levels, AS levels, or equivalent are not scored as part of the selection process. However, any offers made will be conditional on meeting the A level grades or equivalent required to meet the academic conditions of any offers. Please visit our undergraduate selection process page to read more about our selection process.

AAA: must include biology (or human biology) and chemistry.

A pass is required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately. We do not accept citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies, or global perspectives as your third A level subject.

Your A levels must be studied over a maximum two-year period to demonstrate your ability to manage a full academic workload. A levels that have taken longer than two years to complete are not usually accepted.

We’ll also consider resits for no more than two A levels as long as you:

  • have completed your A levels in the last 12 months
  • have already obtained at least ABB with at least one A in biology/human biology or chemistry
  • must achieve AAA after taking your resits

*IB offer

36 points (6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including biology and chemistry, excluding core component) with the GCSE requirements (or equivalent)

We’ll accept either of the Maths qualifications for the IB at standard level (SL) or higher level (HL).

We don’t score the IB and we don’t require predicted IB grades as part of the selection process. However, you’ll still need to achieve the IB grades required to meet your offer.

We’ll consider resits of a maximum of two subjects as long as you have:

  • completed your IB in the last 12 months
  • achieved 34 total points overall
  • obtained 6,5,5 at Higher Level with a 6 in chemistry or biology – the other one being at level 5
  • or you are predicted and achieve 666 (including biology and chemistry)

If you’re currently studying for a degree

You can apply for this course (A100) if you already have a degree. The entry requirements for this route are:

  • a 2:1 degree in any subject
  • the minimum A level requirements for this course
  • a minimum of GCSE level 4 (C) in maths and English language

If you’re currently studying for a degree, you can apply for medicine during any year of your existing studies. Do not withdraw from your current studies as your offer may be conditional on the completion of your current degree. If you chose this route, your A levels and GCSE’s must meet the course entry requirements.

If you need your degree result to be able to meet the academic entry requirements, you may apply through UCAS at the beginning of your final year of study. In these cases, your offer to study Medicine will be conditional on achieving the necessary academic requirements. Your current degree must:

  • be an honours degree
  • evidenced by sending ratified documentation (a copy of your final degree transcript or your certificate) by 20 July 2023
  • have been completed within the intended length of the qualification – for example, three years for a BSc or four years for an MSci

If you’re applying with an undergraduate (bachelors or undergraduate masters) degree

You may not need to meet the standard A level requirements. We’ll review this if you have achieved or are predicted to achieve a first-class honours degree at undergraduate level in a relevant subject with enough biology and chemistry content. However, you’ll still need to achieve at least a 4 (C) in GCSE in both Maths and English Language. Any offers made without the A level requirements are conditional on you achieving a first in your primary degree before starting the course.

Accelerated degrees resulting in the award of a BSc Hons (completed over two years rather than three). These applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. GCSE Maths and English Language must still be achieved at a minimum of a 4 (C) grade.

For more information on relevant degrees, please contact us.

We do not accept applicants who, for whatever reason, have failed to complete the study of a medicine degree at another institution. 

Minimum entry requirements

GCSEs/UCAT

You must meet the minimum GCSE requirements and undertake the UCAT in the same year you are applying to study medicine. We do not accept GCSE resists. Full details can be found on our undergraduate selection webpage.

Competition for places information can be found on our applying to Nottingham webpage.

English language

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to have proof of your fluency in English with one of the following:

  • IELTS 7.5 (no less than 7.0 in any element)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 79 (minimum 76)
  • Cambridge Proficiency/Advanced test (from January 2015) 191 with no element below 185
  • International Baccalaureate diploma: If GCSE hasn’t been taken and achieved at grade B(6) we require either IB English (standard level) at grade 6 or IB English (higher level) at grade 5

If your home country is not the UK, but you moved to the UK (with indefinite leave to remain) after 1 September 2019, from an international country where you were not studying the full curriculum (i.e. all subjects) in the English language then we may accept one of the alternative qualifications.

Please contact us to find out if we accept your alternative qualification.

Work experience

You’re usually expected to complete regular work experience when applying for medicine. This can be:

  • volunteering in a care related setting
  • volunteering with disadvantaged groups
  • paid employment in a job working with the general public

As part of your application, we usually ask for evidence of your work experience.

Please note that we are not expecting any NHS work experience to have occurred or be ongoing after March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Your application for 2023 entry will not be negatively impacted if you’ve been unable to complete any NHS work experience in person. However, we will be looking for knowledge of the profession and an understanding of the scope of the role of a doctor and we may ask about this during your interview.

Foundation progression options

If you meet specific criteria and don't expect to meet the grades for this course, you could apply for our Medicine with a Foundation Year course. It's the same great course, but it gives you an extra year to ensure you have the skills you need to succeed in Medicine.

Please note that you cannot apply for both this course (A100) and the Medicine with a Foundation Year (A108) course.

You cannot use other foundation courses at this university or any other medical school to transfer onto this course.

Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

Teaching methods

  • Anatomy sessions
  • Clinical skills sessions
  • Case-based learning
  • eLearning
  • Full-body dissection
  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Placements
  • Practical classes
  • Self-study
  • Seminars
  • Small group learning
  • Tutorials

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods

  • Case studies
  • Clinical exams
  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Formative assessments
  • Logbooks
  • Objective structured clinical exams
  • Poster presentation
  • Practical exams
  • Presentation
  • Short project
  • Workplace-based assessment

Contact time and study hours

During your first three years, you'll have approximately 16 to 18 hours of teaching contact time with around 20 hours of independent study. You'll spend around five days on placement each semester.

During your time in the Clinical Phase, you'll spend between 35 to 40 hours across five days every week studying and on placements. You’ll spend around two to three days on ward, clinic or GP placement visits per week with one day of independent study and one to two days of teaching contact time. This will include some time on call and some out-of-hours work.

Your holidays will also differ from the standard student timetable during the Clinical Phase. You'll have about six weeks' holiday in each of the clinical phases. This is usually taken as two weeks at Christmas, two weeks at Easter, and two weeks during the summer.

Study abroad

You're given a five-week elective placement at the end of your final year which you can usually spend abroad (this is extended to six-weeks to allow for travel). Elective placement destinations will depend on location restrictions (such as Covid-19, climate-related disasters, etc).

Placements

The course includes 15 main placements over the clinical phase, with each lasting up to six weeks. There are also 10 weeks of student selected modules and a six-week elective placement.

You'll experience a range of settings including medical, surgical, speciality skills, mental health and community-based medicine. Placements are located within four large NHS trusts in the region, as well as with general practices.

You'll also be supported by a personal tutor who will be available to provide personal support.

Placements can take place in:

  • Nottingham at the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham City Hospital, and Highbury Hospital
  • Derby at Royal Derby Hospital
  • Mansfield at King's Mill Hospital
  • Chesterfield at Chesterfield Royal Hospital
  • GP practices across the region

Find out more about where clinical placements take place.

Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Modules

You'll begin your degree by developing an understanding of the scientific and professional basis of medicine. You'll examine the major sciences underlying medicine: biochemistry, immunology, cell biology, physiology, pharmacology and genetics.

You'll then learn through a case-based approach, studying themes based on clinically relevant topics and patient examples, specifically respiratory, cardiovascular, cancer and the musculoskeletal system. This will all be linked with teaching in anatomy clinical skills and therapeutics.

There is also the opportunity to reinforce your learning through hospital and general practice visits.

Compulsory modules

Biomedical Skills 1

This module provides students with the background to anatomy, radiology and imaging, coupled with a basic understanding of clinical measurements (biochemical, physiological, pharmacological and numerical) that will be essential for progress in clinical medicine.

Integrated Medicine 1

This module enables development and assessment of the student’s capacity to integrate knowledge across all body systems to assess patient and symptom presentation permitting differential diagnosis.

The module will include understanding of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology as well as clinical testing and patient communication and treatment and will build upon knowledge and skills obtained from the case studies that overarch each week.

Medicine 1

This module contributes to developing an understanding of the scientific and professional basis of medicine.

In particular, the module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of fundamental biochemical, physiological and anatomical concepts and their relation to disease processes.

The theme-based content will include:

  • Cells
  • Biochemical Basics
  • Tissues of the Body
  • Muscle
  • Nerves
  • Pharmacology
  • Blood and Infection
  • Reproduction
  • Inflammation
  • Metabolism

You'll also be taught the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the assessment and management of patients. As well as be introduced to the patient as a whole person. You'll be asked to consider challenging ethical scenarios and receive an introduction to ethical frameworks as well as considering issues such as information governance and confidentiality.

The module will provide you with some basic clinical skills and introduce them to theoretical and statistical approaches to understanding health. You'll also receive training in first aid for mental health. This is delivered by lectures, popular topics, directed reading, private study, workshops, e-learning, practical classes and hospital and general practice clinical visits to both primary and secondary care.

Medicine 2

This module provides an introduction to the basic anatomy and physiology of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, cancer biology and the musculoskeletal system, together with fundamentals in haematology.

The module teaches physiological control mechanisms, the pathophysiology and pharmacological approaches to treating common disease states. It also aims to develop knowledge and understanding of cancer biology and the anatomy of the neck shoulder and upper limbs.

In terms of professional development and communication, health beliefs and culture and communicating with people who are distressed are taught as well as how to interpret and communicate risks and screening and diagnostic testing. Students will be introduced to the concept of randomized controlled trials.

This module is delivered by lectures, seminars, practical classes, podcasts, directed reading, private study, workshops and clinical visits.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Wednesday 21 December 2022.

Your second year continues your theme-based teaching, looking into a variety of other clinical problems, based around the gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, reproductive, and central nervous systems. You will continue with hospital and general practice visits, anatomy, clinical skills and therapeutics teaching.

In the spring semester of year two, you usually have the chance to study an optional module, looking into specific topics in more depth.

Compulsory

Biomedical Skills 2

This module provides students with further background to anatomy, radiology and imaging, coupled with a basic understanding of clinical measurements (biochemical, physiological, pharmacological and numerical) that will be essential for progress in clinical medicine.

Clinical Medicine

This module contributes to further development of an understanding of the doctor as a professional. Students will be taught the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the assessment and management of patients. Students will be introduced to the patient as a whole person.

They will be asked to consider challenging ethical scenarios and will be taught how to communicate sensitively and empathetically with different patients in various scenarios.

The module will provide students with some basic clinical skills (e.g. taking a patient history, assessing gastrointestinal function) and introduce them to theoretical and statistical approaches to understanding health.

This is delivered by lectures, popular topics, directed reading, private study, workshops, practical classes and hospital and general practice clinical visits to both primary and secondary care.

Integrated Medicine 2

This module enables development and assessment of the student’s capacity to integrate knowledge across all body systems to assess patient and symptom presentation permitting differential diagnosis.

The module will include understanding of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology as well as clinical testing and patient communication and treatment and will build upon knowledge and skills obtained from the case studies that overarch each week.

Medicine 3

This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of fundamental biochemical, physiological, pharmacological and anatomical concepts and their relation to gastrointestinal disease processes, endocrine physiology, the reproductive system and the kidney.

The module will provide an introduction to the alimentary system, and important aspects of nutrition and metabolism.

In addition, endocrine system teaching will provide the knowledge base for management of disease. This module will include the non-reproductive endocrine system with particular attention on pituitary, adrenal, thyroid and pancreatic function. As the endocrine system is a key system involved in whole body homeostasis, principles of control and integration of metabolism will be re-visited.

The reproductive system will cover the male and female reproductive system and pregnancy with particular attention on function of the ovary and testes, endometrial, cervical epithelial and prostate gland changes, placental physiology, problems in pregnancy and hormonal control of the reproductive system.

Renal teaching will provide descriptions of the intrarenal circulation and its relation to tubular elements, the processes located to the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule and collecting duct, and the integration of these systems in the control of extracellular fluid volume and osmolality (including hormonal mechanisms) and in acid-base balance.

Students will be continue their general practice clinical visits. They will also be taught the skills of history taking and examination for patients with abdominal/alimentary conditions and they will be taught how to clearly explain information to patients. They will also focus on patients with an endocrine condition and will be taught diversity in sexuality and how to challenge attitudes of prejudice. Students will examine eyes and ears using an otoscope and ophthalmoscope.

Students will revisit the concept of safety, considering foresight, hazard awareness and risk. Students will also be introduced to measures of disease frequency and its relevance in clinical medicine. Physical and psychological changes and health behaviours that occur during adolescence will be explored. They will also be introduced to the concepts of systems and basic quality improvement approaches in healthcare. Further epidemiological analysis and the basis of evidence-based medicine will be introduced.

Topic specific communication skills will be explored. Having previously considered why errors occur they will explore the steps and role of incident analysis in healthcare, including Duty of Candour. They will also explore the role of nontechnical skills in healthcare with a focus on teamwork, communication, decision making and situation monitoring.

Delivery will predominantly be via lectures, podcasts, workshops, anatomical dissection classes, clinical visits, e-microscope histology and directed private study.

Medicine 4

This module provides an introduction to the basic anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and psychology of the central nervous system.

The module aims to develop knowledge of these fundamental principles within the context of relevant weekly themes. The theme-based content will begin with a focus on depression and anxiety.

Students will be provided with a general introduction to the relevant brain anatomy followed by an in depth examination of the system physiology and pharmacology. The depression and anxiety theme will include individual sessions on the limbic system, emotion and mood, and treatment strategies. Ultimately, this will provide the basis for understanding theme based functions and the production of behaviours.

Subsequent weekly themes include:

  • pain (including sessions on neuropsychology of pain, the use of anaesthetics, and pain management)
  • movement disorders (including sessions on the anatomy and pharmacology of movement, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and executive function)
  • dementia (including sessions on Alzheimer’s disease, neuropsychological assessment, and memory)
  • sensory disorders (including sessions on the visual and auditory systems and epilepsy)
  • and serious mental illness (including sessions on neurotransmission, attention, language, and schizophrenia).

Content will be delivered through lectures, podcasts, and practical classes on brain dissection, clinical neurological demonstrations and plenary lectures. Furthermore, the module also continues to consider the themes of patient safety and human factors as well as continuing with their primary care visits. Students will be expected to engage in directed reading and private study.

Optional

You’ll select a maximum of 10 credits from a wide selection of optional modules. Although optional module titles are subject to change, below is a few examples of the optional modules you may have to choose from: 

Complementary and Alternative Medicines

To introduce the students to the issues surrounding the use of complementary and alternative medicines, including legal issues, safety issues, and interactions with drugs.

Defects in Development
Hearing Healthcare: From bench to bedside and back again
History Anatomy Medicine
Neuron Connectivity and Brain Function: From Development to Degeneration
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

Your third year begins with a supervised research project in an area of your choice and an accompanying Evidence Based Medicine module to help with the project. You will also take two optional advanced medical science modules which may or may not be related to your project.

You will undertake a short compulsory early primary care module, developing skills to assess patients in a general practice environment and a module in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, which will develop your prescribing skills further as you move into the clinical phases of the programme.

Following the successful completion of these modules, you'll be awarded the BMedSci.

You'll then move into the final years and begin the Clinical Phase which will see you rotate through a series of placements at various teaching hospitals, community, and partnership trusts and within primary care facilities across the region.

Compulsory

Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

This module examines the therapeutic aspects of the pharmacological management of a number of common medical conditions and the use of antimicrobial agents in the prevention and treatment of infection. The module covers the pharmacological basis of therapy of:

  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Respiratory Diseases
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases
  • Endocrine Disease
  • Diseases of the Central Nervous System
  • Infections

You'll also consider drug safety in the context of Drug Interactions, Adverse Drug Reactions, Prescribing in Special Cases together with dose calculations and Safe Prescribing.

Early Primary Care

This module covers the aspects of primary care for young patients. It will see you undertake a two-week primary care attachment involving a placement in general practice and taught sessions or self-directed learning.

It provides an opportunity for you to return to and further enhance some of the key core skills of clinical medicine. History-taking and consultation skills will be refreshed and built upon to enable you to begin to process the content of a history and target questions they ask to aid diagnosis and clinical decision-making. This will be achieved through a combination of consulting with patients and facilitated teaching. You'll be encouraged to consider the psychological and social factors influencing patients’ health and individual patient priorities in managing illness. Time will be spent with GPs but also other members of the multidisciplinary team in primary care to allow you to become familiar with the roles of different professionals and their key contributions to managing patients. 

Evidence Based Medicine

The aim of this module is to introduce the concept of evidence-based medicine and review in depth many of the research methodologies that underpin this. This will include ethical issues in animal and human research studies. You'll choose to take your research in either the School of Medicine (MEDS3103) or the School of Life Sciences (MEDS3102).

During the evidence-based medicine module, you'll build upon previous learning and acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes that link to aspects of the Outcomes for Graduates specified by the GMC.

You'll learn about the design of biomedical studies of various kinds, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, how to search for scientific information and how to critique biomedical studies and research papers. You'll develop an understanding of the ethical considerations in medical research and the principles of academic integrity.

Foundations for Practice Place Holder

This module forms the placement part of your third year. You'll complete five placements, each six weeks long and will cover: medicine; surgery; speciality skills; mental health; and community-based medicine.

After you have completed the individual placement, there will be a revision week followed by a summative assessment period. Following this, you'll then have a twelve-week block involving a two-week junior assistantship and ten weeks of Student Selected Modules (SSMs).

Honours Year Project

In your chosen area for your research, you’ll spend year three working on your Honours Year project in which you'll carry out your project to test the hypothesis formulated in the research methods module. The form of the project can vary and may be based on laboratory work, audit, patient studies or an extended literature review with proof of critical engagement. A submission of around 10,000 words is expected as your project write-up. A range of optional modules related to Research Projects are available and may change yearly. 

Optional modules

You'll take a maximum of 10 credits from this group.

Anti-Cancer Therapies and Cardiovascular Disease

This module focuses on how cancer therapies have developed in recent years, and how the long-term cardiovascular effects of these treatments in cancer survivors should be considered.

Six lectures will cover: an introduction to cancer therapy, the role of VEGF in tumour angiogenesis, anti-VEGF cancer therapies, cardiovascular consequences of anti-cancer treatment, the role of alternative splicing and molecular targeting in cancer and future strategies for cancer therapy.

Cancer

This module provides a clinical overview of cancer including:

  • the molecular biology of cancer
  • cancer angiogenesis
  • pre-clinical modelling of cancer
  • clinical trials and adjuvant treatments in cancer
  • breast cancer: biology and treatment
  • new biological treatments for cancer.
GPCR polymorphisms, disease and personalised medicine

This module aims to facilitate:

  • an understanding of the major class of receptors in man, GPCRs, and their varied roles as drug targets
  • awareness of the range of genetic polymorphisms in GPCRs and associated proteins linked with disease and drug action, backed by specific examples
  • and critical evaluation of the ability to target such polymorphic variants therapeutically to deliver future medical advances.

This will predominantly be within the home base and there is a requirement for students to carry out significant private study including reading advanced texts, review articles and research papers on specialist medical science topics. It will be essential to demonstrate appropriate professional attitudes and behaviour.

Improving your Chances of Publication

Gain a strong understanding of what makes a good clinical research publication.

You'll be taught how to critically appraise clinical research (including performing your own critical appraisal) and what to consider when writing an abstract (and assessed by writing your own abstract for a piece of clinical research). You'll also be directed on how to search for published research for practice and research purposes. 

Innate Immunity and the Immunopathology of Inflammation

Build on previous learning and acquiring knowledge to extend and deepen your understanding of molecular and cellular aspects of innate immunity and gain knowledge and understanding of the mechanistic basis of inflammatory diseases.

This will also enable you to appreciate the development of novel forms of therapy for inflammatory diseases.

The Molecular Pathology of Cancer

This module uses colorectal cancer as a paradigm of neoplastic disease and covers the molecular basis of cancer, the clinicopathological manifestation of disease and translational research.

Patient Safety, Human Error and Avoiding Harm in Healthcare

This module considers:

  • the epidemiology of harm in healthcare
  • theories of what safety means in healthcare
  • models of how errors and harm occur
  • the role of investigation in reducing harm
  • the evidence for safety initiatives
  • the role of human factors in delivering safe healthcare
Respiratory Medicine

This module takes a deeper look at the field of respiratory medicine. It will see you develop your clinical knowledge and skills in: 

  • Clinical aspects of asthma and COPD
  • Demonstration of peak flow, spirometry, and exhaled nitric oxide
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Personalised medicine in asthma
  • Lung cancer
  • Respiratory infections
  • Epidemiology of respiratory disease
Scientific Basis of Clinical Reasoning (Group 1)

This is a group project-based module, which will see you and a small group of other medical students tackle a common clinical presentation. You'll work together to present symptom presentation, further clinical investigations, diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the module is to build your clinical reasoning skills.

As well as a maximum of 10 credits from this group

Models and Approaches in Mental Illness

The module will explore theoretical, research and clinical approaches to the understanding of theaetiology and treatment of common mental illness/disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. It will draw upon international as well as local research in these fields at the University of Nottingham.

You'll gain knowledge and understanding of the following in common mental health:

  • Models and approaches that are being used to understand how mental health problems are caused and/or maintained and how they can be treated
  • Link between brain and cognitive function and underlying psychological and/or clinical problems.Methods used in research and clinical practice to study and/or manage the psychopathology of mental illness.
Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for Mental Health Research

The module 'Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for Mental Health Research' is designed so that students can acquire the concepts, skills and knowledge required to conduct and evaluate both qualitative and quantitative research in mental health and explore concepts and principles of psychiatry and applied psychology to enhance their evidence-based practice.

Critical Thinking Skills in Epidemiology and Public Health

This module is intended to prepare students for interpreting the literature they will read as practising physicians.

This involves teaching them critical thinking skills and includes examination of three medical topics covered by the assigned papers.

These will include the following study designs:

  • case control studies
  • randomised controlled trials
  • cross-sectional population surveys
  • cohort studies

Important issues in epidemiological research such as ethics and clinical constraints, case definition, research methods, power, bias and confounding and strength of evidence will be discussed, as relevant, for each paper.

Systematic reviews and national clinical guidelines will also be studied to understand the process of how these contribute to evidence based medicine. This will provide understanding of how individual research studies are brought together, evaluated for their quality. and combined to provide the recommendations and guidance that is used by healthcare professionals in practice.

Principles of Surgical Infection

The module includes the following topics:

  • Basic surgical microbiology revision
  • Operating theatre rituals and their scientific basis (if any)
  • Surgical aspects of various surgeries, for example: vascular graft surgery, orthopaedic surgery,neurosurgery, and gastro – intestinal surgery, with emphasis on infection prevention
  • Scientific, pathological and microbiological aspects of the above. Identification and discussion of period of risk (different in each) and logistic/patient risk factors
  • Prevention of surgical infection: identification of the problem and practical solutions. Relative contributions of hospital vs community pathogens, and of theatre vs ward sources.
  • Treatment of surgical infection: therapeutic choices and their pharmacokinetic aspects
Developmental Neuroscience

This module will provide you with a conceptual framework relevant to embryonic, foetal, neonatal, childhood and adolescent growth and development. You’ll be introduced to the pervasive concept of human development as a programmed evolution in structure and function of the brain.

You’ll explore the need for development in human neuroscience with reference to brain embryology; pre-term birth, brain tumours; and epilepsies, and other current clinical research areas, from new-borns to teenagers.

Clinical Applications of Current Neuroglia Research

The module will cover the following topics:

  • Introduction to neuroglia cells including historical perspectives and description of roles of neuroglia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia) in CNS physiology
  • The role and potentialuse as clinical targets of neuroglial cells in the following conditions will be described: insulininduced hypoglycaemia, demyelinating diseases, brain tumours, epilepsy and CNS regeneration
Malignant Haematology

This module will provide an overview of normal haematopoiesis and current concepts in normal and cancer haematopoietic stem cell biology.

It will also:

  • enable students to develop an appreciation of the causes, pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of haematological malignancies
  • provide an insight into the laboratory tests important in the diagnosis, stratification and prognosis of specific malignant haematological conditions
  • provide an overview of the diagnosis, treatment and management of haematological malignancies
  • develop an appreciation of the rationale behind the national leukaemia trails
  • give students an overview of the principles of stem cell transplantation
  • demonstrate the new research findings (drugs, mutations, biomarkers etc) in malignant haematology which are improving management and outcome of patients and allowing the advancement of targeted therapy.
Clinical Renal Physiology and Therapeutics

Kidney disease is relatively common and its incidence is increasing because of the ageing population and increases in the incidence of obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

This module focuses on the pathology and treatment of kidney diseases. This will predominantly be within an overview of renal structure and function, the clinical features of, and diagnostic tools used in, kidney disease, the pathology,assessment and management of kidney diseases such as glomerular disease,vascular disease, nephrotic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

Your final two years form the Clinical Phase of the programme. You'll focus on full-time clinical training and rotate through a series of placements at various teaching hospitals, community, and partnership trusts and within primary care settings across the region. These years will provide you with the professional knowledge, skills, values, and behaviours to succeed through direct experience.

The first component is a 47-week Foundations for Practice (FFP) phase, covering specialities such as junior medicine, junior surgery, mental health and primary care. This concludes with two four-week student-selected modules and a four-week junior assistantship (JAST).

The second component is our Advanced Phase (AP), which is broken down into a 26-week Advanced Practice phase 1(AP1), comprising obstetrics and gynaecology, child health, integrated medicine, palliative care and healthcare of later life. This leads into a 24-week Advanced Practice phase 2 (AP2), covering senior medicine, senior surgery, critical illness and senior primary care.

The final component of the course is a Preparation for Practice (PFP) phase, which includes a

  • six-week elective placement of your choice, which can be at home or abroad
  • six-week medical assistantship (MAST) to prepare you for the UK Foundation Programme.

The clinical phase is taught using a blended learning approach of clinical placement activities, self-directed learning (supported by extensive learning resources provided on our Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle), clinical tutorials and clinical skills/simulation training.

Compulsory

Preparation for Practice I

Topics to be covered include:

  • basic counselling skills
  • rationale for interventions in a counselling interview
  • importance of monitoring self-awareness
  • culture of the client and the counsellor
  • fundamentals of person-centred practice
  • how cultural and individual similarities/differences have an impact on the counselling relationship

This module entails intensive work on self-awareness and communication skills. You will evaluate the development of their own self-awareness and communication skills within the framework of counselling professional development.

Emphasis will be placed on the need for continuous intrapersonal development and awareness of personal cultural conditioning for counsellor competence. This will be achieved in skills practice and group work tasks and discussions.

Foundations for Practice

This phase provides students with the opportunity to acquire and develop professional knowledge, skills, values and behaviours through experiential learning in primary care settings, outpatient clinics, operating theatres, the emergency room and patients’ homes. This is combined with seminars and simulation-based learning.

This phase will comprise of an introductory week followed by five sets of six-week placements in medicine, surgery, specialty skills, mental health and community-based medicine.

Placements are integrated to allow students to maximise their learning in each setting. After two placements there will be a formative assessment week, and at the end of the five placements, students will have summative assessments. Students will progress to a 12-week block involving a two-week junior assistantship and 10 weeks of two or four-week Student Selected Modules (SSMs). Students will choose from a wide variety of SSMs from across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

Advanced Practice

This final phase of the course is divided into two components: Advanced Practice 1 and Advanced Practice 2.

This part of the course is intended to prepare students for the transition to working as a Foundation doctor and enable appropriate preparation for the GMC Medical Licensing Assessment.

Advanced Practice will consist of an introductory week followed by a series of clinical placements including a formative assessment mid-way through between Advanced Practice 1 and 2. Topics covered will include: Health Care of Later Life; Leadership and Management training; Intermediate Medicine including Rheumatology; Cancer and Palliative Care; Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Advanced Primary Care; Critical Illness; Advanced Medicine and Surgery. Upon completion of these clinical placements, a revision week will be held followed by the final summative examinations.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

Fees and funding

UK students

£9,250
Per year

International students

£28,700*
Per year

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses such as travel and accommodation.

  • £40 for an enhanced DBS check, and you may wish to subscribe to the DBS update service for £13 per year.
  • £65+ for a stethoscope

You may need to buy some smart clothes to wear for clinical work settings.

You should be able to access the books and resources you need for the course through our libraries, however you may wish to purchase your own copies or get specific books which may cost up to £80 each.

Scholarships and bursaries

In the final year of your course, students who live in the UK are eligible for NHS bursary funding (with some exceptions) which can help cover living costs and tuition fees.

Find out more about the NHS Bursary

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

International scholarships

Careers

On graduating, you'll be able to provisionally register with the General Medical Council (GMC) for a licence to practice medicine in the UK. We'll help you through this process and provide support as you transition to the UK Foundation Programme.

To fully register with the GMC and be able to practice medicine unsupervised in the NHS or as part of a private practice, you will need to complete a Medical Licensing Assessment and complete the UK Foundation Programme.

Find out more about the GMC registration process

While most students continue in a traditional medical career to become doctors, a medicine degree can lead to careers in research, sales, journalism, illustration, communications, and economics and more.

Average starting salary and career progression

A doctor on the UK Foundation Programme can expect to start at £27,689 to £32,050.

As you gain experience as a doctor and develop your professional skills, you may progress on to senior clinical posts and earn up to £107,688 depending on your role and years of service.

98.8% of medicine undergraduates from the School of Medicine secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £34,461.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

General Medical Council (GMC)

This course is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC). Upon graduation, you will be able to register provisionally with the GMC and begin the UK Foundation Programme. 

Dummy placeholder image
" I love studying medicine at Nottingham because of the overwhelmingly friendly atmosphere. Everyone is so keen to support you on your journey to become a doctor. Outside of the fantastic academic course, there are so many extra-curricular opportunities to get involved in, a lot of which are co-ordinated by MedSoc. This is a student-run society that manages over 60 clubs and societies, organises a whole host of events and focuses heavily on welfare. I can’t recommend Nottingham Medical School enough. "
Pascal Vogiaridis, current student, former MedSoc President (2020-2021)

Related courses

Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.