Medicine and Surgery MBChB

Course overview

Studying Medicine will lead you to a long and rewarding career where you’ll transform patient lives every day.

With outstanding clinical placements and world-leading educators, we encourage you to develop your knowledge and skills to become a successful doctor from day one.

At Leeds we offer you...

Exceptional placements

• Learn in an environment where clinical experience is second-to-none.

• Benefit from our long-established partnerships with major Leeds teaching hospitals, local acute and regional general hospitals and practices. Here, you will have access to exceptional and varied placements with supervision from industry professionals.

Outstanding teaching

• We are Top 10 in the UK for research power. Our curriculum is informed by the world-leading research carried out at Leeds, and delivered by experts with an exciting and dynamic approach to education,

• We are international leaders in mobile learning. Our curriculum is constantly updated from continuous investment and innovation in our teaching resources.

• We are a recognised leader in patient and carer involvement. At Leeds, you will gain first-hand insight from people with a medical condition or disability, and their carers from our Patient Carer Community.

• You will be continuously supported by personal and course tutors, support staff and peer mentoring. Your wellbeing is a priority, and we want to help you make the most of your time at Leeds.

Cutting-edge facilities

Our newly redeveloped medical school building is home to dedicated teaching facilities to enhance your learning.

• The Medical Teaching Centre (MTC) is the largest teaching centre in the UK and is equipped with sector-leading technology, private study spaces and computer clusters for you to develop your understanding of core scientific principles.

• Our Clinical Practice Centre (CPC) provides superb clinical skills training facilities, including simulation and state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment, and allows you to access independent learning opportunities and one-to-one clinical supervision.

GMC registration

Successful completion of the MBChB (and meeting Fitness to Practise criteria) allows you to register provisionally with the General Medical Council (GMC), the regulatory body for doctors in the UK.

Gateway Year to Medicine

At Leeds, we believe that an outstanding medical education should be accessible for all students, regardless of background. That’s why we’ve developed a new Gateway Year to Medicine course, designed to enable students from widening participation backgrounds students to develop their skills and scientific knowledge to advance to the MBChB course. You can find details about entry requirements and the application process on our course page.

Values based recruitment is carried out across our vocational programmes. Candidates who apply to more than one vocational course in the School of Medicine will only be considered for one course. Please note that if a candidate demonstrates motivation and insight for another non-School of Medicine vocational course e.g. nursing or dentistry they will be rejected without further consideration. Candidates therefore cannot apply to the Gateway to Medicine and Medicine programmes in the same application cycle.

Where possible, candidates who apply for multiple programmes within the School of Medicine will be informed that they must choose one course only.

Course details

Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

Year 1

• Get to know your tutors and fellow students with a four-week induction period

• Familiarise yourself with the core professional themes that run throughout the course, and the biomedical scientific principles which underpin clinical practice: the IDEALS (Innovation, Development, Enterprise, Leadership, Safety) theme addresses the challenges and requirements of modern practice, whilst Campus to Clinic develops your clinical decision-making and patient safety skills.

• Study biomedical sciences and integrate anatomy with radiology, physiology, clinical assessment and pharmacology. You’ll learn about the psychological and societal aspects of behaviour and human development, their role in health and illness and treatment of medical problems.

• Develop your communication skills with patients and fellow professionals through teaching and clinical placements. You’ll increase your understanding of research methods central to delivering evidence-based medical care.

Year 2

Building on the fundamentals.

You’ll enhance your understanding of clinical conditions, whilst developing insight into clinical laboratory science and the role of ethics and law in healthcare provision.

• Learn about the anatomy of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

• Develop your consultation, diagnostic and practical skills with clinical practice. You’ll appreciate the different types of investigations carried out in diagnosing common conditions and diseases across populations, and the ways in which illness affects individuals and society.

• Grow your understanding of human experience and behaviour in health and illness through academic teaching sessions, patient visits and exposure to the Patient Voice Group.

• Expand your skills to carry out research effectively, how to investigate epidemiological data and to consider evidence in relation to the overall health of a population.

• Develop your critical reflection, enterprise and entrepreneurial skills by taking part in a two-week project on enterprise and study an area outside mainstream medicine.

Year 3

Increasing clinical exposure with junior clinical placements.

• Develop and consolidate the programme’s core elements and learn about evidence-based medicine.

• Integrate your clinical skills and knowledge through five five-week clinical placements, which provide a thorough grounding in general medicine and exposure to a diverse range of conditions and patients.

• The SAFER-MEDIC theme links our core curriculum with GMC-identified outcomes and standards of undergraduate medical education.

Year 4

Gaining in clinical experience with speciality placements.

• Develop a greater understanding of the genetic, social and environmental factors that determine disease, appreciate the principles of treatment and response to treatment.

• Learn about anaesthetic and perioperative care, acute and critical care, women and children’s health, recurrent and chronic illnesses, mental and physical disabilities, rehabilitation, relieving pain and distress, and palliative care.

• You’ll be expected to be able to synthesise more complex clinical information for diagnosis and management. This will involve practice in clinical reasoning, generating differential diagnoses, making a diagnosis, and deciding appropriate management plans for all common and important conditions.

• Build your leadership, team-working, conflict management and negotiating skills and learn about the NHS business and organisational environment, legislation, strategic analysis and how to manage change effectively. You’ll undertake five clinical placements of six weeks each, in specialist areas of medicine.

Year 5

The transition from medical student to doctor.

In your final year, you will be able to call on your learning from throughout your course and prepare for life as an F1 doctor.

The transition from student to doctor will be eased by three eight-week placements, designed to help you build strong relationships with clinical teams. One placement involves the integration of teaching between primary and secondary care environments. All placements are in key clinical areas, with variations in clinical specialty to allow you to tailor this final year to suit your individual learning needs.

Additional course information

As well as our wide-ranging curriculum, you have the chance to tailor your studies through:

• Intercalation – taking an extra degree in one year, usually after year 2, 3 or 4 of the MBChB. It’s a chance to broaden your knowledge and enhance your career opportunities. Up to a half our undergraduate medical students choose to intercalate each year.

• 6-week elective – gain wider clinical experience or carry out a particular project in the UK or abroad. Between 4th and 5th year, this elective is about gaining wider clinical experience or carrying out a specific project. Past students have worked in health centres, charities, universities and hospitals in Australia, Samoa, Vanuatu, China, Italy, Nepal and Tanzania. MBChB students can study languages as part of the “Students without Borders” programme, so they are fluent enough to work as junior doctors in French- or Spanish-speaking countries after graduation. We also offer help and advice about North American licensing systems and examinations to assist students who want to train in the USA and Canada.

• Year in Enterprise – You will have the opportunity to undertake a “Year in Enterprise” in the Business School. During this year, you will develop an innovative business to transform patient care and healthcare delivery for the future. Students who complete the Year in Enterprise will graduate with their medical degree and an MSc in Enterprise.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Medicine and Surgery MBChB in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 3 compulsory modules

Year 4 compulsory modules

Year 5 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

We want to inspire the next generation of doctors.

At Leeds you will learn from innovative, leading professionals who directly inform the curriculum with world-leading medical research. Our students are encouraged to fulfil their potential from day one and are empowered to apply their growing knowledge to the real patients they meet to develop their confidence and clinical skills.

Early exposure to clinical settings sets our doctors apart from other graduates. During placement you will begin establishing your own style as a doctor by growing your consultation, leadership, teamwork and practical skills under the supervision of skilled industry professionals.

In the classroom, you’ll find innovative technology embedded across our course. Whether it’s independent or group learning, you can record your development in your e-portfolio, test your decision-making in the virtual health community resource and use mobile devices in clinical practice.

Support

We take support of our students seriously. Regular contact with your personal tutor guides your academic progress and personal development, to enable you to achieve your full potential. You’re supported by your fellow-medical students through our MUMS scheme, where you are paired with first-year “siblings” and second-year “parents”, who mentor you and are there to help when you need it.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We’re one of just four medical schools worldwide to hold the ASPIRE-to-Excellence award, assessed and awarded by leaders in medical education from around the world on behalf of the Association for Medical Education in Europe.

We have an international reputation for high quality assessment. Throughout the course, assessment is designed to build your knowledge and skills, following two broad approaches:

• Assessment for Learning - an informal evaluation technique to identify areas for specific individual support and inspire personal reflection on your performance – through written and practical exams, coursework and clinical assessments.

• Assessment for Progression - formal written examinations, projects, case reports and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) - where you are tested in Clinical Anatomy, Clinical Skills and Practice, Knowledge Application, Critical Analysis, Writing and Project Skills, and Attitudes and Professionalism.

The MBChB with Honours is awarded to outstanding students.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including Chemistry or Biology. Physics or Maths must also be offered if Chemistry is not taken.

We welcome general studies and critical thinking as a fourth A2, but they do not typically form part of our offer. Certain combinations are not acceptable, specifically:

• Chemistry with Biology and Human biology

• Chemistry with Mathematics and Further Mathematics

EPQs are not considered within our scoring.

Those taking a fourth A2 subject will not be at an advantage to those taking three. We do not rate A* as being higher than A, so we will not accept A*A*B instead of AAA.

Applications from applicants re-sitting exams are only likely to be successful in exceptional circumstances. Well-supported documentary evidence of any extenuating circumstances is required. Applications will not normally be considered from those undertaking a third attempt at an academic entry qualification.

These are the minimum entry requirements for Leeds. Please be aware that admission is highly competitive and the majority of applicants will have qualifications well above this standard.

Values based recruitment is carried out across our vocational programmes. Candidates who apply to more than one vocational course in the School of Medicine will only be considered for one course. Please note that if a candidate demonstrates motivation and insight for another non-School of Medicine vocational course (e.g. nursing or dentistry) they will be rejected without further consideration.

GCSE: A minimum of 6 GCSEs at grade B or above (or 5 or above) required in Maths, English Language, Biology and Chemistry or Dual Science. The School of Medicine recognises that some applicants may have studied a more flexible curriculum, where they have been able to progress through their educational development at an appropriate rate according to their ability. Where a Level 2 (for example, GCSE) or Level 3 (for example, A Level) qualification has been taken ‘early’ the academic reference should include the reasons for this so that it can be taken into consideration by the admissions team. Please note that A levels sat in Year 12 will not form part of the shortlisting scoring for interview and offers will be made on 3 A levels taken in Year 13.

Other course specific tests:

Age

Please note that applicants must be 18 years of age or over by the first day of the programme.

Evidence of Study

Applicants will need to show evidence of study in the last 5 years.

DBS Checks

The University of Leeds is obliged to refuse admission to applicants for certain courses, which are regulated by national or statutory bodies, where an Enhanced DBS certificate or International Criminality check reveals prior criminal behaviour giving rise to concern for the protection of the public. Clinical placements cannot be attended by those who fail to comply with the clearance processes. 

As part of your application to study you are required to declare any criminal convictions in order that certain checks with the DBS can be undertaken. The University will send further instructions as part of the admissions process where such checks are required.

Occupational Health Clearance

Any offer of a place to study on this course is conditional upon a satisfactory confidential occupational health assessment. All students will complete a pre-registration screening questionnaire which allows our occupational health team at the University support you to meet your true potential on the programme despite any pre-existing health concerns you may have.

The process also allows our occupational health team to check your immunity requirements so we can ensure that both patients and you are protected and kept safe. This will involve understanding your immunisation record to date.

Additionally, for Medicine, Gateway to Medicine, Physician Associates, Midwifery Programmes, Dentistry (undergraduate and postgraduate) and Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy, where you will be undertaking Exposure Prone Procedure (EPP) work during your training we will be screening for HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B surface antigen, in accordance with Department of Health regulations.

For students and applicants to the Faculty of Medicine and Health, please see our dedicated webpage for more information about Occupational Health.

HEOPS offers guidance on occupational health resources and health surveillance.

BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)

All applicants for the MBChB course are required to take BMAT in the autumn of application. We do not accept other aptitude tests instead, e.g. the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT).

The BMAT is a 2-hour paper-based test administered by the Admissions Testing Service in schools, colleges and accredited testing centres world-wide.

We strongly recommend you prepare for the test. There are many materials to help you, including on the BMAT website. Find out more about BMAT on the Admissions Service website, including advice, practice tests and past papers. Reimbursement for fees is available via BMAT for widening participation applicants directly from Cambridge Assessment.

Work experience

Medical schools are aware that work experience opportunities open to you have been affected and will take this into account. Additionally, keep in mind that clinical work experience is not generally a requirement for applying to medical school in any year.

Further information on work experience can be found here.

Personal statements

Although personal statements are not formally part of our shortlisting process, these form an essential part of your preparation for interview and it is therefore important that these are a clear and accurate reflection of how your skills and attributes make you an ideal candidate to study medicine.

Please read advice on personal statement and reference, non-academic achievements and personal qualities on the Medical Schools Council website.

Alternative qualification

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Access to Leeds Submission

In order for us to give your application due consideration, we'll need you to submit your Access to Leeds (A2L) application at the same time as you submit your UCAS application.

Typical Access to Leeds Offer

GCSE

A minimum of 6 GCSEs grade C or above (or 4 or above) required in Maths, English Language, Biology and Chemistry or Dual Science/Double Science).

A levels

ABB including A in Chemistry or Biology. Physics or Maths must also be offered if Chemistry is not taken.

We welcome general studies and critical thinking as a fourth A2, but they do not typically form part of our offer. Certain combinations are not acceptable, specifically:

• Chemistry with Biology and Human Biology
• Chemistry with Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Scottish Highers

AABBB at Higher level and BB at Advanced Higher level including B in Chemistry or Biology (or)
B at Advanced Higher level and AAABB at Higher level including B in Chemistry or Biology.

Irish Highers (leaving certificate)

AABBBB, including Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.

IB

Overall score of 34 points, including 3 higher level subjects at a minimum of grade 5, one of which must be Chemistry or Biology. Two subjects from Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Physics must also be offered at either Higher or Standard Level if not offered at GCSE. If English not offered at GCSE, this must be offered with a mark of at least 5 at Standard level.

Cambridge Pre-U

Three Merits (M1) in 3 Principal Subjects, including Chemistry and/or Biology.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.5 overall, with no less than 7.5 in Spoken English. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £39,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Intercalation scholarships

Find more information on funding for intercalation on our dedicated page.

Find our more about intercalation

School of Medicine scholarship

EXSEL at Leeds (Excellence in Scholarship, Enterprise and Leadership) is a unique scholarship scheme which nurtures undergraduate medical students with research ambitions to become academic clinicians.

Students selected to be scholars are given a bursary to conduct research during vacations. They then meet monthly with the two EXSEL directors to review their development. Under the supervision of their academic mentor, the students develop valuable skills for their future clinical posts. In return, they act as ambassadors for the Medical School at Leeds.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Values based recruitment is carried out across our vocational programmes. Candidates who apply to more than one vocational course in the School of Medicine will only be considered for one course. Please note that if a candidate demonstrates motivation and insight for another non-School of Medicine vocational course (e.g. nursing or dentistry) they will be rejected without further consideration.

Where possible, candidates who apply for multiple programmes within the School of Medicine will be informed that they must choose one course only.

The application closing date for medicine is earlier than for many other courses – all full-time undergraduate applications must be made through the UCAS website by 15 October of the year preceding entry. The School of Medicine does not normally accept applications after the initial UCAS closing date and nor does it typically participate in the UCAS Extra scheme or in clearing.

We welcome applications from applicants who are intending to undertake a gap year. Please use the personal statement section of the UCAS application form to explain your reasons for taking a gap year. You may normally apply for deferred entry for one academic year only.

Please see the latest School of Medicine Admissions Appeals and Complaints Procedure.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine undergraduate admissions policy 2023

This course is taught by

School of Medicine

Contact us

School of Medicine Undergraduate Admissions Team

Email: ugmadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

After year 5 you'll begin foundation training before becoming fully registered with the General Medical Council.

The Leeds MBChB enables our graduates to embark on a variety of careers, including hospital consultancy, General Practice (GP), medical and scientific research, leadership in the NHS and international health development.

The School of Medicine is a major international centre for education and cutting-edge research. We offer higher degrees by research and taught postgraduate programmes, with a rich variety of student experience, from basic discovery science through to applied healthcare research across our seven institutes. Find out more about our postgraduate study opportunities.

Careers support

Our MBChB students enjoy specialist careers support from a dedicated Careers Coordinator. Throughout the course you’ll have opportunities for self-reflection, to think about the different career routes and the skills you’ll need to develop to get into your chosen jobs. Thinking early about career routes helps our students make sound career decisions and increase their motivation and job satisfaction. We’ll help build up your career management and employability skills – ever-more important in a competitive jobs market.

Our Careers Coordinator also gives training to personal tutors and develops careers guidance resources for delivery throughout the curriculum.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad and work placements

We are developing new links and strengthening existing ones with providers in Europe to ensure our students can spend time understanding other cultures and healthcare systems.

In year 5 you can choose to spend your six-week elective abroad. This elective is about gaining wider clinical experience or carrying out a specific project. Past students have worked in health centres, charities, universities and hospitals on all continents, ranging from world-leading research institutes to isolated units delivering healthcare in developing countries.

MBChB students can study languages as part of the “Students without Borders” programme, so they are fluent enough to work as junior doctors in French- or Spanish-speaking countries after graduation.

Many of our graduates consider working in the USA and Canada. We support students through the process of applying for the North American licensing systems and examinations.

Find out more on the Study Abroad website.

Clinical placements

Clinical placements are central to your training and run throughout the programme. Our strong partnerships with the major Leeds teaching hospitals, local acute and regional general hospitals and general practices mean we can offer our students a diverse range of placements.

You’ll be working in real clinical environments from your first year and this experience will increase throughout your course.

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