• Benefit from close relationships with our principal NHS hospital partners – Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust (Derriford Hospital) and South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Torbay Hospital) – who have helped develop the course and provide wide-ranging placement opportunities (read more about our partners)
• Learn from real patients from the outset, with clinical placements starting in the first two weeks of Year One. 
• Ensure your learning is always current and follows best practice, through the internationally renowned research that constantly feeds into our teaching, to reflect today’s dynamic healthcare delivery environment.
• Take part in expert-led discussions around clinical case studies and the latest medical science breakthroughs, through our Structured Small Groups teaching approach, including Problem Based Learning. These are also a great opportunity to learn from other students’ knowledge and experience.
• Practise your clinical and communication skills in the safe setting of our Clinical Skills Resource Centre (CSRC), which features specially designed replicas of hospital wards and emergency rooms, with high-specification patient-simulators.
• Utilise online systems to support your learning including the student logbook, custom-made for our students to access lecture notes, online assessment systems and lecture sessions. 
  
• Deepen your understanding of the structure and functionality of the human body with our Life Sciences Resource Centre (LSRC), which includes radiographic imaging and expert-led life science sessions.
• Choose the subjects that most interest you to study in-depth and build your own interests, specialisms, and research, scientific and analytical skills over the five years of your degree with our Special Study Units (SSUs). There are over 200 to choose from – see a sample list of current SSU titles.
• See how clinical medicine or research is practised in different social and cultural contexts in other parts of the South West, UK or the world, and further your experience through our elective opportunities.
• Explore another discipline at degree level – from history of medicine to music, psychology to statistics with management – through our Intercalated degrees. Our BSc Emergency Care – developed with local emergency department/ consultants, is a unique opportunity in the UK to work in and learn about the area of emergency care alongside your medical degree.

• Year 1
• In the first two years, you’ll learn the core scientific foundations of medicine within a clinical context. We’ve structured our curriculum around the human life cycle, so in the first year you’ll study human physical and psychological development from conception to old age. You’ll learn from real-life clinical case studies and experience healthcare in a range of community settings, meeting patients and service users, and learning from health and social care professionals.

  Core modules

  • MED410 Medical Knowledge 1

    This module enables students to demonstrate the integrated application of basic human and biomedical sciences at the level appropriate for a first year student

  • MED411 Clinical and Communication Skills 1

    This module deals with the acquisition of the basic core clinical and communication skills underpinning modern clinical practice.

  • MED412 Personal Development and Professionalism 1

    This module deals with personal & professional development including team working, reflection, time management, ethical practice, feedback and professional skills.

  • MED414 Student-Selected Component 1 (SSC1)

    This module develops students' written and verbal communication, as well as research and critical thinking skills.

• Year 2
• In the second year, you’ll revisit the human life cycle, this time with an emphasis on disease, pathological processes, and the human and social impact of illness and disease. You’ll do a series of placements in a single general practice, enabling you to learn about long-term health issues and see teamwork in action.

  Core modules

  • MED520 Medical Knowledge 2

    This module enables students to demonstrate the integrated application of basic human and biomedical sciences at the level appropriate for a second year medical student.

  • MED521 Clinical and Communication Skills 2

    This module deals with the further acquisition of the core clinical and communication skills underpinning modern clinical practice.

  • MED522 Personal Development and Professionalism 22

    This module deals with the continuing further personal and professional development including team working, reflection, time management, ethical practice, feedback and professional skills.

  • MED524 Student-Selected Component 2 (SSC2)

    This module develops further students' written and verbal communication, as well as research and critical thinking skills.

• Year 3
• In your third and fourth years, you’ll learn more about clinical practice and spend more time in a patient-centred learning environment. Completing a series of hospital and general practice-based community placements, you’ll gain valuable experience in a wide range of clinical settings and see first hand how the NHS works as a team to deliver patient care. Year three focuses on three ‘Pathways of Care’: Acute Care, Ward Care and Integrated Ambulatory Care.

  Core modules

  • MED630 Medical Knowledge 3

    This module deals with the further acquisition of the core knowledge of the sciences underpinning clinical practice.

  • MED631 Clinical and Professional Development 1

    This module deals with the further acquisition of the core clinical skills and professional behaviours underpinning modern patient centred clinical practice and their application within a real clinical setting.

  • MED634 Student Selected Component 3

    This module further develops the students' written and verbal communication as well as research and critical thinking skills established in Years 1 and 2. In addition, it evaluates clinical care and essential support services.

• Year 4
• You’ll continue working and learning in hospital and general practice settings, further developing your communication, clinical, problem-solving and analytical skills. The three ‘Pathways of Care’ continue in year four with a focus on: Acute Care, Palliative Care/ Oncology and Continuing Care.

  Core modules

  • MED640 Medical Knowledge 4

    This module deals with the further acquisition of the core knowledge of the sciences underpinning clinical practice.

  • MED641 Clinical and Professional Development 2

    This module deals with the further acquisition and refinement of the core clinical skills and professional behaviours underpinning modern patient centred clinical practice and their application within a real clinical setting.

  • MED644 Student Selected Component 4

    This module further develops and refines the students' written and verbal communication as well as research and critical thinking skills established in years 1, 2 and 3. In addition, it evaluates clinical care and essential support services as well as research in action and the role of doctors as teachers.

• Final year
• You’ll now be all set to apply the knowledge, skills and confidence you’ve acquired over the first four years by working ‘on the job’, as part of a healthcare team in action, based in either Derriford or Torbay hospital. You’ll become more assured when dealing with clinical situations, and develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of practice in the NHS. Supplementing your independent learning with a portfolio of indicative presentations, you’ll also have the opportunity to do an elective in a different social or cultural context.

  Core modules

  • MED650 Medical Knowledge 5

    This module deals with the further acquisition of the core knowledge of the sciences underpinning clinical practice.

  • MED651 Clinical and Professional Practice

    This module enables students to demonstrate their clinical and professional ability to carry out clinical procedures, investigations , analysis and interpretation of evidence and production of a clinical management plan for a range of core acute and chronic conditions. It will include demonstration of a professional and ethical approach to clinical practice, working in a patient centred manner and as part of a multi disciplinary team in the delivery of health care within the NHS.

  • MED654 Student Selected Component 5

    This module builds on and refines skills in independent learning, team working and critical thinking through the planning and execution of an elective period of study of the student's own design.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

PU PSMD BMBS Programme Spec 2016 17 4601

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Direct school leavers

The entry requirements below apply to you if you completed your GCE A levels, or equivalent qualifications, within two years of the start of the 2016 application cycle, e.g. qualifications completed since 2014.

All of the typical offers listed below are not necessarily the threshold for selection for interview. Other factors including the number of applications received and performance in the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) influence the threshold for selection for interview.

AS/A level reform statement

From 2017, in response to the AS/A level reform, we expect to require three A level passes at a minimum A grade to include chemistry and biology. An additional pass in a fourth AS level will not form part of any offer made. Typical Offers for 2017 entry will be A*AA/AAA. The school will review this policy annually as the position for schools and colleges becomes clearer in this area.

GCE A level

The typical offer is A*AA – AAA at GCE A level which must include chemistry and biology. General Studies at A/AS level is not included within any offer.

GCSEs

Applicants need to achieve 7 GCSE passes at grades A-C which must include English language, mathematics and either GCSE single and additional science or GCSE biology and chemistry.

International Baccalaureate

38 - 36 points overall including 6 in higher level biology and chemistry.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades AAA including chemistry and biology.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma

A pass in the Diploma, plus grades A*A – AA in chemistry and biology. General studies at A/AS level is not included within any offer.

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

D3, D3, M1 including chemistry and biology at D3.  

GCE A levels and Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

Applications will be assessed on an individual basis according to the subjects studied. Chemistry must be achieved at D3 in lieu of grade A at GCE A level.  For a non-science subject a minimum grade M1 is required.

Applicants offering the following qualifications will need to take the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). Please see entry requirements for non-Direct School Leavers:

• BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science
• Advanced Diploma in Society, Health and Development
• Access to HE Diploma (Science)

PU PSMD welcome applications from re-sit applicants providing a minimum attainment has been achieved at the first attempt. For example: A level candidates need to have achieved AAB for medicine / ABB for dentistry.

Other UK qualifications

Other UK qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and you are advised to contact the Admissions team on +44 1752 437333 or email: meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

EU and EEA Countries entry qualifications

Please download the EU and EEA Countries entry requirements 2016.

UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT)

As part of our commitment to a fair and transparent admissions process, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry uses the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) in order to make more informed choices from amongst the many highly qualified applicants who apply for a place on the BMBS programme. UKCAT test results will be used, alongside the academic information contained on your UCAS form to select direct school leavers for interview. You will be required to meet a minimum standard in each of the subtests, plus meet an overall target score which is set and reviewed annually by the Admissions Advisory Panel. Please note that in the 2016 test, UKCAT will be piloting a new Decision Making section in place of the Decision Analysis subtest. Neither you nor your University choices will receive a score for this subtest. Further information about this new section can be found on the UKCAT website.

Please note: If you are re-applying for a second year with achieved grades, you will need to register and complete a new UKCAT test as part of your application.

Official UKCAT candidate preparation toolkit

Official UKCAT advice and information videos on YouTube

The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) threshold score applied to determine candidate selection for interview can alter each year and is influenced by overall candidate performance in the UKCAT and the number and quality of applications received. Adjacent are examples of the score thresholds applied during the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 admissions cycles. Please note that all thresholds needed to be met.

Application cycle 2012 for 2013 entry

Verbal Reasoning : 550
Quantitative Analysis : 610
Abstract Reasoning : 580
Decision Analysis : 590
Overall (with standard deviation applied) : 2560

Application cycle 2013 for 2014 entry

Verbal Reasoning : 504
Quantitative Analysis : 612
Abstract Reasoning : 599
Decision Analysis : 713
Overall (with standard deviation applied) : 2671

Application cycle 2014 for 2015 entry

Verbal Reasoning : 520
Quantitative Analysis : 650
Abstract Reasoning : 600
Decision Analysis : 580
Overall (with standard deviation applied) : 2600

Application cycle 2015 for 2016 entry

Verbal Reasoning : 530
Quantitative Analysis : 650
Abstract Reasoning : 610
Decision Analysis : 600
Overall (with standard deviation applied) : 2610

Widening access to Medicine

As part of our commitment to widening access to medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry undertakes a programme of outreach activities with local schools in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. For further information please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/your-university/about-us/university-structure/faculties/medicine-dentistry/widening-access

The School is also represented at the UCAS Higher Education Conventions in the UK.

Non-direct school leavers

The entry requirements set out in this section apply to you if it's more than two years since you completed GCE A levels or equivalent qualifications, or if you are a graduate or if you intend to enrol onto the second year of another degree course.

Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry uses the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) as the entrance requirement for non-direct school leavers. GAMSAT assesses your academic aptitude for the study of medicine. Results from the test will be used alongside the other information contained on your UCAS form to select non-direct school leavers for interview. The results are valid for 2 years.

GAMSAT is a 5 ½ hour written test that assesses your reasoning in humanities, social science, biological science, physical science and written communication. As this test only assesses academic aptitude, if you're successful you'll still need to show us at interview that you have the appropriate personal qualities to train and practise as a doctor.

If you'd like to know more or to register for the test, please visit the GAMSAT website. If you'd like to know more or to register for the test, please visit the GAMSAT website. Although the school does not accept responsibility for the content, you may also find the following GAMSAT information leaflet of interest.

International student admissions

Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry welcomes and encourages applications from suitably qualified international students who are either self-funded, supported by scholarships from their respective governments, or sponsored by scholarship programmes operated by the British Council and similar funding bodies.

If you're an international applicant you need to meet the equivalent admissions criteria described for home students, with the exception that you do not need to sit the UKCAT test. Applicants applying with overseas qualifications should contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk prior to submitting an application through UCAS. In addition international applicants need to be fully proficient in English language. All teaching at our School is in English, so if English is not your first language and you do not have a GCSE or IGCSE pass at grade A in English language, you must have one of the following qualifications:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band 7.5 or above with at least 7.0 in each of the speaking and listening sections, taken within 12 months prior to entry
• IB score of 6 in English B at the standard level

We know that university life is a challenge for any student but especially when you're a long way from home. You'll find Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry friendly and supportive. We have a nominated academic tutor to coordinate the induction and academic support provided to international students. International Student Advice (ISA) also provide support and can assist you with any non-academic issues affecting international students. There are also student welfare support and counselling services, wardens and student health centres on hand if you need them.

Students who have an offer of a place should apply under the Tier 4 (General Student) category. Further information is available on the UK Border Agency's website.

Selection and admissions process

We have outlined our selection and admissions process, providing information from interviews to deferred entry.

Download the 2016-17 Selection and Admissions Technical Manual.

Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise

Please view our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page.

For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

All applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All applications for the BMBS and BDS programmes must reach UCAS between the beginning of September 2017 and 15 October 2017. Applicants should apply to no more than four of the same clinical degree programmes. Applicants may wish to consider BSc Dental Therapy & Hygiene or one of our School of Biomedical and Healthcare Science programmes as their fifth choice.

The UCAS code for the Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry is P60 PLYM. 

For more information contact the Admissions Team:

General Medical Council 

Information for applicants

At the end of the undergraduate course you will receive your BMBS degree, which is a primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a PMQ entitles you to provisional registration with the General Medical Council, subject only to its acceptance that there are no Fitness to Practise concerns that need consideration. Provisional registration is time limited to a maximum of three years and 30 days (1125 days in total). After this time period your provisional registration will normally expire.

Provisionally registered doctors can only practise in approved Foundation Year 1 posts: the law does not allow provisionally registered doctors to undertake any other type of work. To obtain a Foundation Year 1 post you will need to apply during the final year of your undergraduate course through the UK Foundation Programme Office selection scheme, which allocates these posts to graduates on a competitive basis. So far, all suitably qualified UK graduates have found a place on the Foundation Year 1 programme, but this cannot be guaranteed, for instance if there were to be an increased number of competitive applications from non-UK graduates.

Successful completion of the Foundation Year 1 programme is normally achieved within 12 months and is marked by the award of a Certificate of Experience. You will then be eligible to apply for full registration with the General Medical Council. You need full registration with a licence to practise for unsupervised medical practice in the NHS or private practice in the UK.

Although this information is currently correct, students need to be aware that regulations in this area may change from time to time.

There is some discussion about whether to remove provisional registration for newly qualified doctors. If this happens then UK graduates will receive full registration as soon as they have successfully completed a BMBS degree. It should be noted that it is very likely that UK graduates will still need to apply for a training programme similar to the current Foundation Programme and that places on this programme may not be guaranteed for every UK graduate.

In addition the GMC is currently considering whether to introduce a formal assessment that all doctors would need to pass in order to be granted full registration. Although no firm decision has been taken as to whether or when such an exam will be introduced applicants should be aware that the GMC envisages that future cohorts of medical students will need to pass parts of a new UK Medical Licensing Assessment before the GMC will grant them Registration with a Licence to Practise.