Undergraduate course
BMBS
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery with Foundation (Year 0)
An alternative entry route into medicine for able students whose education has been impacted by adversity. This course aims to aid the transition to university and introduces you to our learning, teaching and assessment methods.Your journey starts here
Begin your medical journey with a foundation that nurtures confidence, skills and knowledge – designed to support your growth in every area essential for success in future medical studies.
Widening access
An alternative entry route to medicine for those whose academic potential has been adversely affected by educational and social factors.
Innovative teaching
We use the latest technology and teaching approaches to ensure you take ownership of your educational journey and maximise your potential.
About
The application deadline for September 2026 entry has now passed (15 October 2025), and we are no longer accepting submissions.
UCAS advises applicants to use no more than four of their five choices for Medicine. If you're considering alternative options, please explore the ‘compare courses’ section at the bottom of this page or visit our
medicine, dentistry and biomedical sciences subject page
for further opportunities.
A foundation year bridged the gap to taking the next step to university. I was able to be mentored and to work on my communication skills. When I progressed to the first year, I felt far more confident and prepared. It doesn’t matter what your background is, if you want to go into medicine and make a difference, you can achieve it.
Anthony
BMBS with Foundation student
BMBS with Foundation student
What is a foundation year?
A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
Further information on
University of Plymouth courses with Foundation years
.
A full list of potential progressions routes is listed under course details
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
- To build your confidence to study at university level.
- To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
- Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
- You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
- You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
- You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
This course is for you if...
you aspire to become a competent and caring doctor, ready to make a difference
you're passionate about providing patient-centred clinical care
you seek to develop practical skills and build on medical knowledge
you value learning in specialised facilities alongside experienced professionals
Details
Progression routes
Successfully completing your Foundation Year (Year 0) won’t result in a standalone qualification, but it does guarantee progression to stage 1 of the
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
course, provided you meet the necessary entry requirements at the end of the year.
You'll be enrolled directly onto Stage 1 of the standard BMBS programme without needing to undertake any further assessments. Please note, we are unable to support transfer from our Foundation year to year 1 of other medical schools.
You'll be enrolled directly onto Stage 1 of the standard BMBS programme without needing to undertake any further assessments. Please note, we are unable to support transfer from our Foundation year to year 1 of other medical schools.
Foundation year
Teaching will be delivered across a mixture of shared and bespoke core modules. Shared modules are delivered in collaboration with the School of Biomedical Sciences.
For information about the remaining five years of this course, please refer to the BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery course page.
Core modules
FMD001
Molecules to Cells
20 credits
This module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.
100% Examinations
FMD002
Introduction to Human Physiology
20 credits
This module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.
50% Examinations
50% Other
FMD004
Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning)
20 credits
This module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline
100% Coursework
MED003
Learning Skills and Professional Development for Medicine
20 credits
This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning, study skills, scientific communication, mathematical skills and aspects of programme specific practice.
100% Coursework
MED004
Active Life Sciences Learning
20 credits
This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education in medicine and related subjects, with the aim to give them critical foundation level knowledge to help them progress through the BMBS programme.
100% Examinations
MED005
Workplace Related Hot Topics in Medicine
20 credits
This module is designed to enable learners to develop an understanding of current issues in the health professions and may be linked with workplace observations.
100% Coursework
Year 2
Core modules
MED410
Medical Knowledge 1
50 credits
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
30 credits
This module deals with the acquisition of the basic core clinical and communication skills underpinning modern clinical practice.
MED412
Personal Development and Professionalism 1
10 credits
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)
30 credits
This module focuses on research skills. The module aims to emphasise the development and achievement of skills in: searching sources, critical evaluation, synthesis, presenting evidence, effective planning, developing research questions and problem solving.
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.
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:
Experience
Life Sciences Resource Centre
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional facilities, designed to enhance your learning experience and offer practical, hands-on opportunities for skills development.
Our
Life Sciences Resource Centre (LSRC)
is an outstanding teaching and learning facility with an extensive range of modern resources designed to best support your study, whether attending taught sessions or during self-directed learning.
The foundation year provided me with a solid grounding in medical sciences and anatomy, thus easing my transition into the first year, as it built on what I had already learned. This not only boosted my confidence but also reinforced my passion for medicine!
Ayisha
BMBS with Foundation student
BMBS with Foundation student
Work alongside other healthcare students
Teamwork is essential for success in health and social care and many other careers. Interprofessional learning is all about working and learning together with people from different areas of healthcare. It helps you build valuable skills for the future.
We support interprofessional learning, giving students chances to work with others across different healthcare fields. By learning together, students become confident and ready to step into their careers from day one.
Interprofessional learning allows me to consider the strengths and limitations of not just other health professions but my own too. I believe this will have a positive impact on my career as a future doctor, enhancing partnership between professions, future patients and the community.
Alice
Interprofessional Learning Ambassador
Interprofessional Learning Ambassador
Learn from experienced and committed teachers
At the Peninsula Medical School, our whole staff team is dedicated to ensuring you maximise your potential and take ownership journey. Putting our School values of being kind and inclusive into practice, our teachers are committed to supporting you on your journey into medicine. We work in partnership to inform curriculum design and innovation, to develop support structures, peer teaching and a wealth of extracurricular opportunities.
Dr Holly Stephenson
Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
Programme co-lead
Dr Lauren Singer
Lecturer in Anatomy (Education)
Programme co-lead
Professor Laura Bowater MBE
Head of Peninsula Medical School
Join our medical society 'Peninsula MedSoc'
“MedSoc is your not-so-academic part of medicine. We have an amazing team and we organise student-led teaching, events and balls throughout the five years of medical school. We also set you up with your MedSoc family, which put together first/foundation years with a second year pair who become your point of contact for questions and support. The society is lots of fun to go and do activities with outside of the curriculum. So please do get involved!”
Amber
Current MedSoc president
Current MedSoc president
A day in the life of a medicine student
Curious about life as a medical student at Plymouth?
Watch our BMBS student's video for an idea of a typical day.
Watch our BMBS student's video for an idea of a typical day.
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
I fell in love with Plymouth, with the beaches and the scenery! I love being by the sea and swimming at the Hoe. It's a beautiful part of the world to be in.
Lily Evans
Lecturer in Anatomy
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
The BMBS course at University of Plymouth has a strong clinical focus so I felt prepared for work as a foundation doctor. I'm now a foundation year 2 resident doctor at Torbay Hospital, working through rotations of different specialties.
Dr Jordan Hargreaves
BMBS graduate
BMBS graduate
Our medicine graduates work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, GP practices, hospices, specialist units and in community teams supporting patients in their own homes. In addition to the NHS, there is a large private healthcare sector. Further opportunities exist in prisons, the armed forces and overseas.
According to the annual General Medical Council survey of Foundation doctors, Plymouth’s graduates consistently report the highest measures of feeling prepared for professional practice, including communication, patient centred care, understanding team hierarchies, knowing when to escalate decisions, understanding their own knowledge, and self-awareness.
-
b95% of our BMBS graduates go on to work and/or study
-
]90% of our graduates are using what they learnt during their studies in their current work
After graduating, doctors complete two foundation years (F1 and F2) before entering more specialist training programmes. It’s not as though they’re sitting in a classroom for the five years of training beforehand – experiential learning in the clinical environment is a hugely important part of their training – but this report has shown just how important the ‘on the job’ skills are, as well as an awareness of the roles of the wider health and social care staff who are intricately involved with patient care.
Professor Tom Gale
Associate Head of School (Research)
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
£9,790 per year
Part-time study
£815 per 10 credits
£815 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery with Foundation is designed to make the study of medicine accessible to all individuals. For this reason, you must meet both the academic and non-academic entry requirements in order to be considered for this programme. We are unable to accept international applicants for this programme.
Please note the following information concerning academic entry requirements:
- None of the typical offers listed below are necessarily the threshold for interview selection. Other factors including the number of applications received may influence the threshold for interview selection.
- Applicants for this course must not meet the A level and GCSE grade requirements for the five-year BMBS Medicine (A100) course, including the re-sit policy. However, if you meet either the GCSE or A level requirements for A100 but not the other, then you would be considered for the foundation course.
- We will only consider an application from each candidate for either BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery with Foundation Year (A102) or BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (A100). Offers will not be made for both programmes.
- As part of our commitment to a fair and transparent admissions process, Peninsula Medical School uses the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in order to make informed choices from amongst the many highly qualified applicants who apply for a place on the BMBS with Foundation programme. UCAT test results will be used alongside A levels and GCSEs to select for interview. The Admissions Advisory Panel reserve the right to consider all aspects of the UCAT when shortlisting for interview. The UCAT is valid for 12 months and must be sat in the year of application. The UCAT threshold score applied to determine candidate selection for interview can alter each year and is influenced by overall candidate performance in the UCAT and the number and quality of applications received. Unfortunately, we will not be able to confirm the cut off for the coming academic year until all applications have been received and assessed.
- We are unable to consider any applicants who have already completed a first degree.
- We are only able to consider Level 3 qualifications completed within five years of the start of the application cycle. For example, qualifications completed since 2019 would still be valid when applying in September 2024.
- Applicants must meet the GCSE and Level 3 criteria to meet the academic entry requirements.
Entry requirements
GCSE
Applicants need to achieve 5 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Two Science subjects - either GCSE Double Award Science or two from single award Chemistry, Biology, or Physics
We are unable to consider functional skills in lieu of GCSEs.
A Level
The typical offer is BBB at GCE A level which must include the following:
- Grade B in Biology
- Grade B in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
- Your third A level can be from any subject area and does not need to be science based. When shortlisting for interview we do not give preference to those who complete three Science A Levels. General Studies is not accepted
BTEC National Extended Diploma
DDM in a relevant subject, which must contain units covering sufficient Biology and another science.
BTEC National Diploma
- DM in a relevant subject, which must contain units covering sufficient Biology and another science
- GCE A Level grade B in Biology
Access to Higher Education Diploma
Pass an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a predominantly science subject area, meeting the following criteria:
- 60 credits overall to include 45 level 3 credits, of which 15 level 3 credits must be in Biology or Human Biology
- You must achieve Distinction in 33 level 3 credits, and Merit in the remaining 12 level 3 credits
Irish Leaving Certificate
H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Biology and one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge can be considered in place of a third A Level alongside Biology and a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBB to include the following:
- Grade B in Biology
- Grade B in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
International Baccalaureate
28-32 points overall to include the following:
- Higher Level 5 in Biology
- Higher Level 5 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Other UK qualifications
Other UK qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact the Admissions Team at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for advice, ensuring you provide all details of your qualifications.
Contextual entry requirements
All applicants, in addition to meeting or exceeding the academic criteria, will need to meet a total of at least 5 points from any combination of the following criteria:
Each worth 2 points
- Being in care or care-experienced
- Being in receipt or eligible for free school meals during your level 3 qualifications
- Refugee status
- Attending a low performing school/college based on 16-18 performance
- In receipt of EMA or 16-19 bursary
- In receipt of UCAT bursary
Each worth 1 point
- Living in an area categorised as being in indices of mass deprivation (IMD) 1-4 or local equivalent
- Significant engagement in the Peninsula Pathways programme
- Living in a low participation area as determined by POLAR4 quintile 1 postcode analysis
- Being a south west resident (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset)
- In receipt of service pupil premium
Explanation of above terms
In care/care leaver
Being in care or care-experienced – Evidenced by school letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
What's a care experienced student?
A care experienced student is someone who has spent any amount of time in local authority care, such as foster care or residential children's homes, but may not meet the definition of a care leaver.
Free school meals
Being in receipt of free school meals whilst completing your level 3 qualifications, at the school/college you undertook these qualifications – evidenced by school letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Refugee status
Evidenced by either an official letter from the Home Office or preferably a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), submitted by the applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Where English is not your first language and you do not have a GCSE or IGCSE Grade 4 in English language you, must have an alternative English language qualification. Examples of acceptable language qualifications are the Certificate of Proficiency in English (Cambridge - Grade C) or the International English Language Testing System IELTS (at least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in every element).
School performance
Attending or attended a low performing school/college whilst completing your level 3 qualifications e.g. 16–18 performance in the ‘below’ or ‘well below average’ classifications.
- If you attend a secondary school or college in England, please visit the Compare School and College Performance gov.uk website.
- If you attend a secondary school or college in Wales, please visit My Local School website.
- If you attend a secondary school or college in Northern Ireland, please visit the Schools Plus, Department of Education website.
- If you attend a secondary school or college in Scotland, please visit the School information dashboard, Education Scotland website.
UCAT, EMA or 16-19 bursary
In receipt of one or more of these bursaries. UCAT bursary entitlement can be evidenced by providing a copy of your award email or a copy of your invoice showing a deduction of the test fee. EMA or 16-19 bursary entitlement to be evidenced by an official award letter or a school letter. Documents should be submitted at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Indices of Mass Deprivation
Living in an area categorised as being in Indices of Mass Deprivation (IMD) 1–4 or 20% most deprived as determined by your English postcode, Northern Ireland postcode, Scottish postcode, and Welsh postcode.
POLAR4
South west resident
Living in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset as determined by your postcode.
Service pupil premium
Being in receipt of service pupil premium – Evidenced by school letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
Significant engagement in the Peninsula Pathways programme
Significant engagement includes completion of the five-day summer Work Experience Programme, being a member of the e-Mentoring scheme and having attended a minimum of three of the various Peninsula Pathways workshops by the end of Year 12.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
A102
A102
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
6 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Re-sit applicants
Re-sit applicants are considered for this course, with the following requirements:
- If you are applying with predicted grades, a minimum of BCC must be achieved on first sitting of A level
- Where BCC is not achieved on first sitting, applicants must re-sit the required qualifications and apply once suitable grades have been achieved
- A level or accepted equivalent qualifications must be completed in no more than 3 years of study, unless otherwise advised
- A suitable qualification profile must be achieved on first re-sit attempt
International Baccalaureate re-sit policy: Applicants must achieve a minimum of 30 points overall including 5,5,5 at Higher Level at first attempt.
Irish Leaving Certificate re-sit policy: Applicants must achieve a minimum of H3, H3, H3, H3, H3, H4 at first attempt.
We do not have an AS level resit policy, however, full A levels must be completed within the above timeframe.
For re-sit criteria of other qualifications, please contact the Admissions Team at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Selection and admissions process
Applications should be made through UCAS by the published deadline. This is typically 15 October. You can apply to no more than four of the same clinical course choice, so although you cannot apply for five medical courses, four medical courses and one dental course would be permitted. Further information on this is available through the UCAS website. You may also wish to consider an alternative course such as Biomedical Science or Medical Sciences as your fifth choice.
All decisions on applications are made by the Admissions Advisory Panel, which consists of academics, clinicians and senior members of the administrative team.
The University of Plymouth Medicine and Dentistry Admissions Team process applications as follows:
1. Shortlisting for interview – Applicants are considered for interview based on relevant academic qualifications and non-academic criteria alone. We do not currently consider personal statements or work experience when selecting for interview
The Admissions Advisory Panel consider many factors when choosing who will be invited to attend an interview, including the number of places available on the course and the number of applications received, alongside the academic profiles of all of our applicants
2. Interview – Successful applicants are invited to attend an interview process. We use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) as the format for our interviews. Full details can be found in our selection and admissions process.
Following interviews, candidates are ranked based on the score achieved and the top performing applicants are offered a place on the course
3. Offer – Offers are made via UCAS. Within all offers, candidates are required to complete a series of health and police checks, full details of which are communicated to firm offer holders by the Admissions Team.
Practising as a doctor requires the highest standards and we take seriously our commitment to only enrol and teach students with the integrity required of the profession. Full details can be found on our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise.
Frequently asked questions
Medicine is an incredibly competitive course. What are my chances of being offered a place?
It is difficult for us to confirm what percentage of applicants will be accepted as the number of applications we receive changes year to year.
We have 40 places on BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery with Foundation Year.
Application statistics for 2024 can be found below:
Number of Places: 40
Number of applications for 2024 entry: 510
Number of applicants interviewed: 193
Number of offers made: 82
Number of applications for 2024 entry: 510
Number of applicants interviewed: 193
Number of offers made: 82
Although we very rarely have places available through Clearing, you are more than welcome to call us from early August to check if there are places available.
I am unable to obtain predicted grades for my qualifications. Will my application still be considered?
We are unable to consider any applicant who cannot provide predicted grades for pending qualifications.
Do you consider late applications?
We are unable to consider any applications that are received by UCAS after the deadline, which is typically 18:00 (GMT) on 15 October annually. To ensure your application is considered, please do not leave it until the last minute to apply, as you will need to allow time for your school or college to add your reference and officially submit your application.
If you applied on time but changed your mind about your university choices, we will consider your application assuming you are within the 14 day cooling off period set by UCAS and your application was submitted prior to the deadline.
When will interviews take place?
Interviews typically take place between December and February. You will be given the opportunity to choose your preferred interview date through our online booking system, and we endeavour to provide as much notice of interview dates as possible.
Where will interviews take place?
We will be completing all interviews in the 2024 admissions cycle online via zoom.
I have personal issues that I am worried could have affected my interview/exam performance. Do you consider extenuating circumstances?
Whilst we sympathise with the unfortunate situation you have experienced, in the interest of fairness to all our applicants we are unable to consider any extenuating circumstances at any stage of the admissions process.
Will you have places available through Clearing?
We very rarely have places available through Clearing. You are more than welcome to call us from early August to check if there are places available, however.
I have been given an offer but I am worried that I will not meet the academic criteria. What will happen if I don’t achieve the required grades?
We understand that applying for university and sitting exams is an incredibly stressful time. We will be unable to confirm whether we can accept your application if you do not meet the required grades until A level results day. At this point, we will know how all of our applicants have performed and the Admissions Advisory Panel will advise whether reduced grades will be considered.
While we have softened on entry requirements in the past, there is no guarantee that this will be the case.
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.