MB ChB Medicine (4.5-year degree)

In the case of applicants offering UK A-levels, they should have (or be likely to obtain before the medical course begins) a minimum of grades ABB, including Chemistry or Biology.

They should demonstrate competence in English language, either in the case of a native English speaker by attainment of at least Grade 4 in English at GCSE (or equivalent), or in the case of non-native English speakers by attainment of at least 7.0 overall and a minimum of 6.5 in each component of IELTS.

They should demonstrate competence in Maths by attainment of at least Grade 4 in Maths GCSE (or equivalent).

In the specific case of the International Baccalaureate, they should be expected to achieve or to have achieved a total score of at least 34 points to include 3 Higher Level subjects. You must achieve at least Higher Level 6 in Chemistry or Biology but have taken both and achieved at least a HL5 in the other. Please note that the overall point score does not include theory of knowledge or extended essay.

For applicants offering a degree – they should have a Bachelor degree in a subject cognate to Medicine, and have or be predicted a minimum classification of 2.1.

Please note that we do not accept BTECs as this qualification is not sufficient.

Academic qualifications older than 5 years will not be considered.

For country-specific requirements, please see our Entry Requirements Document.

English language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English must hold an IELTS UKVI or *IELTS Academic certificate with a minimum overall score of 7 and no less than 6.5 in each component. *Please note that IELTS Academic is unsuitable for MB ChB applicants who may be offered an alternative course following Selection (CertHE Medical Sciences (Pre-Med)), so we strongly recommend all MB ChB applicants to take the IELTS UKVI test. IELTS General Training is not sufficient for either MB ChB or Pre-Med programmes. Alternatively, Cambridge English: Advances (CAE) certificate is accepted with an overall average score of 185, with a minimum of 176 in each paper.

Applicants whose native language is not English will be exempt from providing an English Test Certificate only if they have successfully completed a UK Bachelor degree, or are a national of one of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada*, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and USA. *Applies to Canadian Nationals only.

Please refer to the GMC guidance to learn more about the meaning of ‘native’ English, and to see the list of countries where English is considered a native language.

Student Contract for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer.

Read the MB ChB Student Contract.

Admissions and selection process

The selection processes operate in three stages. The first stage is Academic Selection, the second stage is a digital Multiple Mini Assessment (MMA) and the third is the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).

View demonstrative graphic of the selection process.

Stage One: Academic Selection

This first stage involves judgements on the basis of the written application, primarily related to academic achievement as an indicator of intellectual suitability for a medical course and the practice of medicine. Applicants may offer a variety of qualifications, but the overriding principle is that achievement should be at the highest level, and comparable to entrants to other medical schools in the United Kingdom. It is not intended that ability to pay the fees for the course should compensate for academic achievement that is less than usual for entry to a medical course in the UK.

Stage Two: Multiple Mini Assessment (MMA)

The second stage of selection applies only to those who meet the academic threshold and is intended to judge personal attributes relating to suitability for practice as a doctor. It is a computer-based test, made up of a series of tasks intended to test applicants’ analysis, interpretation and judgement abilities related to ‘Good Medical Practice‘, published by the UK General Medical Council.

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

Stage Three: MULTIPLE MINI INTERVIEW (MMI)

The third stage of selection is intended to judge personal attributes relating to suitability for practice as a doctor. It consists of a series of tasks intended to test abilities related to ‘Good Medical Practice‘, published by the UK General Medical Council.

To learn more, view our Preparing for Medicine Selection events webinar.

Selection Days

Please note: Eligible applicants will be invited to the next available interview. More dates are set to be shared throughout the year.

Schedule of selection events

In keeping with the Buckingham ethos, the ratio of students to academic staff, clinical educators and patients is kept low throughout Phases 1 and 2. See our Phase II Placement Allocation Policy.

We will assess your progress rigorously throughout the course so that you, the Medical School and the public can be confident that you are meeting the high standards required of a doctor.

There will be a combination of written examinations, structured clinical examinations and the use of an e-portfolio of evidence of progress, all chosen to make the most valid and reliable test of your abilities.

The other main purpose of the assessment system is to drive the learning of all students, and the Medical School has therefore chosen to place a high weight on educational impact in the design of the assessment system.  The aim is to assess students in ways that will drive deep, contextual and constructive learning that will last into life-long practice.

Through workshops and career education talks we aim to provide all medical students with the resources that they will need to make the right decision in their medical career or in selecting their chosen speciality.

The Student Support Team will assist you in providing advice or guiding you to the most appropriate person to talk to about:

• Career choice
• Applying for electives
• CV checking
• Interview skills

The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.

Fees

The University of Buckingham is a not-for-profit educational charity that receives no government subsidies. Tuition fees are invested fully into providing a first-class medical education and student experience.

• View full 4.5-year fee breakdown for UK students
• View full 4.5-year fee breakdown for International students

Deposit requirements

We ask for a non-refundable deposit of £10,000 to secure your place with us when you accept an offer. This deposit acts as a credit against your first year’s fees. If you do not meet the conditions of the offer, your deposit will be refunded in full.

However, if you have accepted our offer and meet our conditions, but then decide not to study at the University of Buckingham, your deposit will be non-refundable. The exceptions to this are scenarios such as force majeure events; including acts of God, war, terrorism or a global pandemic. In this case your deposit will be refunded in full.

Candidates requiring a Student Route VISA

On receipt of your acceptance statement and payment of your deposit, we will instruct our Visa Officer to contact you directly. Fees paid in advance will be refunded if your student visa is refused but please note that administration fees may be deducted, for example £300 will be retained if the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) was released to you.

Scholarships

View all Scholarships and Bursaries.

Additional Expenses

IT Requirements

Students must use their own IT devices for studying and assessments. Please ensure your device meets the following minimum standards to be compatible with Medical School software requirements.

Please note the minimum system requirements to run the current version of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences applications.

Stethoscopes

Our students need to purchase a stethoscope as part of their medical training. Students can seek advice from clinical staff.
Costs of stethoscopes typically start at around £90. You should be aiming to have the sort of model/specification similar to that of Littman Classic III. However, please note that you will not be able to use the type with recording facilities/Bluetooth in OSCEs, e.g. the Littman CORE.

Visits to Hospitals and GP Practices

Our students will rotate across our partner hospitals and a number of local GP practices throughout the Clinical Skills Unit in Phase 1 of the course. Travel costs are incurred once a week in Phase 1 and it is around 45p per mile. We reimburse students whose travel is longer than 25 miles where we refund any mileage over 25 in one direction.

View our Locations and Travel Requirements.

Patient Interaction

As part of the Narrative Medicine component of the course, each of our students is assigned a patient whom they will contact on a regular basis. The frequency of the contacts may vary from patient to patient. There may be a couple of local practices where students might see their patient face to face. Travel cost is around 45p per mile. We reimburse students whose travel is longer than 25 miles where we refund any mileage over 25 in one direction.

On-campus accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

What’s included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.

We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.

Apply directly

You can apply directly using our online application form.

Help and support

Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact them on +44 01280 820229 or by email FMHS-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk

You may find it useful to download these great tips from Which University? on writing your personal statement.

Current applicants

If you would like to make any changes to your current application, please email (and make sure you have your application number ready!).