Medicine MBChB

Course description

Our MBChB Medicine course is designed to give you the clinical skills, knowledge, professional behaviours and attitudes to become an excellent doctor. It is taught over five years and divided into four phases.

In phase one, you will develop a detailed understanding of the systems of the human body – cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous, reproductive, etc. You will study the normal structure and function of these systems, as well as covering topics such as medical ethics and public health. In practical sessions, you will start to develop key clinical skills and learn how to work with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Placements begin with a series of ten half-days you will spend in general practice throughout your first year, starting in week two.

Phase two begins with a six-week research project, where you will work with a professional researcher to solve a medical problem. You will then start to build up your medical science knowledge by learning about disease symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, covering topics such as pathology, microbiology, immunology and pharmacology. You will continue to gain clinical skills (for example, taking blood from a patient), develop your understanding of medical law and ethics, and complete another set of ten placements in general practice.

Later in phase two, you will learn how to take patients’ histories and conduct physical examinations, as you begin to spend most of your time in hospital wards, operating theatres and outpatient clinics. You will spend 12 weeks on a longitudinal hospital placement and become part of a clinical team, attending ward rounds, surgical operations, pathology meetings and outpatient clinics. After this, you will have the opportunity to do voluntary work with patient or community groups, to develop your understanding of healthcare issues in wider society.

During phase three, you will continue to work in general practice during community placements, and complete hospital placements based on sub-specialities including children’s health (paediatrics), women’s health (obstetrics and gynaecology), mental health (psychiatry), critical and emergency care, and multiple other specialist areas. We also offer intercalation options that allow you to build up your research skills, develop your knowledge of surgical practice or complete a masters degree in a specialist topic.

Phase four begins with a programme of lectures to consolidate your clinical knowledge, and includes two more longitudinal placements to fully prepare you for a final clinical examination and life as a junior doctor.

Modules

Title: Medicine MBChB course structure
UCAS code: A100
Years: 2022, 2023, 2024

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4

Phase 1

September Year 1 to June Year 1

Introductory Clinical Competency

• Introduction to Medical Studies and Medical Sciences
• Introductory clinical competencies
• Systems-based learning and teaching (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal and Liver, Musculoskeletal, Skin, Nervous, Genitourinary, Endocrine, Reproductive, Haematology, Immunology)
• Integrated Clinical Demonstrations
• Multi-Professional Experience (a 2-week teaching block focusing on clinical skills development)
• Early Years General Practice Placement (10 half-days through year 1)
• Community Attachment Scheme
• Public Health and Population Health Science
• Medical Ethics
• Personal and Professional Development
• Student Selected Components (SSCs)

The structure of Phase 1 follows the General Medical Council's (GMC) Guidelines and is largely 'systems-based'. Information is presented in a series of modules which cover the basic systems of the body and also involve Public Health and Population Health Science, Medical Ethics, Professionalism and Patient Safety and Student Selected Components.

Much of the teaching takes place in the Medical School which is sited next to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. A significant part of Phase 1 involves working outside the main campus, for example at the clinical skills units at the Northern General Hospital and the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, on the wards of nearby hospitals or within a community setting including general practice and some social service locations. 

Phase 1 includes a two-week Multi Professional Experience (MPE), which introduces you to working with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Students also have ten regular placements in a General Practice throughout the first year, starting in week 2 of the first term.

Phase 1 focuses on the normal structure and function of the human body. Whilst it is obviously important to cover subject disciplines such as Anatomy (including embryology and histology), Physiology and Biochemistry, these are presented in an integrated way within the relevant body system under study.

For example, in the cardiovascular system module, the structure, function and metabolism of the heart will be studied. In addition, aspects of Public Health, Ethics and other relevant topics are integrated into the course with a Public Health/Population Health Sciences module that runs longitudinally throughout the year.

Learning is by practical classes, lectures, flipped classrooms, tutorials and self-directed study. Computer-based learning is used routinely within Phase 1 and student evaluations of these packages show that they are very well received.

Students complete summative pieces of coursework during Phase 1, which develops generic graduate skills.  These student-selected components focus on the history of medicine, critical analysis and communication of health information.  The first of these is launched in the first week.

Formal assessment in Phase 1 consists of a written examination paper (multiple-choice and clinically related 'scenario-based short answer' questions) and a practical examination. The whole examination must be passed before progression to the next stage. However, if a student fails there is an opportunity to resit the examination during the summer vacation period.

Learning and assessment

Assessment

You will be assessed through written and practical examinations, coursework, and your performance in real and simulated clinical situations.

Medical Licensing Assessment

Medical students graduating after 2024 will need to pass the Medical Licensing Assessment before they can join the General Medical Council register. You will complete the assessment as part of your degree. It is designed to test your applied knowledge as well as your clinical and professional skills, giving patients and employers greater confidence in your ability to practise medicine.

Entry requirements

Make sure you also read the more detailed entry requirements below.

For more information and frequently asked questions about the course, check the Medical School's website.

Standard offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Chemistry or Biology and a second science + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification

AAB including Chemistry or Biology (at grade A) and a second science + A in an EPQ (EPQ and A Levels must be taken in the same sitting to receive the alternative offer).

International Baccalaureate

36 with 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Chemistry or Biology and a second science, and no less than 4 in all Standard Level subjects

BTEC Extended Diploma

Not accepted

BTEC Diploma

Not accepted

Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers

AAABB + AA in Chemistry or Biology and a second science

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels

A + AA in Chemistry or Biology and a second science

Access to HE Diploma

Not accepted

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

• Second science subjects include Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology

• We do not accept A Level Further Maths when determining whether an applicant meets our A Level academic threshold. However, for applicants who take four A Levels in a two-year period (typically years 12 and 13 at school) including Maths and Further Maths, we will accept the Maths A Level, even if it is taken in Year 12, irrespective of whether the A Level is certificated in Year 12 or 13. It is expected that Chemistry or Biology and a third acceptable subject will be taken in Year 13

• We do not accept Core Maths when determining whether an applicant meets our academic threshold

• Applicants for Medicine at the University of Sheffield must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) – see below for more information about how we use applicants’ UCAT scores in the Medicine selection process.

• 5 GCSEs at grade 7/A, with at least grade 6/B in Maths, English Language and the science subjects (Dual Award Science also acceptable)

• Graduate student requirements: 2.1 in a bachelor's degree + BBB at A Level

Access Sheffield offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Chemistry or Biology and a second science + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification

AAB including Chemistry or Biology (at grade A) and a second science + A in an EPQ (EPQ and A Levels must be taken in the same sitting to receive the alternative offer).

International Baccalaureate

34 with 6 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology, plus 6, 5 (in any order) in two further Higher Level subjects including a second science, and no less than 4 in all Standard Level subjects

BTEC Extended Diploma

Not accepted

BTEC Diploma

Not accepted

Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers

AABBB + A in Chemistry or Biology and B in a second science

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels

B + AA in Chemistry or Biology and a second science

Access to HE Diploma

Not accepted

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

• Second science subjects include Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology

• We do not accept A Level Further Maths when determining whether an applicant meets our A Level academic threshold. However, for applicants who take four A Levels in a two-year period (typically years 12 and 13 at school) including Maths and Further Maths, we will accept the Maths A Level, even if it is taken in Year 12, irrespective of whether the A Level is certificated in Year 12 or 13. It is expected that Chemistry or Biology and a third acceptable subject will be taken in Year 13

• We do not accept Core Maths when determining whether an applicant meets our academic threshold

• Applicants for Medicine at the University of Sheffield must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) – see below for more information about how we use applicants’ UCAT scores in the Medicine selection process.

• 5 GCSEs at grade 7/A, with at least grade 6/B in Maths, English Language and the science subjects (Dual Award Science also acceptable)

• Graduate student requirements: 2.1 in a bachelor's degree + BBB at A Level

More detailed entry requirements

The majority of applicants in 2022-23 met the minimum academic and University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) requirements. Those applications that did not meet the minimum entry criteria were deemed unsuccessful.

As our selection procedure takes into account academic achievements, applicants will be assessed on the results (achieved and/or predicted) of all of their qualifications. Due to the competitive nature of applying for the course most candidates selected to attend a Multiple Mini-Interview usually far exceed our minimum requirements. Meeting the minimum academic and UCAT entry requirements does not guarantee an invitation to interview or the offer of a place.

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

Applicants for Medicine at the University of Sheffield must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) before they apply, in the year that they are applying. Each year, we set a minimum UCAT score threshold, which is 2430/3600 for 2025 entry.

Some students from backgrounds that are under-represented in higher education will progress immediately to the interview stage of the selection process if they meet our minimum UCAT score threshold. All other applications will be ranked according to their UCAT scores and only those with the highest UCAT scores will be invited to interview.

Applicants’ performance in the Situational Judgement Test component of the UCAT will only be reviewed if they are invited to interview.

More information about how we use applicants’ UCAT scores, and the scores that were required to be invited to interview in recent years, can be found on the School of Medicine and Population Health website.

Medicine selection process

GCSE requirements

Applicants for the A100 programme must meet the following GCSE minimum requirements:

• You should have at least five grade 7 (grade A) GCSE subjects
• GCSE passes at grade 6 (grade B) or above in Mathematics, English Language and at least one science subject (which may be dual awards)
• The five grade 7s may include Mathematics, English Language and/or a science subject
• Acceptable science GCSEs include: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, Psychology, Sciences (dual awards)

Please note:

• The GCSE requirements should have been met by the point of application
• The relevant GCSEs should each have been studied for no longer than two years
• The relevant GCSEs do not have to be obtained in the same sitting or year
• We accept GCSE resits.  Any and all GCSE resits must be taken in the same sitting (unlike first sittings), and only one resit per GCSE is permitted. Only those GCSEs that do not meet the above entry requirements need to be retaken
• A combination of numerically and alphabetically graded GCSEs is acceptable
• Non-GCSE qualifications (such as Level 2 OCR qualifications) taken alongside GCSEs are not considered as equivalent and do not count towards meeting the GCSE requirement. If you have not studied GCSEs but have studied an equivalent international qualification, please contact the Medical Admissions Office for information about the acceptability of the qualifications and required levels of achievement
• GCSE Short Courses are not considered

English language requirements

The required grade for GCSE English Language varies depending on whether you are applying as a UK applicant or as International applicant:

• Home applicants must hold a Grade 6 (Grade B) or higher at GCSE English Language. Home applicants holding iGCSE English as a Second Language or Edexcel iGCSE English Language B are required to hold a Grade 6 (Grade B) or higher. Alternatively, the English Language requirement can be met by holding a Grade B or higher in SQA Higher English, a Grade B or higher in Advanced Higher English or a Grade B or higher at A Level in English Language
• For International applicants, the grade required depends on the qualifications taken and the examining body. For more information, please see the University Guidance (see the third table at the link below, titled "UK Qualifications") for details of the required grades for various GCSE and iGCSE English Language Qualifications. Note that we will require grades equivalent to those required from Home applicants, as above

A range of other qualifications will satisfy the School's English language requirements, details of these are available on the English language requirements for undergraduates page. Applicants completing a qualification with variable requirements should achieve an equivalent of IELTS 7.5 overall with no less than 7.0 in each component.

We are not able to consider certain English Language qualifications for entry to our Medicine course, details of these can be found on the English language requirements for undergraduates page.

AS Level requirements

There are no AS requirements for the A100 programme. Where an applicant holds AS Levels, they will not be considered as part of the application.

A Level requirements

Our offer for subjects taken at A Level is AAA to include Chemistry or Biology and one other science (Maths, Physics, Biology/Human Biology or Psychology). 

The combination of Chemistry and Biology is acceptable. 

Applicants who do not yet hold A Levels at the time of application must have predicted grades of at least AAA. Please note the following:

• The requirement for AAA at A Level means an A grade in each of the three A Levels
• The three A Levels should be studied for no longer than two years and must all be taken in the same first sitting
• We accept A Level resits.  Any and all A Level resits must be taken in the same sitting and only one resit per A Level is permitted.  Only those A Levels that do not meet the above entry requirements need to be retaken
• We are unable to consider A Levels that have been taken early
• Please note that A Level Critical Thinking, A Level Further Mathematics and A Level General Studies do not count towards meeting our A Level requirement
• For applicants who take four A Levels in a two year period (typically years 12 and 13 at school) including Mathematics and Further Mathematics, we will accept the Mathematics A Level, even if it is taken in Year 12, and irrespective of whether the A Level is certificated in Year 12 or 13.  It is expected that Chemistry or Biology and another subject (that is not Critical Thinking, Further Mathematics or General Studies) will be taken in Year 13

Applicants offering A Levels and an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Our offer for applicants offering an EPQ taken alongside A Levels is AAB at A Level plus an A grade or above in your EPQ. Please note the following:

• The same subject requirements for A Levels that apply to applicants without an EPQ (see above) apply to applicants offering an EPQ
• Equivalent grades (for example, A*AC) will not be considered to meet the A Level requirement
• A grade A is required in the mandatory science A Level (Chemistry or Biology)
• A level 3 extended project qualification is required and this must have been taken alongside A Levels.  (Typically this is in Year 12 or 13 at school)
• The EPQ can be in any subject
• Level 3 EPQs taken alongside GCSEs, Level 2 EPQs, BTECs, City and Guilds Level 3, Level 3 NVQs and OCR Nationals are not accepted
• No adjustment is made to the GCSE entry requirements for applicants offering an EPQ
• Where an applicant is taking an EPQ alongside A Levels and is predicted to attain a Grade A or A*, predicted A Level grades of AAB are acceptable
• Where an applicant is taking an EPQ alongside A Levels but is predicted to attain less than a grade A in their EPQ, they will be required to be predicted to attain AAA at A Level
• Where an applicant has taken an EPQ but is resitting one or more A Levels, no adjustment to the standard requirement for AAA grades at A Level will be made, irrespective of the grade attained in the EPQ. Such applicants therefore need to resit sufficient A Levels to reach the AAA grade A Level requirement

Other qualifications

Our usual offer for other qualifications is:

• Cambridge Pre-U Certificate - grades D3, D3, D3 in Chemistry or Biology and another science subject
• Scottish Highers - AAAAB plus Advanced Highers grades AA in Chemistry or Biology and another science subject
• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma - grade A, plus grades AA in two A Levels. Subjects must include Chemistry or Biology and another science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology)
• Irish Leaving Certificate – H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 with H1 in Chemistry or Biology and another science subject. Applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificates will also need to have at least grades of O2 in English Language and Mathematics Irish Ordinary Level Certificates. (Alternatively, we will consider grades of H4 in these subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificates to meet our equivalent GCSE requirements.)
• International Baccalaureate - 36 points overall with 6s in Higher Level subjects (to include Chemistry or Biology and another science subject) and no less than 4 in each of the Standard level subjects
• Higher Level Qualifications - Please see the tab below

We are not able to consider the following qualifications for entry to our Medicine course:

• Access courses
• Bedales Examinations
• BTECs
• HE Diplomas
• International Certificate of Christian Education
• T-Levels
• Masters degrees (Bachelor's degrees are considered under Higher Level Qualifications)
• PhDs

Higher level qualifications

Graduates will be expected to hold at least a 2:1 (Upper Second Class) Bachelor's degree in any subject. In addition, graduate applicants must have grades of at least BBB at A Level, one of which must be Chemistry or Biology.

Please note:

• Graduate applicants must meet the requirements for both A Levels and their degree
• The requirement for BBB at A Level means at least a B grade in each of the three A Levels
• All three A Levels must have been taken in the same sitting
• We accept A Level resits.  Any and all A Level resits must be taken in the same sitting, and only one resit per A Level is permitted.  Only those A Levels that do not meet the above entry requirements need to be retaken
• A Levels in Further Mathematics, Critical Thinking and General Studies are not accepted for the A100 programme
• Where a graduate applicant with a 2:1 Bachelor's degree in any subject has BBB or better at A Level but the pre-degree A Levels do not include Chemistry or Biology, we will consider the application if the candidates has taken A Level Chemistry or Biology during or after their Bachelor's degree and achieved (or is predicted to achieve) a Grade B or higher
• There are no exemptions from any part of the Medicine course for graduates who hold a science or biomedical science degree
• Dental Graduates must have the BDS (BChD) or be due to obtain the MFDS or FDS. There are no exemptions from any part of the Medicine course for dental graduates

International qualifications

You should write to the Medical Admissions Office with full details of your qualifications, enclosing copies of certificates/transcripts. Normally, International applicants will be expected to hold an acceptable English Language Qualification. If taking the IELTS we require a score of 7.5 overall with no less than 7.0 in each component.

Disrupted Studies

If you have experienced issues of a personal, social or domestic nature that have affected either your post-16 studies, or any GCSE Qualifications that are cited in our course entry requirements, you can let us know by completing our Disrupted Studies form. Read the Medical School's Admissions Policy on Disrupted Studies (students with a disability section) carefully before submitting a Disrupted Studies form.

University's Disrupted Studies policy

Disclosure and Barring Service check

All applicants are required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure check, and will be asked in their application to declare if they have any convictions that will appear on a DBS check.

Admissions policy

Read our A100 admissions policy

Graduate careers

When you complete your degree in medicine, you will be able to apply for provisional registration with the General Medical Council. This gives you a licence to practise medicine as part of an approved Foundation Year programme.

UK Foundation Programme

Most of our students apply to the UK Foundation Programme during their final year. This is a two-year training programme for newly qualified doctors, which bridges the gap between medical school and speciality or general practice training. You will build on your existing clinical and professional skills by working as a doctor on rotation in different areas of medicine.

After the first year, you can apply for full registration with the General Medical Council, and once you have completed the programme, you will be awarded a Certificate of Excellence so that you can apply for speciality training.

As well as the standard Foundation Programme, there is a Specialised Foundation Programme that focuses on research, teaching and leadership, a Foundation Priority Programme to support areas that have faced difficulties in attracting and retaining doctors, and a Psychiatry Foundation Fellowship.

Speciality training

After you have completed the Foundation Programme, there are many different specialities you can train in – from general practice to paediatrics, gynaecology, cardiology or radiology. The time you will spend in speciality training ranges from three to eight years, depending on the speciality you choose.

Other careers for medicine graduates

Rather than becoming a GP or consultant, some graduates go on to do a masters degree or PhD and pursue a career in research. Others become medical educators, health service managers or work in the pharmaceutical industry.

School of Medicine and Population Health

The University of Sheffield’s medical school dates back to 1828 and was a founding part of the University itself.

Today, medicine students are based in the School of Medicine and Population Health, and study alongside practising clinicians and expert researchers who are working on topics that range from neurodegeneration to public health. Everything we do is about improving people’s health.

The Medical School building is connected to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and is close to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the Students’ Union, and the wider University campus.

Facilities

You will also spend time at our Clinical Skills Centre, based within the Northern General Hospital, one of the largest hospital campuses in the country. Your placements will take you to primary and secondary care providers across the region.

School of Medicine and Population Health

University rankings

Student profiles

Fees and funding

Fees

Most home MBChB Medicine (A100) students apply for loans from Student Finance England to cover their tuition fees and maintenance costs in the first four years of their course. They are eligible for NHS funding from the fifth year of their course. This includes a bursary, a £1,000 grant, a reduced Maintenance Loan from Student Finance England, and the full cost of tuition fees.

NHS bursaries

Additional funding

Your tuition fees will cover many of the costs of studying Medicine. You will be provided with a lab coat, dissection instruments, anatomy and histology workbooks, consumables in clinical skills sessions and contributions to your placement travel costs. The costs of obtaining a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and occupational health clearance before you start your degree will also be covered.

You'll be required to pay for the following:

• A stethoscope
• Any additional placement costs not covered by the University’s contributions
• Costs associated with any student-selected components or electives you choose in Phase 3 – eg, travel, accommodation, visas
• Provisional registration with the General Medical Council in Phase 4, to apply for the UK Foundation Programme

Bursaries may be available to help cover the costs of elective placements.

Visit

Offer holder days

If you've made an application to study with us, we may invite you for an interview. If you are then successful in receiving an offer, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

Apply

Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

How we process applications and select applicants for offers

How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com

Contact us

Telephone

+44 114 222 5531

Email

medadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk

School of Medicine and Population Health