Program Overview
Introduction to the Medicine MBBS BSc Program
The Medicine MBBS BSc program at UCL is a six-year course that provides students with a comprehensive education in medicine. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become a successful doctor.
Funding for the Program
The funding for the program varies depending on the year of study. In Years 1-4, eligible students can receive the full undergraduate package from Student Finance, including a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan. In Years 5 and 6, the funding changes, and eligible students can receive funding from both the NHS and Student Finance, including a reduced rate maintenance loan, fees paid by the NHS, a ｣1000 grant from the NHS, and an income-dependent bursary from the NHS.
Funding Structure
The funding structure for the program is as follows:
- Year 1: Student Finance provides the full undergraduate package
- Year 2: Student Finance provides the full undergraduate package
- Year 3 (Integrated BSc): Student Finance provides the full undergraduate package
- Year 4: Student Finance provides the full undergraduate package
- Year 5: NHS and Student Finance provide funding, including a reduced rate maintenance loan and fees paid by the NHS
- Year 6: NHS and Student Finance provide funding, including a reduced rate maintenance loan and fees paid by the NHS
Graduates on the MBBS Program
Graduates who are considering applying to the MBBS program should note that there is no fast-track (four-year) Graduate Entry Programme at UCL. Instead, graduates follow the same program of study as undergraduate students but complete the course within five years instead of six (Year 3 - the iBSc year - is waived). Graduate students are not eligible for Tuition Fee Loans, so they will need to cover the tuition fee costs themselves.
Funding for Graduate Students
The funding for graduate students on the MBBS program is as follows:
- Year 1: Student Finance provides a maintenance loan
- Year 2: Student Finance provides a maintenance loan
- Year 3: Student Finance provides a maintenance loan
- Year 4: Student Finance provides a maintenance loan
- Year 5: Student Finance and NHS provide funding, including a reduced-rate maintenance loan and NHS bursaries
Intercalation
Some MBBS students may choose to study an additional Master's or PhD program during their MBBS study, known as intercalation. The timing of an intercalating year affects where the funding comes from and whether there is funding available for postgraduate study.
Master's Intercalation
MBBS students who want to intercalate with a Master's should intercalate in their fifth year of study. This means they will receive NHS funding for their Master's, and the remaining two years of their MBBS.
PhD Intercalation (MBPhD)
MBBS students who wish to intercalate with a PhD should intercalate in their fifth year of study. Their MBPhD years will be funded by a UCL Medical School stipend, and the remaining MBBS years will be funded by the NHS.
UCL Undergraduate Bursary
UK MBBS students who have a household income below ｣42,875 may be eligible for the UCL Undergraduate Bursary. External iBSc students who join UCL for the iBSc year and meet the eligibility criteria will also be considered for the UCL Undergraduate Bursary.
Disabled Students' Allowances
Students can apply for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) to cover some of the extra costs they have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness, or any other disability. In Years 1-4, MBBS students apply to Student Finance for their DSAs, and in Years 5 and 6, MBBS students apply to NHS Business Services Authority for their DSAs.
Financial Support
The UCL Medical School has an MBBS Student Support team that manages a number of scholarships, bursaries, travel, and hardship funds for MBBS students. UCL's Financial Assistance Fund is also available for students who encounter unexpected hardship. Externally, The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund provides financial advice, guidance, and support to medical students, including grants to assist with essential living costs for MBBS students in their final two years.