Program Overview

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Medicine with a Foundation Year BMBS

Qualification

BMBS

Entry Requirements

BBC

Start Date

September 2025

UCAS Code

A108

Duration

6 years full-time

Fees

£9,535

Course Overview

Our Medicine with a Foundation BMedSci and BMBS course enables those who may not meet the grades for our five-year medicine course the opportunity to gain the skills they need to succeed in medicine and begin their journey to becoming a doctor.

Foundation Year

You’ll spend your first year as a medical student at the Derby Medical School. You’ll build your knowledge and confidence in medical sciences, along with the intellectual, professional and practical skills required to succeed on the five-year medicine course. You’ll learn in purpose-built facilities and be part of a small group of students, allowing you to develop relationships with your year group. Upon successful completion of your end of year exams, you’ll transition onto the five-year medicine course.

Application Process

We understand that applying to study medicine can be complex. Please visit our applying to medicine guide for full information.

Important Information

We are planning significant changes to our BMBS Medical degree programme from 2026 onwards, it’s important you understand these changes before applying to this course. Find out more about the changes.

Indicative Modules

Foundation Year

• Biochemical Molecules and Processes
• Body Structure and Function
• Cells, Tissues and Genetics
• Integrative Module
• Public Health
• Professional and Communication Skills

How You Will Learn

Teaching Methods

• Anatomy sessions
• Case-based learning
• Clinical skills sessions
• eLearning
• Full-body dissection
• Lab sessions
• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Self-study
• Seminars
• Small group learning
• Tutorials
• Clinical skills (embedded in Professionalism module)

How You Will Be Assessed

Assessment Methods

• Case studies
• Clinical exams
• Coursework
• Dissertation
• Examinations
• Formative assessments
• Logbooks
• Objective structured clinical exams
• Poster presentation
• Practical exams
• Presentation
• Short project
• Workplace-based assessment

Contact Time and Study Hours

During your foundation year, you'll have around 12 hours of teaching contact with 25 hours of independent study per week.

Career Overview

On graduating, you'll be able to provisionally register with the General Medical Council (GMC) for a licence to practice medicine in the UK. We'll help you through this process and provide support as you transition to the UK Foundation Programme.

Job Prospects

Average Starting Salary and Career Progression

• A doctor on the UK Foundation Programme can expect to start at £27,689 to £32,050.
• As you gain experience as a doctor and develop your professional skills, you may progress on to senior clinical posts and earn up to £107,688 depending on your role and years of service.

Career Advice

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Your Campus - Royal Derby Hospital

Royal Derby Hospital is based in the city of Derby, around 15 miles from Nottingham. This modern, purpose-built building offers you all the facilities you need to study. You will have access to laboratories and anatomy, clinical skills and computer suites.

Course Data

• 36% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 69% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well

Related Courses

• Medicine BMedSci and BMBS
• Medicine at Lincoln BMedSci BMBS
• Medical Physiology and Therapeutics BSc Hons
• Cancer Sciences BSc Hons
• Cancer Sciences MSci Hons
• Medicinal and Biological Chemistry BSc Hons
• Medicinal and Biological Chemistry MSci Hons
• Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with an Assessed Year in Industry MSci Hons
• Graduate Entry Medicine BMBS

Help and Support

If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.