Program Overview

BMBS Medicine - 2026 entry

Overview

The five-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS) programme draws on the strength of our partnership with the NHS in Devon and Cornwall to provide a unique learning experience in healthcare. It develops skills for lifelong learning and the professional attitudes that you will need throughout your medical career.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer:
  • A-Level: A*AA
  • IB: 38/766
  • BTEC: D*DD
• Contextual offers:
  • A-Level: AAB
  • IB: 34/665
  • BTEC: DDD
• Required subjects:
  • A in Chemistry and A in Biology (A-Level)
  • HL 6 in Chemistry and HL 6 in Biology (IB)
  • Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma will also require GCE A-Level Biology and Chemistry grade A
  • B or 6 in English Language (GCSE)
  • Pass the QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma with 30 L3 credits at Distinction and 15 L3 credits at Merit
  • 15 L3 credits at Distinction in a Biology-related subject and 15 L3 credits at Distinction in a Chemistry-related subject (Access to HE)
• Other accepted qualifications: View other accepted qualifications
• English language requirements: International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile G.

Course Content

The BMBS programme is divided into five years, with each year building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive education in medicine.

Year 1

• Compulsory modules:
  • MDC1001: BMBS Medicine Year 1 (120 credits)
• Clinical placements: You will gain placement experience throughout your studies, starting from the first year.

Year 2

• Compulsory modules:
  • MDC2001: BMBS Medicine Year 2 (120 credits)
• Clinical placements: You will continue to gain placement experience in various clinical settings.

Year 3

• Compulsory modules:
  • MDC3001: Clinical Pathways 1 (120 credits)
• Clinical placements: You will commence Clinical Pathways 1 at one of our secondary care NHS Trust sites.

Year 4

• Compulsory modules:
  • MDC4001: Clinical Pathways 2 (120 credits)
• Clinical placements: You will continue to gain extensive experience in various clinical settings.

Final Year

• Compulsory modules:
  • MDC5001: Preparation for Medical Practice (145 credits)
• Electives: You will take a Student-Selected Elective, which may involve clinical or research placements, or a combination of both.

Fees

• Tuition fees for 2025 entry:
  • UK students: £9,535 per year
  • International students: £47,500 per year
• Scholarships: The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education.

Learning and Teaching

• Patient-centred education: Our learning and teaching are based around a patient-centred education and a culture that is sensitive to the needs of our students.
• Small group learning: The first two years of the curriculum are centred around small group learning.
• Lectures: All students in your year will come together for large group teaching sessions.
• Clinical placements: Extensive exposure to real patients in clinical settings underpins the development of your clinical skills.

Assessment

• Applied Medical Knowledge Progress Test: The Progress Test is designed to assess long-term and functional knowledge rather than detailed and easily forgotten ‘facts’.
• Academic review: Your performance in assessment is formally reviewed each term to ensure that any problems that you may be experiencing with your learning can be identified early.

Your Future

• General Medical Council (GMC) registration: Holding a PMQ entitles you to provisional registration with the GMC.
• Foundation Year 1 post: To obtain a Foundation Year 1 post, you will need to apply during the final year of your undergraduate degree through the UK Foundation Programme Office selection scheme.
• Career opportunities: There is a broad spectrum of careers within clinical practice across medical, surgical, and other specialities.

Intercalation

• Intercalated degree: During an intercalated year, students take a one-year interlude in the Medicine programme to study a subject of their choice at either Bachelor’s or Master’s degree level.
• Available programmes: The University of Exeter offers a number of different intercalated Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes.