Program Overview

Introduction to the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London is one of the oldest medical schools in the UK. The faculty provides students with the best medical education and training, utilizing its history and heritage to prepare students for a career in medicine.

Structure of the MBBS Program

The MBBS program is divided into three phases: Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2), Phase 2 (Years 3 and 4), and Phase 3 (Year 5).

Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2)

• Campus-based teaching: Students take five systems-based modules and three student-selected components in each of the two years of Phase 1.
• Introduction to applied biological sciences: Students address key topics, including normal biological structure and function of cells, organs, and body systems, the effect of illness on people and their families, and the impact of environmental and social factors on health.
• Evidence-based teaching methods: The faculty uses small and large group methods, such as lectures, practical teaching, and group work in problem-based, team-based learning, clinical, and communication skills settings.
• Student-selected components (SSCs): SSCs are self-selected modules that allow students to broaden their knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors in areas where they have passion or interest.
• Clinical placements: Clinical placements start in September of Year 1 with a group placement in a community-based setting, usually a general practice (GP) surgery.

Phase 2 (Years 3 and 4)

• Clinical placements: Time spent in clinical placements is significantly increased, with students rotating through one of the partner Trusts for placements generally lasting 6-10 weeks in length.
• Campus-based teaching blocks: Students return to the University for campus-based teaching blocks to support and scaffold their learning in the clinical environment.
• Student-selected components (SSCs): Students have the opportunity to explore clinical topics of particular interest or passion in their Phase 2 SSCs.
• Variety of community and hospital-based experiences: The variety of experiences is designed to develop students' clinical, communication, consultation, and reasoning skills.

Phase 3 (Year 5)

• Emergency medicine, intensive care, surgical, and anaesthetics placements: Students have placements in these areas to further develop their skills.
• GP apprenticeship: Students see patients independently under the supervision of their GP tutor.
• Campus-based teaching blocks: Students return to the University for campus-based teaching blocks to support and scaffold their learning in the clinical environment.
• Student-selected components (SSCs): Students complete their SSC program, which may include spending time in a specialism not previously experienced or gaining a deeper understanding in an area that already interests them.
• Intermediate Life Support qualification: Students complete this qualification as part of their training.
• Elective: After final examinations, students complete a six-week elective in the UK or outside the UK, depending on their choice and circumstances.
• Student assistantship: Following the elective, students spend three weeks shadowing a current Foundation Year (FY1) doctor in the hospital where they will be based for their own FY1 training.

Research and Innovation

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry is committed to research and innovation, with a focus on world-leading bench-to-bedside research. The faculty's research mission is to pioneer the discovery and development of new drugs globally, through to design and deliver effective public health interventions for the local community.

Institutes and Partnerships

The faculty has various institutes and partnerships, including the Medical College of Saint Bartholomew's Hospital Trust, and collaborations with other faculties and centers, such as the Humanities and Social Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry, and Science and Engineering.

Education and Student Experience

The faculty is committed to providing an excellent education and student experience, with a focus on developing students' self-regulated learning ability necessary for independent clinical practice. Students start seeing patients from their very first week, in community and hospital settings, across all years of the course.

Faculty Leadership and History

The faculty has a strong leadership team and a rich history, with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The faculty's history dates back to the 18th century, and it has a long tradition of providing high-quality medical education and training.

Conclusion

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London offers a comprehensive and innovative MBBS program, with a focus on research, innovation, and student experience. The faculty is committed to providing students with the best medical education and training, preparing them for a successful career in medicine.