Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Medicine MBChB Program

The Medicine MBChB program at Aston University is designed to prepare students for a successful career in the medical profession. The program is patient-focused and student-centered, with a strong emphasis on working compassionately with patients as partners within a multi-disciplinary team.

Program Overview

The Medicine MBChB program is a five-year undergraduate degree that provides students with a comprehensive education in medicine. The program is divided into two phases: Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2) and Phase 2 (Years 3, 4, and 5). Phase 1 focuses on expanding and deepening students' existing science education, covering topics such as the fundamentals of body structure, infection, and pathological processes. Phase 2 takes place in clinical environments, where students work with practicing doctors and healthcare professionals in placements ranging from primary care to cancer care to integrated medicine.

Course Objectives

The program aims to:

1. Educate students in a learning environment and culture that puts patient safety first.
2. Promote equality, diversity, and opportunity by training students to treat others with respect and empathy.
3. Ensure students graduate as caring, competent, effective, and safe future doctors.
4. Help students enhance their resilience and take responsibility for their own welfare and personal and professional development.
5. Provide an up-to-date and professionally focused curriculum that satisfies the accreditation requirements of the General Medical Council (GMC).
6. Offer students the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience through integrated placements.

Modules and Learning Outcomes

The program consists of various modules, each with its own set of learning outcomes. These modules include:

• Fundamentals of Medicine 1 and 2
• Clinical Apprenticeships 1 and 2
• Foundation Apprenticeships 3
• Student Selected Components (SSCs)

Year 1 Modules

In Year 1, students take the following modules:

• Fundamentals of Medicine 1 (120 credits)
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Health
  • Fundamentals of Body Structure
  • Public and Global Health
  • Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Infection
  • Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Haematology
  • Pathological Processes
  • Introduction to Clinical Practice 1a and 1b

Year 2 Modules

In Year 2, students take the following modules:

• Fundamentals of Medicine 2 (120 credits)
  • Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Gastrointestinal System
  • Head and Neck
  • Immune System
  • Introduction to Clinical Practice 2a and 2b
  • Respiratory System
  • Renal and Urinary Systems
  • Social and Psychological Aspects of Health 2

Year 3 Modules

In Year 3, students take the following modules:

• Clinical Apprenticeships 1 (120 credits)
  • Integrated Medicine and Surgery 1
  • Integrated Medicine and Surgery 2
  • Primary Care
  • Student Selected Component (SSC)

Year 4 Modules

In Year 4, students take the following modules:

• Clinical Apprenticeships 2 (120 credits)
  • Cancer Care
  • Child Health
  • Psychiatry
  • Reproductive Health
  • Neurology/Senses: Dermatology, ENT, Ophthalmology
  • Student Selected Component (SSC)

Year 5 Modules

In Year 5, students take the following modules:

• Foundation Apprenticeships 3 (120 credits)
  • Acute Integrated Medicine and Surgery 1
  • Acute Integrated Medicine and Surgery 2
  • Primary Care
  • Foundation Assistantship
  • Student Selected Component (SSC)

Assessment

The program employs a range of teaching, learning, and assessment methods, including in-course assignments, computer-based knowledge exams, practical clinical skills tests, and continuous assessment of professional behavior.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• GCSE (or equivalent) qualifications: a minimum of six GCSEs/IGCSEs at grade B/grade 6 or above, which must include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, or Double Science.
• UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test): all applicants must take the UCAT in the year of application.
• A Levels: the requirement is a minimum of grades A*AA with Chemistry and Biology being compulsory (including passes in the practical elements where available) and any third subject excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 37 overall (7,6,6 at Higher Level in three subjects which must include Chemistry and Biology and the rest from three subjects at Standard Level (SL) and Diploma Programme Core).
• BTEC: applicants with a BTEC qualification will normally need to obtain a minimum of DDD in BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science in combination with Chemistry and Biology A Levels at grades A*A in any order for the two compulsory subjects.

Fees and Scholarships

The annual tuition fees for the program are:

• UK students: ｣9,535 (2026/27)
• International students: ｣47,000 (2026/27) Aston University offers a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Career Prospects

Once students have successfully completed their five-year MBChB degree, they will have a variety of education and training options available to them, depending on what they want to achieve from their career. These options include the UK Foundation Programme, registration with the GMC, and continuing their training and career overseas.