Program Overview

Introduction to the HCP-Med Programme

The HCP-Med degree programme is designed to prepare students for the contemporary challenges of medical practice. The programme mirrors the main MBChB programme but with a greater emphasis on community-based learning.

Programme Structure

• The programme is part-time for the first three years, allowing students to remain in their current employment.
• Each year, there are three residential weeks in Edinburgh.
• Years 4 and 5 are full-time, joining the main MBChB programme.

Years 1 and 2

In the first two years, students study:

• Clinical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Social and ethical aspects of medicine.
• Practical clinical skills, including resuscitation and interviewing patients.
• Clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
• A 'Knowledge to Clinical Practice' course to link clinical sciences with clinical practice.
• General practice (GP) attachment to learn history-taking, examination, and patient assessment and management.

Year 3

• One day per week is spent in a clinical attachment (hospital and general practice).
• Study of core specialities such as respiratory medicine and cardiology.
• Clinical attachments are supported by online learning and three residential weeks in Edinburgh.

Years 4 and 5

• These years are full-time, equating to years 5 and 6 of the main MBChB programme.
• Students join the main programme, as the main MBChB students undertake an additional BSc in their year 3.

Programme Outcomes

Upon graduation, students will have learned the values, behaviour, professional skills, and knowledge required for a newly-qualified doctor, meeting the standards of good medical practice outlined in the General Medical Council's Outcomes for Graduates, 2018.

Admission and Application

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements.
• Personal Statement.
• The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
• Graduate and mature applicants.
• Access Courses/Foundation Year Programmes.
• Transfers.

Application Procedure

• Entry requirements and how to apply.
• Application procedure.
• Assessment, selection, and statistics.
• MBChB admissions statistics.
• Successful applicants.
• International and EU students.
• Tuition fees.

Additional Information

• The programme has a longer academic year than the main MBChB, running for up to 40 weeks in years 1 and 2.
• Exact dates for the academic year will be informed to students no later than one month before the beginning of each academic year.