Bachelors of Medicine

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) offers a comprehensive suite of experiential learning opportunities designed to integrate clinical practice, research, and community engagement throughout the medical curriculum. Here's an overview:

Early Clinical Experience

From the first week of the program, BSMS students engage in clinical settings, dedicating approximately 20% of their Year 1 learning to a specialized clinical practice module. This early exposure includes observing doctors in GP surgeries, clinics, and hospital wards, emphasizing the practical application of medical knowledge. As students progress, they participate in clinical rotations and symposia, culminating in intensive clinical and professional training in Year 5 to prepare for medical practice.

Research Opportunities

BSMS integrates research into its curriculum, allowing students to engage in research projects as early as Year 1 through Student Selected Components (SSCs). In Year 4, students undertake an Individual Research Project (IRP), dedicating 1.5 days per week to develop and conduct original research, potentially leading to publication. The school also hosts the Sussex Health and Care Research Training Hub, supporting pathways like the Integrated Academic Training (IAT) Programme for those combining clinical practice with research.

Internships and Global Experiences

BSMS students have access to various internship opportunities, including the Online Global Summer Internship Programme offered by the University of Sussex. This program provides part-time, remote internships across diverse sectors such as healthcare, media, and sustainability, with placements in over 80 countries. Participants receive skills development training and a bursary to support their experience.

Medical graduates in the UK follow a structured career progression pathway after completing their MBBS or equivalent degree. Upon graduation, they enter the Foundation Programme, a two-year paid training period (FY1 and FY2) where they rotate through various specialties to gain broad clinical experience. Successful completion of this leads to full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).

After Foundation Training, doctors choose a specialty and apply for Core or Specialty Training. Core Training typically lasts 2–3 years and is followed by higher Specialty Training, while some fields (like General Practice or Surgery) offer run-through training from the start. Specialty training durations vary—General Practice takes around 3 years, while hospital specialties can take 5–8+ years, depending on the discipline. After completing training, doctors become Consultants in hospital specialties or General Practitioners (GPs).

In terms of further study, many graduates pursue postgraduate qualifications to enhance their expertise or academic profile. Options include:

• Master’s degrees (e.g., MSc in Public Health, Medical Education, Clinical Research, or Global Health)

• PhDs or MD(Res) for careers in academia or research

• Diplomas and Certificates in fields like Tropical Medicine, Radiology, or Dermatology

• Intercalated BSc or MBPhD programmes (during or after undergraduate studies for research-focused pathways)

This combination of structured clinical training and academic opportunities allows UK-trained doctors to build flexible, rewarding careers in medicine, academia, global health, and beyond.