MB in Medicine

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

Queen’s University Belfast offers a five-year MB BCh BAO Medicine programme designed to integrate scientific knowledge with clinical experience from the beginning. The curriculum follows an integrated, systems-based approach, with early and consistent exposure to patient care.

Programme Structure:

Years 1 & 2:
Focus on foundational medical sciences and the development of clinical and communication skills, supported by early clinical placements in hospitals and general practices.
Year 3:
Emphasizes core clinical placements in medicine and surgery, with students spending increased time in clinical environments to build diagnostic and patient management skills.
Years 4 & 5:
Covers specialized areas such as reproductive health, mental health, oncology, and chronic disease management. The final year includes an Assistantship Programme, where students are embedded in clinical teams to prepare for the Foundation Programme.

Key Features:

Early Clinical Exposure:
Students begin engaging with patients in real-world settings from the first year of study.
Cadaveric Dissection:
Anatomy teaching includes full-body cadaveric dissection in a modern facility.
Intercalated Degrees:
Students have the option to pursue an intercalated BSc or MSc in various disciplines to gain additional academic and research experience.
Global Opportunities:
Clinical electives in the final year allow students to gain international experience in diverse healthcare systems.

Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) School of Medicine offers a well-integrated five-year MB BCh BAO medical program. The curriculum emphasizes early clinical exposure, case-based learning, and extensive clinical placements across Northern Ireland, ensuring students are well-prepared for professional practice.

Core Teaching Hospitals

Medical students at QUB undertake clinical placements in a wide range of hospitals throughout Northern Ireland:

Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast
A major teaching hospital providing comprehensive acute and specialist services.
Belfast City Hospital
A 900-bed university hospital known for its regional cancer services, renal care, and specialist medical units.
Mater Infirmorum Hospital, Belfast
An acute hospital serving North Belfast and South Antrim.
Ulster Hospital, Dundonald
A large acute hospital offering a full spectrum of services and clinical placements.
Craigavon Area Hospital
A district general hospital supporting placements in acute medicine and surgery for students in the southern region.
Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Derry
A major acute hospital serving the northwest of Northern Ireland.
South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen
A modern hospital offering services in medicine, surgery, and emergency care in a rural setting.
Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry
An acute teaching hospital providing core medical services.
Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast
Specializes in orthopaedics, rheumatology, and rehabilitation services.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen's University Belfast, the MB in Medicine program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in medicine. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage in hands-on activities that enhance their understanding of medical concepts and patient care. With state-of-the-art facilities and resources, students are well-equipped to develop their clinical skills and gain real-world experience.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the MB in Medicine program:

- Clinical Skills Centre: A dedicated facility where students practice clinical skills in a safe environment using simulation technology and standardized patients.
- Interprofessional Education: Opportunities to collaborate with students from other health disciplines, fostering teamwork and communication skills essential for modern healthcare.
- Community Engagement: Involvement in community health initiatives and outreach programs, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
- Research Laboratories: Access to cutting-edge research facilities where students can engage in medical research projects, enhancing their understanding of evidence-based practice.
- Field Trips: Organized visits to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities to observe and learn from practicing professionals in various medical settings.
- Digital Learning Tools: Utilization of advanced software and online platforms for learning, including virtual simulations and e-learning modules that complement traditional teaching methods.
- Library Resources: Access to extensive medical libraries and online databases, providing students with a wealth of information for their studies and research projects.
- Internship Opportunities: Structured placements in clinical settings, allowing students to gain firsthand experience in patient care and healthcare delivery.

These experiential learning components are integral to the MB in Medicine program at Queen's University Belfast, ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also skilled and ready to meet the challenges of the medical profession. For more detailed information about the facilities and resources available, you can visit the official facilities list [here](https://www.qub.ac.uk/).

Choosing to study at Queen's means you will be part of a vibrant learning community that prioritizes hands-on experience and prepares you for a successful career in medicine.

Progression & Future Opportunities

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.

Additional Information & Requirements

AAA at A-level + A in a fourth AS-level subject including A-level Chemistry plus at least one other A-level from Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics. If not offered at A-level, then Biology/Human Biology grade A as a 4th AS-level or grade B as a 5th AS-level. ORA*AA at A-level including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology.ORA*AA at A-level including Chemistry and either Mathematics or Physics + AS-level Biology grade B.GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4 and either GCSE Physics minimum grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science minimum grades CC/44 are required if these subjects are not offered at AS-level or A-level.All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/MRCI/admissions/FileStore/QUB-Admissions-Policy-Statement-for-Medicine-2026.pdf
IBDP - A total of 36 IB points is required, including 6,6,6 at Higher Level with Chemistry and Biology; Physics (or Double Award Science), Mathematics, and English must be held at GCSE level or equivalent if not taken within the IB, and points from the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge may count towards the total.https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/MRCI/admissions/FileStore/QUB-Admissions-Policy-Statement-for-Medicine-2026.pdf
Indian - To be considered for entry to Medicine or Dentistry, applicants should hold the Indian Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate Grade XII with a minimum of 90% overall, including marks of at least 90% in Chemistry and Biology.
American - High School Diploma with a minimum 3.5 GPA and four AP scores of 5,5,5 ( Chemistry and Biology & one more science), along with GCSE-level Maths (typically Grade 12) and GCSE Physics or equivalent; We will not penalize students for the absence of an SAT or ACT test, however we expect applicants to have taken at least one type of standardized test (AP, SAT, or ACT). https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/usa/#tab-applying
Under the Medical Act, the minimum age for inclusion on the GMC Medical Register on graduation is 21. This means that students of 16 and above can apply. https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/MRCI/admissions/FileStore/QUB-Admissions-Policy-Statement-for-Medicine-2026.pdf
The university requires the UCAT, followed by an MMI. SJT is not taken into account. Its used only for tie breaking.
The number of international seats are 36.
In considering applications, GCSE performance in the best 9 subjects will be scored, with 4 points awarded for an A* (grade 9 on the 9-1 grading scale), 3 points for an A (grades 7 and 8), 2 points for a B (grade 6), and 1 point for a C*/C (grades 4 and 5). Please note that only GCSEs completed in Year 11 and Year 12 (Year 10 and Year 11 in England and Wales) will be counted for scoring purposes. If you have not undertaken GCSE or equivalent qualifications, an academic score will be calculated based on school reports. For QUB Medicine, the pre-interview score is 45 points total:Up to 36 points come from your previous academic qualifications/school results.Up to 9 points come from your UCAT, based on your UCAT decile. 10th decile will give 9 points; the 9th decile will give 8 points, and so on. In past years, interview cut-offs have been around 38 points. Students applying should at least get 38 points and above to expect an interview call. https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/MRCI/admissions/FileStore/QUB-Admissions-Policy-Statement-for-Medicine-2026.pdf
An IELTS score of 7.5 overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in Speaking and Listening and 6.5 in Reading and Writing,For admission to most Bachelor's degree programmes (excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy), the University will normally accept 70% in English Language in Standard XII CBSE in place of an IELTS Academic test (https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/india/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#tab-applying)
Case-based learning in years 1-4 that integrates clinical, biomedical, and behavioural science
Resit policy: You must have held QUB Medicine as your Conditional Firm (CF) choice, if you received an offer.At your first attempt, you must have achieved either:A*AB or AAA, orAAB + A in a fourth AS-level.You can have only two attempts at A-levels.If you resit, the current required offer is A*AA, or AAA + A in a fourth AS-level.You must also retake the UCAT, because the UCAT result is valid for only one application cycle.