Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

6 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Cambridge

Program Overview

Cambridge offers a six-year Medicine programme for undergraduates, leading to the degrees of MB BChir (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). The course is divided into two main stages:

🔹 Years 1–3: Pre-Clinical Stage (BA Degree)

In the first three years, students focus on core medical sciences and develop a strong foundation in biomedical science. This stage leads to a BA degree in Medical and Veterinary Sciences after the third year.

What is taught:

Year 1:
- Functional Architecture of the Body (anatomy)
- Homeostasis (physiology and biochemistry)
- Molecules in Medical Science
- Preparing for Patients (early clinical exposure)
Year 2:
- Mechanisms of Drug Action (pharmacology)
- Human Reproduction
- Neurobiology and Human Behaviour
- Biology of Disease
- Preparing for Patients (continued)
Year 3:
- Students choose from a wide range of interdisciplinary options in biological or biomedical sciences, such as Pathology, Physiology, Psychology, or History and Philosophy of Science.
- A research project or dissertation is typically required.

🔹 Years 4–6: Clinical Stage (MB BChir)

The final three years are clinically focused, with students rotating through hospitals and general practices to gain hands-on experience.

What is taught:

Year 4: Core clinical practice begins, covering general medicine, surgery, and hospital-based specialties. Students continue academic studies through coursework and reflective practice.
Year 5: More advanced clinical rotations in specialties such as paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, and general practice. Students refine diagnostic and patient management skills.
Year 6: Final clinical attachments and preparation for medical practice, including assistantships and shadowing junior doctors. Students also sit their final exams for the MB BChir degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Cambridge's School of Clinical Medicine, students in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BChir) program gain hands-on practical skills from the start, transitioning from a strong foundation in preclinical sciences in the first three years—with some early patient contact—to immersive clinical training in years four, five, and six. Here, you'll work directly with patients on wards, in GP surgeries, outpatient clinics, and hospitals, mentored by expert doctors who provide bedside teaching, supervision, and real-world guidance to turn you into a competent, safe physician. This people-centered approach emphasizes in-person learning that's vital for building confidence and expertise, often in specialties like surgery, obstetrics, anaesthesiology, and intensive care.

You'll get this practical experience through dedicated placements and top-tier facilities:

- Clinical placements at major NHS hospitals, including Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Royal Papworth Hospital, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), where around 300 students annually rotate through wards, surgeries, and clinics for bedside teaching and patient interaction.
- School of Clinical Medicine for coordinated clinical training in years 4-6, building on preclinical sciences with direct doctor supervision.
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) labs, where students engage in hands-on research experiments using professional lab equipment.
- Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at Royal Papworth Hospital, supporting experimental medicine trials and patient studies with over 380 University-linked staff.
- Opportunities like international clinical placements (e.g., seven-week programs with mentoring in surgical and medical specialties), showing the program's global, practical reach.

These elements ensure you're not just learning theory—you're applying it every day in world-class settings that prepare you for a standout medical career. Check out the full facilities list here: https://www.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.cam.ac.uk/files/healthcare_booklet_2024_1.pdf Ready to take the next step? Applying to Cambridge Medicine could be your path to making a real difference—let's chat about your application!

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

A levels - A*A*A at A level, including Chemistry and two other subjects from Mathematics, Biology (or Human Biology), Physics, or Further Mathematics. Colleges that require Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject: Fitzwilliam, Girton, Homerton, Murray Edwards, Newnham, Selwyn, Trinity Hall All other colleges require Chemistry and two other science or mathematics subjects.
IBDP - 41–42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level, including Chemistry and two other subjects from Mathematics, Biology or Human Biology, Physics, or Further Mathematics.
Indian - Indian applicants must have 90–95% in CBSE/ISC Grade 12 with Chemistry, plus either 3 A Levels (AAA) or IB with 41–42 points (776 at HL including Chemistry), or 5 APs with scores of 5 in relevant science subjects.
American - Applicants are required to have five AP scores of 5 in relevant subjects within two years of matriculation, a strong school qualification (e.g., US High School Diploma), a minimum SAT score of 1500 with at least 750 in Math or an ACT score of 33, and must disclose all test attempts and scores, including retakes.
Most Medicine students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge achieved at least A*A*A* (82% of entrants). The majority of IB students achieved at least 44 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
Students must be 18 by Nov 1st of the first year.
For UCAT results, we will look at an applicant’s overall cognitive subtest score. We will not be using the situational judgement score as part of our assessment for 2027 entry. (https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/medicine-mb-bchir)
As per 2025 data, Cambridge Medicine (A100) offers 280 seats, including 22 for overseas students. There are additional 40 seats for Graduate Medicine Program.
Most Medicine students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2018, 2019 and 2023) achieved at least A*A*A* (82% of entrants).
The majority of IB students achieved at least 44 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
For the 2026 entry, Cambridge will review an applicant’s overall UCAT cognitive subtest score, but not the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). There is no fixed minimum UCAT cut-off.
UCAT results will be used both when shortlisting candidates for interview and when making final offers, considered alongside other factors such as academic performance and interview results.
English Requirement - IELTS 7.5 and 7 in each. Toefl - 110 with 25 and above in each element. Not accepting Toefl IBT and home addition from 21st Jan 2026
You'll have at least two interviews as a Medicine applicant. The interviews are heavily focused on academic/scientific thinking, rather than simply asking "Why do you want to be a doctor?" They can assess: Biology/chemistry/scientific understanding Applying knowledge to unfamiliar problems Logical reasoning Ability to analyse information Intellectual curiosity Communication Ethical/professional awareness Understanding of the demands of being a doctor