BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

The University of Plymouth's BMBS is a five-year program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes essential for a successful career in medicine.

Program Structure

Years 1–2:
Focus on the core scientific foundations of medicine within a clinical context, structured around the human life cycle. Early clinical exposure is a key component, with placements beginning in Year 1.

Years 3–4:
Emphasize patient-centered learning through hospital and community-based placements. Students apply their scientific and clinical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings.

Final Year:
Focuses on the practical application of clinical skills and knowledge. Students work as part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, preparing for their role as junior doctors.

Teaching Methods

The curriculum follows an integrated model, combining problem-based learning, clinical case discussions, and early patient contact. Students also develop essential professional skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and decision-making.

Clinical Placements

Clinical experience is embedded throughout all five years. Placements occur in a wide range of healthcare settings across the South West of England, including hospitals and community practices, offering exposure to a diverse patient population and a broad scope of specialties.

Medical students at Plymouth benefit from placements across a number of key hospitals and community settings in the South West of England, including:

Derriford Hospital (Plymouth)
The primary teaching hospital affiliated with the medical school. It is a major trauma center and offers specialist services including cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, renal transplantation, and neonatal intensive care. It also houses a Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit, providing insight into military medicine.
Mount Gould Hospital (Plymouth)
Focuses on rehabilitation and community health. Students gain experience in geriatric care, chronic disease management, and multidisciplinary healthcare.
Torbay Hospital (Torquay)
Offers full hospital services including surgery, internal medicine, and emergency care. Many students undertake placements here, particularly in the later years of the course.
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Exeter)
A large teaching hospital with a full range of acute medical and surgical services. It is used for a variety of student placements throughout the program.
Royal Cornwall Hospital (Truro)
Provides exposure to a busy district general hospital, serving a broad demographic and offering placements in many specialties.

These placements provide a mix of urban and rural experience, helping students build adaptability and clinical competence in varied healthcare settings.

Focus Areas: Clinical skills, patient care, medical ethics, research methods, public health.

Learning Outcomes: Proficient in clinical assessment, understanding of disease mechanisms, ability to apply medical knowledge in practice, effective communication with patients and healthcare teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The BMBS program is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC), ensuring that graduates meet the standards required to practice medicine in the UK.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Plymouth consistently ranks highly in employability, with recent statistics showing that 95% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduation, according to the Graduate Outcomes survey.

For more information about the BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program, please visit the official program page: [University of Plymouth BMBS Program](https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/bmbs-bachelor-of-medicine-bachelor-of-surgery).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Plymouth, the BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program is designed to immerse students in a rich, hands-on learning environment. This approach ensures that you not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills essential for a successful medical career. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning experience, allowing you to engage in real-world medical scenarios and collaborate with peers.

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

- Clinical Skills Centre: A dedicated space equipped with simulation suites and clinical skills labs where you can practice essential medical procedures in a safe environment.
- Interprofessional Education: Opportunities to work alongside students from other health disciplines, fostering teamwork and communication skills crucial for modern healthcare.
- Community Engagement: Involvement in local health initiatives and outreach programs, giving you firsthand experience in patient care and public health.
- Research Laboratories: Access to cutting-edge research facilities where you can engage in medical research projects, enhancing your understanding of evidence-based practice.
- Digital Learning Tools: Utilization of advanced software and online platforms for learning, including virtual patient simulations and e-learning modules.
- Field Trips: Organized visits to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities, providing insights into various medical environments and practices.
- Internships and Placements: Opportunities for clinical placements in diverse healthcare settings, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world situations and gain invaluable experience.
- Library Resources: Access to extensive medical libraries and online databases, ensuring you have the latest research and literature at your fingertips.

These experiential learning components are designed to prepare you for the challenges of a medical career, equipping you with the skills and confidence needed to excel. For more information on the facilities available at the University of Plymouth, you can check out the full list here: [University of Plymouth Facilities](https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/facilities).

Embarking on this journey at the University of Plymouth could be the first step towards a fulfilling 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

A levels - A*AA–AAB at A-level (incl. A in Biology and a second science); 7 GCSEs at C/4+ incl. English, Maths, and two sciences (Double or single awards).Your third A level can be in any subject; we do not give preference to three science A levels. General Studies is not accepted.
IBDP - 36–38 points overall to include the following: Higher Level 6 in Biology Higher Level 6 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
Indian - CBSE/CISCE Class XII: 85% overall with 80% in Biology and a second science.
American - AHSD: 7 subjects at 70%+ (GPA 2), including Maths, English, and 2 sciences; APs: 5,5,5 with 5 in Biology and one other science.
We are unable to consider any applicant who will be under the age of 18 on the first day of the first academic year of the course. Applicants who will be 17 on commencement of the course will be considered for deferred entry. (https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/bmbs-bachelor-of-medicine-bachelor-of-surgery/bachelor-of-medicine-bachelor-of-surgery-selection-and-admissions-process)
The university requires the UCAT, followed by an MMI. Must meet the GCSE’s or the international equivalent and the A levels/IB or international equivalents, the UCAT taken in the year of application
There are 6 international seats. (https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/for-providers/finance-and-funding/medicine-and-dentistry-funding/data-on-medical-and-dental-intakes/).Application statistics for 2024 can be found below:Number of Places: 167.Number of applications for 2024: 931.Number of applicants interviewed: 679.Number of offers made: 419.
Resit policy: If applying with predicted grades, a minimum of ABB must have been achieved on the first sitting of A levels. Where ABB was not achieved on first sitting, applicants must re-sit the required qualifications and apply once suitable grades are achieved. A-level or equivalent qualifications must be completed in no more than three years of study. Applicants must achieve a suitable qualification profile on the first re-sit attempt.
UCAT cut offs ------2025 entry cut-off HOME: 2600. 2025 entry cut-off INTERNATIONAL: 2670