All You Need to Know About University of Buckingham Medical School

If you’re thinking about studying medicine in the United Kingdom, the University of Buckingham’s Medical School could be the perfect fit for you. This non-profit private university, situated in Buckingham, England, is the oldest among the country’s five private universities.

About the University of Buckingham Medical School
The Medical School fosters a close-knit yet comprehensive learning environment, providing students with a supportive community while ensuring they gain essential experience for their future careers as medical professionals. It welcomes both UK and international students.

One of the standout offerings is the 4.5-year MB ChB programme, which is built upon a well-established curriculum designed to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required for effective medical practice.

Overview of the 4.5-Year MB ChB Programme
The MB ChB Medicine programme aims to train doctors who are ethical, compassionate, and dedicated to putting patients first. The course is structured into two distinct phases:

Phase 1: This phase consists of integrated and interdisciplinary units that focus on the body’s systems, all presented within a clinical context. By the end of this phase, students should be able to communicate effectively with patients, perform clinical examinations, and understand the body’s functioning in both health and disease, preparing them for full-time clinical practice.

Phase 2: Building on the foundations established in Phase 1, this phase involves intensive interaction with patients and doctors in a clinical setting. Students will experience a structured approach to various aspects of medicine, both in hospital environments and community settings.

The programme includes placements in hospitals and general practices, maintaining a low student-to-teacher and student-to-patient ratio. This approach maximizes opportunities for students to engage with a diverse range of patients and medical professionals.

Partner Hospitals
Students will undertake placements in partner hospitals near Buckingham, including:

Milton Keynes University Hospital
St Andrews Hospital in Northampton
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Entry Requirements
To apply for this course, candidates must meet the following criteria:

For UK A-level applicants: A minimum of grades ABB, including Chemistry or Biology, is required, or they should be predicted to achieve this before the course begins.

For International Baccalaureate (IB) applicants: A total score of at least 34 points is needed, with Higher Level grades of 6 in Chemistry and Biology. Note that the overall score does not include the theory of knowledge or extended essay components.

For degree holders: A Bachelor’s degree in a subject related to Medicine is required, with a minimum classification of 2.1.

For non-native English speakers: An IELTS UKVI or IELTS Academic certificate is necessary, with a minimum overall score of 7 and no less than 6.5 in each component. Alternatively, a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Certificate with an average score of 185, including a minimum of 176 in each paper, is acceptable.

Candidates from certain English-speaking countries may be exempt from providing an English test certificate if they have successfully completed a UK Bachelor’s degree.

Acceptance Process
Once an offer of admission is made, students will receive a student contract outlining the terms between the university and the student for the course of study. It’s crucial to review this document thoroughly before accepting the offer, as it contains important information regarding the programme.

During the first two years of study at the University of Buckingham Medical School, students will be assigned to either the Buckingham or Crewe campus. From Year 3 onwards, students will primarily be at their designated placement locations.