Medicine BM BS

Widening participation 

BSMS is committed to widening participation into medicine, so along with assessing your academic profile, we will also be looking for any contextual data that may enhance your application. If you are identified as having any two from the following key pieces of data, then you will be considered separately from the rest of our applicants. For these applicants, we will accept AAB at A-level (including biology and chemistry); and English and mathematics at GCSE grade 5 or C.

• You live in a neighbourhood that has low participation into higher education or live in an area that falls within the lowest 20% of the Index of Mass Deprivation. Eligibility will be identified by BSMS Admissions. 
• You attended an 11–16 state school that performed below the national average at Progress 8 score. Eligibility will be identified by BSMS Admissions. 
• You (or a parent or guardian) are in receipt of a means-tested benefit. Eligibility should be self-declared and evidence submitted via our admissions portal. All applicants will receive information on how to do this after submitting their UCAS application.
• You are in receipt of the 16 to 19 bursary. Eligibility should be self-declared and evidence submitted via our admissions portal. All applicants will receive information on how to do this after submitting their UCAS application.
• You are (or have been) eligible for free school meals at any point between Year 9 and Year 13 Eligibility should be self-declared and evidence submitted via our admissions portal. All applicants will receive information on how to do this after submitting their UCAS application.

Applicants who are (or have been) looked after in local authority care for more than three months will automatically be invited for interview, subject to satisfying academic criteria.

Mature and graduate entry  

Access to HE Diploma
Mature entry: Pass with distinction on a recognised Access to Medicine course. Find out more about Access to Medicine.

Degree and experience
Graduate entry: Applicants should hold, or expect to hold, a first or upper second class honours science degree and at least BBB at A-level including biology and chemistry. If applying with a non-science degree applicants should hold, or expect to hold, a first or upper second class honours degree and at least AAB at A-level including grades A in biology and chemistry. Applicants without the required science qualifications may like to consider the Access to Medicine diploma.

Applicants should note that the integrated nature of the BSMS degree in medicine does not normally allow advanced entry to a different year of the programme.

EU or Channel Island applications are considered on the same basis as UK applicants. BSMS has six places per year for international students from outside the European Union. Applicants should possess academic qualifications equivalent to those required from UK and EU applicants. We may be able to interview overseas applicants by video link at their local British Council office.

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

BSMS requires all applicants to sit the UCAT in the year that you apply, in order to be considered for interview. Find out more on the UCAT website including how to register, key dates and preparing for the test.

International requirements

International candidates can find out more about BSMS entry requirements for international qualifications and detailed information on English language requirements on the BSMS website.

Course structure

Our five-year medical degree, awarded jointly by the Universities of Brighton and Sussex, leads to the qualification of Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (BM BS).

The BSMS course is designed to help you become a highly competent; strongly motivated doctor, committed to the highest standards of clinical practice, professionalism and patient care. By the time you graduate, you will have developed the knowledge and key personal skills and attitudes necessary to pursue a successful medical career.

Both universities are part of the UK Medical Act and our course has been approved by the GMC under its Quality Assurance of Basic Medical Education (QABME) processes.

We are a dynamic and vibrant school committed to new and innovative approaches to medical education.

Our purpose-built, modern facilities include anatomy and clinical science laboratories, simulated consultation rooms, multiple libraries, computer suites and state-of-the-art lecture theatres. Our enthusiastic and dedicated teachers will provide you with ongoing feedback, continuously supporting you and ensuring that you develop to the very best of your abilities. A range of IT and mobile learning resources will support you on the go, from e-portfolios to smartphone apps.

Years 1 and 2

Introduction to clinical assessment and year 2: Learning from the patient journey

You will study the normal and abnormal functioning of the human body using a systems-based approach, with integrated modules covering the core biomedical and psychosocial sciences.

You will start to develop clinical skills in history taking, physical examination, diagnosis and effective communication with patients in a classroom setting and by gaining experience in primary, secondary and third sector placements. For example, you may spend time with a family looking after a new baby (year 1), and with a patient with dementia or a chronic health condition (years 2 and 3).

Your anatomy study will include a combination of cadaveric dissection, prosection, living anatomy and ultrasound sessions and 3D printed structures, where you will actively explore the human body and its relevance to clinical practice.

Student-selected Components (SSCs) will allow you to undertake individual studies and explore selected topics in depth, informed by the latest research.

Year 1

Modules

• Foundations of Health and Disease

  This module is an introduction to the Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery course and will promote your understanding of the structure and function of the human body. It is divided into five themes which cover the basics of anatomy and histology, cellular pathology, radiology and physiology, psychology, cellular and molecular biology, immunology and infection, as well as academic skills.

• Heart Lungs and Blood

  In this module you will study the structure, functioning, pathobiology and therapeutics of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and the blood system. You’ll explore how lifestyle affects these systems and how clinicians can support patients in making good lifestyle choices.

• Nutrition, Metabolism and Excretion

  In this module you will study the structure and function of the alimentary and excretory systems, along with the causes, diagnosis and treatment of their associated diseases. You’ll explore what nutrients the body needs, how it processes and converts the major nutrient groups in normal and diseased states, and how the alimentary and excretory systems break down and excrete foreign substances.

• Clinical and Community Practice 1

  Clinical and Community Practice 1 will help prepare you for working in a clinical environment and facilitate your enjoyment of, and enthusiasm for, the practice of medicine. You will expand your understanding of team working and multi-professional roles in healthcare, specifically community healthcare. You’ll also learn about public health, the wider factors that influence health and what can hinder access to healthcare.

• Personal and Professional Development

  In the Personal and Professional Development module you will focus on your values and behaviours as a healthcare professional and how these are affected by, and influence, your personal values. Topics covered include inequality, marginalisation and inclusion; race, ethnicity and culture; gender and health; and the wider determinants of health.

• End of Year 1 Knowledge Test

  This test will take place over two days and assess the knowledge and skills you have learned in the Heart Lungs and Blood and Nutrition and Metabolism and Excretion modules. The question subjects will be equally distributed between the modules and across the two days.

Year 2

Modules

• Brain, Body and Mind

  This module focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system, its interactions with drugs, brain development, degeneration and the changes that come with ageing. You will also look at the sensory and motor pathways, the biological basis of pain and diseases of motor control. You’ll gain an overview of learning and memory, and addiction, alongside the biological and psychosocial bases of major clinical syndromes in psychiatry and common neurological diseases.

• Musculoskeletal and Immune Systems

  In this module you will examine the structure and functioning of the back, upper and lower limbs, common musculoskeletal diseases of the limbs, and limb trauma and repair. You’ll also look at how the immune system functions, the problems that can arise from immune response failure, the fundamental principles of transplantation and tumour immunology and how the immune system targets specific threats.

• Reproduction and Endocrinology

  Reproduction and Endocrinology introduces the structures and functions of the male and female reproductive tracts, the normal and abnormal development of a new individual, the materno-foetal-placental unit, conception, infertility and population measures of fertility. It also covers sexual health, the anatomy of the pelvis, common gynaecological cancers and the endocrine system’s involvement in growth, metabolism and reproduction.

• Clinical and Community Practice 2

  Preparing you for working in a clinical environment, this module revisits in greater depth the areas covered in previous modules and will cover subjects including the health of people, communities and populations; clinical and communication skills; the wider team in promoting health and wellbeing; and the life cycle.

• Personal and Professional Development

  This module ensures that you are equipped with the professional values and behaviours expected of a doctor. Topics will include codes of practice, identity and medical culture; dealing with emotions at work; team working and understanding your place in a team; healthcare law; extremes of social exclusion and inclusion healthcare; disability; age and ageism; and LGBTQ+ health.

• End of Year 2 Knowledge Test

  Taking place over two days, this test will assess the knowledge and skills you have learned in during the Brain, Body and Mind, Musculoskeletal and Immune Systems and Reproduction and Endocrinology modules. The subject of questions will be equally distributed between the modules and across the two days.

Year 3

Learning in increasing depth in core and general specialties

At the heart of year 3 are ward-based attachments including acute medicine, general medicine and cardiology; elderly medicine and psychiatry; and perioperative care, A&E, general and vascular surgery.

You will consolidate your increasing clinical experience with an understanding of the underlying clinical, social science and public health issues through weekly teaching sessions on the scientific basis of medicine. This module also consolidates and expands your research skills in preparation for your Individual research project in year 4.

You will also gain further experience in safe prescribing of drugs, an essential skill for your medical career. Time for Dementia continues through year 3 and you will begin Time for Autism. Regular meetings with your tutor will support your personal and professional development via your e-portfolio.

Modules

• Clinical and Community Practice 3

  This module focuses on generalist specialties within hospital settings and provides the skills you’ll need for the rest of your undergraduate programme and beyond. Taught through scenarios and workshops, it will introduce the knowledge, expertise and values needed to successfully assess the acutely unwell adult.

• Scientific Basis of Medicine

  These weekly teaching sessions on the scientific basis of medicine will help build on the core knowledge gained in your first and second years. You will learn about fundamental pathophysiology and scientific developments in areas such as genetics, immunology, infectious diseases and therapeutics and apply these to clinical scenarios.

• Medicine

  This medicine rotation will be delivered in the clinical settings of the University Hospitals Sussex NHS trust and East Sussex Healthcare NHS trust. You will develop an awareness of the processes by which patient care is delivered in the secondary sector, the roles and responsibilities of different healthcare professionals in a clinical team, and how the primary and secondary sectors interact to provide safe and effective care.

• Surgery

  This rotation module involves a 10-week placement at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital. Core content includes clinical surgery and its sub-specialties, as well as peri-operative medicine and anaesthetics, which will draw on your knowledge of basic sciences. You will learn to take a history and examine patients with surgical problems and present these findings.

• Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

  This module will build on the basic scientific knowledge you gained in the first and second year of the course. The sessions will move through revision of the scientific basis of drug effects and on to how drugs may treat or harm patients. It will also incorporate your experience of therapeutics through a series of clinical scenarios to address the common challenges in safe and effective drug use faced by junior doctors.

• Personal and Professional Development

  The Personal and Professional Development module aims to ensure that you are equipped with the professional values and behaviours expected of a doctor. Subjects you’ll cover include ethics – personal and professional moral values; dealing with error and duty of candour; and creative methods to reflect on your practice.

• Elderly Medicine and Psychiatry

  This clinical rotation places emphasis on developing the personal qualities and values which are essential to working with elderly patients in a multidisciplinary setting. You will further your knowledge and understanding of elderly medicine and develop the skills necessary to assess patients. You will also learn to work with patients with psychiatry problems, focusing on biological, psychological and social factors.

• Year 3 Knowledge Test

  This knowledge test takes place over two days and will examine core learning from six modules: Clinical and Community Practice 3, Scientific Basis of Medicine, Medicine, Surgery, Elderly Medicine, Psychiatry, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. There will be an emphasis on the development of the personal qualities and values needed to practise in a multi-disciplinary setting.

• Year 3 OSCE

  Focusing on the development of the personal qualities and values needed to work in a multidisciplinary setting, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination will test the knowledge you gained from the following modules: Clinical and Community Practice 3, Medicine, Surgery, Elderly Medicine, Psychiatry, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Year 4

Learning in specialist disciplines

You will develop your skills in more specialised clinical areas, completing rotations that include:

• general practice
• ophthalmology and ENT
• infectious diseases, HIV GUM and health protection
• dermatology/rheumatology
• neurology and neurosurgery
• oncology, haematology and palliative care
• obstetrics and gynaecology
• paediatrics.

The clinical focus in year 4 is on understanding patients’ integrated care and how primary, community and secondary care structures work together for the patient. You will also complete a year-long individual research project, supervised by a university or hospital research team, which can be laboratory based or more directly patient focused.

Modules

• Specialist Clinical Rotations

  Here you will undertake a rotation of clinical placements in the specialist subjects of musculoskeletal medicine; dermatology; neurology and neurosurgery; ophthalmology and ear, nose and throat (ENT) medicine; infectious diseases, microbiology, HIV/genitourinary medicine and health protection; oncology, haematology and palliative care; paediatrics; primary care/GP; and obstetrics and gynaecology.

• Individual Research Project

  This module will teach you to find and integrate information from different sources, summarise and critically assess information and construct reasoned arguments. Typical projects include laboratory-based research, clinical studies, design and testing of novel instruments or clinical tools, the development of medical IT software/content or systematic reviews. Projects may be based in university labs, hospital departments or clinical community environments such as GP surgeries or community hospitals.

• Personal and Professional Development

  With the aim of equipping you with the professional values and behaviours expected of a doctor, this module includes sessions about raising concerns, whistleblowing and understanding toxic work environments; quality improvement in practice; spiritual care, cultural humility and advocacy; ethical issues near the end of life; medicolegal frameworks at end of life and after death; and leadership and identity.

• Year 4 Knowledge Test

  The Year 4 Knowledge Test will examine core knowledge from within the Specialist Clinical Rotations module 402. It will assess your knowledge, skills and attitudes with an emphasis on the development of personal qualities and values essential when working in a multidisciplinary setting.

• Year 4 OSCE

  The Year 4 Objective Clinical Structured Examination is an assessment which takes place over two days and examines the core knowledge and clinical skills gained from all rotations within the Specialist Clinical Rotations module 402, but particularly in the areas of obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, general practice and public health.

Final year

Learning in an apprenticeship role focusing on foundation skills and patient safety.

Year 5 provides intense clinical and professional preparation for your foundation years. Throughout the year, you will develop your clinical skills through direct patient contact and by using clinical skills laboratories and simulators.

Before sitting the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) you will undertake clinical attachments in a range of regional locations. Your learning will be based on a close involvement with routine clinical cases, acting as a member of the clinical team in medicine, emergency medicine, elderly medicine, surgery, general practice and psychiatry. Central to your study will be the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients in these different areas of practice.

After revisions and exams, you will spend the rest of the year as part of a clinical team at one of our regional partner hospitals, working closely with junior doctors and completing the Preparation for Practice module (Foundation 0), preparing you for the role of foundation doctor.

Modules

• Practical Skills and Procedures

  Doctors seeking registration with a licence to practise medicine in the UK have to meet a common threshold for safe practice appropriate to their point of entry to the medical register; this module summarises and assesses your acquisition of the required core skills. You will prove your ability to safely and efficiently perform diagnostic, therapeutic and practical skills at the level of a newly qualified doctor.

• Regional Attachments

  This clinical attachments revision programme covers surgery, psychiatry, medicine for the older adult, medicine and emergency medicine. During five three-week attachments you will take part in the activities of the clinical team, including patient assessments, attending ward rounds, clinics and theatre sessions. The module will also help you prepare for the Medical Licensing Assessment.

• Y5 Elective

  Elective is a four-week placement which aims to boost your enjoyment of and enthusiasm for the practice of medicine in a cultural and/or clinical setting that differs from the training environment you’ve experienced so far. This may involve healthcare in a different country or the pursuit of a particular clinical, non-clinical or research interest. With guidance, you will design the assignment and identify your own educational goals.

• Foundation 0

  This module forms the Assistantship placement required by the General Medical Council for all medical degree programmes and is designed to prepare you for starting professional work. You will be allocated to a clinical team working alongside junior doctors to learn how to perform the role. Each week is themed around areas known to be challenging to junior doctors and there will be discussion sessions to reflect upon these.

• Personal and Professional Development

  To ensure you have the ethical and professional principles expected of a doctor, this module provides opportunities and tools for you to focus on your values and behaviours as a healthcare professional. This includes understanding how they are affected by and affect your personal beliefs.

• Medical Licensing Assessment/AKT

  The Applied Knowledge Test is one of two components of the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA), the other being the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment. Through the MLA you will show that you meet an agreed standard of proficiency and are well prepared to practise medicine as a Foundation Year 1 doctor. You will prove that you are ready for safe practice, able to manage uncertainty and deliver person-centred care.

• Medical Licensing Assessment/CPSA

  The Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment is one of two components of the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA), the other being the Applied Knowledge Test. The MLA enables you to show that you meet an agreed standard of ability and are well able to practise medicine as a Foundation Year 1 doctor. You will prove that you are ready for safe practice, able to manage uncertainty and deliver person-centred care.

• Safe Prescribing

  This prescribing safety assessment will test the prescribing and medicine management skills you have learned during the five years of your course. It consists of an online examination of 60 items across the eight domains of prescribing, prescription review, management planning, providing information, calculation skill, adverse drug reactions, drug monitoring and data interpretation.

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. International fees for this course will rise by 5% per year from 2025 entry.

Find out more

• Brighton and Sussex Medical School fees and funding
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

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