Medicine

Our medical degree emphasises early involvement with patients and focuses on developing clinical skills. In collaboration with regional NHS Trusts, the University has established Clinical Academies in Bristol and the local area, in which you will be based from years three to five, and which will allow you to experience working in a variety of healthcare settings. The flexibility of our courses enables you to explore areas of personal interest, preparing you comprehensively for clinical practice and helping you to determine your future direction in Medicine.

Medicine courses

Why study Medicine at Bristol?

Bristol has a well-established medical school with an excellent reputation, providing quality teaching to prepare you for a career in medicine. There are exciting opportunities for intercalation, research, and study abroad during final-year electives. The practical training programme, taught in the academies during clinical years, has placements in Bristol and surrounding regional hospitals.

Health and conduct

Certain health conditions may be incompatible with careers in some branches of medicine. If you have a chronic health problem, you should contact the Admissions Office. Medical students must complete a health questionnaire and undergo a medical examination. Non-immune students must be immunised against hepatitis B and tuberculosis.

In accordance with General Medical Council guidelines, medical students must undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check in line with other UK health-related courses.

Please visit our guidelines for students on disclosure.

Interviews

Applicants must be available for interview from November to March immediately following submission of their UCAS form.

What kind of student would this course suit?

Applicants to Medicine should be able to demonstrate some insight into a medical career attained through work experience, voluntary or community work and personal research. Applicants should understand the vocational nature of a career in Medicine.

How is this course taught and assessed?

Initial pre-clinical teaching involves lectures, practicals and small-group tutorials. Clinical teaching employs a full range of opportunities for medical education including ward and clinic-based teaching, lectures, seminars, contribution to multidisciplinary team working, and specialist opportunities, for instance in surgery, radiology, oncology, general practice, pathology and anaesthesia. Mixed-format examinations determine progression to the next year.

What are my career prospects?

On successful completion of the national two-year clinical foundation programme, you will be fully registered with the General Medical Council and may embark on training for your chosen speciality.

What do you think of the University's facilities?

I have found every single book I have required in the Medical Sciences library, and have never had to venture further afield for either books or work space. The IT facilities are great too. The Refectory cafe is a great place to go in between lectures; the prices are very student friendly.

Zoe Bush
MB ChB Medicine