Medicine including foundation year: The University of Manchester

Course description

This course is offered to both medical and dental applicants and is specifically designed to prepare students from diverse educational backgrounds for entry to the 5-year courses offered by the Manchester Medical School and the Manchester Dental School.

Programme structure

Students entering the foundation programme are full-time students at The University of Manchester, but learning and teaching is delivered at Manchester Medical School and Xaverian College.

The college is a long term partner of The University of Manchester and has an enviable reputation as a provider of innovative and effective foundation programmes to different faculties within the University. The core learning objectives include foundations of basic biomedical sciences including chemistry, human biology and statistics. Xaverian College delivers a carefully designed lecture programme (approved by The University of Manchester) that is supplemented by enquiry based learning activities in Manchester Medical School. The combined activities prepare the selected students for entry to the 5-year MBChB and BDS courses. Both formative and summative assessment is used to measure performance. Entry to the 5-year course is automatic on satisfactory completion of the foundation programme.

MBChB (with European Studies)

In addition to studying on the MBChB, students can apply to enrol on the European Studies option during the first semester of Year 1. Linguistic ability to AS or A2-level standard or equivalent in French, German or Spanish is required. During Years 1 to 4, students will maintain and enhance their language skills by weekly tuition in their selected language.

There is an option to study in a European country, which speaks the language being studied, during two of the Special Study Components in Years 3 or 4, and in Year 5 students undertake a 16-week placement at one of our partner universities in Europe. For further details see 'Study in Europe'.

Career opportunities

After graduation, doctors are provisionally registered by the General Medical Council in approved posts. The University is responsible for continued education at this time and organises, together with the hospital authorities, a scheme that places all newly-qualified doctors in their compulsory Foundation Programme. On satisfactory completion, full registration is awarded by the General Medical Council.

Entry requirements

• English language: All students must have one of the following qualifications in English Language:
  • GCSE at Grade B or above
  • Cambridge Syndicate: Grade B or above in the Certificate of Proficiency, Advanced Certificate in English or IGCSE First Language
  • International English Language Testing Service [IELTS] with a minimum average score of seven and with not less than seven in any one component taken at the same sitting
• A level: The School's normal A2 offer after interview is ABB (exams taken at the same sitting after no more than 2 years of study).
  • The following combinations are required:
  • Three rigorous arts/humanities subjects
  • Two rigorous arts/humanities subjects and one science subject
  • One rigorous arts/humanities subject and two science subjects (not chemistry)
• GCSE: At least 6 subjects are required at grade C or above; at least four passes must be at grade A or A* that need not be in the sciences. Grade A requirements not currently accepted are: Applied ICT, Applied Business or short courses.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 33 points required overall, Higher Level 665, Standard Level 655. Acceptable Higher Level subjects
  • 3 arts subjects
  • 2 arts subjects and 1 science subject
  • 1 art subject and 2 science subjects (not chemistry)

  Science subjects (Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology) not offered at Higher level must be taken at Standard level or GCSE, or a referee's statement confirming proficiency at intermediate level in 1 unexamined science subject is accepted.