University of Birmingham: Medical School Admission
Birmingham Medical School has been training doctors since 1900 and has continued to be a world-class medical school ever since. At Birmingham you have the opportunity to learn at some of the UK’s leading hospitals, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital which is situated just next door to the medical school campus. You’ll learn alongside students studying other healthcare disciplines, mirroring how these disciplines work together in real life to care for patients.
Table of Contents
ToggleBirmingham place heavy weighting on both academic performance and UCAT score, with the SJT score used post interview in deciding which applicants will be made offers. This makes it an ideal choice for strong all-round candidates, as well as candidates with particularly high UCAT or GCSEs.
Key Points
- UCAT
- City Based
- Optional Intercalation
- Integrated Course
Insider’s Guide to Birmingham Medical School from Ishaan M, Birmingham Medical Student
What makes Birmingham unique to other medical schools?
Birmingham is in the close proximity of the QE Hospital, which provides an exciting teaching experience and a range of revolutionary procedures and treatments. Furthermore, the transport links from the university are great, having a train station on campus which is easily accessible to the entire West Midlands and placements. Our MedSoc has often been rated one of the best in the country, offering one of the widest sets of societies, meaning there are new opportunities to get involved in any new or existing interests, regardless of how familiar you are with them. In addition, many societies are centered around specialties, allowing students to take part and learn more about medical specialties they take interest in. This means students can hone their interests and explore career options early, and that we are more likely to know which specialties we’d like to place in during foundation years.
Course Structure at Birmingham Medical School
Year 1 at Birmingham Medical School
Semester 1: During this semester, the modules studied are:
- MTM (Molecules to Man) covering the musculoskeletal system and how cells build up structures from a macro- to a microscopic level.
- CEP (Cellular Communication, Endocrinology and Pharmacology) covering many cell-to-cell communication processes such as signaling and hormone interaction. Endocrinology was one of my personal favourite modules as the biochemistry was well-taught and extremely interesting. Pharmacology is taught in a little detail as this is mostly covered in more detail much later on.
- NAS (Neurones and Synapses) covering neuronal anatomy and how lesions in neurones can cause problems. We touch on a range of different pathologies and nerve impairments within the body.
- PPP (People, Patients and Populations) is one of many sociology and ethics modules, one of which we have each semester. This aims to make us much better doctors by acknowledging the healthcare system from a patients’ point of view, discussing how treatment can affect patients in their personal life and how certain laws and beliefs may negatively affect patients as well.
Semester 2: During this semester we cover:
- MJM (Muscles, Joints and Movements) covering muscle anatomy of the limbs, abdomen and thorax, involving neurovascular supplies and issues associated with atrophy and hypertrophy.
- IRM (Intro to Respiratory Medicine) covering laws related to respiratory function (much of which is calculation and physics based), respiratory anatomy and respiratory pathology.
- DIG (Digestive System) covering anatomy, physiology and function of the entire digestive system from mouth to bowels.
- DPS (Doctors, Patients and Society) is a continuation of the sociology and ethics covered in PPP, and acts to further our knowledge of patient experience as medical professionals.
Alongside this we are placed in GP clinics during our CBM component, which aims to consolidate learning over the course of the year and develop clinical skills, and Regional Anatomy of the Abdomen and Limbs.
Year 2 at Birmingham Medical School
Semester 1: During this semester, we cover:
IIH (Infection, Immunology and Haematology) covering the innate and immune system responses to pathogens from viruses to parasites. We study in detail how immune responses work, can be enhanced and how they can often cause autoimmune conditions if unregulated.
CVS (Cardiovascular System) covering laws related to heart physiology, cardiac anatomy, and different arrhythmias. Furthermore, we are first introduced to ECGs which we will hav
REN (Renal System) covering the kidneys, ureters and bladders. Notably, urine and filtrate production, physiology, urinary pathologies and treatments.
HES (Health Sciences) is a continuation of previous sociology components which aims to improve our care and promote awareness towards those with disabilities and those who struggle to use the services provided by the NHS.
Alongside this we are placed in GP clinics during our CBM component, which aims to consolidate learning over the course of the year and develop clinical skills, and Regional Anatomy of the Pelvis and Head and Neck.
Semester 2: During this semester we cover:
CAN (Cancer): this component aims to give the student an up to date understanding of the cellular events, hallmarks of cancer, that result in cancer progression and spread to other parts of the body. Risk factors that cause different cancers will be analyzed. We will compare behavior of cancerous and normal cells and look at how the differences in their behavior can be targeted to selectively kill oncogenic cells.
BAB (Brain and Behaviour): This module will build on the fundamental principles of neuroscience studied in year 1 by extending these principles to the central nervous system. A detailed survey of how the highly adapted special senses provide information input to the brain and how it then processes this information will be made. The various neural mechanisms that underlie the control of the motor output from the brain and their integration with sensory input will also be studied. The module will then cover aspects of higher brain function involved in the processes of, for example, language, memory and emotions. Consideration will also be given to the metabolic requirements of the brain and how they are normally met.
RED (Reproductive, Endocrinology and Development): This module delves into the anatomy, embryology, pharmacology and physiology of the make and female reproductive systems, with an emphasis on childbirth and disease pertaining to these systems.
Year 3 at Birmingham Medical School
From your third year onwards, most of the teaching takes place in partner Teaching Hospital Trusts. Teaching in hospitals and general practices takes place within a highly organised academy structure with senior clinicians and dedicated Clinical Teaching Fellows (junior doctors). This ensures that we receive excellent training in each speciality.
Through placements, you will have access to a diverse regional population of over five million, including one million children. This means you will see a vast range of illness in people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, genders, sexualities, socio-economic statuses, and ages, helping you to relate, empathise and identify with these people on a professional and personal level.
Year 4 & 5 at Birmingham Medical School
During your final two years on the course we undertake clinical attachments in a wide range of specialities such as cardiology, neurology, psychiatry, rheumatology, orthopaedic surgery, oncology, ear, nose and throat surgery and anaesthetics. Further attachments in obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and general practice as well as a composite attachment in emergency medicine, intensive care, general hospital medicine and surgery are essential for us understanding our roles as Junior Doctors.
During the fourth year, we spend one month full-time on an elective placement where we can choose what we study and where. This could involve undertaking our own clinical research either at our Medical School, another centre in the UK or abroad, in a clinical setting (primary or secondary care), other healthcare setting or in a laboratory. Many students choose to undertake their elective abroad to experience a healthcare system in a different cultural context.
Teaching Style at Birmingham Medical School
What is the general teaching style at Birmingham? E.g. is it PBL/Traditional? etc.
Integrated: One organ system is taught in detail per module, covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry and treatments. This can be quite heavy, however it allows a manageable learning style which allows easy consolidation and separation between modules. It also means, come clinical years, we are at least fairly familiar with most pathologies we see. Furthermore, we learn how pathologies can affect each other and we can understand the interactions between drugs and diseases, allowing a more clear and holistic view of any patients we see.
Does Birmingham offer dissection?
While we do not directly dissect cadavers, we often undertake prosecution: identifying structures within a cadaver which has already been dissected.
Does Birmingham offer a BSc? If so, how is the BSc year?
Birmingham offers BSc and MSc qualifications during intercalations. Each of them are generally one year, with the option to do 2 year intercalations part-time.
What is the pre-clinical / clinical split like? Do you get early clinical exposure?
We are split with 2 pre-clinical years and 3 clinical years. We are not thrust into the unknown during clinical years, however, as we are placed at GP practices throughout the pre-clinical years, allowing us to sit within clinics and learn about holistic care from the patients’ point of view.
Social Life at Birmingham Medical School
What are the clubs and societies like? What is the social life like?
Nightlife is bustling in Birmingham, with a wide variety of clubs and bars both on campus and in town. The MedSoc regularly schedules medic only events and night outs, allowing networking and socialising with other medics on the course. There is also a huge variety of societies to cater to all interests.
FAQs
The University of Birmingham is known for its world-class research, teaching excellence, and strong links with industry. It is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and is particularly renowned for its programs in business, engineering, and medical sciences.
To apply to the University of Birmingham, you need to first choose the course you want to apply for and then complete an online application form. You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as academic transcripts and references, as part of your application.
The entry requirements for the University of Birmingham vary depending on the course you are applying for. Generally, you will need to have a strong academic record and meet specific subject requirements. International students may also need to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
The University of Birmingham offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields such as engineering, business, medicine, law, social sciences, arts, and humanities. You can find more information about the courses on their website.
What is the admission process for the University of Birmingham?
The University of Birmingham offers a range of accommodation options, including self-catered and catered halls of residence, as well as private rented accommodation. The university also has a dedicated accommodation team who can provide support and advice on finding suitable accommodation.
Graduates of the University of Birmingham have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, both in the UK and internationally. The university has strong links with industry and employers, and offers a range of career support services to help graduates secure employment after graduation.
The University of Birmingham offers a range of support services for international students, including visa and immigration advice, language support, and cultural integration programs. The university also provides international scholarships and funding opportunities.
The University of Birmingham is a highly selective institution, and admission to the university can be competitive. However, the level of difficulty for admission can vary depending on the program you are applying for, as well as your academic credentials and other factors such as the number of available places and the number of applications received.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, and applicants are assessed based on a range of criteria, including academic achievement, personal statement, and other relevant experience. It is therefore important to research the specific admission requirements for the program you are interested in, and to prepare a strong application that highlights your academic achievements and relevant experience.
About the university
Key Information | |
Website | birmingham.ac.uk/schools/medical-school/ |
[email protected] | |
Phone number | 0121 414 7258 |
Course Information | |
Teaching style | Integrated The first two years are pre-clinical, where you'll learn about each body system as well as the psychology and sociology of health. Anatomy is taught in small groups using prosections. Years 3-5 are spent in partner hospitals and general practices as clinical medical students. |
Course length | 5 years |
Courses offered | 2 courses offered A100 Standard Entry Medicine - 5 years |
Graduate entry | Yes |
Foundation or access | No |
University Life | |
Local area | Birmingham Birmingham City Centre is a great place to live and study! The city is large (the biggest outside of London in the UK) and full of life. There are a total of 6 universities in Birmingham so it is a a great place for students with plenty of student events always going on. Despite the city being big, the city centre is easy to navigate with great public transport. The university is located a short-way outside of the city centre so is also surrounded by plenty of green space, giving it a quieter feel too. |
Social life | First year accommodation tends to be in the Vale Village which is approximately 15 minutes away from the Medical School. It's a really nice area, with a large central lake and plenty of parks to relax in. Everything you need is closeby including student pubs and a small local shop. Birmingham MedSoc runs a range of societies just for medical students - everything from academic specialty-based to sports groups. The MedSoc also organises big social events such as the Med Ball each year. |
Interview | |
Interview style | MMI 7 stations each 6 minutes long, including calculation stations and roleplay |
Interview dates | Dec-Jan |
Admissions Tests | |
UCAT | UCAT Required UCAT score is used in conjunction with academic achievements with a weighting of 45% academic to 40% UCAT score and 15% contextual. This is then used to rank and shortlist applicants for interview. The SJT section score of the UCAT will be used at interview stage. |
GAMSAT | N/A |
Academic Requirements | |
GCSE | GCSEs scored for interview selection A total of seven GCSEs must be offered, and these will be used to calculate an applicant score (see website for details). The required subjects are: English Language at grade 6/B or higher (English Literature is not required but is one of the identified subjects that we will score); Mathematics (or one of Methods in Mathematics and Applications of Mathematics) at grade 6/B or higher; and Biology and Chemistry or dual award science at grade 6/B or higher. |
A-level | AAA The standard offer is A*AA at A-Level, including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry. Applicants must be predicted a minimum of AAA. Contextual applicants may receive an alternative offer of AAA and those on a recognised widening-participation programme may receive an offer of ABB. |
Scottish Advanced/Highers | N/A |
IB | 32 points Higher level: 7,6,6 from Chemistry and Biology and one other approved subject. A minimum of 32 points must be attained. |
Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) | 2:1 Honours degree Achieved or predicted first or upper second class degree in any subject from a recognised institution. We expect that no more than five years will have elapsed between the most significant and relevant qualification and the start date of the course. If more than five years have elapsed since your degree, then your work since your degree will be considered. |
Statistics | |
Number of applicants per interview | Home: 2.2, International: 6.6 |
Number of applicants per place | Home: 6, International: 21.4 |
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
23 September 2021
Hello will i have a chance of getting into birmigham and passsing the interview stage with a UCAT score of 2520 and B3 .
My gcses are eight 9s , three 8s andtwo 7s and i am predicted
A*AA for biology , chemistry and matsh respectively
anonymousMedic Mind Tutor
10 October 2021
of course , look at your grades
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
17 November 2021
it’s giving the student room 💀💀💀💀💀
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
15 February 2023
Did you get in??
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
13 January 2022
I haven’t heard from Birmingham University, although I got a ‘likely’ in the online assessment using my GCSE and UCAT points. Is it still possible to be invited for an interview, or likely to have been rejected?