Studying at Nottingham Medical School
Overview
The University of Nottingham has been running its Medicine degree from Nottingham and Derby based hospitals for 50 years. Students are able to explore a broad range of research areas as part of your studies alongside national and international leaders in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cancer research, mental health technology and more. The Medical School is based in Queen’s Medical Centre, one of the UK’s largest hospitals. There are dedicated clinical skills facilities including a dissection suite and teaching laboratories for medicine and healthcare students. The hospital is located opposite University Park Campus and connected by a footbridge for easy access. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.
Nottingham place emphasis on both UCAT score and GCSE performance when selecting which candidates to invite to interview. Therefore it makes an ideal choice for candidates with a strong academic background as well as good UCAT performance. It’s also possible for an exceptional UCAT score to compensate for lower academic history, and vice versa, so it could also be a good choice for candidates who are extremely strong in either of these aspects.
Read our UCAT guide for more information on What is UCAT.
Key Points
- Case-Based Learning
- UCAT
- Compulsory BMedSci
Insider’s Guide to Nottingham Medical School from Aymen, Nottingham Medical Student
What makes Nottingham unique to other medical schools?
One of the main things that makes the course unique is the Bmedsci degree offered in third year,so you can complete a Bachelor of Medical Sciences,doing a research project in an area of your choosing without needing an extra year for it.Another thing is that Nottingham is one of few that offers fully body dissesctions when teaching anatomy as well as providing prosections to aid your learning.
Course Structure at Nottingham Medical School
Year 1 at Nottingham Medical School
The first year, the foundation is laid, learning the basics of sciences and professionalism in medicine in the first semester and then moving on to learning about the basics anatomy and physiology of some systems like the respiratory and cardiovascular
Year 2 at Nottingham Medical School
Theme based teaching continues, learning more in depth about subjects such as pharmacology and anatomical aspects of the endocrine and gastrointestinal system.
Year 3 at Nottingham Medical School
This year begins with the supervised research project which will lead to being awarded with the BmedSci degree. The clinical phase will then begin, starting with a compulsory week in primary care to develop skills to assess patients
Year 4 at Nottingham Medical School
The final two years have rotations every 6 weeks in primary and secondary care to further develop professional knowledge, skills and values, there is also the chance to study abroad or at home for student selected modules.
Teaching Style at Nottingham Medical School
What is the general teaching style at Nottingham? E.g. is it PBL/Traditional? etc.
The course takes an integrated approach with lectures, group learning, workshops, anatomy teaching via full body dissection and placements from first year. The diversity of this really attracted me to Nottingham, knowing I would always have something different to look forward to each week and learning in different ways really helps build the understanding around the specific focus of the week.
Does Nottingham offer dissection?
Yes, Nottingham provides anatomy teaching via fully body dissection. This begins in January of the first year and continues until the end of the semester and then in the first semester of second year, by the end of this, the entire anatomy will have been studies alongside other relating areas such as clinical cases to relate what you have learnt
Does Nottingham offer a BSc? If so, how is the BSc year?
Nottingham offers a the BmedSci degree in the third year, without needing to take a year out. This means that as a student you conduct a research project over the next few months in your third year
What is the pre-clinical / clinical split like? Do you get early clinical exposure?
There is clinical exposure from first year, slowly building up as the years progress in both GP and hospital settings. The learning is case based, providing a patient scenario so you can link what you have learnt that week and apply it to a real clinical scenario.
Social Life at Nottingham Medical School
What are the clubs and societies like? What is the social life like?
The university of Nottingham has over 200 different societies and sports clubs so there really is something for everyone to do. It’s a really great opportunity to try something new and meet new people, or even carry on with something you enjoy whether you want to try ice skating, public speaking, write an article or be in a play.
FAQs
Nottingham Medical School offers undergraduate programs such as Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMedSci). The school also offers postgraduate programs such as Master of Medical Education (MMEd), Master of Surgery (MSurg), and Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Nottingham Medical School is a highly selective institution, and getting admission can be challenging. The entry requirements for the school are typically high, and competition for places is fierce. However, this does not mean that admission to the school is impossible. If you meet the entry requirements, have relevant work experience and can demonstrate a strong interest and aptitude for medicine, you may have a chance of getting admitted. It’s important to note that meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the school also considers other factors such as personal statements, references, and performance in admissions interviews. Ultimately, the best way to increase your chances of getting admitted to Nottingham Medical School is to prepare well and present a compelling application that showcases your strengths, experiences, and passion for medicine.
The application process for Nottingham Medical School is done through UCAS for undergraduate programs and directly to the school for postgraduate programs. For undergraduate programs, you will need to submit an application, personal statement, and reference. For postgraduate programs, you will need to submit an application, CV, personal statement, and references.
The curriculum at Nottingham Medical School is structured to provide a comprehensive education in medicine. The program is divided into pre-clinical and clinical years, with the pre-clinical years focusing on the basic sciences and the clinical years focusing on clinical practice. Students also have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules to tailor their education to their interests.
Nottingham Medical School has a strong research culture and offers a range of research opportunities for students. The school has research groups focusing on a range of areas including cancer, neuroscience, and medical education.
Graduates of Nottingham Medical School have a range of career opportunities available to them. These include roles in clinical practice, research, academia, public health, and medical education.
About the university
| Key Information | |
| Website | Website |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone number | 0115 951 5151 |
| Course Information | |
| Teaching style | Case-Based Learning The first few years focus on biomedical science themes which are clinical case-based and often involve bringing patients into teaching session. There isn’t specifically clinical exposure in the first few years which makes this more of a traditional course, but there is the integration of patient-centred learning through the use of cases. The final two years of the course are the clinical phase where you will be based in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire for clinical placements. |
| Course length | 5 years |
| Courses offered | 3 courses offered A100 Standard Entry Medicine - 5 years A108 Medicine with Foundation Year - 6 years A101 Graduate Entry Medicine - 4 years |
| Graduate entry | Yes |
| Foundation or access | Yes |
| University Life | |
| Local area | Nottingham With a huge student population, Nottingham is one of the most vibrant cities in the UK. No matter what your taste or budget, there's something for everyone. University Park is The University of Nottingham’s largest campus at 300 acres. Set in extensive greenery and around a lake, University Park is the focus of life for students, staff and visitors. Conveniently located only two miles from the city centre. The hub of student life is the Portland Building, which houses the Students' Union, the Student Support Centre, as well as shops, banks, bars and restaurants. |
| Social life | The Students' Union is the hub of student social life on campus. You can get involved with a wide range of activities including societies, sports clubs, volunteering projects, student-run groups and networks, events such as pub quizzes, live music, club nights, speed dating and comedy nights ─ in venues both on and off campus. |
| Interview | |
| Interview style | MMI Online 8 stations of 5 minutes each. Interviews will be on line for 2024 entry. Please see our website for more details. |
| Interview dates | Dec-Mar |
| Admissions Tests | |
| UCAT | UCAT Required Your UCAT is awarded a maximum of 60 points with Verbal Reasoning being given more weighting. A further 60 points are awarded for performance in Situational Judgement Test subtest. Applicants with a Band 4 will not be considered. Your UCAT score is combined with a score for your academic performance to decide who to invite to interview. |
| GAMSAT | N/A |
| Academic Requirements | |
| GCSE | GCSEs A minimum of six GCSEs should have been studied over a two year period and that the required grades are achieved at one sitting. A minimum of six GCSEs at Level 7 (A), including both Biology and Chemistry, or double science and you must have achieved a minimum of a grade 6 (B) in Maths and English Language. We will consider one GCSE subject resit in Maths, English Language, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Double Science qualifications. The achieved overall resit grade must be a minimum of Level 6 (B) in Maths or English Language, and a minimum of Level 7 (A) in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Double Science (7,7) qualifications. |
| A-level | AAA AAA: must include biology (or human biology) and chemistry A pass is required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately. A levels must be studied over a maximum two-year period and three A levels have been passed at the required grades in one sitting. A levels that have taken longer than two years to complete are not usually accepted. |
| Scottish Advanced/Highers | AAAAB Subject requirements: English Language, Maths and the Sciences Advanced Highers must also be offered. |
| IB | IB/b> IB 34 (6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including biology and chemistry, excluding core component with GCSEs stated (or equivalent). |
| Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) | 2:1 Honours degree You can apply for this course if you already have a degree. The entry requirements for this route are: - a 2:1 degree in any subject - the minimum A level requirements for this course - a minimum of GCSE level 4 (C) in maths and English language If you're currently studying for a degree, you can apply for medicine during any year of your existing studies. Do not withdraw from your current studies as your offer may be conditional on the completion of your current degree. If you chose this route, your A levels and GCSEs must meet the course entry requirements. If you need your degree result to be able to meet the academic entry requirements, you may apply through UCAS at the beginning of your final year of study. In these cases, your offer to study Medicine will be conditional on achieving the necessary academic requirements. Your current degree must: - be an honours degree - evidenced by sending ratified documentation (a copy of your final degree transcript or your certificate) by 20 July 2025 - have been completed within the intended length of the qualification for example, three years for a BSc or four years for an MSc If you are applying with an undergraduate (bachelors or undergraduate masters) degree you may not need to meet the standard A level requirements. If you have achieved or are predicted to achieve a first-class honours degree at undergraduate level in a relevant subject with enough biology and chemistry content you may not have to meet the the A level requirements*. However, you'll still need to achieve at least a 4 (C) in GCSE in both Maths and English Language. Any offers made without the A level requirements are conditional on you achieving a first in your primary degree before starting the course. If you have achieved or are predicted to achieve a first-class honours degree at undergraduate level in an non- relevant degree or undergraduate masters degree then the A-level requirement must still be met and they must have achieved a minimum of GCSE grade C (4) in English Language and Maths. Degrees must be completed in the natural length intended for the qualification (generally, 3 years for Bachelors, and 4 years for integrated Masters). Accelerated degrees resulting in the award of a BSc Hons (completed over two years rather than three). These applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. GCSE Maths and English Language must still be achieved at a minimum of a 4 (C) grade. |
| Statistics | |
| Number of applicants per interview | Home: 3, International: 3 |
| Number of applicants per place | Home: 10, International: 8 |
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
10 September 2022
I have a UCAT score of 2600. I see the verbal reasoning score is weighted for Nottingham and this was my lowest scoring section at 580 points. Is it worth me still applying?
Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor
18 September 2022
How were your GCSEs? Nottingham also score your top 8 GCSE results so if you have a lot of grade 8 or 9s it could still be worth applying. Remember that Verbal Reasoning is the lowest scoring section of average. The interim results show that so far the national average for VR is 577, so your score is around average nationally.