Studying at Southampton Medical School

Overview

The University of Southampton offer the complete set of four-year, five-year and six-year medical degree programmes, tailored to the background of each student. The standard five-year course (also known as BM5) is suitable for standard school-leaver applicants, as well as graduates keen to study a standard length course. The programme takes an integrated approach, combining traditional learning and clinical practice from the very first year. At Southampton you’ll get clinical experience from the first weeks of your course, meeting patients in hospital and primary care settings. All students complete an in-depth research project alongside world-leading medical research groups during Year 3, letting you explore an area of personal interest and leading to the award of an additional BMedSci degree.

Southampton place a heavy emphasis on UCAT score during the selection process. Applicants meeting the minimum entry requirements with a good UCAT score are likely to receive an interview and make ideal applicants.

Key Points

• Integrated Course
• Compulsory BMedSci
• UCAT

Insider’s Guide to Southampton Medical School from Maeve, Southampton Medical Student

What makes Southampton unique to other medical schools?

Every university has something different to offer but what I think makes Southampton unique is definitely its research opportunities.

Being linked to a high level teaching and research hospital, the third year project really gives students a career advantage early on in their medical training. The skills you develop and the opportunities for conferences and publications (although may be a lot of work at the time…) really enhance your CV which can even be used when applying for consultant posts in your future !

Course Structure at Southampton Medical School

Year 1 at Southampton Medical School

The Southampton course structure is systems based which runs throughout the first 2 years. Year 1 with the foundations of medicine and includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and social sciences. Alongside this is early clinical practice – GP sessions and a birth experience are things to look forward to.

Year 2 at Southampton Medical School

Year 2 follows on with the foundations of medicine but includes more clinical teaching sessions with GP and hospital placements.

Year 3 at Southampton Medical School

In the first half of 3^rd year, you complete an integrated BMedSci project which culminates in a conference – great for your CV! The second half of 3^rd year is the start of full time clinical placement with rotations in medicine, surgery and general practice.

Year 4 at Southampton Medical School

Full time clinical placement continues into fourth year with rotations in the specialties including child health, psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology.

Year 5 at Southampton Medical School

Final year is again, you guessed it – clinical placement. This year you’ll rotate through medicine, surgery and general practice again but with an added student selected rotation. This year also includes an assistantship and elective to help you feel like a doctor and give you a holiday before the big responsibility starts!

Teaching Style at Southampton Medical School

What is the general teaching style at Southampton? E.g. is it PBL/Traditional? etc.

The general teaching style at Southampton is traditional, particularly in the first 2 years. There may be a lot of lectures but Southampton also loves seminars, tutorials and anatomy groups so there is quite a good learning mix!

There are also opportunities to get involved in peer teaching as you progress through the programme.

Does Southampton offer dissection?

The anatomy at Southampton is primarily prosection however there are student selected components throughout the first 2 years where students can undertake anatomy and do dissections themselves.

Does Southampton offer a BSc? If so, how is the BSc year?

By studying medicine at Southampton, you are signing up to get 2 degrees for the price of one. A BMedSc is integrated into the 5 years. The research project undertaken as part of the BmedSc can be in or out of Southampton in any area of your choice. It’s an incredible opportunity to get research experience, conference presentations and publications for your CV!

What is the pre-clinical / clinical split like? Do you get early clinical exposure?

Southampton is known for producing doctors with strong communication skills and this is likely because of the early clinical contact.

Starting in first year, you have regular GP sessions which teaches you the key clinical skills of history taking and examinations, which you’ll use countless times throughout your career. In addition, Southampton also offers early experience on the wards. This is through the ‘birth experience’ in first year and healthcare support working in Southampton General in second year.

Social Life at Southampton Medical School

What are the clubs and societies like? What is the social life like?

There are so many clubs and societies at Southampton that it’s going to be difficult to find time to study! Within Medicine itself there are over 30 societies ranging from academic, to sport, to social clubs as well as the big one – MedSoc. There are also the wider University societies on campus to join, so there’s definitely something for everyone!

FAQs