Aston University, Birmingham
UCAS Code: A100 | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - MB ChB
Entry requirements
A level
The requirement is a minimum of A*AA including chemistry, biology (including passing the practical elements if available) and any third subject, excluding general studies and critical thinking. The A* must be in Biology or Chemistry. Applicants who meet specified widening participation criteria, may be eligible for our contextual offer of AAB (with AA in Chemistry and Biology). More details available at www.aston.ac.uk/MBChB.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
All applicants must have a minimum of 6 GCSEs/IGCSEs at Grade B/6 which must include Maths, English Language, Chemistry, Biology or double science (or overseas qualifications). Although our minimum requirement for GCSEs/IGCSEs is six subjects at Grade B/6, a large number of applicants have much higher grades and as we use a ranking system based on achieved grades, the better the grades the higher the ranking. Therefore, there is no guarantee that applicants, who fulfil the minimum requirement will be called for interview because only the top ranking candidates are invited.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Applicants will normally be expected to achieve or to have achieved an overall score of at least 37 points with a mark of 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry and biology and the rest from three Standard Level subjects and Core. The Higher Level grade 7 must be in Biology or Chemistry.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Applicants with a BTEC qualification will normally be considered on a case-by-case basis but will need to obtain a minimum of DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science in combination with chemistry and biology A Levels at grades A*A.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Applicants with Scottish Advanced Highers, will normally be expected to achieve, or have achieved AAA, to include chemistry and biology. Applicants who meet specified widening participation criteria, may be eligible for our contextual offer of AAB (with A in Chemistry and Biology). More details available at www.aston.ac.uk/MBChB).
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About this course
Our MBChB Medicine programme is designed to prepare you for the demands of a medical career, with a strong emphasis on working compassionately with patients as partners within a multi-disciplinary team. You’ll gain exposure to real clinical settings through a series of clinical placements each year, and develop a wide range of skills and a broad knowledge base.
Our patient-centred curriculum is taught across five years in two phases. It starts by expanding and deepening your existing science education, covering topics such as the fundamentals of body structure, infection and pathological processes. As you move into the second phase, a large proportion of your learning will take place in clinical environments, working with practising doctors and healthcare professionals in placements ranging from cancer care to integrated medicine.
Throughout your time with us, you will be encouraged to develop into an independent life-long learner, with critical thinking skills and the caring and empathetic attitude needed to embark on your first post after graduation as a Foundation Doctor.
**What you will learn**
Our patient-centred curriculum is taught over five years in two phases. It starts by expanding and deepening your existing science education, covering topics such as the fundamentals of body structure, infection, and pathological processes. As you move into the second phase, a large proportion of your learning will take place in clinical environments, working with practising doctors and healthcare professionals in placements ranging from cancer care to integrated medicine.
It is our aim to prepare you for the demands of a medical career, with an emphasis on working compassionately with patients as partners, within a multi-disciplinary team.
**Phase 1: Years 1 and 2**
Throughout Phase 1 you will develop your clinical skills and knowledge in blocks covering topics such as physiology, pharmacology, public and global health, and the musculoskeletal system. You’ll be introduced to clinical practice, learn how to interact effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and other healthcare professionals, develop consultation skills as well as an introduction to diagnostic reasoning. The very early clinical experience placement gives you an opportunity to develop an understanding of what it’s like to be a patient and to gain real-world experience of the work carried out by doctors and other members of the general practice (primary care) team.
**Phase 2: Years 3, 4 and 5**
Much of your learning in Phase 2 will take place in clinical environments, working with practising doctors and healthcare professionals. Your progress will be supplemented and supported with lectures, group work, workshops, independent study and other learning opportunities. The Student Selected Components delivered in this phase, offer you the chance to study an area of particular interest. You will also have the opportunity, as an option within the Student Selected Component (SSC), to complete a research-based project with the Aston Medical Research Institute whose four themes of research include: maternal health, mental health, cardiovascular medicine and regenerative medicine.
**Key benefits**
- Enhance your skills in a range of authentic clinical settings from your very first year.
- Prepare for work in a rapidly changing healthcare system.
- Thrive in our modern and friendly campus, equipped with dedicated facilities for Aston Medical School students.
- Benefit from integrated placements in clinical and community settings.
- Complete a six-week Foundation Assistantship in your final year, where you will undertake foundation doctor level work under very careful supervision.
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**Cohort**
Full details of our cohort makeup can be found on our website. In keeping with our vision of being a socially inclusive medical school, we aim to offer up to 40 per cent of our UK places to students who meet specified widening participation criteria.
Modules
Phase 1 – Years 1 & 2
Throughout Phase 1, you will develop your clinical skills and knowledge in blocks covering topics such as physiology, pharmacology, public and global health and the musculoskeletal system. You’ll be introduced to clinical practice, learning how to interact effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and other healthcare professionals, develop consultation skills as well as an introduction to diagnostic reasoning.The Very Early Clinical Experience placement gives you an opportunity to develop an understanding of what it’s like to be a patient,and to gain real-world experience of the work carried out by doctors and other members of the general practice (primary care) team.
Phase 2 – Years 3, 4 & 5
Much of your learning in Phase 2 will take place in clinical environments, working with practising doctors and healthcare professionals. Your progress will be supplemented and supported with lectures, group work, workshops, independent study and other learning opportunities.The Student Selected Components delivered in this phase, offer you the chance to study an area of particular interest. You will also have the opportunity, as an option within the Student Selected Component, to complete a research-based project with the Aston Medical Research Institute whose four themes of research include: maternal health, mental health, cardiovascular medicine and regenerative medicine.
Full details, including information on what is covered in each year of study and clinical placements can be found on our website.
Assessment methods
We employ a range of teaching, learning and assessment methods. There is an emphasis on working with peers to apply learning and solve problems, and we use technology and digital resources to make materials more accessible, to enhance learning and to make it fun. Modes of assessment include in-course assignments, computer-based knowledge exams, practical clinical skills tests, and continuous assessment of professional behaviour.
Tuition fees
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Extra funding
Each year we will have a number of small financial awards and prizes for the most talented students on admission to first year at Aston and in subsequent years of study. Announcements of these awards can be found on our website. Financial awards covering all or the majority of tuition fees will not be available.
The Uni
Aston University, Birmingham
Aston Medical School
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