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Brighton & Sussex Medical School

About BSMS

BSMS > About BSMS

About BSMS

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is an equal partnership between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton together with NHS organisations throughout the South East region. The arrangements for the school's governance reflect this approach and students are awarded joint BM BS degrees of both universities.

The school is fully committed to the principles of Outcomes for Graduates; we endorse the value of medical education in a multi-professional context, and promote the highest possible standards in our teaching, clinical practice, and research (both fundamental and applied).

Undergraduate

We admit approximately 200 students annually to our BM BS degree course. BSMS has proved exceptionally popular and in recent admissions rounds we have continued to achieve one of the highest application rates of any UK medical school. Students spend their first two years primarily on the universities' campuses at Falmer; thereafter the focus shifts to the associated teaching hospitals and community settings in Brighton and East and West Sussex. We have purpose-built teaching facilities in all areas.

Our curriculum emphasises early clinical involvement, a broad range of experience and a firm foundation in basic science. Led by the Department of Medical Education, we employ a wide range of teaching and learning approaches as appropriate for the particular circumstances; we are not committed to a single method of delivery.

Read more about Undergraduate study >

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Postgraduate

Our postgraduate courses provide a range of opportunities from taught and research Masters courses  to diplomas, certificates and individual continuing professional development (CPD) modules, allowing us to meet the needs of health professionals at all levels in a constantly changing healthcare sector.

As we respond to the needs of this sector, our courses continue to evolve, with new courses being added as a need is identified. We offer a range of clinical specialties, including  anaesthesia, cardiology and dementia studies, along with professional courses ranging from medical education to public health and global health.

Our partnership with the Universities of Brighton and Sussex and overlapping research groupings offer a rich research environment for students wanting to pursue a research degree, and we offer PhDs, MDs and MPhils along with our Masters in Research.  

Find out more about postgraduate study >

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Research

The research undertaken at BSMS aims to make a genuine contribution to the evidence and science underpinning clinical practice, and to benefit people and patients in their health and wellbeing.

We have made significant investments in research infrastructure, including a world-class Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre (CISC) housing a 3T and 1.5T MRI and a PET- CT scanner and a Clinical Investigation and Research Unit (CIRU) dedicated to patient-orientated research and early clinical trials.

Read more about our research >

The Brighton and Sussex Clinical Trials Unit (BSCTU) provides support and expertise for clinical researchers in the south east and beyond. BSCTU has recently been awarded full registration with the UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC), boosting opportunities for research collaboration in the region.

Read more about BSCTU >

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Our departments

Our key domains of research strength are recognised locally, nationally and on the international stage. These are represented by our departments of Global Health and Infection (including HIV and sexual health); Neuroscience (including mental health and neurology); Clinical and Experimental Medicine; Medical Education; and Primary Care and Public Health.

Find out more about our departments >

Training

BSMS offers an Academic Training Programme aimed at doctors who are considering an academic career in medicine. The programme is jointly overseen by BSMS and Health Education Kent, Surrey and Sussex and in close collaboration with the relevant partnership NHS Trusts (University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust).

READ MORE ABOUT ACADEMIC TRAINING >

Brain scans
Prof John Harris poses with BSMS colleagues including Dean of BSMS, Prof Malcolm Reed

Library

Find out about the library facilities available to students and staff of BSMS including accessing e-books, online resources and journals. 

Visit our library pages >

A teacher taking a session with students in the anatomy suite

Information for schools, teachers and parents

BSMS is committed to offering accurate and detailed information advice and guidance to those who require it. 

Through outreach work with local schools and sixth form colleges and the nationally recognised BrightMed widening participation programme, combined with our Open Days and Interview Days, prospective students are able to gain valuable insight into making a strong application to medical school.

Please see further details of all of our work in the links below. If you have any questions on any of our programmes, please contact Charlotte Smyrk at outreach@bsms.ac.uk

Read more about widening participation >

Read more about school visits and open days >

Students in dissection lab

Anatomy Laboratory

Our modern, fully equipped Anatomy Laboratory provides a range of facilities for teaching and research, including dissection, prosection and fresh frozen.

Find out more about the Anatomy Lab >

Clapping students in gowns at graduation

Alumni

As your lifelong link to BSMS, your Alumni Association provides a range of benefits and services that remain an invaluable part of your BSMS experience.

READ MORE about our Alumni Association>

Working here

Find out about our current vacancies within the medical school and other work opportunities including how to become a teaching facilitator or GP teacher and information about gaining honourary status. 

Find out about working at BSMS >

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Brighton and Sussex Medico-Chirurgical Society 

Founded in 1847 by Dr William King, the Brighton and Sussex Medico-Chirurgical Society is Brighton's historic medical society.   

Read more about Med-Chi >

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Our partners

BSMS works closely with a number of academic and NHS partners who contribute to achieving the medical school's goals and delivering high-quality teaching.

Read more about our partners >

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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the medical school.

Read our FAQs >

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Contact us

Find out more information about our academic and administrative staff as well as the best ways to get in contact with us or visit us.

Read more about contacts >