BSMS > Undergraduate

Undergraduate study

Why choose BSMS?

At BSMS we combine proven, traditional methods with the latest innovations in teaching and research.

Medicine is a profession that provides a multitude of varied career opportunities and at BSMS we welcome students from diverse backgrounds who have the enthusiasm, dedication, compassion and commitment to become outstanding doctors.

BSMS offers a distinctive and innovative course that prepares its graduates to enter an ever-changing and developing world of healthcare. We are proud of the quality of our teaching, as reflected by our school’s consistent position among the top medical schools in the National Student Survey. Our graduates are among the best prepared for work upon qualification and are making their mark locally, nationally and internationally as their careers progress.

Discover more about what BSMS offers >

Our course

Our five-year medical degree, awarded jointly by the Universities of Brighton and Sussex, leads to the qualification of Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (BM BS).

Both universities are part of the UK Medical Act and our course has been approved by the GMC under its Quality Assurance of Basic Medical Education (QABME) processes.

Our course has been designed to help you become a highly competent, strongly motivated doctor, committed to the highest standards of clinical practice, professionalism and patient care. You will develop the knowledge and key personal skills necessary to pursue a successful medical career.

Three students sitting in cafe smiling

Find out more about the course >

Two smiling female students in a lecture

Applying to BSMS

We are looking for exceptional people who have what it takes to become the well-rounded, compassionate, pioneering doctors of tomorrow. In addition to your grades, we are looking for people who have the abilities, commitment and personal qualities necessary to become an excellent doctor.

Entry requirements

A-Levels: AAA to include Biology and Chemistry at Advanced Level and excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

International Baccalaureate: 36 points with both Biology and Chemistry at minimum grade 6 at Higher level.

Widening participation: For applicants from widening participation backgrounds, we will accept AAB at A-Level, or 35 in the International Baccalaureate (both including Biology and Chemistry).

All applicants are required to sit the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT).
Find out more about BMAT >

Covid vaccination

The UK government has removed its requirement for mandatory Covid vaccination for healthcare workers but you are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated if you are eligible since individual placement providers may still require proof of vaccination. BSMS will adhere to the requirements of its placement providers and not being vaccinated without a valid exemption could reduce your opportunities on the course or prevent you from being able to complete certain mandatory elements.

Fees and finance

Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (BM BS) fees for applicants starting in September 2022

UK students

£9,250 per year

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students

£9,250 per year

International students

£39,158 per year (in subsequent years fees may rise with inflation (RPI) or 5% per year, whichever is the greater)

Find out more about fees and funding >

Supporting your learning

Medicine is a demanding course and we believe that it is important to ensure the right level of student support is available if you need it. We aim to provide you with a friendly, supportive environment in which to learn and develop - academically, professionally, socially and personally.

Our modern teaching and learning spaces include lecture theatres and seminar rooms at both the Universities of Brighton and Sussex, as well as the Royal Sussex County Hospital. Our clinical learning spaces, modern anatomy suite and laboratories allow you to develop your skills in fully-equipped, up-to-date environments.

Our IT and learning resources will support your learning with the latest technology. You have dual access to resources from two university libraries, as well as many others at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and our other NHS partners.

Explore how we can support your learning >

International students

We offer a warm welcome and a supportive environment for students who come to study with us from all over the world.

You are in good company. Many international students have graduated successfully after studying with us.

We appreciate you are a long way from home and we do all we can to help make your studies here smooth and trouble-free. We can assist you during the application process and offer to help and support you when you arrive and throughout your time with us.

Students in GP session, using a stethoscope

Open days

Our open days give you the opportunity to look around, meet students and staff and ask questions, visit the dissection laboratories, and get an overview of the clinical skills facilities.

What our students say

When it comes to giving you an insight into studying at BSMS, our students and graduates are our best and most passionate advocates.

Female student using stethascope on a patient, overseen by a consultant We are consistently in the top five medical schools in the National Student Survey (NSS).

What’s the secret of our success? We believe it’s our commitment to helping you realise your full potential from the moment you walk through our doors. We push, but we also support. Working as a team, we help you be all you can be.

We also give you the opportunity to discover where your talents and interests lie. Our students go on to pursue many different avenues, from specialist research to careers in a clinical setting.

Find out what our students have to say >

Living here

As a BSMS student, you'll never be stuck for options when it comes to your free time. Our students enjoy a rich social life and there are plenty of activities available to take part in. With clubs and societies from two students' unions there will be a club or society for you.

If that doesn't keep you busy enough, we are situated at the edge of the Sussex Downs, just outside of the energetic and culturally rich city of Brighton & Hove. So whether you enjoy exploring all that the countryside has to offer or checking out the latest shows, clubs and restaurants, there's something on offer for everyone.

Find out more about living here >

Student climbing on a wall at climbing venue

Our prospectus

The undergraduate prospectus includes information about our BM BS course, entry requirements, fees and funding, living in Brighton, facilities and support. Request a digital copy of our 2023 prospectus below.

Request our 2023 prospectus >

Resource list

Our resource list contains useful links and pointers for prospective students.

Download resource list >