BSMS > Undergraduate > Our course

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).

The BSMS 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. By the time you graduate, you will have developed the knowledge and key personal skills and attitudes necessary to pursue a successful medical career.

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.

A group of first year students in the anatomy lab watching a demonstration

Innovative teaching and learning

We are a dynamic and vibrant school committed to new and innovative approaches to medical education.

Our purpose-built, modern facilities include anatomy and clinical science laboratories, simulated consultation rooms, multiple libraries, computer suites and state-of-the-art lecture theatres. Our enthusiastic and dedicated teachers will provide you with on-going feedback, continuously supporting you and ensuring that you develop to the very best of your abilities. A range of IT and mobile learning resources will support you on the go, from e-portfolios to smartphone apps.

Years 1 - 2

Introduction to clinical assessment & Year 2: Learning from the ‘patient journey’

You will study the normal and abnormal functioning of the human body using a systems-based approach, with integrated modules covering the core biomedical and psychosocial sciences.

You will start to develop clinical skills in history taking, physical examination, diagnosis and effective communication with patients in a classroom setting and by gaining experience in primary, secondary and third sector placements. For example, you may spend time with a family looking after a new baby (Year 1), and with a patient with dementia or a chronic health condition (Years 2 and 3).

Your anatomy study will explore the human body and its relevance to clinical practice. This will include a combination of cadaveric dissection, prosection, living anatomy, ultrasound sessions, virtual and augmented reality.

Student-Selected Components (SSCs) will allow you to undertake individual studies and explore selected topics in depth, informed by the latest research.

Year 3

Learning in increasing depth in core and general specialties

At the heart of Year 3 are ward-based attachments including Acute Medicine, General Medicine and Cardiology; Elderly Medicine and Psychiatry; and Surgery, including Perioperative Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Orthopaedics and Urology.

You will consolidate your increasing clinical experience with an understanding of the underlying clinical, social science and public health issues through weekly teaching sessions on the scientific basis of medicine. This module also consolidates and expands your research skills in preparation for your Individual Research Project in Year 4.

You will also gain further experience in safe prescribing of drugs, an essential skill for your medical career, and continue the Time for Dementia programme. Regular meetings with your tutor will support your personal and professional development via your e-portfolio.

Find out more about Year 3 >

Several medical students in scrubs watch a surgeon explain surgery to take place

Year 4

Learning in specialist disciplines

You will develop your skills in more specialised clinical areas, completing rotations that include:

General Practice
Ophthalmology and ENT
Infectious Diseases, HIV GUM and Health Protection
Dermatology/Rheumatology
Neurology and Neurosurgery
Oncology, Haematology and Palliative Care
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Paediatrics.

The clinical focus in Year 4 is on understanding patients’ integrated care and how primary, community and secondary care structures work together for the patient. You will also participate in Time for Autism and complete a year-long Individual Research Project, supervised by a university or hospital.

Year 5

Learning in an apprenticeship role focusing on foundation skills and patient safety

Year 5 provides intense clinical and professional preparation for your foundation years. Throughout the year, you will develop your clinical skills through direct patient contact and by using clinical skills laboratories and simulators.

Your learning will be based on a close involvement with routine clinical cases, acting as a member of the clinical team in medicine, emergency medicine, elderly medicine, surgery, general practice and psychiatry. Central to your study will be the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients in these different areas of practice.

Find out more about Year 5 >

Intercalated degrees

The intercalated degree is an optional addition to a medical degree. You may choose to undertake an intercalated degree between Years 3 and 4, allowing you to expand your horizons, study a new topic in depth, and work or study for a year at an institution such as BSMS.

Please note, intercalation numbers are capped at 40% of the total cohort, with priority given to those without a prior degree.

Assessments

BSMS has an integrated curriculum designed to develop your knowledge, academic and clinical skills, and instil a professional approach throughout the degree; the variety of assessment methods used reflects this.

Find out more about assessments >

Term dates

Find out the different term dates for each year group.

Find out term dates >

2019/20 curriculum changes

Students who join BSMS in 2019/20 will be the first cohort of the expanded student intake. Keep up-to-date with any curriculum changes on our dedicated webpage.