University of Bristol Medical School Guide

The University of Bristol is a red-brick Russel Group research university in Bristol, south-west England. The Medical school (1833) preceded the founding of the University (1876). The university consists of six academic faculties subdivided into various schools and departments. It offers a medical course with a foundation year but does not offer a graduate entry course.

University of Bristol Entry Requirements

Academic

A level	AAA including Chemistry and either Biology, Physics, Mathematics, or Further Mathematics. Graduate applicants must have obtained a 2:1 in their degree as well as ABB at A-Level. Moreover, their A-Levels should include an A in Chemistry and and a B in either Biology, Physics, Mathematics, or Further Mathematics. Contextual offer of ABB with A in Chemistry and B in one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics
Scottish Highers	AAAAB
Scottish Advanced	AA Subjects required: Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Maths
IB	36 points 6, 6 at HL Chemistry and one other required subject Subjects Required: Higher Level Chemistry and one of either Biology, Physics, or Maths

Admissions Test

All applicants must sit the UCAT exam. Bristol uses scores to decide who to invite to interview. The University of Bristol’s UCAT threshold score for interview varies each year and depends on the number of applciants and the average score of those who apply. In 2023, the threshold score was 2910 for home applicants and 2960 for international applicants.

Work Experience

Work experience is not required for the University of Bristol’s medicine courses, but it is encouraged. The school recommends that applicants gain at least two weeks of work experience, which can help with personal statements and in interviews. Work experience can include paid employment, or shadowing in a health or care setting. It doesn’t have to be in a hospital or GP surgery, and the focus is on what you learned from the experience.

Personal Statement

As of 2024, the University of Bristol’s Medical School no longer uses personal statements as a weighted part of their selection criteria. However, they may still use personal statements to differentiate between borderline candidates. In general, the Universty of Bristol’s personal statement guidelines are as follows:

Length: Personal statements should be around 1000 words

Content: Personal statements should describe your skills, experience, academic achievements, and interest in studying the program. They should highlight your motivation for applying and any relevant experience or skills.

University of Bristol’s Medical School Interview

Format

Interviews take place from December to February. In 2024, interviews were hosted remotely via the Zoom platform. The formal interview lasts approximately 30 minutes in a structured interview format. There are six stations, each assessed by three assessors. Their scores will be combined to form a total score for each stations. You will see six assessors in total (two groups of three marking three stations each). The six station scores together will produce your final interview score.

Questions

What qualities have you demonstrated that make you a good candidate for medicine?

This question is examining two things: your understanding of the qualities of a doctor and your ability to demonstrate them. The GMC’s Good Medical Practice and Outcomes for Graduates outline the key qualities and values required in a doctor; these are worth reading before your interview. When describing how you’ve demonstrated these qualities, make sure that you’re reflecting on these experiences and what made you successful.

hat you’re reflecting on these experiences and what made you successful.

Tell me about an issue affecting the NHS

An up-to-date understanding of the issues affecting the NHS is hugely important when preparing for your interview. Reading up on key issues affecting the NHS such as health inequalities, industrial action, and the ongoing fallout post COVID-19 will stand you in good stead to tackle this type of question. Ensure that you discuss why your chosen issue is having a significant impact on the NHS and any action that is being taken to address this issue.

Tell me about a time you failed

Failure is a normal part of life and is something everyone experiences at some point. Failure provides opportunities to learn and adapt; this question is examining how you’ve reflected on your failure. Make sure to explain what happened, how you reflected on this experience, and what lessons you take with you going forward.

How should a doctor handle a patient who is shouting at them?

Scenario-based questions are common in MMI formats. When answering this question, it is important to demonstrate empathy for both the doctor and the patient. Think about both sides of this scenario: the doctor likely does not deserve to be treated in this way, but the patient’s concerns and distress also needs addressing. Always ask for more context if possible – it may not be given, but you may find this useful if it is.

Graduate Entry at Bristol Medical School

The University of Bristol does not offer a specific Graduate Entry Medicine program. Instead, they have a standard five year MBChB Medicine course, which is open to graduates as well as school leavers. Graduates who meet the entry requirements can apply to this standard program, but there is no accelerated four year program like those offered at some UK universities.

Graduates are required to obtain a 2:1 in their degree plus BBB at A-level, including Chemistry and either Biology, Physics, Mathematics, or Further Mathematics. They must also undertake the UCAT.

International Students Entry Requirements for Bristol Medical School

The University of Bristol’s Medical School has a bumber of entry requirements for international students, including:

GCSEs: Students must have a grade 7 or A in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent, and a grade 4 or C in GCSE English or equivalent.

International Baccalaureate (IB): Students must have 36 points overall, including 19 at Higher Level. This should include Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics at Higher Level, and three standard level subjects. Each subject must be passed with a minimum of 5 points.

UCAT: Students must also take the UCAT, and hte combined score from all subtest, with the exception of Situational Judgement, will be used to select applicants for interview.

IELTs: International applicants must have an overall score of 7.5, with 7.0 in all skills.

For more specific requirements to your country, the university has a website with a country selector tool.

Places for Home and International Students at Bristol Medical School

According to the Office for Students, the University of Bristol’s Medical School has a maximum intake of 270 students for medical programs, with an anticipated intake of 19 iinternational students.

University of Bristol Medical School Ranking

The Guardian ranks Bristol as the 12th medical school in the UK. However, The Complete University Guide ranks Bristol as the 6th medical school in the UK.

It’s important to keep in mind that university rankings are subjective and based on differing criteria. Rankings may be a factor in deciding which medical schools to apply to. It is more important however to ensure a holistic approach in your decision-making process. You should be primarily considering universities that you believe you would thrive in the most.

Life as a Bristol Medical Student

In the first year, a typical day would include a mix of lectures/practicals and anatomy lab from 9-5. As well as this, there is clinical exposure relatively early on with GP visits every other week and day shifts in the hospital every term.

University of Bristol Medical School Fees

For home students, the cost is £9,250 per year. The cost for international students is £42,800 per year and does not change throughout medical school. This is in contrast to some universities which have lower fees for pre-clinical years and higher fees for clinical years.

Bristol Medical School Acceptance Rate

The University of Bristol Medical School has an acceptance rate of 22%, which is higher than most other medical schools but still lower than most other undergraduate courses. In 2023, the schools recieved 1215 applications, interviewed 830 students, and offered places to 595.

Bristol Medical School Medicine Programs

The University of Bristol offers two routes for medical training, the MB ChB Gateway to Medicine and the MB ChB Medicine.

MB ChB Gateway to Medicine

The Gateway to Medicine program is deigned for UK students with the potential to become doctors but who don’t meet the standard academic entry criteria for the five year Medicine course. This widening participation initiative supports students who meet specific criteria and want to pursue a clinical career.

During the Gateway year, students from medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science study together, learning from scientists and clinicians. The course covers basic sciences like chemistry and anatomy, emphasises personal and professional development, and strengthens practical skills. Successful completion of the Gateway year leads to automatic progression into the five year MBChB Medicine program.

Eligibility: The course is open to applicants from specific schools and colleges in the UK only and/or to those who have spent 3 months or more in care. Further information and lists of the eligible schools and colleges are available at contextual offers.

The UCAT is required for admission to this course.

MB ChB Medicine

This course, recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC) offers:

• Early clinical exposure in hospitals, community, and primary care settings
• A mix of lectures, case-based learning, and practical work
• Access to advanced anatomy facilities, including cadaveric prosections
• Integration of basic science and clinical learning
• Inter-professional experience with allied health students
• Broad clinical experience across various academies
• A substantial student choice program fro exploring interests and career options, including involvement in audits and research
• An elective placement in the final year
• A final year designed to prepare you for your first job as a foundation doctor.

Bristol Medical School Course Structure

First Year

This year will help you to explore health and wellbeing through case-based learning, to provide a foundation for your knowledge and skills, alongside clinical placements in primary and secondary care. Specific units and assessments are found here.

Second Year

In this year you will explore disease processes and differential diagnoses for common symptoms through case-based learning, alongside clinical placements in primary and secondary care. Specific units and assessments are found here.

Third Year

You will work in primary, community and secondary care settings in our clinical academies, where you will meet patients presenting for scheduled (elective) and unscheduled (emergency) care and learn about how common conditions are managed in the NHS. Specific units and assessments are found here.

Intercalation

Between years three and four, there is an opportunity to spend an additional year studying for an intercalated degree at Bachelors or Masters level in a range of subjects.

Fourth Year

You will learn about the care of patients across the life course, from birth to old age in primary, community and secondary care in our clinical academies in preparation for your final knowledge-based and clinical examinations. Specific units and assessments can be found here.

Fifth Year

Following an elective study period, you will prepare for your Foundation Programme posts by working within clinical teams in the clinical academies, experiencing teamwork and decision-making in primary, community and secondary care. Specific units and assessments are found here.

Throughout your studies, you will be supported to deal with the challenges and uncertainties inherent in the practice of medicine to equip you to provide safe and effective care in all clinical settings.

Teaching Style at Bristol Medical School

The Medicine course at Bristol is 5 years and they use an integrated teaching style. The first two years are designed to help with the basics of medical sciences. This is taught using a mix of case-based learning, lectures, and anatomy demonstrations. From Year 3 to Year 5 most time is spent on clinical placement including hospital and primary care. This teaching starts with case-based learning and then moves onto a systems-based approach.

There is an option to intercalate in a BSc or MSc after the third year in a range of topics.

Bristol Medical School Term Dates

Autumn Semester 2024

Teaching Weeks: 16.09.2024 – 06.12.2024

Assessment Period: 09.12.2024 – 13.12.2024

Autumn Semester End Date: 16.12.2024

Winter Holiday: 16.12.2024 – 03.01.2025

Spring Semester 2025

Welcome and Orientation: 06.01.2025 – 10.01.2025

Teaching Weeks: 13.01.2025 – 04.04.2025

Spring Holidays: 07.04.2025 – 25.04.2025

Summer Assessment Period: 28.04.2025 – 16.05.2025

Spring Semester End Date: 26.05.2025

Autumn Semester 2025

Welcome and Orientation: 15.09.2025 – 19.09.2025

Teaching Weeks: 22.09.2025 – 12.12.2025

Assessment Period: 15.12.2025 – 19.12.2025

Semester End Date: 22.12.2025

Winter Holidays: 22.12.2025 – 09.01.2026

Spring Semester 2026

Welcome and Orientation: 12.01.2026 – 16.01.2026

Teaching Weeks: 19.01.2026 – 24.04.2026

Spring Holidays: 23.03.2026 – 10.04.2026

Assessment Period: 05.05.2026 – 22.05.2026

Semester End Date: 01.06.2026

Bristol Medical School Hospitals

The University of Bristol collaborates closely with several hospitals in the region to provide clinical education and research opportunities. Here are some of the key hospitals associated with Bristol Medical School:

Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI): The BRI is a major teaching hospital offering a wide range of services, inclulding emergency care, surgery, and various medical specialties. It is a primary site for clinical placements for medical students.

Southmead Hospital: Part of the North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead is a large, modern hospital known for its specialties in neurology, orthopaedics, and complex surgeries. It is a key site for clinical training in these areas.

St Michael’s Hospital: Specialising in maternity, neonatal care, and gynaecology, St Michael’s is a prominent teaching site for obstetrics and gynaecology students.

Bristol Eye Hospital: A specialist hospital for ophthalmology, offering students hands-on experience in eye care and surgery.

Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC): BHOC is a center of excellence for cancer care and haematology, providing specialised training and research opportunities in oncology.

Royal Hospital for Children: This hospital provides paediatric care and is a vital part of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, offering medical students exposure to a wide range of paediatric specialties.

Weston General Hospital: While not located in Bristol, Weston General is part of the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and serves as a training site for medical students, especially in general medicine and surgery.

Bristol Medical School Elective

Bristol Medical School offers a variety of elective opportnuities for its students, allowing them to gain experience in different medical specialties, settings, and even countries. Electives are a key component of the medical curriculum, typically undertaken in the final year of study.

The objective of the elective project are to demonstrate the ability to:

• Develop and work to a set of realistic aims and objectives
• Manage time and prioritise tasks effectively
• Take account of medical ethics when practicing
• Present preparatory work in writing, clearly and concisely
• Reflect on practice and be self critical
• Follow the principles of risk management in practice
• Consider potential career paths

How you will learn

Self directed learning with support from a supervising academic

How you will be assessed

Detailed Elective Plan: Students submit their plan for their elective studies in writing, explaining their aims and objectives. This is marked by the elective lead and must be passed as satisfactory. Also, each host elective supervisor completes a Supervisor’s Report at the end of each placement, which again must confirm satisfactory completion of the placement and placement objectives.

Locations

Students can choose to stay within the UK, often in hospitals within the South West of England or other parts of the country. Many students opt to go abroad, with popular destinations including countries in Africa, Asia, Australasia, and North America. Partnerships with international medical schools and hospitals facilitate these placements.

Bristol Medical School Summer School

Insight into Bristol Summer School

Insight into Bristol is a free Summer School for Year 12 students from Asian, Black or other racialised minority backgrounds to experience what it is like to be a student at the University of Bristol.

About the Programme: Participants in the summer school at the University of Bristol will experience student life by staying in student accomodation, meeting peers from across the UK, exploring Bristol, attending academic sessions led by top academics, engaging with current students and societies, participating in social activities, and recieveing guidance for applying to top universities.

Guaranteed Contextual Offer: Insight participants will be guaranteed an interview. The interview will be guaranteed if their predicted grades meet the contextual entry requirements and the GCSE requirements. If participants are successful at interview, they will be made an offer at the contextual level.

Eligibility Criteria: To apply for the Insight into Bristol summer school you must:

• Be in Year 12 (or equivalent level of study)
• Attend a non-fee paying school or college
• Identify as Asian, Black or of mixed backgrounds featuring one or more of these groups, or other minoritised ethnic groups
• Be eligible for Home (UK) fee status
• Have the academic ability to study at the University of Bristol (meeitng the GCSE entry requirements for their chosen subject stream and studying any required A-levels)
• Have the potential to meet the contextual entry requirements where eligible

When allocating places, certain criteria will be taken into consideration. Applicants will be more likely to gain a place if you:

• Are form an ethnic group that is under-represented at the University of Bristol
• Are the first in your family to go to university
• Live in an area of low participation in higher education
• Are or have been eligible for free school meals
• Attend a school or college listed by the University as an ‘aspiring state school/college’
• Have spent three or more months in Local Authority Care
• Are an estranged student (considering university without the support of a family network)
• Are a young carer
• Are a refugee who has been granted refugee status by the UK Home Office

This programme is designed to meet the needs of Students of Colour. There is an emphasis throughout the week on the formation of a cohort and the opportunity to engage with undergraduate Student Mentors with shared lived experiences and culture.

Sutton Trust Summer School

The University of Bristol Sutton Trust Summer School offers students the opportunity to experience student life. Applications close in March.

The Sutton Trust Summer School is a free, week-long program at the University of Bristol. Students choose from various subject streams and engage in lectures, seminars, group work, and independent study. Mentored by current undergraduates, participants will connect with peers, enjoy social activities, and gain valuable insights into the university application process.

Contextual Offers: You will be guaranteed an interview. The interview will only be guaranteed if your predicted grades meet the contextual entry requirements and you meet the GCSE subject requirements.

Eligibility: Applicants must be in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland. Applicants must also attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK.

They are looking for applicants who meet the criteria outlined on the Sutton Trust website. In general, the more of these you meet, the more likely you are to secure a place. In addition, you will also be more likely to gain a place if you:

• attend an institution on the aspiring state school list;
• have achieved at least five A or 6 grades at GCSE, or five A or B passes at National 5, and where applicable, have taken subjects relevant to the course you applied for. The subjects required for each summer school course at Bristol can be found on the Sutton Trust website;
• meet the requirements to gain entry on to the equivalent undergraduate course – entry requirements for each course can be found using the online course finder. 

Life as a Medical Student at the University of Bristol

Social Life at Bristol University

Social life at the University of Bristol is very diverse, offering something for everyone;

Clubs and Societies: Bristol has over 350 societies, Students can join a wide range of clubs and societies, from sports and arts to academic and special interest groups. This includes everything from the Debate Society and Drama Club to more niche interests like Quidditch or Cheese Society. The university offers various sports clubs, including rugby, football, rowing, and even surfing, with excellent facilities and opportunities for both competitive and casual participation.

Student Union (Bristol SU): The Bristol SU organizes numerous events throughout the year, including club nights, live music, film screenings, and cultural festivals. The SU also provides support services, including advice on academic and welfare issues, and represents student interests within the university.

Nightlife: Bristol has a lively nightlife, with popular student clubs, bars, and live music venues. The city’s reputation for music, particularly in genres like drum and bass, and house, is reflected in its nightlife. Many clubs offer student nights with themed events, discounted entry, and drinks deals.

City Life: Bristol has a rich cultural scene with numerous theatres, galleries, and music venues. The university itself hosts various performances, exhibitions, and creative workshops. The city is known for its festivals, including the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, St. Paul’s Carnival, and various food, music, and arts festivals.

Bristol is home to beautiful parks and green spaces, like the Clifton Downs and Brandon Hill, perfect for relaxing or socializing outdoors. The city boasts a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and independent shops, catering to all tastes and budgets.

Balancing social life with studying medicine can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the course, but it is definitely achievable with good time management and prioritisation.

Time Management: Medical students often follow a structured daily routine, balancing lectures, clinical placements, and study time. Planning social activities around this schedule helps maintain a balance.

Prioritisation: Prioritising tasks, like focusing on studies during busy periods (exams) and enjoying scial events during lighter weeks, is key.

Medical Societies: Joining medical societies, such as MedSoc, allows students to socialize with peers who understand the course demands. These societies often organize events, trips, and networking opportunities tailored for medical students.

Intercalated Degree at the University of Bristol

An intercalated award is an additional undergraduate degree (BSc or BA) or master’s level programme that you complete in an intensive year away from your normal medical studies. All UK and international medical students can apply.

Benefits: Pausing your studies to intercalate allows you to:

• explore a subject of interest
• boost career prospects
• develop research and critical thinking skills
• make new friend and experience student life outside your clinical program

University of Bristol Medical students can intercalate between years 3 and 4 of their programme for either a BSc/BA or Masters.

FAQS

How much of the Bristol Medical course is clinical vs pre-clinical?

After two years of pre-clinical training at the University of Bristol, students go on to placements at Clinical Academies across the South West region.

Does the University of Bristol Medical School offer scholarships?

Lady Ryder Medical Scholarships:

Two awards are available in 2024/25, which will provide successful applicants with a non-repayable living cost award of £7,500 per academic year for five years.

Students who were awarded this scholarship in 2021/22 will receive £7,400 per academic year for up to five years.

This award is funded through the generosity of the Lady Ryder of Warsaw Memorial Trust.

You can apply if you:

• hold an offer to study on the MB ChB Medicine (A100) course in 2024/25 having been awarded a place following a successful interview, or are currently on year zero of the MB ChB Gateway to Medicine (A108);
• are a Home/UK student;
• are a resident of the United Kingdom;
• are eligible for the financial support available from the UK government (in the form of tuition fee and living costs loans from the Student Loans Company);
• have applied for or intend to apply for means-tested support from your regional funding provider (such as Student Finance England) and have consented to share your household income details with the University. You must apply for means-tested support to enable the University to get confirmation of your household income from the Student Loans Company. However, you are not required to take out any loans you are eligible to receive if you do not wish to take them.

Read the full eligibility criteria.

Is the University of Bristol a good medical school?

Yes, the University of Bristol’s medical school is considered highly regarded. In 2023, the QS World University Rankings by Subject ranked Bristol in the UK’s top 10 for Life Sciences and Medicine. The Complete University Guide 2024 ranked Bristol Medical School 6th in the UK, and the Guardian University Guide ranked it 11th.

The school’s medicine degree is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC) and 94% of its Clinical Medicine research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

Support with Getting into Bristol Medical School

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