Brighton and Sussex Medical School Guide

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is renowned for its innovative approach to medical education, combining academic rigour with early clinical exposure. Established in 2003, BSMS offers a five-year undergraduate MBBS program and a four-year graduate entry program, both designed to prepare students for the complexities of modern healthcare.

The school emphasises a patient-centred approach and incorporates a diverse range of clinical placements throughout the curriculum. With a strong focus on research and community engagement, BSMS aims to produce well-rounded graduates who are not only skilled in medical practice but also sensitive to the needs of the communities they serve. The vibrant student life in Brighton enhances the experience, making BSMS a popular choice for aspiring medical professionals.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Entry Requirements

Academic

Brighton and Sussex Medical School requires specific academic qualifications for prospective students. Below is a summary of the qualifications needed along with the required grades:

Qualification	Requirements
A levels	AAA to include Biology and Chemistry at A-Level and excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.
GCSES	Require all applicants, without contextual data, to have obtained at least a grade 6/B in English (Language or Literature) and Maths GCSEs.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	36 points with both Biology and Chemistry at minimum grade 6 at Higher level.
Contextual Data	For applicants with contextual data, we will accept AAB at A-Level, or 35 in the International Baccalaureate (both including Biology and Chemistry).

Admissions Test

BSMS now exclusively uses the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) for admissions. The scoring system has shifted since the discontinuation of the BMAT. Here’s what you need to know about the UCAT for BSMS:

They use the UCAT, after assessing academic qualifications, to select for an interview. For the 2025 entry admissions cycle, you must achieve an SJT Band score of 1, 2 or 3.

They will score the UCAT out of 3600. This is broken down to 900 marks for Verbal Reasoning, 900 marks for Decision Making, 900 marks for Quantitative Reasoning and 900 marks for Abstract Reasoning. They will then rank all applicants according to their total score out of 3600 and work down the rankings to fill their interview places.

Work Experience

Gaining relevant work experience in healthcare settings is crucial. BSMS encourages applicants to reflect on their experiences in patient care, volunteering, or shadowing healthcare professionals. This insight into the medical field is essential for demonstrating your commitment to a career in medicine.

There are many free online resources that can help provide you with a realistic insight into medicine, such as the BSMS Virtual Work Experience or the RCGP’s Observe GP.

Personal Statement

BSMS does not use personal statements at any point during the admissions process.

Interview

BSMS conducts multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) as part of its selection process. These interviews are designed to assess various competencies and skills relevant to medical practice, such as ethical reasoning, teamwork, and communication.

They will consist of five discussions, each in a separate breakout room within the main Zoom meeting, lasting ten minutes with a 90-second break between each discussion. Applicants will move from each breakout room in turn, until they have completed a full circuit – this will take roughly one hour.

Graduate Entry at Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Applications from graduates are welcomed. You should hold three A-levels or equivalent (at least BBB), including Biology and Chemistry, and you should hold, or expect to hold, a first or upper-second-class science degree that demonstrates an adequate knowledge of Biology and Chemistry. Graduate entrants are assessed on their recent achievement, however, GCSE English and Maths requirements must still be met. As part of your academic assessment, you will be asked to supply a transcript of your degree.

Students should note, however, that the integrated nature of the degree in medicine does not allow advanced entry to a different year of the programme.

International Students Entry Requirements for Brighton and Sussex Medical School

International students must also meet specific academic criteria, equivalent to UK qualifications, and demonstrate proficiency in English (typically through IELTS with a score of 7.5 overall and no lower than 7.0 in each component). Furthermore, international applicants must sit the UCAT and follow the same application process as home students.

How Many Places Are There for Home and International Students at Brighton and Sussex Medical School?

BSMS expects to have 197 places for new UK entrants and 10 for new international entrants in September 2025. This distribution allows the school to maintain a diverse cohort while prioritising local applicants.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Ranking

BSMS has consistently performed well in national rankings. In the 2024 Guardian University Guide, BSMS ranked 19th for Medicine. Meanwhile, the Complete University Guide 2025 placed it at 27th.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Fees

Tuition fees for BSMS vary based on student status:

• Home Students: £9,250 per year
• International Students: Fees for international students are £44,500 per year. In subsequent years, fees for international students starting in 2024 will rise by 7% per year.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at BSMS is competitive, generally sitting around 8-10% for home students and slightly lower for international applicants. This reflects the rigorous selection process and high demand for places.

Brighton and Sussex Medicine Programmes

BSMS offers several programmes, including:

• MBBS Medicine: A five-year undergraduate course.
• Graduate Entry Medicine: A four-year course for graduates.

Both programmes emphasise early clinical exposure and a patient-centred approach to learning.

Brighton and Sussex Medicine Course Structure

The MBBS Medicine programme at BSMS is structured over five years:

Years 1-2:

You will investigate the functioning of the human body using a system-based approach, with integrated courses spanning the core biomedical and psychological disciplines. Student-selected components (SSCs) allow you to conduct unique studies and thoroughly investigate certain issues based on the most recent research. Weekly clinical symposia, which focus on specific medical problems or diseases, highlight the relevance of problem-solving and the integration of clinical and scientific information from other fields. Small group instruction is emphasised throughout, in addition to basic lectures and symposia, with the majority of Year 1 and 2 lessons taking place in small groups.

Your anatomy studies will look at the human body and how it relates to clinical practice. This will consist of cadaveric dissection, prosection, living anatomy, ultrasound sessions, and virtual

Year 3: 

This year begins with a two-week course that introduces you to clinical medicine as practised in secondary care. In Year 3, ward-based placements include General Medicine, Acute Medicine, and Cardiology. Specialities include elderly medicine and psychiatry, as well as surgery such as perioperative medicine, emergency medicine, orthopaedics, and urology.

Weekly teaching sessions in the Scientific Basis of Medicine module will help you combine your growing clinical expertise with a grasp of the underlying clinical, social science, and public health challenges.

Students study cutting-edge advancements in genetics, immunology, infectious illnesses, and therapeutics, as well as get further experience in safe drug prescribing, which is vital for your medical career.

Year 4:

During this year you will also undertake a rotation of clinical placements in the specialist subjects of

• General Practice
• ENT, Ophthalmology and Neurology
• Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Sexual Health
• Rheumatology and Dermatology
• 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 team.

Year 5:

You will start the year by undertaking a 15-week placement at one of our regional centres in West Sussex, East Sussex or Redhill. During this time you will rotate around a range of disciplines.

Your learning will be based on close involvement with routine clinical cases, acting as a member of the clinical team in medicine, emergency medicine, elderly medicine, surgery and psychiatry.

Towards the end of Year 5, students undertake an elective period to gain clinical or non-clinical experience in another environment in the UK or abroad.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Teaching Style

BSMS describes their teaching style as integrated, which means that you will study through a range of mediums such as small group instruction, lectures, and practical exercises. BSMS is also organised around a spiral curriculum, which means that you can expand on your knowledge over time.

The curriculum is also designed to promote independent learning and critical thinking skills, preparing students for the challenges of medical practice.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Term Dates

Typically, the academic year at BSMS runs from September to July, with specific term dates published on the university’s academic calendar page. It’s essential to check for any variations each year.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Hospitals

BSMS collaborates with a range of hospitals and healthcare providers, including:

• Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
• Royal Sussex County Hospital
• Princess Royal Hospital

These partnerships provide students with diverse clinical placements and opportunities to learn from experienced healthcare professionals.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Elective

Students at BSMS have the option to undertake an elective in their final year. This elective allows them to explore a specific area of interest, which could be in the UK or internationally, providing invaluable experience in their chosen field of medicine.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Interview Format

The interview process at BSMS involves MMIs, where candidates rotate through different stations to assess various competencies. This format allows for a more holistic evaluation of each applicant.

Admission interviews will take place from December 2024 through to March 2025. They will be conducted as either an in-person interview or online via Zoom for those unable to attend due to mitigating circumstances.

To prepare for the MMIs, you may wish to reflect on your work experience referring to the skills and values attributes needed to study medicine published by the Medical Schools Council.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Interview Questions

Here are some sample questions that could come up in your Brighton and Sussex Medical School interview with a short answer guide beneath :

During the MMIs, candidates may face a variety of questions, including:

• Ethical dilemmas in medicine
• Scenarios involving teamwork or leadership
• Situational judgement scenarios

Preparation for these questions is crucial, and candidates are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and opinions regarding healthcare issues.

Question: You notice a colleague is frequently late to their shifts, leading to increased stress for the team and potentially affecting patient care. How do you handle this situation?

Guide: Interviewers want to assess your ability to navigate workplace ethics, your commitment to teamwork, and your approach to addressing conflicts. They’ll look for a balanced response that demonstrates concern for both the colleague’s circumstances and the impact on patient care.

Question: During a group project, one team member is not contributing their fair share of work. What steps would you take to address this issue?

Guide: This question evaluates your leadership and communication skills. Interviewers seek a response that shows you can handle conflict diplomatically while emphasising collaboration and team dynamics. They want to know you would engage the team member constructively before escalating the issue.

Question: You’re working in a busy clinic, and a patient insists on seeing the doctor immediately, despite having a non-urgent condition. How do you manage their expectations?

Guide: Here, interviewers are assessing your situational judgement and customer service skills. They want to see how you would balance the patient’s needs with the realities of the clinical setting. Look for a response that emphasises empathy, clear communication, and an understanding of clinical priorities.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Summer School

BSMS offers a summer school program for prospective medical students, providing insights into medical school life, skills development, and networking opportunities. This program is designed to prepare students for the transition into medical education.

Life as a Medical Student at Brighton and Sussex

Social Life at Brighton and Sussex

Life as a medical student at BSMS is vibrant and dynamic. Students often find a balance between their rigorous studies and social activities, with many opportunities to connect through events, clubs, and societies.

Societies and Clubs at Brighton and Sussex

BSMS has a variety of student-led societies, including:

• MedSoc: The main society for medical students, hosting events and providing support.
• Global Health Society: Focusing on international health issues.
• Surgical Society: For those interested in surgery and related fields.

Intercalated Degree at Brighton and Sussex Medical School

BSMS offers the opportunity for students to intercalate a degree after their third year. This option allows students to pursue a BSc in a related field, such as Global Health, providing a broader understanding of healthcare.

FAQs

Does Brighton and Sussex Offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree?

Yes, BSMS offers various BSc degrees in fields related to health and science. This includes intercalated degrees for medical students.

How Much of the Brighton and Sussex Medicine Course is Clinical vs Preclinical?

The BSMS curriculum integrates clinical and preclinical education from the first year. Typically, the first two years focus more on preclinical studies, while years three to five emphasise clinical placements.

Does Brighton and Sussex Offer Medicine Scholarships?

BSMS provides several scholarships for both home and international students based on merit and need. Details can be found on their official website.

Is Brighton and Sussex a Good Medical School?

BSMS is well-regarded in the UK for its innovative teaching methods, early clinical exposure, and student support services. Its high rankings and positive student feedback further emphasise its reputation as a quality medical school.

Support With Getting Into Brighton and Sussex Medical School

UCAT Tutoring

As BSMS has competitive entry requirements, it’s a good idea to get a UCAT tutor to help you exceed the UCAT threshold. When looking for a good tutor, it’s wise to consider someone who has recently achieved an excellent UCAT score and who has experience with tutoring. Your tutor should be able to assess your strengths and weaknesses to focus your lesson time on improving the areas you need improvement.

Medicine Interview Tutoring

A large part of the admissions process is the MMI, which you’ll need to thoroughly prepare for. We recommend booking in with a medicine interview tutor to get the most realistic preparation for the BSMS interview. An interview tutor can help you gain interview confidence, competence, and the knowledge base you need to stand out from the crowd

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