Brunel University of London Medical School Guide

Brunel University London’s Medical School, founded to shape doctors of the future, offers a new five-year MBBS program designed to equip students with both clinical skills and the soft skills crucial for modern healthcare. The curriculum is crafted to give students comprehensive exposure to clinical practice, starting from the first year, through both simulated and real-world settings. With a focus on integrated and problem-based learning, Brunel’s approach includes early clinical placements across a diverse range of NHS trusts and healthcare settings to immerse students in hands-on patient care

Brunel University of London Medical School Entry Requirements

Academic

Qualification	Requirement
A levels	Chemistry or Biology at grade A a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) or Mathematics at grade A and a third subject (except General Studies) at grade A/B
GCSE’s	Five GCSEs at Grade B (6) (or equivalent) including two science subjects, such as Double Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics At least Grade C (4) in English Language GCSE (or equivalent e.g. IELTS) At least Grade B (5) in Maths
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Applicants should normally have, or be expected to achieve, a total score of 36 points with   Higher Level 6 in Chemistry or Biology and Higher Level 5 in a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) or Mathematics

Admissions Test

You must sit either UCAT or GAMSAT before applying and submit you score on your application. Applicants are basically ranked on their UCAT or GAMSAT once the University has decided that their references and personal statement are satisfactory!

The UCAT score required to secure an interview will depend on how well every other applicant does in the year you apply, so there is no UCAT cut-off score, but students who get a Band 4 in the SJT will be rejected.

You can still apply if you haven’t taken the UCAT/GAMSAT, but your invitation to interview may be delayed, or you may not receive an invitation, depending on the availability of interview slots. If there are still places, applicants who haven’t taken the UCAT/GAMSAT are reviewed by the Selection Panel and are ranked according to their predicted or achieved academic scores.

Work Experience

Brunel Medical School takes reference from the Medical School Council’s guidance on work experience.

Personal Statement

References and personal statements aren’t considered when the University decides who will get an interview. In general, they do want pretty strong evidence of a commitment to a profession in healthcare – this will be considered at MMI.

Interview

Candidates are ranked according to the total score obtained at MMI (with no pre-determined requirement to pass a minimum number of stations). Your MMI scores will be presented to the Admissions Committee and a cut-off score is agreed upon based on past and current cohort performance.

Applicants with a total score lower than the cut-off score aren’t considered further but those who get above the threshold will be offered a place or will be added to the waitlist.

Graduate Entry at Brunel University of London Medical School

If you already have an undergraduate or master’s degree in a subject related to Medicine and your degree qualification meets Brunel’s minimum entry criteria, then you can apply for Medicine MBBS. Depending on your ranking, you’ll also be invited to sit for an interview.

International Students Entry Requirements for Brunel University of London Medical School

English language – IELTS at least 7.0 in each component (or equivalent). English language requirement is one of the conditions of offer and will be assessed once an offer has been made.

Brunel accepts a wide range of international qualifications from countries around the world. They expect that applicants should normally have, or be expected to achieve, a pattern of grades equivalent to AAA  at ‘A’ level, including Chemistry or Biology at the highest level studied and a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) or Mathematics.

For a country-by-country list of requirements, check out their International Requirements

How many places are there for home and international students at Brunel University of London Medical School?

Initially, because it was a new medical school, Brunel was only accepting international students but as of September 2024 they will be taking 50 home students in addition to their 140 international students.

Brunel University of London Medical School Ranking

As Brunel’s medical program is newly established, it is yet to appear in major rankings like the Complete University Guide or the Guardian University Guide. However, the university overall holds a respectable position for life sciences and health-related disciplines.

Brunel University of London Medical School Fees

Annual tuition is £49,395 for 2025/26 entry for International students and £9,250 for Home students.

Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.

Brunel University of London Medicine Programmes

The flagship program is the five-year MBBS, with a curriculum blending theory with early clinical exposure. Unlike some programs, Brunel’s approach is interdisciplinary from the start, focusing on problem-solving and team-based learning.

Brunel University of London Medicine Course Structure

Year 1:

You’ll explore core scientific principles of health and disease through each major body system, such as cardiovascular and respiratory. You’ll gain practical experience in labs and learn clinical communication, ethics, and teamwork skills with exposure to primary care settings like General Practice, guided by experienced clinicians and healthcare teams.

Year 2:

In Year 2, you’ll continue exploring body systems, covering topics like digestion, the nervous system, and reproduction, with a stronger emphasis on disease, infection, and diagnosis. Clinical placements in primary care settings will further develop your communication and clinical skills, and you’ll gain deeper insights into digital health, ethics, and population health. Toward the year’s end, you’ll engage in a student-selected project, which could involve scientific research, healthcare improvement, or community engagement.

Phase 2 begins in Years 3 and 4, with intensive clinical rotations across hospitals and clinics in Greater London and South-East England, plus on-campus teaching sessions every six weeks.

Year 3:

You’ll participate in various placements across hospitals, community mental health, and primary care, where you can put your clinical knowledge and communication skills into practice. These hands-on experiences will help you learn how to connect clinical understanding with patient care. You’ll continue with primary care placements and receive constructive feedback from both clinical and academic teams to enhance your professionalism and skills.

Year 4:

In Year 4, you will continue with clinical rotations that include specialised fields such as paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, dermatology, ENT, and ophthalmology, along with primary care. This year will focus on comprehensive patient management, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and expertise. You’ll receive ongoing feedback from professionals you work with daily, which will help prepare you for your final year in the program.

Year 5:

Year 5 focuses on preparing you for the transition from student to junior doctor, featuring additional placements in medicine, surgery, primary care, and emergency medicine. You’ll take the final MBBS exams, including the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA), and complete at least two Assistantship placements to get ready for your Foundation Year 1 (FY1) role in the NHS. This year also includes an elective placement, which may be abroad, and formal instruction on safe prescribing and professional behaviour expectations.

Brunel University of London Medical School Teaching Style

Brunel combines lectures, practical labs, and patient-centred learning, emphasising collaboration and independent study. The school integrates problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based projects.

Brunel University of London is among the few medical schools in the world to use TBL as a significant method for classroom instruction. TBL sessions will be run by experienced TBL facilitators who will be joined by medical and health professionals (Content Experts) in the subject area being taught.  This creates a highly interactive and collaborative learning environment for their students!

Brunel University of London Medical School Term Dates

Term dates can vary but here are the 2024/25 Year 1 dates:

Term	Start Date	End Date
1	23 September 2024	13 December 2024
2	6 January 2025	11 April 2025
3	5 May 2025	24 July 2025

Brunel University of London Medical School Hospitals

Brunel University collaborates with several hospitals for clinical placements and training. Some of the key partners include:

1. Royal London Hospital – A major teaching hospital offering a wide range of medical services.
2. St Bartholomew’s Hospital – Known for its specialist services and historical significance.
3. Whipps Cross University Hospital – Provides various medical services and training opportunities.
4. Newham University Hospital – Focuses on a diverse patient demographic, offering valuable clinical experiences.
5. Kingston Hospital – Offers placements across various specialties.

These partnerships allow Brunel students to gain practical experience in a variety of clinical settings, enhancing their training and preparation for future medical careers.

Brunel University of London Medical School Elective

In the final year of the degree, students must undertake at least two Assistantship placements to prepare them for clinical practice as a Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor in the NHS, followed by an elective placement which may be overseas. You will be formally taught about safe prescribing and expectations of professional behaviour.

Brunel University of London Medical School Interview Format

All interviews will be held online. Brunel uses Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format – designed so that candidates engage in a number of short interviews, using a range of different interviewers positioned at 6 stations.

MMIs will start in November 2024 for international students and in February 2025 for UK students.

In its advice for prospective medical students, Brunel wants you to ‘be yourself. They are looking for more than just someone who can recite information they have rehearsed.  They want to hear from you and understand why you want a career in medicine.

Brunel University of London Medical School Interview Questions

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

Sample MMI Questions and Answer Guides:

Question: Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you dealt with it.

Guide: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Choose a specific example that demonstrates resilience and problem-solving skills. Emphasise what you learned from the experience and how it has prepared you for a career in medicine.

Question: How would you handle a situation where you disagree with a colleague’s opinion?

Guide: Discuss the importance of communication and collaboration in a healthcare setting. Emphasise your ability to listen actively, share your perspective respectfully, and seek a constructive resolution. Highlight the value of teamwork in providing patient care.

Question: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the NHS today?

Guide: Research current issues affecting the NHS, such as funding, staffing shortages, or the impact of an ageing population. Discuss how these challenges can affect patient care and propose potential solutions or improvements. Show your awareness of the healthcare landscape.

Brunel University of London Medical School Summer School

Brunel does not as of yet have any summer school programmes available for their Medicine Degree however they do offer a range of international summer schools for other science-related degrees such as Biosciences.

Life as a Medical Student at Brunel University of London

Social life at Brunel University of London

Brunel University is located in Uxbridge, which, while a bit removed from central London, offers students a unique blend of suburban comfort and urban excitement. This location means that students can enjoy a quieter campus life while still having access to the bustling cultural scene of London.

Societies and Clubs at Brunel University of London

Brunel University boasts a vibrant array of Student Societies and Clubs that enhance the student experience beyond academics.

Medical Society:

The Medical Society is a central hub for medical students, hosting networking events and social activities that foster connections within the field.

Sports Clubs:

With over 40 sports clubs available, students can participate in a variety of physical activities, from team sports to individual pursuits, promoting fitness and teamwork.

Cultural and Interest Societies:

A range of cultural and interest-based societies, such as the American and Canadian Society and Photography Society, celebrate diversity and provide spaces for students to explore their hobbies and interests.

Intercalated Degree at Brunel University of London

Yes, Brunel University Medical School does offer intercalation options for its medical students. If you’ve completed at least two years of an undergraduate UK medical degree and wish to further develop your skills and knowledge to improve your career prospects, then te Biological Sciences BSc (for intercalated students)  programme is designed for you.

FAQs

Does Brunel University of London Offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree?

Brunel University Medical School does not offer a standalone Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in medicine. Instead, the primary medical program is the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) which integrates both theoretical and practical training in medicine.

How Much of the Brunel University of London Medicine Course is Clinical vs Preclinical?

The Brunel Medicine course integrates clinical and preclinical education throughout the five years, with a gradual shift towards more clinical exposure in the later years.

Does Brunel University of London Offer Medicine Scholarships?

Brunel offers various scholarships for both home and international students, aimed at supporting those in financial need and recognizing academic excellence.

Is Brunel University of London a Good Medical School?

Brunel University Medical School is recognized for its modern approach to medical education and commitment to preparing students for real-world clinical practice, making it a strong choice for prospective medical students.

Support with Getting Into Brunel University of London Medical School

UCAT Tutoring

Although Brunel doesn’t have a cutoff, it’s still a good idea to get a UCAT tutor to help you get the best score you can. 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 Brunel interview. An interview tutor can help you to gain interview confidence, competence, and the knowledge base you need to stand out from the crowd.

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