Buckingham Medical School Guide

Buckingham Medical School is a refreshing, unique option if you’re looking to dive into medicine with a modern, accelerated twist. As the UK’s first independent, not-for-profit med school, Buckingham offers a fast-paced 4.5-year MBChB program that blends theory and practice right from the start. Students can expect small class sizes, which means lots of personal support, and early clinical exposure kicks off in year two, giving you a head start in real-world settings. It’s a program that’s tailored to get you ready for the workforce efficiently but with loads of support and a close-knit campus vibe.

Buckingham Medical School Entry Requirements

Academic

Qualification	Requirements
A Levels	ABB, including Chemistry and Biology
GCSEs	Minimum grade 4 in English, Maths, and Sciences.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	A total score of at least 34 points to include 3 Higher Level subjects. You must achieve at least Higher Level 6 in Chemistry or Biology but have taken both and achieved at least a HL5 in the other.
Other Qualifications	Accepts a range of international qualifications, subject to specific criteria. Check for international requirements here

Admissions Test

Buckingham does not currently require the UCAT or BMAT for admission, though they assess academic performance in their initial Academic Selection and other personal qualities in their Multiple Mini Assessment in depth and during interviews.

Work Experience

Buckingham Medical School has specifically given their requirements for work experience but every student applying is expected to have a clear understanding of the medical profession and what it takes to become “a highly ethical, honest and compassionate doctor who will put the patient first.”

Personal Statement

A well-rounded personal statement is essential, highlighting motivations for studying medicine, relevant experience, personal strengths, and an understanding of a medical career.

Buckingham evaluates how personal experiences relate to medicine and patient care through something called the Multiple Mini Assessment. It is a computer-based test, made up of a series of tasks intended to test applicants’ analysis, interpretation and judgement abilities related to ‘Good Medical Practice‘, published by the UK General Medical Council.

If you perform really highly you can even receive an offer at this stage!

Interview

Buckingham Medical School interviews candidates in an MMI format- it consists of a series of tasks intended to test abilities related to ‘Good Medical Practice‘. Stations may involve problem-solving scenarios, ethical discussions, communication skills, and insights into patient-centered care. Candidates are evaluated on empathy, critical thinking, and motivation for medicine.

Graduate Entry at Buckingham Medical School

Buckingham offers a four-and-a-half-year MBChB program, which does not currently offer an accelerated graduate entry pathway. Graduate applicants are welcome but must meet the same academic requirements as undergraduate applicants.

International Students Entry Requirements for Buckingham Medical School

International applicants must meet academic requirements comparable to the UK system and demonstrate English language proficiency (IELTS score of 7.0 with no component below 6.5). View any other country-specific entry requirements here

How many places are there for home and international students at Buckingham Medical School?

Buckingham Medical School is suited to both UK and international students. As an independent medical school, they have no cap on international student places. Buckingham Medical School admits around 180-200 students per year.

Buckingham Medical School Ranking

The school’s rankings in UK-specific medical school league tables are relatively new, as the school’s medical program is still growing. However, it is recognized for its student-focused approach and smaller cohort sizes.

Buckingham Medical School Fees

For 2025/26 entry, tuition fees for Buckingham’s MB ChB program are approximately £40,000 per year for home students and £45,000 for international students.

Buckingham Medical School Acceptance Rate

As a new and independent medical school Buckingham hasn’t released much admissions data, and its acceptance rate most likely varies each year.

Buckingham Medicine Programmes

The medical school offers a single-entry MB ChB program designed for school leavers and graduate applicants alike, emphasizing early clinical exposure and small-group learning.

Buckingham Medicine Course Structure

The program spans 4.5 years, broken down as follows:

• Years 1 and 2: Pre-clinical phase focused on foundational sciences, anatomy, and early clinical skills training.

Phase 1 is structured around integrated units focused on the body’s major systems, taught within a clinical framework. By the end, students will have developed effective patient communication and clinical examination skills, along with a foundational understanding of bodily functions in health and disease, preparing them for full-time clinical practice.

• Years 3 to 4.5: Clinical phase involving hands-on training in partner hospitals, rotating across various medical and surgical specialties.

Phase 2 builds on the groundwork of Phase 1, with students immersed in clinical environments, working closely with patients and healthcare professionals. Through a series of focused blocks, they gain comprehensive experience across all areas of medicine in both hospital and community settings.

Student-selected components in Phases 1 and 2 allow students to pursue an area of particular interest in more depth, while Narrative Medicine Allows students to gain insight into actual patients with chronic illness.

Buckingham Medical School Teaching Style

Teaching at Buckingham Medical School uses an integrated curriculum, combining lectures, group work, clinical placements, and self-directed study. This approach blends various learning methods to support both theoretical and practical understanding.

Buckingham Medical School Term Dates

The program runs on a January intake system, with terms beginning in January and each academic year structured into three terms.

Buckingham Medical School Hospitals

Clinical placements are undertaken at various hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Midlands and South East England.

The partnering hospitals near Buckingham are Milton Keynes University Hospital, St Andrews Hospital in Northampton, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust and Stoke Mandeville Hospital; and near Crewe – The Railings, Macclesfield General Hospital, East Cheshire Trust and Leighton Hospital, Mid Cheshire Hospitals

Buckingham Medical School Elective

During the final year, students have an elective period to gain experience in a specialty or healthcare system of their choice, with many students opting for international electives.

Buckingham Medical School Interview Format

The interview follows an MMI format, assessing core competencies such as ethics, empathy, problem-solving, and motivation for medicine.

Buckingham Medical School Interview Questions

Preparing for the Buckingham interview will require reflection upon the core values that they are looking for within their students. It will definitely be worth your while to read the latest Good Medical Practice document curated by the GMC which can be found here:

In the meantime, here are some sample questions with a short answer guide beneath:

Question: Describe a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it.

Guide: In this response, start by outlining the challenge you faced, whether it was a personal or academic issue. Then, explain the specific actions you took to address the challenge, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and any resources you utilized, such as seeking help from others. Finally, conclude with the outcome of the situation and the key lessons you learned from the experience that will help you in the future.

Question: Discuss an ethical dilemma a doctor might face.

Guide: Begin by identifying a specific ethical dilemma that doctors encounter, such as decisions about resource allocation in a hospital setting. Discuss the various perspectives involved in this dilemma, including potential consequences for patients and the healthcare team. Emphasize the importance of ethics in medical practice, and mention how a doctor might seek guidance from colleagues or ethics boards when navigating such complex situations.

Question: Tell me about a piece of recent interesting news that is medically relevant. What are your thoughts on the matter?

Guide: Start by summarizing a piece of recent medical news, such as advancements in a particular treatment or public health initiative. Share your thoughts on its potential impact on patient care or public health, and consider any broader social or ethical implications. Conclude by reflecting on how this news highlights the evolving landscape of medicine and the importance of staying informed about medical advancements.

Life as a Medical Student at Buckingham

Social Life at Buckingham

With a small cohort, students at Buckingham benefit from a close-knit community, actively engaging in social events, societies, and student-led activities.

Societies and Clubs at Buckingham

Despite Buckingham’s small university size, it definitely does not limit its variety! There is so much to do and something for absolutely everyone. Students have the opportunity to engage in popular sports and societies such as the Medics’ Society, Crewe Book Club, and sports teams. If you need some time away from it all you can also explore the local countryside and nearby cultural hubs for a more rounded experience of all that Buckingham has to offer!

Intercalated Degree at Buckingham

Currently, Buckingham does not offer an intercalated BSc degree option within its medical program.

FAQs

Does Buckingham Offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree?

Buckingham Medical School does not currently offer an intercalated BSc option.

How Much of the Buckingham Medicine Course is Clinical vs. Preclinical?

The course splits into two years of preclinical study followed by 2.5 years of clinical training, with early clinical exposure integrated in the first two years.

Does Buckingham Offer Medicine Scholarships?

Buckingham offers scholarships for its eligible students. More information about this can be found on their website here.

Is Buckingham a Good Medical School?

As the UK’s first independent medical school, Buckingham provides a unique, student-centred experience with small class sizes and early patient contact. Making a pro and con list may help you decide which medical school is right for you!

Support With Getting Into Buckingham Medical School

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 Buckingham 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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