Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BMBS BMBS Medicine
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BMBS BMBS Medicine | Programme code | UFB5EMSEMS01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | St Luke's (Exeter) Other |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The University of Exeter Medical School offers you a highly regarded and innovative degree programme: the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS). This degree allows you to become a doctor able to address the health and social care challenges of the 21st Century. The BMBS curriculum provides a clinical focus that is forward thinking and meets your needs as someone who wants to work as a doctor in an increasingly integrated, internationalised health environment.
You will learn in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings. There is a strong patient focus and emphasis on the medical sciences, as well as clinical and communication skills that underpin medical practice. There is also key focus on the development of the highest standards of professional behaviour as a key theme across the programme.
Teaching is based on clinical case studies and uses a blend of structured, activity-based small group learning, large group teaching sessions and supported independent study. In the early part of the programme your learning is intensely supported and allows for group interaction, discussion and feedback. State-of-the-art clinical teaching facilities, IT and e-learning resources are used to support your learning. You will spend time in clinical placements across the Southwest in both primary and secondary care settings.
In the later years of the programme, your learning occurs within the clinical environment with extensive opportunities to learn from patients. There is continued structured support for your learning through trigger cases, indicative presentations, clinician-supported teaching, feedback sessions, IT and e-learning, small group sessions and lectures.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. Core skills and knowledge to fulfil the role of a Foundation Year 1 Doctor within the NHS
2. Training and education as approved by the General Medical Council
3. Competence in clinical skills
4. Critical and analytical powers in relation to medicine
5. Personal and professional skills
6. Transferable skills for lifelong learning and a career in medicine
7. Opportunities for multidisciplinary working
8. Communication and team-working skills
The programme aims to provide a research-and clinical-rich environment that will develop you into an outstanding graduate who is confident and competent to practice in the health service, and prepared for lifelong learning, reflective practice, and prepared to make an effective contribution to continuous quality improvement in the National Health Service (NHS).
4. Programme Structure
Your BMBS Medicine programme is a five year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into five ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
Throughout your degree programme you will study in a variety of clinical locations across the South West: in hospitals, general practice and the wider health community.
The core curriculum delivers the essential knowledge and skills for your role as a newly qualified doctor, whilst allowing you a degree of freedom in choosing a wide range of Special Study Units. Exposure to the clinical environment begins in your first study unit and hands-on clinical experiences increase throughout the degree. The programme integrates medical science and clinical skills so that your academic learning is applied to clinical practice throughout the five years.
Years 1 & 2 (NQF Level 4 & 5 respectively): For your first year you will be based at the St Luke’s Campus, Exeter, and you will experience university life to the full. The second year of the programme is delivered in both Exeter and Truro. The curriculum emphasises acquiring the core knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours required for modern medical practice and relating this to patients’ conditions and concerns.
Years 3 & 4 (NQF Level 6): The third and fourth years of the programme are delivered in locations across the South West. You will rotate through a series of hospital and community placements in six pathways of care, which provide extensive experience of a wide range of clinical settings. Your learning is centred on patients and will continue to develop your problem-solving skills and increase your experience with the widest possible array of clinical scenarios.
Year 5 (NQF Level 7): In your fifth year, you will learn the job of medicine and start to develop your understanding of principles of practice in the NHS. You’ll undertake a series of professional apprenticeship attachments in hospitals across the South West. At this stage, you will have developed the personal and learning skills required to analyse and evaluate patients’ conditions and to suggest forms of clinical management. You’ll also undertake an Elective which may involve clinical or research placements, or a combination of both. Many students take this opportunity to see the practice of medicine in another part of the world.
Foundation Year: At the end of the undergraduate programme you will receive your BMBS degree, which is a primary medical qualification (PMQ). This entitles you to provisional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). Provisionally-registered doctors can only practise in approved Foundation Year 1 posts: the law does not allow provisionally-registered doctors to undertake any other type of work. To obtain a Foundation Year 1 post you will need to apply during the final year of your undergraduate degree through the UK Foundation Programme Office selection scheme, which allocates these posts to graduates on a competitive basis.
Intercalation: You may wish to interrupt your studies for 12 months to undertake an intercalated programme of study between years three and four . This is where you would undertake 120 credits of another degree programme (usually the final year of another undergraduate degree or a postgraduate qualification undertaken at the University of Exeter). It is up to you whether you study something which is related to medicine or not; the direction in which you choose is up to you. The opportunity to intercalate is usually only available to students who are performing in the top 50% of the cohort.
Programme Award
BMBS Medicine (625 credits, minimum of 115 at Level 7)
Exit Awards (in the event of failure to progress to the final award)
Certificate of Higher Education Medical Studies (120 credits at Level 4)
Diploma of Higher Education Medical Studies (240 credits, minimum of 90 at Level 5)
BSc (Hons) Medical Studies (360 credits, minimum of 90 at Level 6)
BSc (Hons) Advanced Medical Studies (480 credits, minimum of 210 at Level 6)
5. Programme Modules
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/medicine/bmbs/
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDC1001 | BMBS Medicine Year 1 | 120 | Yes |
Stage 2
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDC2001 | BMBS Medicine Year 2 | 120 | Yes |
Stage 3
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDC3001 | Clinical Pathways 1 | 120 | Yes |
Stage 4
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDC4001 | Clinical Pathways 2 | 120 | Yes |
Stage 5
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDC5001 | Preparation for Medical Practice | 145 | Yes |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Apply to medical practice the biomedical scientific principles, method and knowledge, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 3, Point 22 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). | Problem Based Learning Professional Development Group sessions Life Sciences Resource Centre sessions Clinical Skills Resource Centre Lectures Induction sessions Consolidation/Wrap sessions Making Sense of Evidence sessions Special Study Units Clinical Placements Whole cohort sessions Workshops MLA Clinical Cases Feedback sessions Tutorials Electives Case Based Discussions Masterclasses Indicative Presentations Study Guides Guided Independent Study Self-Directed Learning Career Development sessions Video Masterclasses |
Plus, the national Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA)ly set and assessed Immediate Life Support, and Prescribing Safely Assessment and Situational Judgement Test. (PSA). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
15. Use information effectively and safely in a medical context, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 19 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). | Problem Based Learning Professional Development Group sessions Life Sciences Resource Centre sessions Clinical Skills Resource Centre Lectures Induction sessions Consolidation/Wrap sessions Making Sense of Evidence sessions Special Study Units Clinical Placements Whole cohort sessions Workshops MLA Clinical Cases Feedback sessions Tutorials Electives Case Based Discussions Masterclasses Indicative Presentations Study Guides Guided Independent Study Self-Directed Learning Career Development sessions Video Masterclasses |
Plus, the national Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) ly set and assessed Immediate Life Support, Prescribing Safely Assessment (PSA)and Situational Judgement Test.
|
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
19. Behave in accordance with Good Medical Practice (General Medical Council) making care of patients their first concern, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 1, Point 1 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). | Problem Based Learning Professional Development Group sessions Life Sciences Resource Centre sessions Clinical Skills Resource Centre Lectures Induction sessions Consolidation/Wrap sessions Making Sense of Evidence sessions Special Study Units Clinical Placements Whole cohort sessions Workshops MLA Clinical Cases Feedback sessions Tutorials Electives Case Based Discussions Masterclasses Indicative Presentations Study Guides Guided Independent Study Self-Directed Learning Career Development sessions Video Masterclasses |
Plus, the nationally set Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) and assessed Immediate Life Support, Prescribing Safely Assessment (PSA)and Situational Judgement Test. |
7. Programme Regulations
Credit
Undergraduate (UG) Programmes: The programme consists of 625 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage 1 to 4 and 145 credits taken at stage 5. In total, participants normally take no more than 150 credits at NQF level 4, and must take at least 115 credits at NQF level 7.
Progression
Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.
All credits of the BMBS Medicine are compulsory and none are condonable. Students must complete the credits as prescribed on a pass/fail basis.
Assessment and Awards
There are assessment progression points at the end of each stage of the programme and all progression is at the discretion of the Assessment, Progression and Awarding Committee (APAC) who will be informed by recommendations from the Assessment Panels. In making recommendations and in determining progression each student’s case will considered on its own merits and will be based on module performance, including professional behaviour. The overarching consideration to determine progression shall be the likelihood of your being able to successfully complete the next stage of study. Within each 120-145 credit module, you are required to pass all of the overarching assessments. The module descriptor and handbook provides details of the multiple in-year opportunities you will have to demonstrate competence for each of the assessments. If, following all opportunities to demonstrate competence, you fail any of these overarching assessments, you will be deemed to have failed the module, and you will be required to repeat and pass all teaching and assessment for the entire stage (the entire 120 or 145 credit module) in the following academic year, as a “referred” student. If you fail more than one overarching assessment in any module, you may be excluded from the programme. You will not be permitted to repeat any module more than once. You may be permitted to repeat two different modules, at the discretion of the APAC.
You are required to achieve 120 credits in each stage of 1 to 4 of the programme and 145 credits in stage 5 of the programme.
Classification
The BMBS is a pass/fail award and does not make use of the usual University degree classification system. However, the classification of BMBS awards broadly corresponds to the following guidance:
BMBS with Distinction:
The award of a BMBS (with Distinction) will normally be based on a student’s assessment performance in the final year of the programme. Students, who attain an Excellent (top 10%) in the assessments for both Medical Knowledge and Clinical Practice, will be automatically eligible for the award of BMBS (with Distinction).
In addition, all students will be ranked on their performance in the assessments for Medical Knowledge and Clinical Practice in the final year. A BMBS (with Distinction) may be awarded, at the discretion of the APAC, to students who have consistently performed to a high standard in final year assessments for Medical Knowledge and Clinical Practice. This normally means within the top 10% of the cohort based on the overall rank from the AMK and Clinical Practice Assessments in the final year.
At the discretion of the panel, an award of Distinction may be withheld based on any significant professionalism concerns.
BMBS with Merit:
Students whose ranking falls in the top 25% will be considered for the award of BMBS (with Merit). BMBS (with Merit) will normally be confined to those students who are ranked in the final year assessments for Medical Knowledge and Clinical Practice in the final year.
At the discretion of the panel, an award of Merit may be withheld based on any significant professionalism concerns. All other students shall be awarded the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.
Classification
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
At UEMS, your performance in assessment is formally reviewed each term to ensure that any problems that you may be experiencing with your learning can be identified early. We seek to support students whose performance may be a cause for concern. If you need support you will be referred to trained staff and receive a confidential report containing recommendations on how changes to individual learning styles, techniques, assessment strategies and attitude to work may improve performance.
All students are allocated a Professional Development Group Tutor in stages 1-4 of the BMBS programme and an Educational Supervisor in stage 5 who oversees your academic progress and personal and professional development. Your tutor is the first point of contact for academic support for the duration of the programme. You will change tutors each year. We offer a friendly and supportive environment from your first day with us. Our wellbeing support team can provide assistance with non-academic issues.
Student Support: The University of Exeter Medical School offers its students a one-stop shop (The Hub Info Point) for all student queries, assessment submissions and concerns. Staff at the Hub Info Point are able to make referrals for students to a wide-range of College and University student support services. All support can be accessed at Info at St Luke’s on the ground floor of South Cloisters on the St Luke’s Campus. Support staff are also available to answer student queries and to make referrals at all of our student reception points across all of our locations in the South-West (Years 3, 4 & 5 in Devon: uemsrdeeducation@exeter.ac.uk and Years 2, 3, 4 & 5 in Cornwall: uems-cornwall@exeter.ac.uk). You can contact the Info at St Luke’s by telephone on 01392 724837 or by email – info.stlukes@exeter.ac.uk.
Students who are experiencing personal or health difficulties should, in the first instance, seek advice from the Student Welfare Case Worker who is based in the Hub Info Point for Devon-based students and at FXPlus/Knowledge Spa for Cornwall-based students. Appointments can be made at the Hub Info Point/student reception points, or by emailing welfare.stlukes@exeter.ac.uk in Devon or studentservices@fxplus.ac.uk in Cornwall.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
The GMC is responsible for determining whether the undergraduate medical education delivered by UEMS meets the standards as set out in Tomorrow’s Doctors and Promoting Excellence and whether the University of Exeter can be added to the list of bodies able to award UK medical degrees. Specifically, there are ten standards organisations responsible for educating and training medical students and doctors in the UK must meet, which are organised in the following five themes and where patient safety is paramount:
- Learning environment and culture
- Educational governance and leadership
- Supporting learners
- Supporting educators
- Developing and implementing curricula and assessments
UEMS has been subject to an accreditation process that is tailored for new medical schools and was required to submit to a programme of assessment and quality assurance by the GMC while the first cohort (2013/14) progressed. Now that GMC accreditation has been satisfactorily gained, UEMS is now subject to a routine GMC administered annual quality assurance programme. This process includes all education provision delivered by NHS partners as well as the University itself.
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BMBS BMBS Medicine
19. UCAS Code
A100
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 625 |
ECTS credits | 312.5 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Medicine
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/04/2013 |
Date of last revision | 29/02/2024 |
|---|
