A few words from our friends at the University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland
We’re proud to be a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2023) of our top-quality facilities, inclusive culture and our vibrant ever changing city. But we’re most proud of you, and where you go after here, because that’s the point isn’t it!
The University has approximately 20,000 students at its four campuses worldwide, in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, and with our international partners in 14 countries around the world. There are a wide range of courses available across its five faculties: Arts and Creative Industries; Business, Law and Tourism; Education and Society; Health Sciences and Wellbeing; and Technology.
The University’s global partnerships, world-leading research, knowledge transfer partnerships with businesses, and collaborations with private and public regional leaders are focused on its key areas of strength: sciences, advanced manufacturing, software, enterprise and innovation and creative industries.
You’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their fields, have access to excellent facilities and the opportunity to participate in the creation of knowledge through our collaborative approach to reason. By embarking on your postgraduate journey at Sunderland, you’re making a fundamental investment in your future.
Over 70% of published research carried out at the University of Sunderland has been rated as either world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, doubling the proportion of world-leading or internationally excellent research since the REF was last held in 2014.
School of Medicine at the University of Sunderland
The medical school at the University opened in September 2019, and is one of five new schools in England.
The University of Sunderland is partnered with Keele Medical School and has a modern medical curriculum built around problem-based learning (PBL). The University has strong links with local and regional hospital trusts and GP practices, who are engaged in clinical teaching across all five years of the curriculum.
Interprofessional learning is a key component of the MBChB medicine course, where students will learn with, and understand the roles, responsibilities and professional boundaries of, their fellow nursing, pharmacy and paramedic science students. Teamwork in the NHS is key to successful NHS organisations and excellent patient outcomes.
The University has an outstanding reputation for delivering a comprehensive range of health-related courses and in recent years has invested in new world leading facilities including a multi-million pound cadaveric centre, immersive suite and living lab, fully equipped with clinical simulation facilities which enable students to experience the very best in medical education.
You will be taught mainly in small class sizes and learning groups but will also experience a range of other learning methods including lectures, seminars and self-directed learning. You’ll develop your intellectual, personal and professional skills through independent thinking, creative problem solving, and constructive communication. You’ll also gain a deep understanding of the social, environmental and global implications of your studies as well as how to make a positive contribution in a complex and rapidly changing world.
Why us?
- Partnerships with local health services – our partnerships include 3 hospital trusts, 2 mental health trusts, community services and 63 GP practices – allowing student to practice their skills in a range of healthcare settings.
- Partnership with Keele University – our partnership with an established school of medicine adds confidence in our medicine degree. Keele University were ranked 3rd in The Guardian University league tables for Medicine in 2020.
- State of the art facilities – our living lab, immersive suite, anatomy lab and cadaveric centre replicate real working environments and provides students with a realist view of working in contemporary care settings. The facilities are made up of mock hospital wards, pharmacy dispensaries and specialist laboratories.
- Simulation Technology – simulation manikins such as the Sim Man, Sim Junior and Sim Baby, and CAE Apollo and Caesar manakins provide students with realistic training in a safe environment.
- 100 years expertise in teaching science – our lecturers are experts in their fields and have a wide range of experience, including research, the NHS, clinical laboratories and other professional backgrounds.
For further information about the University of Sunderland School of Medicine, please see our website.
Entry Requirements
A Level
A Levels in three subjects at grades AAA are required, including Biology or Chemistry plus another designated science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths/Further Maths/Statistics) and a third academic subject. Any science A Level (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) completed in England from 2017 must include a pass in the practical endorsement; without this the qualification will be judged to have been failed, regardless of the headline grade. Please note, some subjects are not accepted. Only one subject from a combination of Maths or Further Maths or Statistics will be considered within the three A Levels. A Level grades must be achieved in one sitting.
The primary admissions criteria which is being considered (e.g. A Levels) must have been completed within the past five years.
GCSE
We also require five passes at GCSE grade A (numerical grade 7) with a minimum of grade B (numerical grade 6) in Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Graduate Route
If you already hold a degree, please see our standard entry graduate route.
UCAT
All applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) during the year in which they apply.
All applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) during the year in which they apply. Scores must be within top 8 deciles of the cohort and situational judgement test (SJT) must be within bands 1-3. See our Help and Advice articles on the UCAT.
For further information on our entry requirements, please see our website.
Access to Higher Education
Please note, we do not accept Access to Higher Education/Access to Medicine courses.
Medicine Summer School
The University of Sunderland runs a two-day Medicine Summer School for Year 12 students, offering you the opportunity to experience university life as a medical student. Over the two days, you’ll gain the skills and confidence you need to apply for our Medicine MBChB (Hons) course. For students who meet two or more of the Office for Students (OfS) criteria, attending and completing the Medicine Summer School will guarantee you a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), subject to meeting the GCSE, A Level and UCAT requirements.
Find out more about our Summer School here.
Find Out More
Join us for an Open Day to see our amazing Medicine facilities
Explore our Virtual Open Day from the comfort of your own home
Find out more about our Medicine Team