| 🩺Qualification | MBBS |
|---|---|
| ⌛ Duration | 5 Years |
| 📬 UCAS Course Code | A100 |
Applications should be made by the normal closing date of 6.00 pm on 15 October in the year prior to the year of entry and UCAT should be retaken. For applicants who are eligible for consideration the standard interview selection process will apply.
Introduction
Queen’s University Belfast offers a five-year integrated medicine degree that is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC). The course is taught in a systems-based approach, which means that students learn about the body as a whole, rather than focusing on individual body systems. This approach helps students to develop a holistic understanding of medicine.
The course begins with two years of pre-clinical study, during which students learn about the basic sciences of medicine, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology. In the third year, students begin their clinical placements, where they learn about the practice of medicine in hospitals and general practices. The final two years of the course are devoted to more advanced clinical study, and students also have the opportunity to undertake an intercalated degree.
Queen’s University Belfast is a highly regarded medical school, and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers. The course offers students the opportunity to learn from world-renowned experts in the field of medicine, and it provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful doctors.
Here are some of the key features of the Medicine course at Queen’s University Belfast:
- Five-year integrated system-based curriculum
- Accredited by the GMC
- State-of-the-art facilities
- World-renowned experts in the field of medicine
- Highly sought-after graduates
Here are the tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year:
- UK students: £4,710 per year (England: £9,250 per year)
- EU students (excluding ROI): £34,450 per year
- International students: £34,450 per year
Entry Requirements
In addition, to the entrance requirements outlined below, it is essential that you read our guidance below under Selection Criteria on ‘How we choose our students’ prior to submitting your UCAS application. This document contains more detailed information on the admission process for Medicine.
| Queen’s University Belfast Medicine Entry Requirements | |
|---|---|
| A-levels | AAA at A-level + A in a fourth AS-level subject including A-level Chemistry plus at least one other A-level from Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics. If not offered at A-level then Biology/Human Biology grade A as a 4th AS-level or grade B as a 5th AS-level. Grade A in the EPQ or Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate or a grade B in a 4th A-level will be acceptable in lieu of the 4th AS-level. OR A*AA at A-level including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology. OR A*AA at A-level including Chemistry and either Mathematics or Physics + AS-level Biology grade B. |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level |
| GCSE | GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4 and either GCSE Physics minimum grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science minimum grades CC/44 are required if these subjects are not offered at AS-level or A-level. |
| International Qualifications | Queen’s University Belfast accepts a wide range of international and UK qualifications. However, they should be equivalent in level and content to the A-level and IB requirements. To find out your countries entry requirements please visit this page. |
| UCAT | All applicants are required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and the results achieved will be used as part of the selection process prior to interview. UCAT will be scored and used in conjunction with the GCSE score to rank for interview. AS-level performance, additional GCSE A grades and other factors may also be taken into account in borderline cases. |
| Work Experience | Applicants are encouraged to have relevant work experience, which could include volunteering, shadowing doctors or healthcare professionals, or other relevant work experience. This will make them stand out on their application which is crucial when competing in one of the top Universities in the World. |
| Personal Statement | Applicants are required to submit a personal statement that showcases their motivation for studying medicine and highlights any relevant work experience or extracurricular activities. |
| Interview | All applicants will be ranked on cognitive performance, and a proportion selected for interview (Multi-mini interview). Interviews will take place between January and March in Belfast for home and EU applicants. Staff from the Medical School visit South East Asia in late January/February to interview and international applicants from other countries are encouraged to travel to Belfast for interview, as they will benefit from a tour of the Medical School and the University. |
| References | Applicants must provide two references, one from a teacher or tutor who has taught them in the last two years and one from someone who can comment on their suitability for studying medicine. |
All students admitted to this degree will be required to complete a Hepatitis B vaccination programme at the Occupational Health Service of the University. 2. Medicine welcomes applications from people with disabilities. All applications will be treated on an individual case basis to ensure that the applicant has the potential to fulfil the demands of professional fitness to practise. Disability will not be considered as part of the selection process, however, it is strongly advised that applicants disclose their disability on their UCAS form and contact the School to obtain further advice. Applicants may also be required to provide relevant information which will be treated in the strictest of confidence. It is important that the University has an understanding of your support requirements to implement reasonable adjustments. 3. As a result of current legislative requirements any offer made will be conditional on a satisfactory criminal history check (Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check). To enable the University to request this check you will be required to provide some personal information which will be treated in the strictest of confidence and in line with Data Protection Principles. The current cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Check is £33. At the time of printing changes are due to be implemented and relevant procedures and/or costs may change. Applicants will be advised of the relevant requirements at the appropriate time. For international students, a Certificate of Good Conduct or equivalent will be required in lieu of an Access NI check. Additional checks may be required depending on the applicants address history. 4. The degree is subject to the University’s regulations on Fitness to Practise. 5. Applicants will be required to give permission for a check against the Excluded Student Database prior to offers being made. This is a national database which records those who have previously been excluded from professional programmes because of fitness to practise concerns. 6. Selection criteria for Medicine are reviewed annually and therefore you should read the ‘How we choose our student’ PDF which is available from the link below under Selection Criteria. More detailed information on applying to Medicine at Queen’s is also available from the School website at www.qub.ac.uk/schools/mdbs/ Please note for 2024 entry the deadline for applications to this degree is 6.00 pm on 15 October 2023 and arrangements should be made to undertake UCAT in advance of this.
Selection Criteria
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on ‘How we choose our students’ prior to submitting your UCAS application.
This is the Admissions Policy Statement for Medicine for 2023 entry. The 2024 version will be available in July/August 2023.
Facilities and Hospital affiliation at Queen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast is a highly regarded medical school with a long and distinguished history of medical education. The university’s Health Sciences campus is home to a number of state-of-the-art facilities, including three major teaching hospitals: the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Ulster Hospital, and the City Hospital. These hospitals provide students with the opportunity to learn from world-renowned experts in the field of medicine, and they also give students the chance to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
The Royal Victoria Hospital is the largest and most comprehensive teaching hospital in Northern Ireland. It is a major center for acute care, and it also provides a wide range of specialized services, including cancer care, cardiac care, and neurosciences. The Ulster Hospital is another major teaching hospital in Northern Ireland. It is a regional center for cancer care, and it also provides a wide range of other services, including trauma care, maternity care, and pediatric care. The City Hospital is a smaller teaching hospital that specializes in mental health care. It is also a major center for research in mental health.
In addition to the teaching hospitals, Queen’s University Belfast also has a number of other medical facilities on its Health Sciences campus. These facilities include the Whitla Medical Building, the Mulhouse Building, and the Clinical Skills Education Centre. The Whitla Medical Building is home to the university’s medical school, and it also houses a number of research laboratories. The Mulhouse Building is home to the university’s clinical academic staff, and it also houses a number of seminar rooms and meeting spaces. The Clinical Skills Education Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that provides students with the opportunity to learn clinical skills in a simulated environment.
The medical facilities and teaching hospitals at Queen’s University Belfast provide students with an excellent learning environment. The facilities are modern and well-equipped, and the staff are highly experienced and knowledgeable. Students who study medicine at Queen’s University Belfast have the opportunity to learn from the best in the field, and they also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
In addition to the facilities on the Health Sciences campus, Queen’s University Belfast also has a number of clinical placements in general practices and other healthcare settings throughout Northern Ireland. This gives students the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of settings, and it also helps them to develop their communication and interpersonal skills.
The medical facilities and teaching hospitals at Queen’s University Belfast are a major asset to the university. They provide students with the opportunity to learn from the best in the field, and they also give students the chance to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting. These facilities are a major reason why Queen’s University Belfast is one of the most highly regarded medical schools in the world.
Curriculum
| Unit | Topics | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Personal and Professional Development Portfolio | * Introduce students to portfolio based learning and reflective writing * Have an opportunity to reflect on learning experiences and develop SMART Actions areas of strength and weakness |
| 2 | Introduction to the fundamentals of the scientific, clinical; ethical and behavioural sciences underpinning medical practice | * An introduction to QUB * Introduction to team-based and adult learning, case based learning, accessing and using library resources and data management * The scientific principles underpinning cellular biology, the form and function of the human body, basic physiological and pharmacological principles * Introduction to clinical skills, students will also meet their first patients * Training in basic life support * Introduction to Good Medical Practice and Outcomes for Graduates * Introduction to key curriculum helical themes (GCAT – Global and Population Health, Clinical Science and Practice, Achieving Good Medical Practice, Teamwork for Safe Care) |
| 3 | Cardiovascular, respiratory and haematological systems | * Normal structure and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory and haematological systems * Introduction to abnormal structure and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory and haematological systems * Clinical skills (including communication, examination and practical procedural skills relating to the cardiovascular, respiratory, haematological and musculoskeletal systems) |
| 4 | Musculoskeletal system Part 1 | * Normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal system * Introduction to abnormal structure and function of the musculoskeletal system * Clinical skills (including communication, examination and practical procedural skills relating to the cardiovascular, respiratory, haematological and musculoskeletal systems) |
| Unit | Topics | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Personal and Professional Development Portfolio | * Enhance reflective writing skills * Reflect on learning experiences and identify areas of strength and weakness |
| 2 | Gastrointestinal, Renal, Endocrine and Reproductive systems | * Normal structure and function of the gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine and reproductive systems * Introduction to abnormal structure and function of the gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine and reproductive systems * Clinical skills (including communication, examination and practical procedural skills relating to the gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, reproductive, neurological, dermatological and musculoskeletal systems) |
| 3 | Neurological system | * Normal structure and function of the neurological system * Introduction to abnormal structure and function of the neurological system * Clinical skills (including communication, examination and practical procedural skills relating to the gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, reproductive, neurological, dermatological and musculoskeletal systems) |
| 4 | Musculoskeletal system Part 2 and Skin | * Normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and skin * Introduction to abnormal structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and skin * Clinical skills (including communication, examination and practical procedural skills relating to the gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, reproductive, neurological, dermatological and musculoskeletal systems) |
| Unit | Topics | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Clerkship | * Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship focusing on the common presentation of illnesses in the following clinical specialties: Medicine, Surgery, Dermatology, Neurosciences, Emergency Medicine, Endocrinology, ENT, Cardiology, Radiology, Haematology, Nephrology, Musculoskeletal Medicine including fractures, Ophthalmology, and Anaesthesia. * Content relating to laboratory medicine, behavioural sciences, population medicine, biomedical sciences, pathology and therapeutics will be integrated throughout the clerkship. * Detailed lists of skills and procedures relating to each discipline will be included in the log-book. * Clinical experience will comprise 14 weeks in a district general hospital and 14 weeks in a tertiary referral centre, in both simulated and actual clinical practice settings. * Students will spend 2 days per month in a general practice. | * The emphasis is on immersing the student in the clinical workplace. * Case-based learning will be used to integrate the delivery of core knowledge. * Cases will be delivered in the clinical teaching environment and will integrate relevant biomedical, public health, clinical and behavioural science. * The cases will provide a second ‘spiral’ of the body systems studied in years 1 and 2. * Students will also attend regular case overview teaching sessions. * Students will complete a log-book of activities relating to each discipline. * Appropriate GCAT (Global and Population Health, Clinical Science and Practice, Achieving Good Medical Practice, Teamwork for Safe Care) themes will be integrated into case scenarios and clinical teaching. * These will include, but not be limited to: * the ethical and professional principles underpinning medical care * the principles of consent * the importance of their personal physical and mental wellbeing and incorporate compassionate self-care into their personal and professional life. |
| Unit | Topics | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Life Cycle Pillars | * Child Health * Mental Health * Reproductive Health * Ageing and Health | * The emphasis is on the patient in the community, at home, in the GP surgery and in different hospital settings at all stages of life. * Content for each pillar is co-designed and co-delivered by both primary and secondary care physicians. * Each pillar will commence with a one week introduction (‘pillar week’) at QUB followed by 8 weeks of workplace learning – 6 weeks in the secondary care environment (including the Emergency Department) and 2 weeks in General Practice. * Inter-professional and simulated learning opportunities will also be provided. * General Practice will constitute the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship component of Year 4. Students will be attached to the same general practice in four, two-week long placements throughout the year. * For each pillar the 2 weeks in primary care will include some focus on learning opportunities pertinent to the relevant pillar. * Crucially, it offers ‘overall’ primary care learning time to encompass the full range of patients and care in community settings. * The emphasis will be on: * Patient-centred care * Population centred care * The efficacy of general practice |
| Personal and Professional Development Portfolio | * Students will continue to develop their Personal and Professional Development Portfolio. * This will include reflecting on their clinical experiences, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals for their future development. |
For a detailed list of all modules please visit this link.
Fees and Funding
The tuition fees for the medicine course at Queen’s University Belfast vary depending on the student’s nationality.
- Home students (from Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland) pay £4,710 per year.
- UK students (from England, Scotland, or Wales) pay £9,250 per year.
- EU students pay £34,450 per year.
- International students pay £34,450 per year.
There are a number of funding options available for international students, including:
- Government scholarships offered by the UK government or the government of the student’s home country.
- University scholarships offered by Queen’s University Belfast or other universities in the UK.
- Private scholarships offered by charities, foundations, or businesses.
Students can also apply for student loans to help cover the cost of tuition fees.
Funding Options for International Students
There are a number of funding options available for international students, including:
- Government scholarships offered by the UK government or the government of the student’s home country. These scholarships can provide full or partial funding for tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.
- University scholarships offered by Queen’s University Belfast or other universities in the UK. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit, but some may also be awarded based on other factors, such as financial need or extracurricular activities.
- Private scholarships offered by charities, foundations, or businesses. These scholarships can be found through a variety of sources, such as online scholarship directories or word-of-mouth.
- Student loans offered by the UK government or private lenders. Student loans can be a good option for students who need financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses. However, it is important to carefully consider the terms and conditions of any student loan before applying.
Students who are interested in learning more about funding options for international students should contact the Queen’s University Belfast Admissions Office.
Scholarships
- Queen’s University Belfast International Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to international students who have demonstrated academic excellence and have a strong commitment to their studies. Scholarships are available for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study in a range of subjects, including medicine.
- Department of Health International Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to international students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare in Northern Ireland. Scholarships are available for full-time postgraduate study in medicine, dentistry, and other healthcare-related subjects.
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) International Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to international students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine or surgery. Scholarships are available for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study at RCSI, which is a medical school located in Dublin, Ireland.
- Commonwealth Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth countries who are interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK. Scholarships are available for a wide range of subjects, including medicine.
- Chevening Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to outstanding UK-based and international students who are interested in pursuing a one-year Master’s degree in the UK. Scholarships are available for a wide range of subjects, including medicine.
- The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
This program provides scholarships to outstanding students from low-income countries who are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in the UK. Scholarships are available for a wide range of subjects, including medicine.
These are just a few of the scholarships that are available to international students who are interested in studying medicine at Queen’s University Belfast. For more information, please visit the Queen’s University Belfast website.
Location and Campus
Location
Queen’s University Belfast is located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. The city is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture. Belfast is also home to a number of world-class universities, including Queen’s University Belfast.
Campus
The Queen’s University Belfast campus is located in the University Quarter of Belfast. The campus is home to a number of historical buildings, including the Lanyon Building, which is the oldest building on campus. The campus also features a number of modern facilities, including the McClay Library, the MacCormack Science Centre, and the Queen’s Sports Centre.
The University Quarter
The University Quarter is a vibrant and lively area of Belfast. The area is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the Ulster Museum, the Botanic Gardens, and the Grand Opera House. The University Quarter is also home to a number of student accommodation options, making it a popular place for students to live.
The City of Belfast
Belfast is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. The city is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Titanic Quarter, the City Hall, and the Albert Clock. Belfast is also home to a number of museums, galleries, and theaters. The city is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with a number of parks and gardens to explore.
Student Life
Queen’s University Belfast has a vibrant student life. The university has a number of student societies and clubs, as well as a number of sports teams. The university also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the annual May Week festival.
Conclusion
Queen’s University Belfast is a great place to study medicine. The university has a strong academic reputation, a beautiful campus, and a vibrant student life. If you are interested in studying medicine in the UK, Queen’s University Belfast is a great option.
Weather
The weather in Belfast is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) in January to 65°F (18°C) in July. The city receives an average of 55 inches (140 cm) of rain per year, with the wettest months being October and November.
Winter
Winter in Belfast is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) in January to 45°F (7°C) in February. The city receives an average of 15 inches (38 cm) of snow per year, with the snowiest months being December and January.
Spring
Spring in Belfast is a beautiful time of year, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F (7°C) in March to 55°F (13°C) in May. The city receives an average of 4 inches (10 cm) of rain per month during spring.
Summer
Summer in Belfast is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F (16°C) in June to 65°F (18°C) in August. The city receives an average of 6 inches (15 cm) of rain per month during summer.
Autumn
Autumn in Belfast is a colorful time of year, with average temperatures ranging from 55°F (13°C) in September to 45°F (7°C) in October. The city receives an average of 5 inches (13 cm) of rain per month during autumn.
Activities
There are a number of activities that you can enjoy in Belfast, regardless of the weather. Here are a few ideas:
- Visit the Titanic Quarter – This is a great place to learn about the history of the Titanic and its impact on Belfast.
- Explore the Botanic Gardens – These beautiful gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
- Go shopping in the city center – Belfast has a number of great shops, from high-end boutiques to independent stores.
- Visit the Ulster Museum – This museum has a wide range of exhibits, from art and history to natural history.
- Take a walk along the River Lagan – This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
- Catch a show at the Grand Opera House – This world-famous theater hosts a variety of performances, from musicals to plays.
Accomodation
Queen’s University Belfast offers a variety of accommodation options for students, both on campus and off campus.
On-campus accommodation
Queen’s University Belfast has a number of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence, apartments, and studios. Halls of residence are typically the most affordable option, and they offer a variety of room types, from single rooms to shared apartments. Apartments and studios are more expensive, but they offer more privacy and space.
Off-campus accommodation
There are also a number of off-campus accommodation options available in Belfast. These options range from shared houses to private apartments. Shared houses are a great way to meet other students, and they are often more affordable than private apartments. Private apartments offer more privacy and space, but they can be more expensive.
Pros and cons of living on campus
There are a number of pros and cons to living on campus. Some of the pros include:
- Convenience: Living on campus makes it easy to get to classes, the library, and other campus facilities.
- Community: Living on campus is a great way to meet other students and make friends.
- Safety: Campuses are typically well-secured, which can give students peace of mind.
Some of the cons of living on campus include:
- Cost: On-campus accommodation can be more expensive than off-campus accommodation.
- Restrictions: There may be restrictions on what students can do in their rooms or in the common areas.
- Lack of privacy: Living in a shared room or apartment can mean that you have less privacy than you would if you lived off campus.
Pros and cons of living off campus
There are also a number of pros and cons to living off campus. Some of the pros include:
- Privacy: Living off campus gives you more privacy than living on campus.
- Flexibility: You have more flexibility to choose a place that fits your needs and budget.
- Amenities: Off-campus accommodation often comes with more amenities, such as a kitchen, laundry facilities, and parking.
Some of the cons of living off campus include:
- Distance: Living off campus can mean that you have to travel further to get to classes and other campus facilities.
- Cost: Off-campus accommodation can be more expensive than on-campus accommodation, especially if you live in a city center location.
- Safety: Off-campus accommodation may not be as well-secured as campus accommodation.
Advice
When choosing accommodation, it is important to consider your needs and budget. If you are looking for a convenient and affordable option, on-campus accommodation may be a good choice. If you are looking for more privacy and flexibility, off-campus accommodation may be a better option.
It is also important to consider the location of the accommodation. If you want to be close to campus, you will need to choose accommodation that is located in the University Quarter. If you are willing to travel further, you may be able to find more affordable accommodation in other parts of the city.
Finally, it is important to do your research and compare different accommodation options before making a decision. There are a number of websites and resources that can help you compare different options.
Summary
The medicine and surgery course at Queen’s University Belfast is a five-year program that leads to the award of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS) degree. The course is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC) and prepares students for a career in medicine.
The course is divided into five years, with each year consisting of two semesters. The first two years of the course focus on the basic sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. The third year of the course focuses on clinical sciences, such as clinical anatomy, pathology, and microbiology. The fourth year of the course is spent on clinical rotations, where students gain experience in a variety of medical specialties. The fifth year of the course is spent on the Foundation Programme, which is a year of supervised clinical practice.
The medicine and surgery course at Queen’s University Belfast is a challenging but rewarding program. Students who successfully complete the course will be well-prepared for a career in medicine.
Here are some of the key features of the course:
- The course is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC).
- The course is taught by experienced and qualified academics.
- The course provides students with a broad range of clinical experience.
- The course offers students the opportunity to study abroad.
- The course graduates are eligible to apply for a variety of postgraduate medical training programs.
If you are interested in studying medicine and surgery at Queen’s University Belfast, you should:
- Have a strong academic background in science and mathematics.
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Be able to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
- Be motivated to learn and to help others.