University of Sunderland

MBChB Medicine (A100)

Course information

  • Course title: MBChB Medicine (A100)
  • Location: Sunderland, England
  • Course length: 5 Years
  • UCAS code: A100 (Standard Entry Medicine)
  • Student eligibility: UK only

Academic requirements

Degree (graduates only)

Minimum of 2:1 in any subject; masters’ degrees/doctorates not accepted in compensation for bachelor’s degree below 2:1 (we are interested in ability to succeed at undergraduate study). The degree will have been completed within 5 years of application and gained at point of entry onto the course.

Together with minimum of BBB in required A-levels (Biology or Chemistry plus another designated science subject [Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths/Further Maths/Statistics] and a third academic subject). Grade compensation is not permitted. A Level grades must be achieved in one sitting and meet our resit requirements: where an applicant has been awarded BBC, the applicant is only required to re-sit the C grade subject (one attempt only, in the same subject).

Must also have a minimum of grade B/6 in Maths, English Language and Sciences – double-award/ triple-award/combined (trilogy) or 3 separate subjects.

Please refer to our website for details on GAMSAT.

A Levels

A Levels in three subjects at grades of 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. 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.

Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

Higher: minimum of AAAAB, including Chemistry/Biology plus a second science both at A, to be achieved by the end of S5 (i.e. before applying).

Advanced Higher: minimum of AB from two subjects (both sciences) sat in S6. Any additional subject sat at Higher level in S6 must be achieved at grade B or higher.

Any science subject not being offered at Higher or Advanced Higher level must have been passed at Standard/National 5 grade B/2.

International Baccalaureate

35 points including three grade 6 passes at IB Higher Level and grades of 6, 6, 5 at Standard Level are required. Higher Level subjects must include Chemistry or Biology, plus one from Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths and a third rigorous subject. Any science not taken at the Higher Level must be offered at Standard Level grade 5 or GCSE grade B (or equivalent). Points awarded for the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge are not taken into account but these components must have been completed. English Language (Language A) at Grade 6 is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English Language. Please see English Language Requirements under General Requirements if you do not have either of these.

GCSEs

We 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. GCSE resits are accepted and must be gained prior to application, a maximum of 2 resit attempts per subject will only be considered.

Scottish Nationals

A minimum of 5 subjects at grade A with a minimum of grade B in Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Additional information

Competition ratios
  • Home Applicants per place: 10.1
  • Home Applicants per interview: 2.4
Teaching method

This course uses multiple teaching methods. 

What is Problem-Based Learning?

The main emphasis of problem-based learning (PBL) is on small group working, centred around a ‘problem’ or scenario. These scenarios are hypothetical patient cases.

This integrated approach, centred on PBL, and grounded in a robust scientific understanding, strong clinical knowledge and highly developed communication and clinical reasoning skills, allows you to develop life-long skills that will be crucial to your success as a doctor. 

What is Case-Based Learning?

Case-Based Learning (CBL) is a tutorial-based, group learning approach where students work through real-world clinical scenarios across subjects such as cardiology, respiratory, and gastroenterology.

During each session, you’ll identify key learning outcomes and use them to guide your study, following a patient case from initial presentation through to diagnosis and management.

The goal of CBL is to help students apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. This better prepares you for reviewing real cases during clinical placements.

Admission email

Use of predicted grades

We do not use predicted grades.

Resit policy

We accept A Level re-sits under certain circumstances:

  • Where an applicant has been awarded AAB, the applicant is only required to re-sit the B grade subject (one attempt only, in the same subject).
  • GCSE resits are accepted and must be gained prior to application, a maximum of 2 resit attempts per subject will only be considered.

Non-academic requirements

Work experience

Clinical experience is not required. Work experience is assessed within the interview selection tool.

Personal statement

Not scored.

Admission test

All applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) during the year in which they apply. Scores must be within the top 8 deciles of the cohort and situational judgement test (SJT) must be within bands 1-3.

Interview method

Multiple Mini Interviews.

 

 

Interview selection tool

The interview selection tool is a survey used as part of the shortlisting process for selection for interview. Applicants meeting the minimum academic requirements will be issued this online form.

Widening participation

Our widening participation record is testimony to the work we do in raising aspirations and promoting social inclusion within our region.

Medstart at Sunderland

Medstart is a series of targeted Medicine sessions which aims to equip students with the skills that will assist them in their application and interview for entry onto the Medicine MBChB course at the University of Sunderland.

Students who participate in Medstart are given a unique opportunity for hands-on experience through simulations and teaching sessions, as well as meet new friends with similar interests.

More about Medstart

Contextual offers

We have a contextual offer for applicants that fulfil both our local postcode and meet one of our WP requirements.

Widening participation criteria

We have a contextual offer for applicants that fulfil both our local postcode (North East and Cumbria) and meet one of our WP requirements:

  • POLAR 4 quintiles 1 and 2 (home address) criteria
  • You are a refugee
  • You receive free school meals or were eligible within the last six years
  • You received UCAT bursary
  • You are a student from a UK armed forces family (military service child)

You can check your postcode on the Office for Students website. Applicants must still meet the normal entry requirements, including the required UCAT score.

Contextual offer

A levels: AAB

About the University of Sunderland 

Our programme is modern and forward thinking, using Problem Based Learning in a spiral curriculum that builds complexity year-on-year. Our culture is supportive and inclusive with a large network of academic and clinical tutors and mentors. If you have the skills, passion and ambition and want to be part of a welcoming community, Sunderland is the place to be.

Our students are at the forefront of everything we do and we’re here to help you succeed. Your time at Sunderland will shape who you are and what you do for the rest of your life and our career-focused, professions-facing courses will ensure you have a head start.

University of Sunderland website

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