University of Plymouth

BMBS Medicine with a Foundation Year (A102)

Course information

Course title: BMBS Medicine with a Foundation Year (A102)
Location: Plymouth, England
Course length: 6 Years
UCAS code: A102 (Medicine with a Gateway Year)
Student eligibility: UK only
Start Date: September 2026

Academic requirements

A Levels

The typical offer is BBB at GCE A level which must include the following:

Grade B in Biology.
Grade B in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
Your third A level can be from any subject area and does not need to be science based. When shortlisting for interview we do not give preference to those who complete three Science A Levels.
General Studies is not accepted.

Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

BBB to include the following:

Grade B in Biology
Grade B in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.

International Baccalaureate

28-32 points overall to include the following:

Higher Level 5 in Biology
Higher Level 5 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.

GCSEs

Applicants need to achieve 5 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects:

English Language
Mathematics
Two Science subjects – either GCSE Double Award Science or two from single award Chemistry, Biology, or Physics.

We are unable to consider functional skills in lieu of GCSEs.

Scottish Nationals

Applicants need to achieve 5 National 5 passes (minimum grade C) which must include:

English Language
Mathematics
Two Science subjects – either GCSE Double Award Science or two from single award Chemistry, Biology, or Physics.

Access course

Pass an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a predominantly science subject area, meeting the following criteria:

60 credits overall to include 45 level 3 credits, of which 15 level 3 credits must be in Biology or Human Biology.
You must achieve Distinction in 33 level 3 credits, and Merit in the remaining 12 level 3 credits.

Access courses studies online are accepted.

Non-academic requirements

Work experience

We do not require work experience.

Personal statement

Not scored.

Admission test

UCAT.

As part of our commitment to a fair and transparent admissions process, the Medical School uses the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) alongside Level 2 and 3 qualifications to select applicants for interview. The Admissions Advisory Panel reserve the right to consider all aspects of the UCAT when shortlisting for interview.

Interview method

Online multiple mini interviews.

Additional information

Teaching method

We use a mix of small and large group Case Based Learning (CBL) sessions.

Small group CBL sessions allow students to analyse scenarios together, identifying key issues and working towards learning objectives. A team of facilitators supports the process, but these are student-led sessions designed to promote peer discussion and inquiry. Students help one another develop foundational knowledge and progress to applying that knowledge as the cases develop.

Large group CBL sessions are led by content experts who challenge and inspire students through innovative teaching approaches. These might include creative teaching methods or application of basic science with simulated patients, helping students engage with case-related material in unexpected ways. CBL connects basic science to clinical contexts, demonstrating how theoretical knowledge applies to real patients. This blend of small group collaboration and large group inspiration captures the best of both approaches.

Admission email

[email protected]

Use of predicted grades

We use predicted grades as part of the selection for interview process.

Resit policy

Re-sit applicants are considered for this course, with the following requirements:

If you are applying with predicted grades, a minimum of BCC must be achieved on first sitting of A Level
Where BCC is not achieved on first sitting, applicants must re-sit the required qualifications and apply once suitable grades have been achieved.
A Level or accepted equivalent qualifications must be completed in no more than 3 years of study, unless otherwise advised.
A suitable qualification profile must be achieved on first re-sit attempt.
We do not have an AS Level resit policy, however, full A Levels must be completed within 3 years.

Eligibility for this course

This is specifically a widening-participation (WP) route. It is only open to students who who meet WP eligibility criteria.

Widening participation criteria

To be eligible for this course, applicants will need to meet a total of at least 5 points from any combination of the following criteria:

Each worth 2 points:

Being in care or care-experienced
In receipt of, or eligible for, free school meals
Refugee/asylum seeker status
Attending a low performing school/college based on 16-18 performance
In receipt of EMA or 16-19 bursary
In receipt of UCAT bursary

Each worth 1 point:

Living in an area categorised as being in indices of mass deprivation (IMD) 1-4 or local equivalent
Significant engagement in the Peninsula Pathways programme
Living in a low participation area as determined by POLAR4 quintile 1 postcode analysis
Being a south west resident (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset)
In receipt of service pupil premium

About the University of Plymouth

At the University of Plymouth, we are proud to be one of only a select number of UK universities to achieve triple gold – gold overall and gold for both underpinning aspects: student experience and student outcomes (Teaching Excellent Framework, 2023).

Set in the middle of beautiful countryside and stunning sandy beaches, we also have a unique and special location to match your gold-rated education.

With patient experience and student satisfaction at its heart, this hands-on degree will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to become an outstanding doctor primed for tomorrow’s healthcare needs.

University of Plymouth website

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