collageIf you’re looking for modern medical training that stretches you to your limits and supports you to push beyond them, allows you to relax in rural tranquillity and to experience the adrenaline rush of early clinical experience, look no further than Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS).
BSMS is an equal partnership between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton.
At undergraduate level, the five-year Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (BM BS) programme has been designed to help you become a highly competent, strongly motivated doctor, committed to the highest standards of clinical practice, professionalism and patient care. You will develop the knowledge and key personal skills necessary to pursue a successful medical career.
For postgraduate students, a wide range of full-time and part-time taught courses are available, including Cardiology, Global Pharmacy and Public Health.
WHY CHOOSE BSMS?
Clinical and professional combined
All our clinical courses include professional modules as standard, ensuring that students develop the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of a changing health and social care sector.
Strong multidisciplinary learning
Our courses bring together a vibrant mix of professionals from a variety of health and social care backgrounds. As a result, students gain valuable insights into other disciplines, leading to stronger team working – and, ultimately, to better patient care.
Responding to changing healthcare needs
We tailor our courses to reflect the current changes taking place within the wider healthcare environment, including the NHS, local authorities and independent or third sector providers delivering or planning services.
Nationally and globally relevant
Our courses are delivered by high-level practitioners, who base their teaching on the latest research and case studies. Prominent guest lecturers add to the student experience. This ensures the knowledge is relevant and translatable to both national and international healthcare settings.
Regionally significant
For those based in southern England, our course content draws on regional experience with local professionals delivering the course, using relevant research and case studies that are directly applicable to the regional health sector.
Benefit of two universities and local NHS trusts
BSMS is a partnership between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton with local NHS providers, and all courses are validated by both universities. Each has a strong reputation in medical and healthcare teaching and research. Some clinical courses also take place in NHS trusts which work closely with both universities.
Conveniently located with excellent transport links
BSMS is just over an hour from London, and 45 minutes from Gatwick Airport. Most courses are delivered at the main campus at Falmer or at nearby NHS centres. The vibrant city and seafront of Brighton are just four miles away.
Services for International Students
At the centre of student social life is BSMS MedSoc. MedSoc works with both students’ unions to organise teams and social events specifically aimed at medical students, such as balls, cabarets, talks and charity marathons. Depending on your interest, you may have the opportunity to get involved with the Medic Revue, a BSMS sketch show in May’s Brighton Fringe Festival, or even arrange a national medical conference with top speakers from across the UK.
Ranking
The Times Higher Education Young University Rankings recently named Brighton and Sussex Medical School as the Best Young University in the UK, and student satisfaction at the school is currently rated 96%, one of the highest in the country.
Accommodation
As a first-year medical student, you will be guaranteed accommodation at Falmer, where the medical school is based.
Brighton and sussex medical school graduate entry
Graduate entry
Applications from graduates are welcomed. You should hold, or expect to hold, a first or upper second class science degree and be able to demonstrate an adequate knowledge of Biology and Chemistry equivalent to A-level. This may be achieved through having studied these subjects to A-level or through relevant degree modules. Graduate entrants are assessed on their recent achievement and do not have to satisfy our normal entry requirements, however our GCSE English and Maths requirements must still be met. As part of your academic assessment you will be asked to supply a transcript of your degree.
You should note, however, that the integrated nature of our degree in medicine does not normally allow advanced entry to a different year of the programme.
If you hold (or expect to hold) a first or upper second class honours degree but do not have the necessary knowledge of Biology and Chemistry, you should consider entry via the Access to Medicine route.
Brighton and sussex medical school postgraduate
We offer a range of full-time and part-time taught postgraduate courses in subjects relevant to medicine and healthcare specialist training.
External colleagues include a vibrant mix of professionals from a range of health and social care backgrounds, ensuring that content is up to date and appropriate.
Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine
Healthcare Leadership and Commissioning
Simulation in Clinical Practice
FEES AND FINANCES
For applicants starting in September 2021/22.
MSc
UK students £9,250*
International £18,500**
*For all courses except Internal Medicine (£11,000), Surgical Studies (£11,000) and Physician Associate Studies (£10,500).
**For all courses except Internal Medicine (£22,500) and Surgical Studies (£22,500).
PGDip
UK £6,168*
International £12,336**
*For all courses except Internal Medicine (£7,338) and Surgical Studies (£7,338).
**For all international courses except Internal Medicine (£15,000 and Surgical Studies (£15,000).
PGCert
UK £3,084*
International £6,168**
*For all courses except Internal Medicine (£3,669) and Surgical Studies (£3,669).
**For all international courses except Internal Medicine (£7,500) and Surgical Studies (£7,500).
MRes
UK £9,250
International £18,500
Fees for Postgraduate single modules (2021/22)
UK/EU/Island Students £1,028 (per module)
brighton and sussex medical school entry requirements
A-levels
Most standard offers, for entry to BSMS, are conditional on gaining three A grades at A-level (including Biology and Chemistry). For applicants with contextual data – see below for further information – we will accept AAB (including Biology and Chemistry). Please be reassured that while many students are advised to study Maths or Physics by their schools or colleges, we do not specify the nature of the third A-level subject*. We actively welcome applicants who study subjects outside of the mathematical and physical sciences, as we recognise their value in broadening academic horizons.
*Please note that we do not except A-levels in General Studies, Critical Thinking or, if you are a non-speaker of English, an A-level in your original language of instruction.
BMAT
BSMS requires all applicants to sit the BMAT in the year of application in order to be considered for interview.
You are required to register with BMAT assessment centres prior to the test. We feel that BMAT is a fair and transparent method for selecting for interview, and value that it is not only a test of aptitude, but also of knowledge. It is important that applicants are able to demonstrate that they can construct a clear argument and present it using a good level of written English; this can be evidenced in Section 3.
We believe that the BMAT allows applicants to put themselves in the spotlight; if you have the ability and talent to succeed in medicine, then the BMAT gives you the perfect opportunity to show us, regardless of your background.
We score the BMAT out of 28 (9 marks for Section 1, 9 marks for Section 2 and 5 marks for each element of Section 3). We then rank all applicants according to their total score out of 28 and work down the rankings to fill our interview places.
Please note that we will not consider applicants, without contextual data, whose BMAT scores does not fulfil ALL of the following criteria:
- Section one: a score of at least 3 or higher
- Section two: a score of at least 3 or higher
- Section three: a score of at least 2.5 C or higher
For 2021 entry, home applicants who scored 17.8 and above and international applicants who scored 18.8 and above were invited to interview. Applicants meeting our contextual data criteria were ranked separately. Those meeting our minimum academic and BMAT (16.4 out of 28) requirements were invited to interview. The cut-off score for interview varies each year, since BSMS started to use BMAT to select for interview the cut off scores have been:
- 2020 entry: BMAT cut-off 14.7 or above. International applicants BMAT cut-off 15.8 or above
- 2019 entry: BMAT cut-off 16.1 or above.
- 2018 entry: BMAT cut-off 16.4 or above
- 2017 entry: BMAT cut-off 17.3 or above
- 2016 entry: BMAT cut-off 16.1 or above
- 2015 entry: BMAT cut-off 15.1 or above
To help you prepare for the test, BMAT have produced a number of very useful resources including guides to the content of the course and past test papers.
You are required to register with BMAT assessment centres prior to the test. Please refer to the BMAT website for key dates and additional information. The results of the BMAT will be used to assess each application and will form part of the process to select applicants for interview. BMAT may also be used as a final discriminator if needed after interview.
If you feel that your performance on the day of the test was effected by extenuating circumstances you must apply to BMAT for Special Consideration.
BSMS will not consider any requests for Special Consideration that have not followed the procedures detailed on the BMAT website.
GCSEs
We require all applicants, without contextual data, to have obtained at least a grade 6/B in English (Language or Literature) and Maths GCSEs.
For applicants with contextual data, we will accept English (Language or Literature) and Maths GCSEs at a grade 5/C.
Please note we do not take any other GSCEs into consideration during our admissions process.
Widening participation and contextual data
Greater diversity within the medical profession is a goal that benefits us all. BSMS is committed to seeking out talented people who have the potential to become tomorrow’s doctors but who may not have considered it as a possibility, thus enabling medicine to better reflect the patient population.
As well as assessing your academic profile, we will also be looking to see whether you meet two or more of our contextual data criteria. If you are identified as meeting any two elements of the criteria below, you will be eligible for our contextual data admissions offer and will be considered separately from the wider applicant pool.
Contextual data criteria
- You live in a neighbourhood that has low participation into higher education (POLAR 4 quintile 1 or 2) or live in an area that falls within the lowest 20% of the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019.*
- You attended an 11–16 state school that performed below the national average according to Attainment 8.*
You (or a parent or guardian) are in receipt of, or have been eligible for a means-tested benefit.**
See the document link below for examples of means-tested benefits that we would accept.
- You are (or have been) in receipt of a 16 to 19 bursary.
- You are (or have been) eligible for free school meals at any point between Year 9 and Year 13.**
- You are (or have been) eligible for Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)**
- You are (or have been) eligible for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP)**
If you are (or have been) looked after in local authority care for more than three months, you will automatically be invited for interview, subject to satisfying academic criteria.
We welcome applications from students with disabilities. For information about available support please visit our student support pages here. If you would like to speak to a member of our student support team, please email outreach@bsms.ac.uk.
* This will be determined from the information you provide on your UCAS form.
** All applicants will be invited (via email) to upload any evidence of the above criteria after we receive your UCAS application.
If you have any queries as to whether or not you meet our contextual data criteria, you can email medadmissions@bsms.ac.uk.
Admissions offer for applicants with contextual data
School leavers
A-levels
For applicants taking, or who have already obtained three A-levels, we require predicted, or achieved grades of at least AAB. This must include Biology and Chemistry. Please be reassured that while many students are advised to study Maths or Physics by their schools or colleges, we do not specify the nature of the third A-level subject*. We actively welcome applicants who study subjects outside of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences, as we recognise their value in broadening academic horizons.
*Please note that we do not except A-levels in General Studies, Critical Thinking or, if you are a non-speaker of English, an A-level in your original language of instruction.
A-levels and a Level 3 Extended BTEC Certificate
For applicants taking, or who have already obtained, two A-levels in Biology and Chemistry, as well as a Level 3 Extended BTEC Certificate, we require predicted, or obtained grades of at least AA in your A-levels and a Merit in your BTEC qualification.
International Baccalaureate
For applicants taking, or who have already obtained the International Baccalaureate (IB) we require a predicted, or obtained score of 35. This must include Higher Level Biology and Chemistry, both at a grade 6.
GCSEs
For all applicants meeting our two or more of the contextual data criteria, we require English (Language or Literature) and Maths GCSEs at grade 5/C or above. These are the only two GCSEs we look at.
Graduate entry
Applications from graduates are welcomed. You should hold, or expect to hold, a first or upper second class science degree and be able to demonstrate an adequate knowledge of Biology and Chemistry equivalent to A-level. This may be achieved through having studied these subjects to A-level or through relevant degree modules. Graduate entrants are assessed on their recent achievement and do not have to satisfy our normal entry requirements, however our GCSE English and Maths requirements must still be met. As part of your academic assessment you will be asked to supply a transcript of your degree.
You should note, however, that the integrated nature of our degree in medicine does not normally allow advanced entry to a different year of the programme.
If you hold (or expect to hold) a first or upper second class honours degree but do not have the necessary knowledge of Biology and Chemistry, you should consider entry via the Access to Medicine route.
Admissions offer for graduate applicants with contextual data
Applicants currently studying for, or who already have a degree may also be eligible for a contextual data offer. Applicants will be eligible if they met two or more of the contextual criteria whilst they were studying GCSEs or A-levels, or who currently meet two of the criteria. For eligible applicants, we require English (Language or Literature) and Maths GCSE at grade 5/C or above. Please note we do not alter our grade requirements for degree qualifications.
Admissions offer for Access student applicants with contextual data
Applicants currently studying for, or who already have an BSMS recognised access qualification (see here for list of recognised access courses) may also be eligible for a contextual data offer. Applicants will be eligible if they met two or more of the contextual criteria whilst they were studying GCSEs or A-levels, or who currently meet two of the criteria. For eligible applicants, we require English (Language or Literature) and Maths GCSE at grade 5/C or above. Please note we do not alter our grade requirements for access course qualifications.
Applicants scoring above our minimum requirements, will not have any advantage in our admissions process. Once we see that applicants have been predicted, or have achieved the minimum academic requirements, they move on to the next stage of our admissions process.
Selection for interview
As part of our agenda to widen participation to medicine, we aim to reserve 30% of interviews for applicants with contextual data. To select for interview, we rank applicants based on their BMAT score, with top ranking candidates invited to interview. Applicants with contextual data are ranked separately from the wider applicant pool.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
We welcome candidates who have successfully completed an Extended Project, recognising the effort that they have expended and the valuable skills and knowledge that they will have gained. However the EPQ will not form part of any offers that we make.
Scottish Highers
Pass Scottish Advanced Highers with grades AAA including Biology and Chemistry. Or pass Advanced Higher Biology and Chemistry with grades A with at least grades A in two additional Higher Subjects.
English and Maths requirements: grades B or above in National 5s English and Maths.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate passed at Higher/Honours level with (old system) at least grades AAAAAA at Higher/Honours Level including grades A in Biology and Chemistry. Or at least (new system) grades H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 including at least H1 in both Biology and Chemistry subjects.
English and Maths Requirements: You will also need at least (old system) grades B2 in English and Maths or at least grade O3 or above in the Irish Leaving Certificate.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
We very much welcome applications from students who have taken, or are taking, the International Baccalaureate Diploma. You will normally need to pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with 36 points overall to include both Biology and Chemistry at Higher level. A grade 6 must be achieved in both. For widening participation applicants, we will accept 35 points total.
Other equivalent qualifications
A wide range of other academic qualifications equivalent to A-levels, Advanced Highers and the International Baccalaureate are also welcome. If you are intending to offer such qualifications, please check on the BSMS admissions webpage for advice on their eligibility and the grades expected. If you have any further queries, contact our admissions team.
Date of qualification
All qualifications should have been achieved no earlier than August 2012. BSMS reserves the right to make alternative offers where appropriate.
Access to Medicine
The Universities of Brighton and Sussex share a commitment to, and a strong record of achievement in, the education of mature students. We seek to extend this commitment to mature entry to medicine.
Access to Medicine courses are an effective way for mature entrants who have not previously studied Biology and Chemistry at A-level or at degree level to gain a qualification acceptable for entry into medical school. A pass at distinction level is normally required. In addition, we require applicants coming via this route to demonstrate proficiency in both English and Maths. For applicants without contextual data, we require at least a grade 6/B in English (Language or Literature) and Maths GCSEs. For applicants with contextual data, we will accept English (Language or Literature) and Maths GCSEs at a grade 5/C.
Access to Medicine courses are not a substitute for previous poor performance in the relevant areas of science that are needed to study medicine. As such, BSMS will not consider applications from any access to medicine students already holding qualifications in the relevant sciences graded at or below our standard entry requirements.
We advise those considering the Access to Medicine entry route to investigate carefully the success record of the courses to which they apply. Successful courses are likely to have selective entry policies, to require intensive full-time commitment to study and to have a differentiated outcome (eg, a pass with distinction or a percentage mark).
Developed in partnership with BSMS, the Access to Medicine courses at East Sussex College (Lewes Campus) and Greater Brighton Metropolitan College offers a guaranteed interview with us
Pre Medical courses
Pre Medical courses are aimed at any applicant who did not manage to secure a place at medical school the first time around or did not meet the entry requirements, as well as international students who do not meet our initial entry criteria.
A place on a Pre Med course does not guarantee a place at medical school but may help with ensuring applicants meet the relevant academic requirements.
Applicants entering onto a pre medical course will be required to obtain a distinction overall as well as distinctions in each module. All applicants are also required to have grades 6 or B in English and Maths GCSE, or if English is not their first language an IELTS of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in each component.
Brighton and sussex medical school international students
BSMS and the two universities provide an array of student support, academically and socially, and the universities have dedicated offices to advise and support those coming from abroad.
You will study for a UK primary medical qualification recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC). You will work alongside an enthusiastic faculty dedicated to excellence in teaching breaking the boundaries of medical research, and you will receive personal teaching to ensure you get the best education possible.
Seminars will be complemented by your work in laboratories and lectures, where you will undertake group work, dissection and research projects to give you the skills you will need as a doctor. Right from the start, you will also meet patients in the community and on the wards, developing your clinical skills.
Based on reportedly the sunniest campuses in the UK, you will have the tranquil Sussex countryside and picturesque villages minutes from your door. Brighton’s beach and vibrant social scene are four miles away; Gatwick is half an hour by train and London is an hour’s train journey away.
Applicants who may not have ‘settled’ status nor are ordinarily a resident in the UK are considered to be international. Applicants are advised to get in touch with the admissions team directly to see whether they are academically eligible before they apply. All applicants are also required to have grades 6 or B in English and Maths GSCE (or recognised equivalents), or if English is not their first language an IELTS of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in each component. This must have been achieved no more than three years before the date that you intend to enrol with BSMS.
International applicants are required to sit the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). Applicants will be invited for interview based upon meeting academic grade requirements and their BMAT score. The personal statement will not be used during the admissions process.
International applicants will be interviewed by a Multiple Mini Interview during February and March, but may interview at other times.
If offered a place to study at BSMS, international students are required to pay a £1,500 tuition fee deposit when they accept their offer.
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