A UK medical degree (MBBS, MBChB, BMBS or MB BChir) usually lasts five years, or six with an intercalated degree or a gateway/foundation year. Courses vary, but most follow this shape.
| Phase | Typical years | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of medicine | 1–2 | Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, communication skills and early patient contact |
| Clinical rotations | 3–4 | Hospital and community placements in medicine, surgery, paediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics, general practice and more |
| Final year | 5 | Assistantship, electives, preparation for the UKMLA and the Foundation Programme application |
How you are assessed
- Written exams (single best answer questions), OSCEs (objective structured clinical examinations) and workplace assessments.
- Fitness to practise. Schools can act on professionalism concerns, including honesty, behaviour on social media and health.
- The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (next page) is built into final-year assessment.
Learning styles you will meet
- Integrated courses teach body systems together (for example the heart: anatomy, physiology, disease and patient contact side by side).
- Problem-based or case-based learning uses small groups working through patient cases.
- Early clinical contact now starts in year 1 at most schools, with GP and hospital visits.
- Dissection or prosection is used for anatomy; some schools use virtual or plastinated specimens.
Habits that help
Keep up with the question-bank and revision rhythm from year 1: the knowledge test at the end is cumulative. Look after health and finances, and tell the school early if you are struggling. Support exists, and asking for it is a professional strength.
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.