University of Liverpool

What you'll study

The MBChB is a five-year programme that blends foundational biomedical sciences with progressive clinical experience. Year-by-year study is organised around integrated themes—molecular and cellular sciences, systems-based clinical teaching, professional practice and population health—rather than discrete, isolated subjects. Teaching methods include lectures, small-group tutorials, anatomy and clinical skills laboratories, simulated patient encounters and supervised placements in primary and secondary care.

• Early years (foundations): core biomedical sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry), introduction to clinical skills, communication, ethics and evidence-based medicine.
• Middle years (systems and clinical integration): systems-based modules covering cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurology, musculoskeletal and endocrine medicine, with integrated pharmacology, pathology and diagnostics.
• Clinical years (hospital and community practice): rotations in medicine, surgery, general practice, paediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics & gynaecology and emergency medicine, with supervised hands-on patient care and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Assessment and professional development: workplace-based assessments, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), written exams, case presentations and reflective portfolios to monitor progression and readiness for practice.
• Research and elective options: opportunities to undertake research projects, audit or a student-selected component/elective placement locally or overseas, and experience in public health and global health initiatives.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic achievement, aptitude for clinical practice and relevant experience. Entry routes include A-levels, Scottish Highers, the International Baccalaureate and equivalent international qualifications. Typical academic expectations include high grades in science subjects, with chemistry and usually biology required at advanced level.

• Science requirements: Chemistry is usually required; biology or another science is commonly expected as a second science.
• Admissions testing: Applicants are normally required to take an approved admissions test (for example UCAT) as part of the selection process.
• Selection process: Shortlisted applicants progress to interview, often comprising multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) or structured interviews that assess communication, ethical reasoning, situational judgement and motivation for medicine.
• Experience and competencies: Evidence of caring or healthcare-related experience, teamwork, empathy and reflection is helpful. Universities look for applicants who demonstrate professionalism and resilience.
• International applicants: International qualifications and English language proficiency must meet the university’s published standards; additional entry conditions can apply for overseas applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates who successfully complete the MBChB are eligible to apply for provisional registration (or the equivalent regulatory process) and to enter postgraduate foundation or internship programmes. The degree is the first step towards a wide range of medical careers.

• Early postgraduate training: most graduates enter a structured foundation programme to gain general clinical experience across specialties.
• Specialty training: after foundation years, doctors progress to core and specialty training in areas such as general practice, internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry, paediatrics, obstetrics & gynaecology and more.
• Academic and research careers: graduates may pursue clinical academic paths combining research with clinical practice, including MSc, MD/PhD or speciality research posts.
• Other options: opportunities exist in public health, medical education, health policy, global health and healthcare leadership roles.

Why study at University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool offers medical training in partnership with major teaching hospitals and a diverse clinical network across the city region, giving students exposure to a wide range of patient populations and healthcare settings. The medical school emphasises early clinical experience, hands-on skills teaching in well-equipped clinical skills centres, and interprofessional learning with other health disciplines.

• Clinical network: placements in university hospitals, district general hospitals and community settings provide varied clinical experience.
• Facilities and support: modern simulation suites, anatomy and clinical skills labs, and structured pastoral and academic support aimed at student wellbeing and professional development.
• Research environment: access to research-active departments and opportunities to participate in clinical and translational research projects.
• Student experience: a vibrant campus and city life, student societies for medical students, and career support services to help plan postgraduate pathways.