The Medicine with Foundation Year MBChB is a six-year program designed for students who may not initially meet the direct entry requirements for a standard medical degree. This integrated foundation year serves as a pathway to progress into the first year of the MBChB course at the University of Leicester. The program aims to attract aspiring students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate compassion and values aligned with the NHS constitution, preparing them to become skilled, professional, and empathetic doctors. The curriculum emphasizes a person-centered approach to medicine with a strong focus on clinical empathy from the outset. You will learn through a blend of lectures, small group work, cadaveric dissection, and clinical teaching, all grounded in a patient-focused curriculum. The foundation year includes early patient interaction and clinical skills development, with successful completion leading to progression onto the core five-year MBChB course. The program is delivered in an established and supportive environment with experienced academics and NHS practitioners, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities including a Clinical Skills Unit and offering opportunities for research and international electives.
The six-year MBChB with Foundation Year integrates foundational science with early clinical exposure. The foundation year begins with modules alongside Biological Science students before transitioning to medicine-specific content. The subsequent five years of the MBChB course feature an integrated, patient-focused curriculum delivered through lectures, small group work, cadaveric dissection, and clinical teaching, preparing students for practice in diverse healthcare settings.
Upon successful completion of the MBChB with Foundation Year and subsequent years of study, graduates are prepared for a career as a doctor within the NHS or other healthcare settings. The program emphasizes developing skilled, professional, and empathetic practitioners ready for modern healthcare challenges.
This foundation year is specifically for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for the standard five-year MBChB. The curriculum for the Foundation Year is under review to ensure optimal preparation for progression. If English is not your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. The University's English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers courses to help meet the required standard.
Tuition fees for subsequent years of the degree will be charged at the standard undergraduate rate set by the UK Government, and are expected to increase annually. The fifth year of the MBChB course (following the Foundation Year) is funded by an NHS Bursary. Intercalated degrees may affect tuition fee loans and NHS Bursary eligibility.
Accreditation details not specified on the program page.
Applicants typically need A-Levels with grades BBB. If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 7.5 overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in each component, is required.
This is a six-year programme. It includes an integrated Foundation Year (Year 0) followed by the standard five-year MBChB course.
The tuition fee for the Foundation Year is £9,790. Subsequent years will be charged at the standard undergraduate rate set by the UK Government, which is expected to be £10,050 for 2027/28.
The application deadline for the Medicine with Foundation Year MBChB is typically October 15th for entry the following September. Applications must be submitted through UCAS.
Upon successful completion, graduates are prepared for a career as a doctor or medical practitioner within the NHS or other healthcare settings. The program also offers options for intercalated degrees and worldwide elective placements.