Medicine with a Foundation Year

The Foundation Year in Medicine at the University of East Anglia is an innovative pathway designed to prepare students for entry into the university’s undergraduate medical degree program. This comprehensive preparatory course aims to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence required to succeed in the challenging and rewarding field of medicine. The foundation year provides a solid grounding in scientific principles, including biology, chemistry, and human biology, coupled with an introduction to the healthcare environment, communication skills, and ethical considerations vital for future medical professionals. The program is particularly suited for students who have demonstrated academic potential but may not meet the direct entry requirements for the standard medical degree course. Throughout the foundation year, students engage in a blend of lectures, practical laboratory sessions, tutorials, and external visits to healthcare facilities, which together foster a deeper understanding of the medical sciences and the practical aspects of healthcare provision. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills, all of which are essential attributes for aspiring doctors. The course also incorporates significant opportunities for students to develop their research and presentation skills, preparing them for the demands of undergraduate study and future careers in medicine. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, students gain direct admission into the second year of the university's MBBS program, enabling a smooth transition into the full medical degree. The University of East Anglia’s supportive learning environment, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that students receive high-quality education and guidance throughout their studies. This foundation pathway is an excellent choice for motivated students aspiring to contribute meaningfully to healthcare and to make a positive impact on society through a career in medicine.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10550 Year (EEA)

• English

Course Content

Outcome of the course

To progress to Year 1 of the MBBS Medicine course, Foundation Year students need to obtain 75% overall with 75% in the Medicine module, passing all modules and achieving 120 credits.

At the end of the undergraduate course you will receive your MBBS degree, which is a primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a PMQ entitles you to provisional registration with the General Medical Council, subject only to its acceptance that there are no Fitness to Practise concerns that need consideration. Provisionally registered doctors can only practise in approved Foundation Year 1 posts: the law does not allow provisionally registered doctors to undertake any other type of work.

To obtain a Foundation Year 1 post you will need to apply during the final year of your undergraduate course through the UK Foundation Programme Office selection scheme, which allocates these posts to graduates on a competitive basis. So far, all suitably qualified UK graduates have found a place on the Foundation Year 1 programme, but this cannot be guaranteed, for instance if there were to be an increased number of competitive applications from non-UK graduates.

Successful completion of the Foundation Year 1 programme is normally achieved within 12 months and is marked by the award of a Certificate of Experience. You will then be eligible to apply for full registration with the General Medical Council. You need full registration with a licence to practise for unsupervised medical practice in the NHS or private practice in the UK.

Although this information is currently correct, students need to be aware that regulations in this area may change from time to time.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 7.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 108

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A Level:

BBB excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking

• International Baccalaureate:

31 points

• Scottish Highers:

BBBBB

• Scottish Advanced Highers:

BBB

For September 2013 entry

This Widening Participation programme is only available to UK applicants who are currently studying or have recently completed A levels and who also fulfil our Widening Access , Personal and Social Criteria.

We do not accept applications from A level resit candidates, Graduates, Access to Higher Education Programmes, Pre Med Programmes, Foundation Degrees, Foundation Years, Nursing Diplomas, International or EU candidates.

GCSE Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of six GCSEs at Grade B or above including English Language, Mathematics and a Single Science subject (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or grades BB in GCSE Science Double Award. GCSE Short courses are not accepted.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 7.5 overall (minimum 7.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 108 overall (minimum 23 in Listening and Writing components, 24 in Reading and Speaking components)
• PTE: 76 overall (minimum 76 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

Interviews usually take place in March. We email applicants directly who have been invited to interview.

NB: Those attending interview in March 2013 are no longer required to provide a completed Work Experience form.

Special Entry Requirements

ALL applicants need to take the UKCAT Medical Admissions Test prior to submitting their application: see www.ukcat.ac.uk for full details.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.

The Medicine with a Foundation Year program at the University of East Anglia is designed to provide students with a comprehensive pathway into the medical profession, especially for those who may not have the traditional qualifications required for direct entry into the standard medicine degree. This foundation year serves as an preparatory phase that equips students with essential knowledge and skills in biomedical sciences, human biology, and medical ethics, enabling them to transition smoothly into the subsequent years of the medical degree.

The Foundation Year program typically includes modules focused on biology, chemistry, physics, and study skills, which are tailored to enhance students' understanding of fundamental scientific principles and their application to medicine. This program is particularly advantageous for students from diverse educational backgrounds or those who require additional academic support to meet the demands of the Medicine degree. The course emphasizes clinical relevance, problem-solving, and critical thinking, fostering an active learning environment.

Students participating in the Foundation Year benefit from access to the university's extensive facilities, including modern laboratories, simulation suites, and dedicated academic support services. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, practical sessions, group work, and e-learning activities, which encourage collaborative learning and independent study skills. Throughout the Foundation Year, students are also introduced to key medical topics such as physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and healthcare ethics, providing a solid groundwork for their future studies.

The University's approach emphasizes a patient-centered perspective, aiming to develop not only the scientific knowledge but also the communication skills, professionalism, and empathy essential for a successful career in medicine. The program is supported by experienced academic staff and medical practitioners who bring current clinical insights into their teaching.

Admission to the Medicine with a Foundation Year program is competitive, and applicants are evaluated based on academic records, personal statements, and interviews, where relevant. The pathway offers a structured route into medicine for students who might otherwise face barriers to entry, fostering diversity within the medical profession.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for subsequent years of medical study and are eligible to progress into the standard Medicine MBBS/BMedSci courses, ultimately leading to registration as a medical practitioner. The program aligns with the university’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare education and contributes to addressing healthcare needs by training competent, compassionate doctors.

The University of East Anglia’s Medicine with a Foundation Year program is an excellent choice for motivated students seeking a supportive yet challenging environment to begin their journey into medicine. The program aims to nurture future medical professionals who are knowledgeable, ethical, and equipped to make meaningful contributions in healthcare sectors regionally and globally.