Keele University

What you'll study

The MBChB at Keele is an integrated five-year programme (with the option to intercalate) that combines biomedical science, clinical medicine and professional skills. Teaching moves from foundational sciences and clinical skills in the early years to system-based clinical learning and longer patient attachments in later years. You will study typical subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology alongside clinical communication, clinical reasoning, population health and ethics.

Core elements include:

• Foundations of medicine: normal structure and function, principles of disease and basic clinical skills.
• Systems-based modules: integrated study of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, neuropsychiatric and musculoskeletal systems with relevant pathology and therapeutics.
• Clinical and communication skills: simulated and real patient contact, history taking, examination and procedural skills taught in the Clinical Skills Centre and on placement.
• Longitudinal and block clinical placements: hospital-based attachments across the regional network and general practice placements in the community to develop continuity of care experience.
• Evidence-based practice and research methods: critical appraisal, statistics for clinicians and opportunities to undertake a supervised research project if intercalating.
• Professionalism, law and ethics: professional behaviours, patient safety, clinical governance and health promotion.

The programme emphasises problem-solving, case-based learning and early patient contact. In the final year you focus on acute care, complex clinical decision-making and preparation for the Foundation Programme, including an elective period to gain experience in an area of interest.

Entry requirements

Entry to Keele's Medicine degree is competitive and applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic achievement in science-based subjects alongside evidence of commitment to healthcare. Typical academic requirements include high grades at A-level (or equivalent) with Chemistry plus another science (usually Biology) among accepted subjects. Applicants will also be assessed using an admissions test required by the medical schools and through interview.

Other mandatory checks and conditions for offer holders include satisfactory criminal record checks, occupational health clearance and up-to-date immunisation status. Successful applicants usually show relevant work or volunteering experience in health or care settings, clear communication skills, reflection on ethical issues and the ability to work in teams.

Career prospects

Graduates of Keele's Medicine programme receive a primary medical qualification that enables them to enter the UK Foundation Programme and begin postgraduate medical training. Career pathways include hospital specialties (for example internal medicine, surgery, anaesthetics), general practice, psychiatry, paediatrics and community health. Many graduates also pursue academic medicine, public health, medical education or clinical research following an intercalated degree or postgraduate study.

The curriculum and placements at Keele are designed to prepare graduates with transferable skills in clinical reasoning, communication, teamwork and professionalism that are valued across the NHS and internationally.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a student-focused medical education with early clinical exposure and a strong emphasis on community and primary care. The school has established clinical partnerships across Staffordshire and Shropshire, providing diverse placements in a regional teaching hospital and smaller district hospitals and GP practices. Teaching combines small-group learning, simulation in well-equipped clinical skills facilities and supervised bedside teaching.

Students benefit from dedicated pastoral and academic support, opportunities to intercalate or engage in research, and a curriculum that encourages reflective practice and patient-centred care. The regional focus of placements gives substantial experience of continuity of care and the challenges of delivering healthcare across different services and settings.