Although this is a research degree, the first month of the programme gives students an overview of the whole range of techniques used in medical research, followed by two weeks practical workshops in cell biology and molecular medicine. After this essential training, students embark on their research project.
Who studies MMedSci?
Most students are training grade doctors who take the degree after the Foundation Programme Year 2. Other suitable times are between core and speciality training or as one year ‘out of programme experience’ during your speciality training.
Academic career
The degree is a great introduction to medical research. If you are unsure whether a career in academic medicine is for you, it gives you the chance to try out research for a year.
Around a quarter of our students continued on to a PhD.
It may be possible to count the research carried out in the MMedSci year as the first year of a three year PhD. If you are given permission to do this, you would not submit for the MMedSci degree. Alternatively you can apply for a three year PhD after the 1 year MMedSci.
Clinical practice
If you are committed to a career as a clinician, this programme broadens your training to include a worthwhile experience of research.
Many graduates return to their clinical training after the programme. We think that the research skills and understanding students gain on this programme make them better clinicians.
Whilst we cannot offer any guarantees, every UK graduate of the MMedSci who took the degree after their foundation years has been accepted onto the speciality training scheme of their choice, in the location of their choice.
International mix
Around half the programme students are British graduates, and half are international.