University of Cambridge · Undergraduate
MB,BChir (Hons) Medicine Degree at the University of Cambridge
MB,BChir (Hons) Medicine at University of Cambridge. Medicine at Cambridge is built around a clear progression: you begin by building a solid grounding in the scientific basis of medicine before moving into the wards and consulting rooms where that knowledge gets tested against real patients.
Degree
Award
6
Years
Full-time
Study mode
99%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Take your first step to a career in medicine. Gain scientific knowledge and skills, then apply them on clinical placements in hospitals and GP practices. From the provider’s course page.
MB,BChir (Hons) Medicine is a Degree (Degree) at the University of Cambridge. It runs 6 years, studied full-time.
For Medicine (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 99% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 97% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £38,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Medicine & Dentistry, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
9.0
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong72
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional99
Moderate evidence Published sample: 85; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 99% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional98
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 98% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1, 2 and 3 10 modules
- Functional Architecture of the BodyCore
Module details
Examine and dissect the human body, includes living anatomy and the use of modern imaging techniques
- HomeostasisCore
Module details
Covers the physiological systems that underpin the body's regulation of its internal environment and its responses to external threats. Related practical classes in experimental physiology and histology (the microscopic structure of tissues)
- Molecules in Medical ScienceCore
Module details
Examines the chemical and molecular basis of how cells and organisms work
- Biology of DiseaseCore
Module details
Dealing with the nature and mechanisms of disease processes
- Mechanisms of Drug ActionCore
Module details
Provides an understanding of the basic mechanisms of drug action at the levels of both drug-receptor interactions and the effects on body systems
- Neurobiology and Human BehaviourCore
Module details
Covering the structure and function of the sense organs and central nervous system, the effects of drugs on brain function, and various psychological aspects
- Human ReproductionCore
Module details
Look at the biology of the human reproductive system, its social context, and its influence on demographic trends
- Head and Neck AnatomyCore
Module details
Learn about the structure and organisation of the human head and neck. Focus on the relationship of structure to function
- Foundations of Evidence-Based PracticeCore
Module details
Covering epidemiology and how it is applied in medicine
- Social and Ethical Context of Health and IllnessCore
Module details
Introduction to the broader cultural aspects of healthcare and the medical profession in Britain, working with patients and colleagues, both in hospital and in the community
Year 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 1 modules
- Preparing for PatientsCore
Module details
Meeting patients in general practice in the first year, in a hospital setting in second year, and through visiting community-based health-related agencies in second and third year. Continues in third year regardless of subject chosen. Clinical placements from Year 4 onwards
Year 3 3 modules
- Year 3 Biological and Biomedical Sciences subject in Natural SciencesOptional
Module details
Specialisation in one of a wide range of other subjects, to qualify for the BA degree
- Year 3 Natural Sciences subjectOptional
Module details
Specialisation in one of a wide range of other subjects, to qualify for the BA degree
- Year 3 subject less related to MedicineOptional
Module details
Such as Anthropology, Management Studies, History of Medicine or Philosophy. Specialisation in one of a wide range of other subjects, to qualify for the BA degree
Year 4 1 modules
- Core Clinical PracticeCore
Module details
Building on biomedical science education and developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practise clinical medicine. Communication skills, patient investigation and practical procedures, therapeutics and patient management, core clinical science, pathology and diagnostic reasoning, evaluation and research, professionalism and patient safety, improving health
Year 5 1 modules
- Specialist Clinical PracticeCore
Module details
Building on biomedical science education and developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practise clinical medicine. Communication skills, patient investigation and practical procedures, therapeutics and patient management, core clinical science, pathology and diagnostic reasoning, evaluation and research, professionalism and patient safety, improving health
Year 6 1 modules
- Applied Clinical PracticeCore
Module details
Building on biomedical science education and developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practise clinical medicine. Communication skills, patient investigation and practical procedures, therapeutics and patient management, core clinical science, pathology and diagnostic reasoning, evaluation and research, professionalism and patient safety, improving health
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
Across the course you'll move through core theory covering the biological and clinical sciences that underpin medical practice, alongside research & methods that introduce you to how medical knowledge is generated and critically appraised. As you progress, applied practice takes centre stage, with time in hospitals and GP practices where you put scientific understanding to work with real patients under supervision. You'll also encounter specialist options, such as areas of clinical medicine you can explore in more depth as your interests develop, an independent project that gives you the chance to investigate a question in detail and present your own findings, and professional skills strands covering the communication, ethical and practical competencies expected of a working doctor. The sequencing, theory first, then sustained clinical exposure, means later years are heavily shaped by what you experience on placement, so the course rewards students who can take earlier scientific learning and actively reapply it in unpredictable clinical settings.
Who it's for
This course suits someone who is genuinely curious about how the human body works and wants to understand illness at a scientific level before treating it, not just someone who wants to "help people" in the abstract. You should be comfortable with sustained, detailed study of biology and clinical science, and ready to sit with complexity rather than needing quick, simple answers. Because clinical placements form such a large part of the later years, you'll need resilience, patience, and the ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with patients, some of whom will be anxious, unwell, or difficult to reach. Long hours on the wards, early starts, and a slow build towards responsibility are part of the experience, so this suits people who can commit to a lengthy course without losing motivation. Most accepted students arrive with strong A-levels or equivalent, the majority have more than 240 UCAS tariff points, reflecting the depth of scientific grounding needed from day one, though this describes typical entrants rather than a fixed requirement. If you're methodical, conscientious, and drawn to a career built on continual learning rather than a fixed set of skills, the day-to-day rhythm of lectures, labs, and eventually wards should feel like a natural fit.
Careers & job market
Nationally, across Medicine & Dentistry courses, 89% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, and 75% of working graduates are in highly skilled roles or further study, figures drawn from national Graduate Outcomes data rather than specific to this university. National earnings data for the same group show starting salaries (15 months after graduating) typically between £27,000 and £32,000, rising to a range of £24,650–£34,800 after three years and £29,325–£41,400 after five years; these are national figures reflecting a spread of outcomes, not a guaranteed salary for any individual. Given the length and structure of medical training, most graduates go on to further supervised clinical training after completing the degree, which is reflected in these longer-term earnings patterns. Nationally, 90% of students on comparable courses continue past their first year, either still enrolled or having completed, indicating that most who start this kind of demanding, science-heavy course see it through.
University & format
The course is delivered full-time over six years at the University of Cambridge, a public, research-intensive university and member of the Russell Group, with around 18,977 students in total. Cambridge received a Gold rating for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 assessment and was. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, the MB,BChir (Hons) is a nationally recognised qualification.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryEarly equal-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent96% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: More than 240 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Cambridge's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 96% |
| a Baccalaureate | 2% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| Other | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Competitive entry
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by15 October 2026, 18:00 UK timeearlier deadline for this course
Typical gradesA*A*A*+A-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeA100quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code A100). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 15 October 2026, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Sit any admissions test & interview
Courses with the October deadline often need an admissions test (e.g. UCAT, BMAT or a subject test) and interviews, register early and prepare.
- 5Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 6Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Cambridge whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Cambridge →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 6 years
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All University of Cambridge funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Bursary: Eligible medical and dental students can receive NHS support in the later years of study. Official guidance
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Medicine & Dentistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £38,000 | £35,000 – £45,000 | 85 |
| 3 years after | £47,500 | £44,000 – £52,000 | 215 |
| 5 years after | £54,500 | £46,000 – £61,500 | 280 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 85; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
99%
in work or further study 15 months on
97%
in highly skilled work or study
98%
continue past their first year
95%
find their work meaningful
93%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in medicine & dentistry · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Medicine & Dentistry nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£38,000
£27,000 – £32,000After 3 years LEO
£47,500
£24,650 – £34,800After 5 years LEO
£54,500
£29,325 – £41,400national rangethis course’s medianaxis £22,500 – £57,000
National figures for Medicine & Dentistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
99 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
76% working23% working and studying0% in further study97% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 85; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Medicine & Dentistry courses at the same study level.
This course £54,500Peer median £34,500Middle 50% £31,500–£38,500
99th percentile
Compared with 804 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Medical PractitionersSOC 2020 221 · 94% of published destinations · ASHE median £71,918
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 200; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Medicine & Dentistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
89%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Medicine & Dentistry courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Medicine & Dentistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- The NHS
- Private practice
- Research & academia
- Public health
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Medicine & Dentistry graduates.
Medicine-Focused Veterinary Surgeon | Patient Care LeaderMedivet & PartnersMedicine Service Delivery Manager - Operations ImprovementNHSMedicine Occupational Therapist - StaffordshirePulse HealthcarePart-Time Palliative Medicine Consultant | 1-in-5 On-CallEvora Hospice (formerly Southern Area Hospice Services)Consultant Medicine - ElderlyPertemps Medical ProfessionalsSpecialty Doctor in Acute MedicineTriple West MedicalLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
📈
Where graduates go
99% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £38,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.0 out of 10: NSS 72.3% · in work or study 99% · continued 98%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Cambridge
All students22,565
International32.2%
Aged 25+25.1%
Medicine and dentistry across the UK
Students85,345
Aged 25+28.8%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Cambridge
1,779 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 453Shoplifting 372Anti Social Behaviour 253Bicycle Theft 147Other Theft 114
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Medicine & Dentistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Cambridge from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Cambridge; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Cambridge’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Cambridge and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Cambridge
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was More than 240 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by the University of Cambridge. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Medicine (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 99% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 97% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £38,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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