Cardiff

About The Course

Cardiff runs a 5-year medical programme known as C21 (MBBCh). The C21 programme prepares its students to build their clinical and scientific knowledge to further integrate with placements and practical learning. Cardiff’s medical programme also provides a great focus on clinical skills with both simulated and real-life scenarios to practise in. 

Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to experience both hospital and community care in Wales. There is a chance for students to study abroad, select their own components and intercalate. In addition, there are also research studentships that consist of short and long term projects, for those who are involved with the Cardiff University Research Society.

Structure Of The Course

Year 1-2

Phase 1 covers both Year 1 and Year 2. During Phase 1, students will learn and expand on core science modules with some aspects of clinical practice and skills.

In years 1 and 2, students are supported by facilitators in small group settings. During this period, students will learn the basic and clinical science through the themes of the ‘Chronological Life Course’. Every unit of study lasts about two weeks and involves a series of patient cases.

The primary delivery of teaching in Phase 1 will be Case-Based Learning (CBL). CBL allows students to learn the foundations of clinical science and view patient cases in small teaching groups 

Year 3-4

Phase 2 covers Year 3 and Year 4. In Phase 2, there will be a greater emphasis on patient care through clinical placements and university projects to integrate the clinical knowledge learnt in phase 1.

In year three and four, the knowledge built in the first two years is built upon through increased time in hospitals and GP series. Learning is focused on the patient experience as you observe patients along the care pathway from community to hospital settings and back into the community setting.

Alongside placements, students will revisit scientific knowledge taught in earlier years and build upon it, with an increased focus on diagnostic methods, management and treatment of common diseases and pathophysiology.

In Years 3 and 4, students will get the opportunity to learn through clinical placements in GP settings and hospital sites in Wales. There is a higher emphasis on patient-centred care in Phase 2, whilst building on the foundation pathology of common medical conditions.

Year 5

Phase 3 covers Year 5. During Phase 3, most of the students’ learning will be in clinical settings and placement with a focus on consolidating knowledge and skills needed so that the transition to becoming a Foundation doctor is smooth.

In the final year of the C21 programme, the focus shifts to having a more active role in various clinical settings, with further consolidation of medical knowledge and clinical skills.

Students will carry out a variety of assessment modes throughout their time as medical students. Regular progress tests in the format of single best answer and written papers will be sat each year alongside additional short answer papers, coursework, practical assessments and clinical portfolios.