Norwich (UEA Medicine)

Norwich Medical School, a part of the University of East Anglia, started its 5 year course in 2002.

Norwich is currently ranked 24th in the UK for medicine by the Complete University Guide 2024 and 33rd by the Guardian 2024.

About The Course

Norwich Medical School offers a five-year MBBS Medical Degree which aims to develop knowledgeable and well-prepared doctors while providing a supporting and nurturing environment.

The course emphasises learning in context meaning you will have very early clinical contact. Additionally, problem-based learning (PBL) is central to the teaching at Norwich, which uses scenarios to apply what you have learnt to real life.

Each year at Norwich Medical School comprises a number of different modules based upon body systems. The modules include the study of biology, anatomy and social sciences which are then put into practice in clinical placements and PBL sessions.

Structure Of The Course

Year 1

Year 1: The main module in year one is Foundations of Medicine & the Musculoskeletal System which focuses on orthopaedics and rheumatology. As mentioned above, clinical experience is part of the course from the very start and so the first year includes plenty of placements in secondary care.

Year 2

Year 2: The second year has four main modules which are taught in the same way as first year, with a mixture of teaching styles and clinical experience. The modules in year two are Haematology and Skin, the Respiratory System, the Cardiovascular System and the Vascular System & Stroke.

Year 3

Year 3: Similarly to the prior years, year three contains four modules; The digestive System, Renal & Urological System, Neurological System & Vision and Endocrine System & ENT.

Year 4

Year 4: Year four has a greater emphasis on clinical placement so you will spend more time within hospitals. Additionally, students undertake an elective module during the summer in which personal interests can be further explored. The four modules in this year are; Women’s Health, Child Health, the Mind and Supportive & Cancer Care.

Year 5

Year 5: The final year at Norwich is designed to prepare students for their foundation doctor jobs. In addition to an Emergency Care placement, students will also have a Student Assistantship Placement and a Career Development Placement.

Academic Requirements

GCSEs: Six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Mathematics and either two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or double science. GCSE English Language grade 6/B.

A-levels: AAA Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry.

Scottish Higher: Only accepted in combination with Scottish Advanced Highers

Scottish Advanced Higher: BBB Biology or Chemistry

International Baccalaureate: 36 points Biology or Chemistry

IELTs (International applicants only): If English is not your first language, Norwich requires evidence of proficiency in English. The main examination accepted is an IELTS score of 7.5 overall and a minimum of 7 in all components.

Bachelor's Degree (Graduates only): Applicants who have a degree will require a minimum of 2:1 in their undergraduate, regardless of further postgraduate study. A Level grades must be a minimum of BBB/ABC in the first sitting. Additionally, students are required to demonstrate competence in Biology or Chemistry either as part of their A Levels or in their degree.

Further Entry Requirements

Work experience: There is no specific amount of work experience required in order to apply to Norwich Medical School, however, it is strongly recommended so that students have a realistic idea about what the course and career involves.

Personal statement: Personal statements are used in the interview process but are not used for screening to interview or in any subsequent assessment relating to admission.

Admissions Process

Application to Norwich Medical School must be done via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Deadlines for submission are earlier for medical courses, typically mid-October. This application will include all of your academic history as well as your personal statement and other qualifications/achievements.

Admissions Tests:

UCAT ✅
All applicants are required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) as part of their application. At Norwich, candidates are ranked based on their overall score and the top students are invited to interview. UCAT scores are also used alongside interview scores to select which students receive an offer. Typical UCAT scores required to be invited to interview can be found below in ‘Admissions Statistics’. Your UCAT scores will be independently sent to your chosen Universities. Following this, you will receive either an invitation to interview or a rejection letter.

Interview Type: MMI

Interview Topics: If you receive an invitation to interview at Norwich, you can expect these to take place in person between November and February. Norwich uses Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI’s) in their application process with six to seven stations lasting five minutes each. Qualities assessed in the interview include decision making skills, teamwork, empathy and insight into medicine. You can learn more about interviews for Norwich Medical School can be found on our school-by-school guide.

If you are successful in the interview phase of the application, you can expect an offer letter from March onwards.

Admissions Statistics

Total number of applicants:	1587
Total number of places:	208
Total number of entrants:	208
Acceptance rate:	13.11%

Fees

Home students:	£9250 pa
Rest of UK:	TBC
International students:	£42299 pa

Teaching Methods

Teaching style: Teaching at Norwich Medical School is integrated with Problem Based Learning being a core element. Throughout each system based module, students receive a mixture of face to face teaching, group work and application of knowledge in PBLs and clinical experience.

Intercalation mode:

An intercalated degree at UEA is an additional Master’s level programme that you can complete in a year away from your medical studies.

It’s usually undertaken between years three and four, or between years four and five of your undergraduate study.

Graduate Prospects

In the past year, Norwich Medical School achieved 100% graduate prospects meaning all graduates were in full time employment or further study 15 months after graduation. The average earnings at this time were £35,500.

FAQs

What A levels do you need for Norwich Medical School?

The typical A level grades required are AAA including Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry.

How long is Norwich Medical School?

Five years.

How hard is it to get into Norwich Medical School?

In 2022, the success rate for applicants was 23.8%, meaning nearly one in four candidates who apply will receive an offer.

What hospitals are in Norwich Medical Schools?

There is a range of hospitals affiliated with Norwich Medical School, providing a wide variety of experiences for their students. These include Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, James Paget University Hospital and Ipswich Hospital. Additionally, Norwich provides their students a variety of community and general practice experience.