Buckingham
Buckingham Medical School is relatively new, having received its GMC accreditation in 2019. It is also the UK’s first private not-for-profit Medical School. As an independent school, there is no cap on the number of places available for home and international students, unlike other medical schools which rely on government funding.
Buckingham is currently ranked 38th in the UK for medicine by the Complete University Guide 2026.
About The Course
The University of Buckingham offers a 4,5-year MB ChB Medicine degree. The course focuses on developing highly ethical, compassionate and honest doctors.
Based in Milton Keynes or Crewe, Buckingham Medical School offers a close-knit, supportive community due to their relatively small cohort sizes. In addition, Buckingham has a rich and culturally diverse atmosphere with staff and students from over 90 countries!
Buckingham split their course into two different phases. Phase one is spent primarily on campus, either in Buckingham or Crewe. Phase two is primarily based in partner hospitals near Buckingham and Crewe.
Structure Of The Course
Year 1-2
Phase one focuses on preclinical knowledge based around the systems of the body, with blocks like the respiratory system, the musculo-skeletal system and metabolism. Alongside these blocks, students are taught practical skills through the Clinical Skills Foundation Course, and towards the end of phase one, students undertake a Student Selected Component in which they can further study a topic of their interest. Students will get plenty of exposure to patients and clinical contact throughout phase one.
Year 3-5
Phase two builds on phase one knowledge and is primarily clinically based. Students will be exposed to all aspects of Medicine during placements within hospitals, the community and general practice, including placements in cardio-respiratory, acute care, child health and mental health care. Towards the end of phase two, students do an elective in which they have the opportunity to practice medicine abroad in a different environment. Phase two ends in an assistantship which is designed to prepare students for their foundation training posts.
Academic Requirements
GCSEs: At least Grade 4 in Maths GCSE (or equivalent) and English.
A-levels: ABB Chemistry or Biology.
Scottish Higher: AABBB
Scottish Advanced Higher: BB 2 Advanced Highers to include Chemistry and one of Biology or Maths
International Baccalaureate: 32 points Including 3 Higher Level subjects with level 6 in Biology or Chemistry.
IELTs (International applicants only): If English is not your native language, you must hold an IELTS UKVI or IELTS certificate with a minimum score of 7 overall and a minimum score of 6.5 in each component. Alternatives and exceptions to this qualification can be found on Buckingham’s website.
Bachelor's Degree (Graduates only): 2:1
Mitigating Circumstances
Resits policy: Applicants who attain BBB at their first A Level attempt can apply with a resit
Extenuating circumstances: The Medical School recognises that students may suffer from an illness or other serious and unforeseen events or set of circumstances which may mean that they cannot attend an assessment, or if they do attend the assessment, that their performance may be sub-optimal. In such cases the mitigating circumstances procedures may be applied.
Deferred entry: You will have to contact the Admissions Officer for your subject. You will find their contact details at the bottom of your offer letter.
Admissions Process
Candidates can apply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) or directly through the university as it is independent. The deadline for UCAS applications is in October whereas applications directly through the university are due in September. This application will include information such as your academic history, personal statement and any other qualifications/achievements.
Admissions Tests:
UCAT ❌
Unlike most Medical Schools in the UK, you are not required to take an admissions test (for example, UCAT) in order to apply to Buckingham.
Interview Type: MMI
Interview Topics: Following the submission of your application, there are two stages of selection.
If you meet the initial entry criteria in your application, you will be invited to complete a Multiple Mini Assessment, a computer-based test designed to assess applicants’ analysis, interpretation and judgement skills.
If you are successful with the first assessment, you will be invited to attend an interview. Buckingham interviews their students in the format of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI’s). In Buckingham, these are a series of short tasks designed to analyse candidates’ abilities related to the GMC’s ‘Good Medical Practice’ guide. Buckingham interviews typically assess key skills required for medicine such as communication and time management but topics such as ethics, topical issues within medicine and problem solving are also often included.
You can find out about typical MMIs in our MMI guide.
It is possible to receive an offer after only the first assessment, if you score exceptionally highly.
The dates for the two selection days range from November to January for the 2026 admissions cycle.
Admissions Statistics
| Total number of applicants: | 2569 |
| Total number of places: | 200 |
| Total number of entrants: | 200 |
| Acceptance rate: | 7.79% |
Fees
| Home students: | £40000 pa |
| Rest of UK: | £40000 pa |
| International students: | £45000 pa |
Teaching Methods
Teaching style: Buckingham delivers an integrated curriculum, meaning that you will learn through a mixture of lectures, group works, clinical work and self-directed learning.
Graduate Prospects
In 2025, the National Student Survey reported that 86% of graduates from Buckingham Medical School felt the course has developed the knowledge and skills they will need for their future and 78% felt the staff have supported their learning well. Unfortunately, there is no data regarding average earnings after graduation.
FAQs
Is Buckingham a private Medical School?
Yes, Buckingham Medical School is the first independent not-for-profit Medical School in the UK.
How hard is it to get into Buckingham Medical School?
Buckingham medical school has declined to release any information regarding admissions statistics, however, the typical A-level offer is ABB and graduates require at least a 2:1 in their first degree, which is lower than other medical schools in the UK.
What is the University of Buckingham Medical School ranked?
Buckingham is currently ranked 38th in the UK for medicine by the Complete University Guide 2026.
Is Buckingham Medical School accredited?
Yes, Buckingham was accredited by the GMC in May 2019.
School Details
- Website
- http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/medicine
- fmhs-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk
- Phone
- 01280 820227
School Details
- Website
- http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/medicine
- fmhs-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk
- Phone
- 01280 820227
