University Foundation Programme – UFP

Medicine

Course Overview

The University Foundation Programme (UFP) Medicine Foundation Pathway is an intensive one year foundation course, which is designed to prepare UK, EU and international students for a place at medical school.

The UFP Medical Foundation course covers the essential elements of Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics as well as the more specialised areas of Human Anatomy, Pathology, Genetics and Pharmacology. Alongside these core science subjects, students will also gain an appreciation of

  • what it means to be a medical professional
  • an insight into technological advances in medicine and
  • an understanding of medical ethics.

From day 1, students are helped to prepare for university entrance interviews which are an important part of admission to Medicine at university. Students will carry out in-class discussions on current medical affairs, gaining knowledge of a wide range of topics to talk about when applying for medical school.

Experienced and dedicated teachers on the Medicine Foundation Pathway help students to develop strong study skills and effective communication techniques, which are essential for success in their medical studies and beyond.

Who is the Medicine Foundation Pathway for?

  • Students who currently hold high school diplomas, A-levels or IB but would like to strengthen their application for medical school
  • Students who do not currently meet the academic requirement to apply to medical school through UCAS
  • Students who have not studied Biology or Chemistry, but have strong grades in their high school diplomas or A-levels
  • Students who did not pass the UKCAT/BMAT examinations and would like to build on their existing knowledge before re-applying for medical school

Watch the UFP Medicine pathway webinar

Course Modules

In the Medical Foundation course, within first term students complete the six minor modules. In terms 2 and 3, students choose three major modules from a selection of subjects plus the medial studies add-on module.

Minor Modules

  • Core Mathematics
  • IT
  • Communication Skills (or IELTS)
  • Introductory Biology
  • Introductory Chemistry
  • Understanding Medicine and preparation for medical school application

Major Modules

  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Medical Sciences

One optional major module from the following:

  • Further Mathematics
  • Psychology
  • Physics
  • Quantitative Methods

Teaching & Facilities

The UFP Medicine Foundation Course consists of interactive classroom learning, tutorials and frequent laboratory sessions. We have three custom-built, university grade Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories.

The Medicine foundation course is continually assessed, thus removing the pressure of an end of year examination. There will be mid-term examinations throughout the course and an end-of-term examination for each module. In addition, students are required to complete coursework and practical laboratory sessions. We offer a university approved syllabus which fully prepares students for their undergraduate studies. Our teachers are highly qualified and are specialists in their field. The exceptional standard of education allows students to make a smooth transition to undergraduate degree level.

Course Term Dates

Start in September or January

There are two start dates for our foundation courses – September and January.

Depending on when prospective students finish their senior school studies, they have the option of beginning their course sooner or slightly later. Both complete in time for a September start at university the following year.

Holidays

Holidays vary depending on when students start the course.

Those starting the University Foundation Programme in September, will have a 3-week holiday over Christmas, and a 2-week holiday over Easter.

Those starting in January will have a 2-week holiday over Easter.

Degree Course Subjects

Our medical foundation course will prepare you to apply to medical school, but if you change your mind during the year our Medical Foundation pathway is also accepted by many universities offering a variety of different degree subjects including:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Nutrition
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Physiology and Physiotherapy

University Destinations

University of Central Lancashire

  • Internationally recognized medical qualification – MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
  • 5-year course recognised by the GMC
  • Early patient contact and clinical placements in the NHS from Year 1
  • Large number of international student places available
  • No entrance exam (no UCAT/BMAT)
  • Application through UCAS in October or direct application
  • State-of-the-art facilities including clinical skills laboratory and human anatomy learning centre
  • A range of learning strategies, such as small group tutorials, seminars, laboratory-based teaching sessions, workshops and clinical placements
  • Emphasis on basic medical sciences, communication and clinical skills
  • For more information click here.

Royal College of Surgeons – Dublin, Ireland

  • Internationally recognized medical qualification – MB, BCh, BAO (Hons) – (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Obstetrics)
  • UFP Medicine Pathway students much achieve ABB (5-yr medicine course), or BBB (6-yr medicine course) to be invited for interview
  • Requires IELTS 6.5
  • No entrance exam (no UCAT/BMAT)
  • Direct application (not through UCAS)
  • 5- or 6- year courses available
  • Each year RCSI have 220 non-EU places available
  • World renowned, ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide
  • Has Europe’s largest, cutting edge, clinical simulation facilities
  • Located in the heart of Dublin – the vibrant and friendly capital of Ireland
  • For more information click here.

St. George’s University – Grenada West Indies

  • Internationally recognised 5-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme
  • No requirement for UCAT or BMAT, however, a UCAT score is recommended
  • Direct application from the UFP (not through UCAS)
  • Option to spend up to 2 years of programme in UK at Northumbria University
  • Offers an 8:1 ratio of students-to-faculty in classes and labs
  • State-of-the-art labs, newly redesigned residence halls, gorgeous beaches, student centers and more at Grenada site
  • St. George’s University is the largest source of doctors for the entire US workforce

Entry Requirements

Read More

Help and Support

If you don't have suitable qualification(s) please contact us directly to learn more. Please note that if English isn't your first language, you must take an IELTS exam and meet a minimum requirement of 5.5.

Are you ready to apply?

Make an application for entry to our one year foundation programme.

Apply

Have a question?

Feel free to contact our admissions team for assistance.

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Download the Prospectus

Learn more about undergraduate degree programmes at UFP.

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David Game College logo

The University Foundation Programme (UFP) is a department of David Game College. Established in 1974, David Game College has become one of the leading Independent Sixth Form Colleges in London for 13-22 year olds.

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