Bristol Medical School

Bristol Medical School is a medical school located in Bristol, South West England. Originally an independent medical institution from 1833 to 1893, it later merged with University College, Bristol- the predecessor of the University of Bristol. Today, it is part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Bristol and awards the university's primary medical qualification, the MB ChB degree in medicine. The school is divided into two departments: Population Health Sciences, which focuses on public health and epidemiology, and Translational Health Sciences, which covers clinical medicine and biomedical research.

School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol

Bristol Medical School offers two medical degree pathways: a five-year MB ChB programme and a six-year MB ChB programme with a foundation year.

History

It was built to give training to those who worked on the wards of Bristol Infirmary (founded 1737), the Clifton Dispensary (founded 1812) and the General Hospital (founded 1832).^[1]

Entry requirements

As of 2025, the medical school accepts some 251 home students and a further 19 from overseas onto its MB ChB programmes.^[2]

Entry onto the MB ChB programme is competitive with high entry standards. Requirements for 2025 entry were AAA at A Level, in Chemistry and either Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Graduate entry students must obtain a 2:1 in their degree plus BBB at A-level in the above subjects.^[3] The UCAT score is also considered, with high shortlisting cut-offs. The following shows the UCAT cut-off scores attained for those who were invited to interview in recent years:

• 2025 Entry: 3010 (Home), 3080 (International)
• 2024 Entry: 2940 (Home), 2960 (International)
• 2023 Entry: 2910 (Home), 2960 (International)
• 2022 Entry: 2870 (Home), 2910 (International)
• 2021 Entry: 2830 (Home), 2750 (International)^[4]

Rankings and reputation

Rankings ^[5][6][7][8]

2024/25 Rankings	Domestic	International
THE (2025)	9	=54
QS (2025)	=10	=59
Guardian (2024)	11	N/A
Complete University Guide (2025)	6	N/A

Bristol Medical School consistently ranks amongst the top medical programmes in the country. Its graduates are well prepared for further training, with Bristol Medical School graduates some of the highest performing in postgraduate specialty exams. ^[9]

Course structure

Bristol Medical School follows a case-based learning (CBL) integrated curriculum with early clinical exposure. From Year 1, students are placed in primary and secondary care settings across the region, establishing a strong clinical foundation. Year 2 introduces disease processes and differential diagnoses, maintaining a focus on patient-centred care through clinical placements. In Year 3, students join Bristol's Clinical Academies- various healthcare settings across the South West- where they gain hands-on experience meeting patients and observing NHS treatment pathways. This clinical academy structure is built on in year 4, as students learn to care for patients across the whole range of life stages in a variety of settings. Year 5 allows for students to choose an elective, with the option to study abroad. This year also involves intense preparation for foundation year training, with a strong emphasis on team work and decision making. ^[10]

Bristol medical students also have the option to intercalate between years 3 and 4, extending their degree by a year. There are a wide variety of degrees to choose, with the option to intercalate externally if wanted. ^[11]

The university works with a large number of health care providers across the region, with the Bristol Royal Infirmary serving as the major teaching hospital. Southmead Hospital, Royal United Hospital, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Yeovil Hospital and Weston General Hospital are just some of the other hospitals that facilitate clinical teaching for the medical school. ^[12]