Medicine

The medical curriculum is divided into five phases.

Phases 1 and 2 (Introduction to Medical Science) focus on basic science, illustrated and informed by clinical practice. Phases 3 and 4 (Intensive Patient Contact) focus on clinical training, underpinned by science. Phase 5 (Shadowing Practising Doctors) is vocationally oriented and includes the opportunity to study abroad for an elective period.

Each phase contains elements from the core curriculum, which is compulsory, as well as Student Selected Components, which offer a wide element of student choice.

Students can follow a year-long BSc in a subject of their choice by ‘intercalating’ the degree between phases of their MBBS.

From the first term you will be introduced to patients and clinicians. You will also work with other students destined for healthcare professions such as dentistry, nursing and midwifery. Interprofessional Education is embedded in the curriculum, developing teamwork, communication, and an awareness of ethical and professional responsibilities.

An important feature of the King’s approach to studying medicine is the way in which understanding is built up: as new knowledge is added, material covered in earlier phases is reinforced. So, for example, communication skills are developed through a ‘spiral’ curriculum which runs through all five years of the MBBS, allowing students to revisit and progressively build on their skills.

Teaching takes place mainly on the three hospital campuses (Guy’s, King’s College and St Thomas’ hospitals), with placements in general practices in London and district general hospitals throughout south east England adding a further dimension to the clinical experience.

Lectures and seminars are complemented by rich and varied opportunities to develop practical skills such as venepuncture and examination. Students can make use of the recently refurbished Chantler Simulation and Interactive Learning Centre to develop and practise their skills in taught classes or on a self-access basis. Students also benefit from the training provided by trained Patient Educators and student peers. These are innovative schemes which supplement more formal teaching.

A key resource for all King’s medical students is the Virtual Campus, a constantly updated online environment which you can access at any time, from anywhere in the world. As well as providing administrative support including timetables and reading lists, the virtual campus offers innovative teaching and learning resources such as clinical videos and interactive scenarios.

Although there are four entry routes into medicine at King’s, all students follow the same MBBS curriculum.


Outcome of the course
At the end of the undergraduate course you will receive your MB ChB degree, which is a primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a PMQ entitles you to provisional registration with the General Medical Council. Provisionally registered doctors can only practise in approved Foundation Year 1 posts: the law does not allow provisionally registered doctors to undertake any other type of work.

To obtain a Foundation Year 1 post you will need to apply during the final year of your undergraduate course through the UK Foundation Programme Office selection scheme, which allocates these posts to graduates on a competitive basis.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year 1 programme is normally achieved within 12 months and is marked by the award of a Certificate of Experience. You will then be eligible to apply for full registration with the General Medical Council. You need full registration with a licence to practise for unsupervised medical practice in the NHS or private practice in the UK.