This five-year Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS) Medicine degree aims to develop students into practising doctors. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to register provisionally with the General Medical Council (GMC) and begin work as a doctor on the UK Foundation Programme. Students will be registered with the University of Nottingham and upon successful completion will receive a University of Nottingham degree award.
The University of Lincoln has embarked on an exciting collaboration with the University of Nottingham to offer medical education in Lincolnshire. Students can now apply to study for the University of Nottingham's Medicine BMBS degree based in Lincoln, taught by academic staff from both universities.
Nottingham medicine courses are some of the most popular in the country, offering innovative teaching and early interaction with patients. We aim to ensure that our doctors learn from experience and the course offers a varied placement experience, providing the opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience through excellent links with local Lincolnshire NHS trusts.
Gain hands-on clinical experience
Complete a research project leading to a BMedSci award
Learn in brand new specialist facilities
Case-based learning which makes use of real patient scenarios
Tutor system and peer-mentoring scheme
Links with the NHS and healthcare providers
This course is split into two phases: the early years, where students can learn the skills and knowledge required to become a doctor and complete a research project leading to a BMedSci; and the later years, called the Clinical Phase, where students put their learning into practice on placements at hospitals and GP surgeries
Students begin the degree by studying the scientific and professional basics of medicine. They are then taught subjects on themes based on overarching clinical problems: specifically respiratory and cardiovascular medicine, the musculoskeletal system, and cancer. There is also the opportunity to reinforce their learning through hospital and general practice visits. In the spring term, students usually have the chance to study an optional module, looking into specific topics in more depth.
The second year continues theme-based teaching, looking into a variety of other clinical problems. In each term students will usually be able to take an optional module which interests them most.
The third year begins with a supervised research project in an area of each student's choice and an accompanying Research Methods module to help with the project. Students are also able to take two optional advanced medical science modules which may or may not be related to the project. Upon successful completion this will lead to the award of BMedSci.
Students will spend a compulsory week in primary care developing skills to assess patients in a general practice environment and participate in a therapeutics module, that aims to develop their prescribing skills before they move into the clinical phases of the programme.
Students then move into the final years and begin the Clinical Phase which will see them rotate through a series of placements at major teaching hospitals and within primary care facilities across the region.
The final two years form the majority of the Clinical Phase. Students rotate through a series of six-week placements at major teaching hospitals and within primary care across the region. These years aim to provide the professional knowledge, skills, values, and behaviours to succeed through direct experience.
During both years students will have the option of student selected modules which can be at home or abroad and will end with a six-week placement of their choice and a medical assistantship to prepare them for the UK Foundation Programme.
During your first three years student can expect approximately 16 to 18 hours of teaching contact time with around 20 hours of independent study. They will spend around five days on placement each term.
During the Clinical Phase students can expect to spend between 35 to 40 hours across five days every week studying and on placements. They spend around two to three days on ward, clinic or GP placement visits per week with one day of independent study and one to two days of teaching contact time. This will include some time on call and some out of hours work.
A full breakdown of course and module content can be found on the University of Nottingham's course pages:
https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/course/Medicine-at-Lincoln-BMedSci+and+BMBS
More information about the Medical School can be found here: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/medicalschool/
Please note: The University of Lincoln is currently working towards providing medical courses independently from the University of Nottingham, starting in the 2026/27 academic year, subject to General Medical Council approval. For all intakes until 2026/27, students will continue to be awarded their degree by the University of Nottingham, with the intention being that cohorts commencing their studies in 2026/27 will be awarded their degree by the University of Lincoln. Please see our independence project page for more information.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
One aspect of the programme which convinced me to choose Lincoln Medical School was the case-based learning approach. It exposes students to key clinical notes and patient scenarios early in the curriculum and makes the learning experiences very exciting.
Arooj Qaiser
BMBS Medicine
Medicine at the Lincoln Medical School is fully accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC) as part of the University of Nottingham's medical courses programme.
Students can benefit from established links with the NHS and healthcare providers including Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust sites across Lincolnshire. Students have the opportunity to interact with patients from the first year, through regular visits to general practices and hospitals. Students will also have the opportunity to ask scientists and qualified doctors details of clinical outcomes, and hear more about their working environment.
Currently placements include the following hospitals:
The purpose-built Ross Lucas Medical Sciences Building comprises lecture theatres, laboratories, a clinical skills suite with consultation rooms, a prosection anatomy suite, and a bio-medical and health sciences library. It is the most sustainable building on the University Estate and features both solar panels and a living wall.
Assessment methods on this course may vary depending on the module being studied. Assessment methods may include case studies, clinical exams, coursework, a dissertation, examinations, formative assessments, logbooks, objective structured clinical exams, poster presentations, practical exams, presentations, short projects, verbal exams, and workplace-based assessments.
All applications for this course must be made through UCAS. Students will need to apply to the University of Nottingham and choose the Medicine BMBS (Lincoln pathway) as an option. All applications for 2025 entry must be made in UCAS by 15 October 2024.
GCE Advanced Levels: AAA (or AAB contextual offer).
We do not use predicted A level grades and do not score A levels, AS levels, or equivalent as part of our selection process. However, any offers made will be conditional on meeting the A level grades or equivalent required.
A Level Offer:
AAA, which must include biology (or human biology) and chemistry.
A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.
A third A Level at grade A is required in any subject, including home language. We do not accept general studies, critical thinking, global perspectives, and citizenship studies.
Your A levels must be studied over a maximum two-year period and three A levels need to have been passed at the required grades in one sitting. A levels that have taken longer than two years to complete are not usually accepted. This is to demonstrate your ability to manage a full academic workload.
We will consider resits for no more than two A levels as long as:
- you have completed your A levels in the last 12 months
- you have already obtained at least ABB with at least one A in biology/human biology or chemistry
- you must achieve AAA after taking your resits - this must include the other required science subject
GCSEs:
We require a minimum of 6 GCSEs at Level 7 (A) studied together over a two year period and the required grades achieved in one sitting.
These 6 GCSEs at Level 7 must include chemistry and biology - or double science if you have not taken the individual science subjects - and may include maths and English language.
If maths and English language are not included in your 6 GCSEs at Level 7, you will need a minimum grade of Level 6 in both subjects.
We will consider one GCSE subject resit in Maths, English Language, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Double Science qualifications.
The achieved overall resit grade must be a minimum of Level 6 (B) in Maths or English Language, and a minimum of Level 7 (A) in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Double Science (7,7) qualifications.
For our selection scoring process, we score a maximum of the highest 8 GCSEs. These must include Maths, English Language, Chemistry, and Biology, (or double science if individual science subjects not taken). The remaining GCSEs are scored and allocated points as described in detail at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/medicine/study-with-us/undergraduate/undergraduate-medicine/undergraduate-selection-process.aspx.
UCAT:
All applicants must sit the UCAT in the same year as the application is made for the course. Applicants who achieve a UCAT SJT grade of Band 4 will not be considered for this course.
Full details can be found on our undergraduate selection webpage: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/medicine/study-with-us/undergraduate/undergraduate-medicine/undergraduate-selection-process.aspx.
Degree Offer:
You can apply for this course (A10L) if you already have a degree. The entry requirements for this route are:
- A 2:1 degree in any subject
- The minimum A level requirements for this course
- A minimum of GCSE level 4 (C) in maths and English language
If you're currently studying for a degree, you can apply for medicine during any year of your existing studies. Do not withdraw from your current studies as your offer may be conditional on the completion of your current degree. If you chose this route, your A levels and GCSEs must meet the course entry requirements.
If you need your degree result to be able to meet the academic entry requirements, you may apply through UCAS at the beginning of your final year of study. In these cases, your offer to study Medicine will be conditional on achieving the necessary academic requirements. Your current degree must:
- Be an honours degree
- Evidenced by sending ratified documentation (a copy of your final degree transcript or your certificate) by 20 July 2024
- Have been completed within the intended length of the qualification - for example, three years for a BSc or four years for an MSc
If you are applying with an undergraduate (Bachelor's or undergraduate Master's) degree, you may not need to meet the standard A Level requirements. We will review this if you have achieved or are predicted to achieve a first class honours degree at undergraduate level in a relevant subject with enough biology and chemistry content. You will still, however, need to have achieved as least a 4 (C) in GCSE in both Maths and English Language. Any offers made without the A Level requirements are conditional on you achieving a first in your primary degree before starting the course.
For more information on which degrees are relevant, please contact us.
Accelerated degrees resulting in the award of a BSc Hons (completed over two years rather than three) may be accepted in lieu of A Levels where a first class has been achieved. We will review these applications on a case-by-case basis. GCSE Maths and English Language must still be achieved at a minimum of C grade. For information on whether your degree is accepted please contact us.
IB score
34 points overall or 6,6,6 in three HL certificates
IB requirements
34 points overall including HL6 in biology, HL6 in chemistry or 6,6,6 in 3 HL Certificates with HL 6 in biology, HL6 in chemistry.
We do accept IB resits, please contact us for further information.
Contextual Offers:
A levels: AAB with at least one A in either biology or chemistry
IB: If you have taken the full IB Diploma our contextual offer is:
32 points overall with one of biology or chemistry at Higher Level grade 6 and a minimum of Higher Level 5 in the other.
If you have taken three stand-alone Higher Level Certificates then our contextual offer is:
6,6,5 at Higher Level, including one of biology or chemistry at Higher Level grade 6 and a minimum of Level 5 in the other.
This type of offer is given to students who meet our contextual admissions. Find out more at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/applying/contextual-offers.aspx.
If you meet the requirements for a contextual applicant and you're successful at interview, your offer will then be lowered to the contextual offer of AAB or 32.
Find out more at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/applying/contextual-offers.aspx.
English Language Requirements:
If English is not your first language, you will need to have proof of your fluency with one of the following:
- IELTS 7.5 (no less than 7.0 in any element)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 79 (minimum 76)
- Cambridge Proficiency/Advanced test (from January 2015) 191 with no element below 185
- International Baccalaureate Diploma: If a GCSE hasn't been taken and achieved at grade B(6), we require either IB English (standard level) at grade 6 or IB English (higher level) at grade 5.
If your home country is not the UK, but you have moved to the UK (with indefinite leave to remain) after the start of school Year 10 from an international country where you were not studying the full curriculum (all subjects) in the English language and did not achieve Level 6 in GCSE English, then we will accept one of the alternative qualifications listed above.
Work Experience:
Applicants are usually expected to complete regular work experience when applying for medicine. This can be:
- Volunteering in a care related setting
- Volunteering with disadvantaged groups
- Paid employment in a job working with the general public
Please note, we are not expecting any in-person NHS work experience. Your application for 2025 entry will not be negatively affected if you've been unable to complete any in-person NHS work experience. We will however be looking for knowledge of the profession and an understanding of the scope of the role and we may ask about this during your interview.
If possible we'd advise that you speak to someone working in the NHS to ensure you are making an informed choice about your career in medicine. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to caring for people and a realistic idea of what working as a doctor entails.
Any students considering a gap year should use their time constructively either by working or further preparing yourself for a future career in medicine.
Interviews:
You will be required to have an interview. Interviews may be held face to face or online using Microsoft Teams. Further details can be found on our applying to Nottingham webpage: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/medicine/study-with-us/undergraduate/undergraduate-medicine/applying-to-medicine.aspx#Competition_for_places.
Interviews are offered to candidates based on scores as calculated by our selection process. The percentage threshold varies from year to year based on the number of applicants.
Fitness to Practise:
We must be confident in your conduct, health, and ability to be professional and interact safely with patients. As part of your application you will be required to have an occupational health assessment and a disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. We cannot accept pre-existing DBS checks. More information about this will be sent to you closer to your start date.
If we have any serious concerns, we will not offer you a place and we reserve the right to revoke offers should serious concerns arise before starting the course.
Find out more at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/medicine/study-with-us/undergraduate/undergraduate-medicine/fitness-to-study.aspx.
Excluded Students Database:
When offering places to students we check the MSC Excluded Students Database as part of our commitment to professionalism and fitness to practise. We may also ask if you have encountered professionalism issues with other professional bodies such as the Pharmacy Council or the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. If either we or another medical school have terminated your studies, your details are shared with regulatory bodies and other medical schools through this database.
If you would like more information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are studying are acceptable, please contact our enquiries team at enquiries@lincoln.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1522 886644.
Detailed information about the selection and interview process for Medicine can be found on the University of Nottingham's website:
All offers are made subject to being successful at interview, and having an occupational health assessment, DBS clearance, and no fitness to practise issues. If you are still studying for the required qualifications and your predicted grades meet the entry requirements, offers will be conditional on you achieving those grades. If you have already met the offer requirements, offers will be unconditional subject to having an occupational health assessment, DBS clearance, and no fitness to practise issues.
Healthcare plays a central role in the lives and wellbeing of people around the world, and there are opportunities for professionals from all kinds of backgrounds to play a key role improving the lives of others. The University of Lincoln offers a wide range of healthcare and health-science related programmes which can provide options to students who wish to make a difference in these areas.
At the end of this course successful students will receive their BMBS degree, which is a primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a PMQ entitles students to provisional registration with the General Medical Council, subject only to its acceptance that there are no Fitness to Practise concerns that need consideration. Graduates are required to undergo a further two years of foundation doctor training. Full registration is granted by the GMC at the end of the first year of this training.
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on the University of Nottingham's Student Fees and Finance pages.
Students on this course may be eligible for support from an NHS Bursary. You can find out more about the bursary, including eligibility criteria at https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-bursary-students.
Students may also be eligible for the University of Nottingham’s means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on the University of Nottingham's financial support pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
