Medicine A990 BSc (Hons) 2018 entry

The A990 is a six-year medicine degree course for Canadians only (or those who have Canadian residency rights) and who are considered ‘overseas’ for fee purposes.

Canadian students entering Medicine at St Andrews have the unique opportunity to graduate after three years at St Andrews with a BSc Honours degree in Medicine before moving on to the University of Edinburgh's School of Medicine to complete their training as a doctor and graduate with an MBChB. Graduates then apply for Residency placement in Canada for postgraduate training. They will not apply to the NHS Foundation Training programme in the UK.

The BSc Hons in Medicine at St Andrews provides students with a thorough knowledge of the foundations of medical science, whilst developing the ethical understanding and decision making skills required by ‘Tomorrow’s Doctors’. The course provides an excellent scientific foundation for clinical practice and provides early, relevant clinical experience in a highly supportive educational environment.

Whilst studying at Edinburgh Medical School, students will spend time on attachment to the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta, Canada. It is anticipated that the attachment will include:

  • an extended period of clinical training in disciplines expected to enhance the students’ learning
  • an enhanced orientation to the Canadian healthcare system
  • an opportunity to train for Canadian licencing exams (MCCEE/MCCQE)
  • further guidance on the process of application for a residency place enhancing the learning previously delivered in Scotland.

Following graduation, students will be eligible for residency training programmes in Canada.

Apply now

UCAS code

A990

Course type

Bachelor of Science (single Honours degree)

Course duration

Three years full time, plus a further three years of training at the Edinburgh School of Medicine to graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine or Surgery (MBChB).

  • Start date: 10 September 2018
  • End date: 30 June 2021

How to apply

Entry requirements

Undergraduate applicants to the School of Medicine must meet a number of entry requirements, including both academic and non-academic conditions. 

Before you apply, find out more about the School of Medicine's entry requirements and how students are selected.

Reputation

The School of Medicine was placed second in the 2016 National Student Survey, Student Satisfaction league table of medical schools, receiving a 98% satisfaction ranking.

The University of St Andrews as a whole was voted top in the UK for student satisfaction in The National Student Survey 2017 as 94% of St Andrews final year students gave the University top marks for the quality of the learning and teaching experience.

In 2017, the University received a TEF Gold award for the quality of teaching and the undergraduate experience.

Find out more about studying Medicine at St Andrews.

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Course information

The medical degree programme is six years long; students graduating BSc (Hons) Medicine from the A990 programme at St Andrews will progress to the University of Edinburgh's School of Medicine for the final three years.

The School of Medicine at St Andrews offers an integrated curriculum within a strong clinical context. In addition to exploring the foundations of medical science, it encourages the development of the professional attitudes, ethical understanding and decision-making skills required by the GMC and detailed in ‘Outcomes for Graduates’ and ‘Promoting Excellence’. The curriculum addresses the following core principles:

  • Competence – understanding of the scientific basis of medicine and an extensive anatomical and physiological understanding of the human body.
  • Professionalism – development of clinical skills, personal values, interpersonal skills and ethical awareness.
  • Reflection – monitoring self-awareness and decision-making through the completion of a portfolio.
  • Independence – encouragement of self-directed learning and an ability to cope with uncertainty.

Teaching is designed to encourage the application of medical sciences to clinical problems, and clinical teaching is integrated with the basic science learning and spans from first year to third year, running throughout the entire course. Clinical skills teaching, including communication skills, takes place in simulated wards and examination rooms. Clinical experience is also offered in the form of patient contact through primary care initiatives in the community from first year onwards. Professionalism and patient safety are key components of the entire course.

Find out more about studying Medicine at St Andrews.

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Modules

In order to graduate in the BSc (Hons) Medicine, you must take seven compulsory modules across three years.

More information about the Medicine modules currently on offer can be found in our module catalogue.

In the first year of the course, the modules emphasise the interrelationships between the pre-clinical sciences.

  • Foundations of Medicine 1: provides a general overview of the structure and functions of the body systems from the microscopic to the macroscopic level, and includes strands of microbiology, public health and health psychology. This module:
    • reviews fundamental aspects of molecular and cellular medicine.
    • gives a preliminary introduction to medical ethics and communication skills relevant to medicine.
    • uses clinical problems to develop an understanding of the levels of consciousness and the assessment of health status.
    • includes an anatomical overview of the major body systems and the dissection of the back.
    • provides opportunities to speak to patients with chronic health problems in the Medical School environment.
    •  
  • Foundations of Medicine 2: continues the introduction of fundamental topics, including the principles of disease mechanisms and therapy, and the development of communication skills. The first body system (themusculo-skeletal system) is visited in detail. This module:
    • provides an in-depth study of the musculo-skeletal system, including nerve and muscle physiology. The anatomy of the upper and lower limbs will be studied by dissection and lecture.
    • develops an understanding of principles of disease mechanisms and therapy.
    • introduces particular topics in behavioural sciences (e.g. stress, coping and pain).
    • introduces concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacy.
    • reviews genetics and the effects of genes on development and disease.
    • provides further opportunities for exposure to clinical problems relevant to the teaching.

The Honours programme, which runs through both second and third year, focuses in detail upon the normal function and dysfunction of specific physiological systems.

The two modules in second year take an integrated approach to the scientific basis of medicine in Honours. They build upon the material delivered in first year and introduce new concepts.

  • Medicine Honours 1: covers the structure and functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. 
  • Medicine Honours 2: covers the renal, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems.

Both second year modules:

  • introduce the disease mechanisms and therapy of disorders pertinent to the body systems covered.
  • cover the body systems through cadaveric dissection, including the integration with clinical imaging.
  • use relevant clinical problems and clinical skills to provide a clinical context.
  • integrate the ethical, moral and behavioural aspects relevant to these systems.
  • provide a series of community attachments in primary health care settings.

In third year, the first semester focuses on complex integrative physiological systems (central nervous system and endocrine organs). Semester 2 is a significant student-selected research project and Semester 3 focuses on applying medicine and developing clinical skills.

  • Medicine Honours 3: revisits foundation knowledge and progresses to more complex systems. This module:
    • provides in-depth coverage of normal structure and function of the central nervous system and endocrine systems.
    • introduces diseases and possible therapies pertinent to these important control systems.
    • presents case studies associated with the central nervous system and endocrine systems to highlight appropriate clinical skills for the identification of neurological and endocrinological disorders.
    • utilises cadaveric dissection, including covering aspects of radiology.
    • integrates ethical issues and behavioural science with clinical medicine.
    • provides hospital attachments.
  • Medicine Honours 4 (Student-Selected Component): you will undertake a student-selected component (SSC) in the form of a research project. The SSC will enable you to pursue an area of your own particular interest at an advanced level and further develop critical appraisal skills.SSCs will provide the opportunity for:
    • developing an understanding of scientific methods.
    • gaining competency in using literature searching methods.
    • developing an inquisitive and questioning attitude and ability to apply rational thought processes.
    • preparing a scientific research dissertation demonstrating critical thinking and analysis
    • giving an oral presentation on the research findings.
    • developing reflective practice using a portfolio entry for a significant learning event.
  • Medicine Honours 5 (Applied Medical Science): consolidates knowledge acquired throughout the course and introduces new advanced skills to stimulate clinical development. This course is taught primarily by clinicians (including Honorary staff), and case studies will be used extensively to direct student learning. This module:
    • reviews clinical anatomy in preparation for later clinical training.
    • provides the opportunity to significantly advance student clinical and communication skills in terms of patient examination techniques and associated procedures.
    • provides an opportunity for multi-disciplinary team working through a ward-simulation scenario involving other health professionals.
    • develops the ability to recognise disease patterns and clinical reasoning.

The modules listed here are the compulsory modules that students must take in order to graduate in this subject.

Teaching

Teaching format

Modules are taught through a combination of:

  • lectures
  • laboratory-based practicals
  • small group tutorials
  • clinical attachments
  • audio-visual capture system for training and feedback on clinical skills
  • computer-based resources
  • research projects.

In third year, students participate in a ward simulation exercise in the School of Medicine’s clinical skills suite. As an interprofessional learning activity, this provides students with the opportunity to explore the skills required to work as part of a team and to develop their understanding of some of the roles and responsibilities of the healthcare team within a hospital ward environment.

Assessment

First, second and third year level modules are assessed by:

  • written examinations (multiple choice and short written answers)
  • anatomy practical examinations (APEs)
  • observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs)

In third year, students will also complete a dissertation in an area of their own interest.

Students must pass all of their modules each year in order to progress to the subsequent year. The award of the BSc (Hons) Medicine degree requires that students possess a comprehensive knowledge of basic medical science and its clinical application. To progress to the University of Edinburgh's School of Medicine for completion of your medical training, you must achieve the award of BSc (Hons) Medicine from the University of St Andrews.

Visit St Andrews

If you are interested in studying at St Andrews, join us at a visiting day to explore the town, find out about our courses and meet current students.

Undergraduates

Upcoming visiting days:

  • Wednesday 4 April 2018 (booking is now full)
  • Wednesday 11 April 2018 (booking is now full)
  • Wednesday 18 April 2018

Fees

Tuition fees for 2018 entry

Overseas £30,080

For overseas students, tuition fees may increase each year. Find out more about tuition fees for international students.

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Find out more information about tuition fees at Edinburgh Medical School. 

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation in 2018.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Your future

Graduates from the six-year Medicine degree (A990) will have career prospects in practical, clinical, policy and academic positions. However, graduates will not apply to the NHS Foundation Training programme in the UK, rather they will apply for residency placement in Canada for postgraduate training.

Careers

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Student life

From the outset, the University of St Andrews offers an array of events and opportunities which result in a truly unique student experience. Students participate in a range of traditions, notably, the red academic gown and the academic family, where older students adopt first year students as ‘children’ and help guide them in a system of mentoring. These traditions and the choice of over 150 sports clubs and student societies to choose from ensures a community feel amongst students from first year onwards.

The small size of the School (around 170 in each year group) allows staff to get to know students individually, and this encourages a friendly atmosphere. Students are allocated a tutor concerned with personal welfare and academic development as the School aims to provide a supportive environment in which all students thrive.

Since 2010, the School of Medicine has been housed in a £45m purpose-built Medical and Biological Sciences building which offers outstanding facilities for teaching, learning and research. Collaborations with key University disciplines, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology, add an important dimension to medical research and the training of research scientists and health care professionals.

The School of Medicine at St Andrews is one of the few in the United Kingdom that still offers full-body cadaveric dissection. The dissection room is purpose-built and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities; it is spacious and well-ventilated with 16 tables for full body dissection and room to display numerous excellent models and specimens. Technicians and medical staff are on hand to offer advice and assistance.

The clinical skills suite features 7 rooms containing 48 beds. All beds are equipped with ceiling-mounted video capture facilities and 'bed-head' touch screens to allow instant playback or video resources. The centre features a full range of real and simulated clinical equipment.

There is also the opportunity for students to join the Bute Medical Society, one of the University’s oldest, largest and most active student societies. They run regular events throughout the year as well as the annual Bute Medical Society Ball.

The town of St Andrews itself has lots to offer. As the campus is located around town, walking around you encounter ancient and modern buildings and areas of greenery and seaside which provide a rich, beautiful backdrop to learning. If you want a change of scenery, St Andrews' position near surrounding towns and cities such as Anstruther, Dundee and Edinburgh make it ideal for getting to know more about Scotland. Find out more about student life at the University of St Andrews.

Contact

School of Medicine
University of St Andrews
North Haugh
St Andrews
Fife
Scotland, United Kingdom
KY16 9TF

School of Medicine website

General enquiries
Phone: +44 (0) 1334 46 3599
Email: medicine@st-andrews.ac.uk

Undergraduate admissions
Phone: +44 (0) 1334 46 1886
Email: medical.admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk