Student adjusting an IV drip on a manikin, Clinical Skills room D1035, Queen's Medical Centre Medical School, University Park

Graduate Entry Medicine

Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK

Course overview

There is no set pathway to commencing your medical journey. If you’ve always considered becoming a doctor but decided to study a different subject at degree level, this course is ideal for you. Our four-year Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) course has been designed specifically for graduates who are ready to embark on a career in medicine.  

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Structure, function and defense

Mandatory

Year 1

Cardiovascular sciences

Mandatory

Year 1

Respiratory sciences

Mandatory

Year 1

Endocrine system

Mandatory

Year 1

Limbs and back

Mandatory

Year 1

Alimentary system

Mandatory

Year 1

Personal and professional development 1

Mandatory

Year 1

Neurosciences

Mandatory

Year 1

Personal and professional development 2

Mandatory

Year 1

Urogenital system

Mandatory

Year 1

Integrative module

Mandatory

Year 1

Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Optional

Year 1

Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Mandatory

Year 4

Foundations for Practice

Mandatory

Year 4

Advanced Practice

Mandatory

Year 4

Transition to Practice

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Tuesday 14 January 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

First 18 months

Building on the intellectual skills of your previous degree, your first 18 months will see you work in small groups to examine clinical scenarios using case studies, and study the various different systems of the body.

In the final months of your second year, you'll begin the Clinical Phase which will see you rotate through a series of placements at major teaching hospitals and within primary care across the region.

 

Final years

Your final two years form the Clinical Phase of the programme. You'll focus on full-time clinical training and rotate through a series of placements at various teaching hospitals, community, and partnership trusts and within primary care settings across the region. These years will provide you with the professional knowledge, skills, values, and behaviours to succeed through direct experience.

The first component is a 47-week Foundations for Practice (FFP) phase, covering specialities such as junior medicine, junior surgery, mental health and primary care. This concludes with two four-week student-selected modules and a four-week junior assistantship (JAST).

The second component is our Advanced Phase (AP), which is broken down into a 26-week Advanced Practice phase 1(AP1), comprising obstetrics and gynaecology, child health, integrated medicine, palliative care and healthcare of later life. This leads into a 24-week Advanced Practice phase 2 (AP2), covering senior medicine, senior surgery, critical illness and senior primary care.

The final component of the course is a Preparation for Practice (PFP) phase, which includes a

  • Five-week elective placement of your choice, which can be at home or abroad 
  • Five week medical assistantship (MAST) to prepare you for the UK Foundation Programme. 

The clinical phase is taught using a blended learning approach of clinical placement activities, self-directed learning (supported by extensive learning resources provided on our Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle), clinical tutorials and clinical skills/simulation training.

 

Teaching and learning

Careers

Visit us

Group of students in computer lab, smiling

We develop exceptional knowledge and skills in Derby. The support we receive provides a great foundation for a fulfilling career in medicine.

Joshua Valverde

Graduate Entry Medicine BMBS

Open Day June 2022