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Medicine (Malta, 5 Year Programme)

Entry Year: 2024

Key information

Degree
MBBS
Duration
5 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
A110
Institution code
Q50
Entry Requirements
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Fees
€ 35,000
 
Funding information
Paying your fees

Overview

A medical degree from a top UK school – taught in a spectacular Mediterranean location.

As one of the oldest medical schools in the UK, at Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry we draw on our significant experience to provide the best in modern medical training and to prepare you for life as a qualified doctor.

Our five-year degree in Malta is an exciting alternative to the standard London-based MBBS. You’ll be taught in English by academic staff from Barts, as well as local clinicians trained by the School.

Our strong core curriculum is underpinned by research, linking your learning to the work of the faculty, from the laboratory bench to new drugs to public health interventions. With less emphasis on traditional lectures, problem-based learning in small groups encourages you to take an independent approach to clinical scenarios.

You’ll develop practical experience through attachments with local general practices, and in your third, fourth and fifth years you’ll spend time in primary and secondary care facilities in Malta and Gozo.

Applications for September 2024 entry open on the 1st November 2023. The deadline to apply for September 2024 is 30th April 2024. However, the University reserves the right to close applications early. Should we decide to close applications prior to the 30th April 2024 deadline, our how to apply page will be updated to give a 2-week notice.

Structure

Years 1 - 2

Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2)

You’ll take five systems-based modules and three student-selected components in each of the two years of Phase 1.

Modules are based on body systems, which in turn encompass various scientific and medical themes. Each system is visited a minimum of three times during the programme.

We introduce the basic biological sciences and address key topics including:

  • normal biological structure and function of cells, organs and body systems
  • the effect of illness on people and their families
  • the impact of environmental and social factors on health.

Student-selected components (SSCs)

SSCs allow you to build a portfolio of core competencies while focusing on topics of particular interest.

A portfolio of SSC choices will be made available for students to choose from, including key subject areas such as dissection and others unique to Maltese resources.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Years 3 - 4

Phase 2 (Years 3 and 4)

You’ll be introduced to clinical medicine through a series of placements in our associated teaching hospitals and community settings in Malta and Gozo. Working alongside clinical teams, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge acquired during Phase I. You’ll also regularly return to the medical school for teaching weeks and assessments.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 5

Phase 3 (Year 5)

The final year of the programme provides you with clinical and community placements, including in a GP surgery.

Throughout the year you’ll return to the medical school for a teaching programme, which incorporates individual sessions in communication skills and simulated patient scenarios.

You’ll complete your SSC programme, which may include spending time in a specialism not previously experienced or gaining a deeper understanding in an area that already interests you.

You will also complete your Intermediate Life Support qualification.

Elective

After your final examinations, you’ll complete a six-week elective in Malta or another country. For many students, this is one of the most eagerly anticipated and memorable experiences at medical school – an opportunity to explore medicine in an entirely new environment, both socially and culturally.

Student assistantship

Your student assistantship gives you first-hand experience of life as a junior doctor. Where you go will depend on the country and health system you’ll be working in after graduation – we try to organise as close a match as possible, subject to immigration requirements and capacity.

Students staying in Malta for their Foundation Year 1 will be placed, wherever possible, in the setting where they’ll work as qualified doctors.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Additional Costs

The elective period in your final year is self-funded.

For some electives the host institution charges up to £6,000, while others incur no additional expense. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of flights and accommodation. Placements taken in Malta can be a more financially viable option for students on a limited budget.

Testimonial

Being on a small island challenges you in ways you wouldn't expect but having the support at QMUL Malta from students and staff members makes the experience all the more unique and enjoyable, especially through the closeness that's shared.

Christine, MBBS Malta student Year 3 

Teaching

Teaching and learning

You’ll learn through:

  • lectures and symposia
  • lab work
  • independent projects
  • practical workshops covering clinical skills and patient communication.

Throughout the first two years you’ll apply your theoretical knowledge in problem-based learning sessions. Small groups of students and a facilitator work together to understand and explain a clinical scenario through teamwork and independent research.

You’ll have access to an extensive online medical knowledge base, which includes lecture notes from across the programme, papers and research.

Assessment

Your progress is monitored through a combination of continuous assessment and regular examinations, with final exams each year.

A scheme of merits and distinctions recognises excellent or outstanding performance across each sector of the curriculum. Prizes reward special ability both in the main examinations and in specialist subjects.

Resources and facilities

Entry requirements

Below is a brief overview – take a look at the full entry requirements.

UCAT

Third decile and above

SJT Bands 1-3

A-level

AAA must include  A in Biology or Chemistry, A in second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics)

International Baccalaureate (IB)

37 points overall with 665 in Higher Level subjects
Must include
Biology or Chemistry and a second science subject or Mathematics

Graduate applicants

Degree classification
2:1 or above in any subject (achieved or predicted)

Non-UK students

To see a list of the international qualifications we accept, please see our full entry requirements.

English language

Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.

You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.

Individual circumstances

We will take into account some of your personal circumstances and background when considering your application.

Funding

Loans and grants

UK students are not eligible for student loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.

International students should check whether a student loan is available from your home country.

Additional costs

Over the duration of the course, additional costs may occasionally arise. We will endeavour to keep these to a minimum.

Support from Queen Mary

We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:

  • additional sources of funding
  • planning your budget and cutting costs
  • part-time and vacation work
  • money for lone parents.

Careers

Queen Mary University of London medical graduates are highly prized by hospitals around the world, giving our graduates an edge when they enter the competitive jobs market.

We expect Malta graduates to work as doctors within the NHS or other health systems, taking training programmes in general practice or hospital medicine.

Junior doctor (Foundation Year 1 and 2) positions are available in Malta.

Recent Barts and The London graduates have been hired by:

  • Addenbrooke’s Hospital
  • King's College Hospital
  • NHS Tayside
  • Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
  • South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust
  • University Hospitals of Leicester.

Recognition

The course is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC).  The GMC helps protect patients and improve medical education and practice in the UK by setting standards for students and doctors. Visits by the GMC monitor organisations in their compliance with the standards and requirements as set out in Promoting Excellence: Standards for medical education and training.

MBBS Malta is a Queen Mary University of London degree, recognised in most countries around the world. However, we advise all applicants to obtain written confirmation from their respective Medical Council/Ministry of Health that the degree is accepted in their home country.

Career support

Our careers service provides specialist guidance and support for our medical students, both as they study and begin professional practice.

You'll meet regularly with your allocated mentor, who will help you make the most of your time at medical school and will help you with your academic, professional and personal development. Your mentor will also support you through the Foundation Programme application process. You will also have access to an Academic Year Tutor (AYT), who will monitor your academic progress.

About the School

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry is one of the oldest medical schools in the UK.

We’re in an unrivalled position to offer you the very best student experience. You’ll be taught by experts who are passionately engaged with their subject, and our degrees have extremely high satisfaction rates – in the most recent National Student Survey, 92 per cent of our students were satisfied overall with the quality of their programme.

You'll also get exceptional support throughout your degree and as you transition into employment: we pride ourselves on being a friendly School, with excellent staff–student relationships and a General Medical Council-commended student support and mentoring programme.

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