CLINICAL PATHWAYS 1 - 2025/6

Module code: MED3001

Module Overview

In the second year of the programme the focus of teaching and learning moves towards the clinical environment. Students build upon the skills and knowledge that they have already developed that underpin modern person and patient centred clinical practice. Students will continue to work across integrated teaching, learning and assessment themes: Medical Knowledge, Clinical Practice and the Student Selected Special Study Units (SSUs).

Students will continue to develop their Medical Knowledge of the medical sciences (biomedical, psychological, sociological, population health) that underpin medical practice, building on the knowledge previously gained in the programme. Further Medical Knowledge will develop through interactions with patients and with a wide range of NHS staff, and through taught sessions and tutorials.

In the area of Clinical Practice students will continue to acquire the core clinical skills and professional behaviours that underpin person and patient centred clinical practice. Developing the skills and attitudes required to address health inequalities and perform professional advocacy roles. Students will be given feedback on developing professionalism through working with assessors who are experienced professionals and who hold and maintain professional registration in either Medicine or Nursing. Students will also undertake clinical skills assessments working with real patients as appropriate. Professional Development groups will provide a supportive environment in which students can learn from placement experiences and explore what it means to be a medical professional.

Within the Special Study Unit (SSU) programme, students will consider clinical care and its essential support services and will be required to locate and critically evaluate evidence to support conclusions and recommendations to improve healthcare via a variety of methods, with a developing ability to review the reliability, validity, significance and generation of this evidence. Students will undertake both a Research and an Improving Healthcare SSU each with learning spread longitudinally across the year and cumulating in an SSU Assessment conference.

Students may register for Clinical Pathways 1 following the successful completion of Graduate Entry Medicine Year 1 in its entirety.

Module provider

Medicine

Module Leader

WRIGHT Juliet (Medicine)

Number of Credits: 120

ECTS Credits: 60

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 40

Overall student workload

Workshop Hours: 86

Clinical Placement Hours: 342

Independent Learning Hours: 643

Lecture Hours: 18

Seminar Hours: 33

Tutorial Hours: 54

Practical/Performance Hours: 24

Captured Content: 48

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Clinical Pathways 1 comprises of three rotating clinical pathways, each lasting nine weeks, an induction week, six longitudinal SSU weeks, one study week, and three assessment weeks. Each clinical pathway week is set in different clinical specialties and centres on important clinical presentations. It will involve clinical teaching, patient contact and expert feedback, with small group sizes.

Year 2 clinical rotations




 
Medicine Pathway


 
Wk1
Medicine of Older Adult


Book 1
Wk2
Medicine of Older Adult


 
Wk3
Medicine of Older Adult


 
Wk4
Cardiovascular


Book 2
Wk5
Cardiovascular


 
Wk6
GP & Primary Care


 
Wk7
Respiratory


Book 3
Wk8
Respiratory


 
Wk9
GP & Primary Care


 
Surgery Pathway


 
Wk1
Surgery (inc. Gastro)


Book 1
Wk2
Surgery (inc. Gastro)


 
Wk3
Surgery (inc. Gastro)


 
Wk4
Specialty (Urology & ENT)


Book 2
Wk5
Specialty (Urology & ENT)


 
Wk6
GP & Primary Care


 
Wk7
Musculoskeletal & Imaging


Book 3
Wk8
Musculoskeletal & Imaging


 
Wk9
GP & Primary Care


 
Specialties Pathway


 
Wk1
Mental Health


Book 1
Wk2
Mental Health


 
Wk3
Mental Health


 
Wk4
Child Health


Book 2
Wk5
Child Health


 
Wk6
GP & Primary Care


 
Wk7
Obs & Gynae


Book 3
Wk8
Obs & Gynae


 
Wk9
GP & Primary Care




(this diagram represents an example pathway for a particular student, placement blocks can occur in any order, so will differ from student to student)

This year of the curriculum is delivered in locations across the South East. Students will rotate through a series of hospital and community placements in three clinical pathways which provide extensive experience of a wide range of clinical settings. These rotations emphasize the importance of continuing to acquire knowledge in the medical sciences, while also refining and building on the clinical and communication skills students have started to develop. Learning during each rotation is supported by relevant resources, which develop students' knowledge of common medical conditions and clinical skills by encouraging students to work through a series of clinical problems to further progress their knowledge, clinical and procedural skills, as well as clinical reasoning and analytical skills.

 

Students’ learning is centred on patients and students will continue to develop their problem-solving skills through self-facilitated Community of Practice problem-based learning case units, supported by video masterclasses, internet resources and clinically facilitated sessions, while also maintaining their exposure to the widest possible array of clinical experiences. Students will meet patients at home, in general practice, in acute and community hospitals and other community clinical settings and interact with healthcare professionals in their working environment. Students will experience first-hand how the NHS works as a team to deliver patient care.

 

In addition to student learning in clinical environments, one day each week is devoted to tutorials, Clinical Skills Resource Centre and Professional Development Group sessions, which build on their previous learning and help to integrate scientific and clinical knowledge. Teaching and learning will occur mainly in small groups which will help students understand the key concepts and knowledge that relate to each block. In addition, at the end of each clinical block there will be a Consolidation/WRAP session of the Community of Practice learning facilitated by a clinician as well as some whole cohort learning events in each locality.

 

The academic content of the module is aligned with the outcomes as specified within Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018:

 

Outcome 1: Professional Values and Behaviours

 

Professional and ethical responsibilities

 

Legal responsibilities

 

Patient safety and quality improvement

 

Dealing with complexity and uncertainty

 

Safeguarding vulnerable patients

 

Leadership and team working

 

Outcome 2: Professional Skills

 

Communication and interpersonal skills

 

Diagnosis and medical management

 

Prescribing medications safely

 

Using information effectively and safely

 

Outcome 3: Professional Knowledge

 

The health service and healthcare systems in the four countries

 

Applying biomedical scientific principles

 

Applying psychological principles

 

Applying social science principles

 

Health promotion and illness prevention

 

Clinical research and scholarship




Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Hours of Education


Clinical Pathways 1


Scheduled learning and teaching activities
Tutorials
54


Communities of Practice Sessions
18


Lectures & Workshops
18


Induction week
15


Development sessions
6


Professional development group sessions
36


Clinical placement feedback sessions with senior clinicians/GPs
54


Clinical skills resource centre sessions
24


SSU delivery sessions
44


Total
269


Guided independent study
589


Placement/study abroad
342


TOTAL
1200




 

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Examination Applied Medical Knowledge (AMK) examinations Pass/Fail
Practical based assessment OSCEs Pass/Fail
Practical based assessment Observed Clinical Competency Assessments Pass/Fail
Practical based assessment Special Study Units (SSU) Pass/Fail
Coursework Fitness to Practise Pass/Fail

Alternative Assessment

Special Study Units (SSU). If a student is unable to attend the the SSU Assessment Conference at the end of Year two, the student will present a short oral presentation for Improving Healthcare and an A3 poster for Research to a panel of 3 members of faculty, The work will be assessed as per the same marking criteria as used for all students at the Assessment conference

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the acquisition of the applied knowledge, clinical and professional skills required to graduate with a primary medical qualification in the UK. Students must demonstrate competence and knowledge which will assure patient safety in the clinical setting.

  Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:


  • Applied Medical Knowledge Examinations (AMK)

  • Observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs)

  • Observed Clinical Competency Assessments

  • Assessment of clinical log

  • Special Study Units (SSU)

  • Fitness to Practise



Applied Medical Knowledge Examinations (AMK)

 

Learning outcomes assessed - 1-4, 6, 8-9, 11- 12

 

4 x 3hr tests of 125 multiple choice questions

 


  • Each test lasts three hours and fifteen minutes, which allows for 15 minutes of resting time.

  • Each question is multiple choice with one single best answer in the form of a “clinical vignette” with five possible answers. One mark is scored for a correct answer, zero is scored for an incorrect answer. There is no ‘don’t know’ option.

  • Questions which are unanswered will be scored zero.



 


  • The test is designed to test applied medical knowledge rather than simple factual recall.

  • The AMK progress test is a longitudinal test of the growth of a student’s medical knowledge across the whole programme.

  • The AMK progress tests are delivered four times a year in Years 2

  • Standard Setting in the AMK: The knowledge level is set at the required knowledge for a newly qualified doctor. A panel of clinicians, who are clinically active and aware of the knowledge level required by newly qualified doctors, will review all the questions.

  • Criterion referenced grade boundaries will be determined at the beginning of the academic year for all AMK progress tests for all years of study using statistical analyses of historic AMK progress test and standard setting data from our partner institute, University Exeter Medical School for the duration of the period of potential novation and whilst the Surrey Medical School builds its own assessment data.



 


  • Performance in each individual test will be graded Excellent; Satisfactory; Borderline; or Unsatisfactory.

  • Students who do not meet the satisfactory standard for an individual test (achieving a borderline or unsatisfactory grade), will be offered progress support before the next test point.



 


  • Because the AMK progress test is a longitudinal, cumulative assessment, grades on individual tests are less important than the overall pattern of performance.

  • Grades on individual tests will be aggregated into a current cumulative grade which can be Satisfactory, Doubtful, or Unsatisfactory.



The test grades will be aggregated using the following procedure starting at the first test in Year 2.

Grade aggregation operates as detailed below.




AMK 1 Grade
AMK 2 Grade
Aggregate


Unsatisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Unsatisfactory


Unsatisfactory
Borderline
Doubtful


Unsatisfactory
Satisfactory
Doubtful


Unsatisfactory
Excellent
Doubtful


Borderline
Unsatisfactory
Unsatisfactory


Borderline
Borderline
Doubtful


Borderline
Satisfactory
Satisfactory


Borderline
Excellent
Satisfactory


Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Doubtful


Satisfactory
Borderline
Doubtful


Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Satisfactory


Satisfactory
Excellent
Satisfactory


Excellent
Unsatisfactory
Doubtful


Excellent
Borderline
Doubtful


Excellent
Satisfactory
Satisfactory


Excellent
Excellent
Satisfactory


 
 
 


Old Aggregate
Most Recent AMK result
New Aggregate


Unsatisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Unsatisfactory


Unsatisfactory
Borderline
Doubtful


Unsatisfactory
Satisfactory
Doubtful


Unsatisfactory
Excellent
Doubtful


Doubtful
Unsatisfactory
Unsatisfactory


Doubtful
Borderline
Doubtful


Doubtful
Satisfactory
Satisfactory


Doubtful
Excellent
Satisfactory


Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Doubtful


Satisfactory
Borderline
Doubtful


Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Satisfactory


Satisfactory
Excellent
Satisfactory





  • This method is then repeated for test four and so on.

  • A rolling aggregate will continue in Year 3



 


  • At the end of the year the rolling aggregate grades will be used for decisions on passing the Medical Knowledge Theme.



 


  • If a student fails to attend an AMK progress test without valid mitigation, they will be awarded an ‘Unsatisfactory’ grade for the missed test.

  • A student with valid mitigation will receive no grade for that test.

  • Students who miss a test with valid mitigation in Years 2 will carry forward their most recent aggregate grade.

  • A student with two or more consecutive missing results will be awarded a ‘Doubtful’ aggregate grade except where an unsatisfactory aggregate is carried forward.

  • Because of the progressive nature of the testing, students carry the aggregate grade from each year to the start of the next year so that aggregation of grades is continuous over the programme.

  • A student carrying forward a doubtful aggregate must ordinarily end the year with a satisfactory aggregate in order to progress to the next year of study.



 

Observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs)

 

Learning outcomes assessed - 1-10, 12-16

An OSCE examination comprises 4 stations, each OSCE station is 20 minutes long

 


  • Students in year two will undertake three termly OSCEs. A fourth termly OSCE towards the end of the year will be available for students requiring it.

  • These OSCEs will be comprised of four stations based on the clinical skills taught in the curriculum.

  • Students will be given feedback on their performance at the end of each term.

  • Student performance within the OSCE is observed at each station by trained assessors and performance is rated on a four-point scale (unsatisfactory; borderline; satisfactory; and excellent) against station specific domains.

  • A score is calculated for each station by aggregating performance across domains.

  • Domains are equally weighted within individual stations.

  • Assessors also rate student performance at a station globally on a four-point scale as unsatisfactory; borderline; satisfactory; or excellent.

  • A standard is then calculated for each station using a borderline regression method, making use of the station scores and the global ratings. This method uses the data of the complete group of examinees and assessors for a station.

  • A student’s overall score for the OSCE is calculated by aggregating all station scores.

  • All stations in the OSCE are given equal weight.

  • The overall standard for an OSCE is calculated by combining scores from all stations in the OSCE.

  • In order to meet the passing standard for a termly OSCE, a student’s aggregated score for all assessed stations must exceed the cut score derived from all stations in the assessment.

  • Students who do not meet the passing standard in a termly OSCE will be offered remediation by clinical skills tutors.

  • Students who do not meet the standard in two or more independent OSCE stations in a termly OSCE will be informed of this and advised to seek remediation support in clinical skills through self-directed learning.

  • Where remediation identifies issues with additional learning or support needs, the student will be referred to their Professional Development Group Tutor.

  • Where a student does not meet the passing standard at two out of three termly OSCEs they will be required to take the fourth OSCE.

  • Where a student does not meet the passing standard at all three termly OSCEs they will not have met the minimum standard for progression for the year.

  • Students who are unable to attend a termly OSCE due to illness/other mitigating circumstances will be required to take the fourth OSCE.



 

To pass the year in this theme, a student must have attempted three and successfully met the passing standard in at least two termly OSCEs AND successfully met the passing standard in at least 8 individual stations regardless of any mitigating circumstances.

 

Students who have not met the required standard to pass the year after the first three termly OSCEs must meet the standard at the fourth OSCE to pass the year in this theme.

 

OSCE Ranking and Overall Grades.

 


  • At the end of the year a student’s overall score for the OSCE theme is calculated by aggregating standardised scores from each of the first three termly OSCEs completed by the student.

  • Students are then ranked by their standardised scores.

  • Excellent performance in the OSCE is defined as an overall score within the top 10% of scores in the cohort.

  • Satisfactory performance is achieved by passing the standard in two or more OSCEs and meeting the standard in at least 8 stations in the year.

  • A student who did not meet the passing standard after three termly OSCEs but did achieve the passing standard after the fourth OSCE will be awarded a ‘Satisfactory’ grade.

  • Unsatisfactory performance is determined by failing to meet the passing standard in three OSCEs or failing to meet the passing standard in at least 8 stations in the year.

  • If a student is unsatisfactory and has not reached the passing standard, the student will be deemed to have failed the clinical practice theme.



 

Observed Clinical Competency Assessments

 

Learning outcomes assessed - 1-10, 12-16

 

6 x in vitro Clinical Competency Assessments (1x formative case-based discussion, 1x formative mini-CEX, plus 1 summative min-CEX, 3x formative DOPS)

 


  • The Mini-CEX is an assessment of the clinical and professional interaction between a student and a patient based on an observation in a ward, clinic or surgery.

  • No more than two Mini-CEX may be completed by the same assessor.

  • Students will receive feedback and the result of their assessment immediately from their assessor. If a student is awarded an Unsatisfactory or Borderline grade for a Mini-CEX they should undertake additional work (usually self-directed) and discuss this with their Professional Development Group Tutor.



 


  • Subsequent assessments must take place in the clinical environment.

  • It is normally expected for students to demonstrate satisfactory competence within three attempts.

  • All students are required to demonstrate competence in all elements listed.

  • Failure to complete all competencies may result in students being asked to return to complete missing assessments or can result in failure of the theme.

  • Assessments that are missed due to mitigating circumstances within the last 4 weeks of the year may be completed over the holiday at the discretion of the Clinical Practice Assessment Panel.

  • As Mini-CEX are scheduled formal examinations, any student who fails to attend a competency will be awarded an ‘Unsatisfactory’ grade for the competency unless valid mitigation is submitted.



 

Case-Based Discussions (CBDs)

 


  • Case-Based Discussions (CBDs) are patient-based presentations at which a student presents on a patient or patients seen that week in the clinical environment.

  • There are 27 such assessments in each of years 2 & 3

  • CBDs are formative in year 2 but attendance at these sessions is compulsory.

  • Students missing any CBDs without approval or certified illness may receive negative ‘On the Spot Feedback’ from their assessor



 

Direct Observation of Practical Skills (DOPS)

 


  • In Year 2 students receive feedback for a range of relevant practical skills.

  • These skills involve the observation and assessment of the student’s performance of the procedure in the clinical environment with real patients.

  • Students will be required to complete a record of practical skills undertaken in their e-Portfolio.

  • The assessment must be completed by appropriately qualified members of clinical staff for the skill being assessed.

  • Students are required to complete 3 DOPS in Year 2



 

Assessment of Clinical Log

 

Learning outcomes assessed - 1-10, 12-16

 


  • Assessed during an approximately 20-minute discussion with Professional Development Group Tutor



 

 

Improving Healthcare and Research Special Study Units (SSU)

 

Learning outcomes assessed- 1-4, 7, 11-16

 

1 x 300 word written abstract + 10-minute oral presentation (including Q&A)

plus 1 x one page abstract + A3 poster presentation & discussion

 


  • Within Year Two of the programme, there are two 3-week longitudinal SSUs: Improving Healthcare and Research.

  • The first element of summative assessment for Research will be an abstract marked by the SSU Provider.

  • During the SSU Assessment Conference at the end of Year Three, students will then present a short oral presentation for Improving Healthcare and an A3 poster for Research.

  • In both cases these final assignments will be marked by trained assessors and students will be expected to answer questions posed by conference attendees (fellow students and staff members).

  • Each student must present their own conference assignments and answer questions on them individually.



 


  • Any student repeating a year will not be permitted to submit SSU reports from previous academic years.

  • Each individual SSU will be graded as a pass or fail using a post-test standard-setting procedure.



 

This will be achieved as follows:

 

Grade descriptors will be provided for each section (to both students and assessors) and assessors will rate each section of the SSU separately on a scale of 0 – 4 (where 0 = Not present, 1 = Unsatisfactory, 2 = Borderline, 3 = Satisfactory and 4 = Excellent) using whole marks and give written feedback. These section scores will be added together to produce a total score for the SSU.

 

Late submissions

 


  • Late submission is as per University of Surrey regulations, repeated concerns regarding late submissions may be subject to consideration by the Medical Student Concerns and Support Committee (MSCSC).

  • Failure to submit all the required SSU assessment elements within the academic year will result in failing the SSU theme.

  • Overall grades for the SSU assessment theme will be determined as follows:

  • An overall Excellent SSU assessment theme grade will be awarded to any student who has obtained passing scores for each individual summative SSU they have undertaken and also has a total standardised score which falls within the top 10% of their cohort.

  • The student should not have been required to make any resubmissions or any late submissions (unless supported by valid mitigation) during the year.

  • An overall Unsatisfactory SSU theme grade will be awarded to any student who has failed to reach a passing score in both summative SSU themes.

  • One resubmission attempt is permitted in the referral/deferral assessment period if required to demonstrate satisfactory performance. This will be assessed by a different member of staff to the one who provided any progress support.

  • Students who fail this resubmission will be deemed to have failed the SSU theme. Students who fail both summative SSU themes will also be deemed to have failed the SSU theme and will not be able to resubmit.

  • All students failing to reach the passing score for an individual SSU will be offered progress support.



 

Fitness to Practise

 

The Fitness to Practise Panel, in accordance with all written and verbal feedback in accordance University of Surrey Policy and Procedures for Fitness to Practise will consider/determine the Fitness to Practise of each student as follows:


  • Fit to Practise

  • Fitness to Practise in Question & Subject to Review

  • Not Fit to Practise



 

Any student deemed “Not Fit to Practise” medicine in accordance with University of Surrey Policy and Procedures for Fitness to Practise will not be able to progress on the medical degree programme.

 

Professional portfolio

 


  • Two verbal discussions and analyses of the professional portfolio required.



 

Professionalism Judgments

 


  • 10 compulsory judgements from a variety of assessors based on observations of professional behaviours in scheduled teaching sessions are required.

  • In addition, 3 termly Professionalism Judgements for attendance may be given as detailed in the Attendance Policy.

  • Additionally, 'On the Spot' Professionalism feedback can be given at any point. These judgements may trigger a Fitness to Practise enquiry and therefore may have significant implications on student progression.



 

 

In accordance with the attendance policy students are required to attend the following.

The marks/scores in the assessments do not contribute to the module marks but attendance will be recorded.

 

 

Formative assessment

 


  • Formative Observed Clinical Competencies

  • Clinical Reasoning



 

Formative Observed Clinical Competencies

 


  • Learning outcomes addressed - 1-10, 12-16

  • 6 in vitro competencies (70 minutes in total undertaken within the Clinical Skills Resource Centre) and 12 in vivo competencies (20 minutes each undertaken on placement) are required.



 

Clinical Reasoning

 


  • Learning Outcomes addressed - 1-7, 12-15

  • One during each clinical placement week Feedback Session-total of 27 required.



 

 Feedback

 

Students will receive a range of feedback on their academic, clinical and consulting skills and professional performance; this will be verbal and in writing (electronically via the virtual learning environment, SurreyLearn).  Formative assessments will particularly concentrate on giving rapid and constructive feedback. Students will also receive written feedback from summative assessments.  Feedback will provide data to teachers to inform the development of practice. Where examiners and/or patients/role players have given written feedback on clinical performance this will be given back to students.  Students will be encouraged to peer review each other’s contributions to Case Based Learning and other group learning activities.

 

How to pass the module

 

Medical Knowledge:

 


  • All students with a ‘Satisfactory’ aggregate grade at the end of the year will pass the Medical Knowledge Assessment Theme in Year Two.

  • All students with an aggregate grade of ‘Unsatisfactory’ will fail the Medical Knowledge theme.

  • A Student who entered the year with a ‘Satisfactory’ aggregate and ends the year with a ‘Doubtful’ aggregate will pass the theme.

  • A student who fails the Medical Knowledge Assessment Theme will not be offered a chance to re-sit additional tests, as they will have had regular opportunities to be assessed, with formative feedback at the end of each test, and progress support offered where appropriate.

  • In order to progress, a student must have a ‘Satisfactory’ grade in at least one Medical Knowledge exam.

  • All students will carry their final aggregate forward to Year Three.



 

Clinical Practice:

 

To pass the Clinical Practice Assessment Theme in Year Two, a student must normally:

 


  • Complete all case-based discussion sessions

  • Complete all formative Mini-CEXs and pass one summative Mini-CEX

  • Complete the formative DOPs record.

  • Have attempted three and passed at least two termly OSCEs AND passed at least 8 individual stations

  • Students who have not met the required standard to pass the year after the first three termly OSCEs must meet the standard at a fourth OSCE opportunity



 

Special Study Units:

 


  • To pass the SSU assessment theme in Year Two, a student must submit valid attempts at all the required assessments and pass both summative SSU themes with an overall ‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Excellent’ grade with one SSU referral resubmission opportunity being available.

  • There is no compensation between the different themes/forms of summative assessment.

  • Students must have met the attendance requirement for all formative assessments.

  • Students cannot progress to the next year unless all year 2 credits are achieved.



In addition, students must be deemed “Fit to Practise” or “Fitness to Practise in Question & Subject to Review” by the Fitness to Practise Panel in order to progress to the next year of the BMBS programme. This is determined by the outcome of the professionalism judgments as detailed above.

 

Students who fail to reach an aggregated pass for any overarching assessment theme (Medical Knowledge, Clinical Practice or Special Study Units), will fail the module overall and are therefore dealt with as referred students, and are given the opportunity to be re-assessed for this module in the following academic year. Referred students must repeat all teaching and assessment in the following academic year and must gain a pass through their aggregated scores for all overarching assessments (Medical Knowledge, Clinical Practice and Special Study Units) and be deemed “Fit to Practise” or “Fitness to Practise in Question & Subject to Review” to pass the module in their referred year. Students have one opportunity for referral after which if they do not progress they will usually be required to leave the programme.

Module aims

  • This module focusses on three integrated areas of study that will allow students to acquire and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are expected of a medical student, and that underpin modern clinical and academic practice. The aims of the three areas of study are outlined, as follows.
  • Medical Knowledge: Students will be taught how to demonstrate the integrated application of the medical sciences (biomedical, psychological, sociological and population health) that underpin medical practice.
  • Clinical Practice: Students will further develop their understanding and application of appropriate professional behaviour and will develop the core and advanced skills in clinical history taking, examination and diagnostic techniques relevant to modern clinical practice with particular reference to the 'core case presentations' within the syllabus. On completion of this year students will be familiar with the management of core clinical conditions and will be competent to manage common emergency clinical situations. Students will develop skills in managing the initial response to common emergency clinical situations.
  • Special Study Units (SSUs): Students will further develop the written & verbal communication, research and critical thinking skills that have previously acquired. Students will identify important questions about medical practice and clinical service development and study in-depth an area of interest within the themes of improving healthcare and research as these relate to modern clinical practice.
  • Professionalism and Fitness to Practise: In addition to these three integrated assessment themes students will be supported in the acquisition of professional and ethical behaviours and skills, with person-centred and patient-centred approaches relating to their development in reflective practice, team working, time-management, issues of consent, and giving and receiving feedback; as required by the General Medical Council. GMC Good Medical Practice (2019). Duties of a doctor registered with the GMC

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Apply to medical practice the biomedical scientific principles, method and knowledge, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 3, Point 22 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
002 Apply psychological principles, method and knowledge to medical practice, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 3, Point 23 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
003 Apply social science principles, method and knowledge to medical practice, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 3, Point 24 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
004 Apply to medical practice the principles, method and knowledge of population health and the improvement of health and sustainable healthcare, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 3, Point 25 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
005 Communicate effectively, openly and honestly with patients, advocates and colleagues, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 10 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
006 Carry out an effective consultation with a patient, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 11 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
007 Work collaboratively with patients and colleagues to diagnose and manage clinical presentations safely, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 12 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
008 Perform diagnostic, therapeutic and practical procedures safely and effectively, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 13 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
009 Work collaboratively with patients, advocates and colleagues to make clinical judgements and holistic decisions, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 14 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
010 Make appropriate clinical judgements for patients who are nearing or are at end of life, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 15 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
011 Provide immediate care in medical emergencies, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 16 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
012 Recognise when a patient is deteriorating and take appropriate action, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 17 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
013 Prescribe medications safely, appropriately, effectively and economically, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 18 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
014 Recognise and identify factors that suggest that a patient is vulnerable, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 1, Point 7 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
015 Use information effectively and safely in a medical context, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 2, Point 19 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
016 Demonstrate how patient care is delivered in the health service, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 3, Point 20 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
017 Recognise there are differences in healthcare systems across the four nations of the UK, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 3, Point 21 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
018 Apply scientific method and approaches to medical research, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 3, Point 26 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
019 Behave in accordance with Good Medical Practice (General Medical Council) making care of patients their first concern, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 1, Point 1 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
020 Behave according to ethical and professional principles, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 1, Point 2 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
021 Demonstrate awareness of the importance of their personal physical and mental wellbeing, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 1, Point 3 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
022 Demonstrate knowledge of the legal framework of medicine, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 1, Point 4 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
023 Demonstrate that they can practise safely and improve care, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 1, Point 5 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
024 Ecognise complexity and uncertainty, learning to manage these situations as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 1, Point 6 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
025 Recognise the role of doctors in contributing to the management and leadership of the health service, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 1, Point 8 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT
026 Learn and work effectively within a multi-professional team, as appropriate for this level of study (Outcome 1, Point 9 in Outcomes for Graduates (General Medical Council) 2018). KCPT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

The programme aims to provide a research and clinical-rich environment that will enable the student to develop into an outstanding medical graduate who is confident and competent to practice in the health service in accordance with the GMC’s Good Medical Practice (2019). The Surrey programme will have particular emphasis on interprofessional and interdisciplinary learning, the application of digital innovation in the health environment together with mental health and wellbeing in society. Our graduates will be prepared for lifelong learning, reflective practice, and prepared to make an effective contribution to continuous quality improvement in the National Health Service (NHS). By the end of the programme our graduates will have achieved/gained:

 

• Core skills and knowledge to fulfil the role of a Foundation Year 1 Doctor within the NHS

• Training and education as approved by the General Medical Council

• Competence in clinical skills

• Critical and analytical powers in relation to medicine

• Personal and professional skills

• Transferable skills for lifelong learning and a career in medicine

• Opportunities for multidisciplinary learning

• Communication and team-working skills

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MED3001

Other information

In this second year-long module of the spiral curriculum all five pillars are developed as appropriate for the level of study. Examples of the Learning objectives, methods of teaching/learning and assessment which incorporate each of the pillars are listed below.

Digital capabilities: the module will incorporate further application of technology enhanced learning opportunities, supplementing those established in year 1 of the programme. During the clinical pathways placements students will experience the application of digital innovation in the health environment, including remote consultation. They will learn how digitalised patient record systems are used in hospitals (LO15). Their learning about surgical techniques will be supported by further engagement with the Minimal Access Training and Therapy Unit (MATTU) which has an international reputation for laparoscopic surgical techniques and CT post-mortems. In their small study groups, learning will be supported by video masterclasses, internet resources and further clinical skills development in the Surrey Clinical Simulation Centre (SC2). Students will use their electronic portfolio to build their portfolio of clinical cases, workplace-based assessments and procedural skills.

Sustainability: students will develop their understanding of safe clinical practice and service improvement, (LO 23) in their core clinical pathway learning and the Special Study Unit (SSU) which has a theme of improving healthcare and research as these relate to modern clinical practice.

Employability: during this module students experiencing a wide range of hospital and community placements will become proficient in carrying out an effective consultation (LO 6) and demonstrate the professional behaviour expected of a medical student (LO19, 20). The clinical pathways will also give them the opportunity to understand how multi-professional teams work in the NHS (LO26)

Global and Cultural Capabilities: students will develop the skills and attitudes required to address health inequalities and perform advocacy roles (LO4)

Resourcefulness and Resilience: the Research SSU will require students to locate and critically evaluate evidence to support conclusions, with a developing ability to review the reliability, validity, significance and generation of this evidence (LO18). Students will be supported in further development in reflective practice, time-management and giving and receiving feedback (LO21).

Additional Costs:

Students should expect to purchase some equipment during their studies, in addition to standard living costs and books, stationery and travel to University. Travel expenses for students attending clinical placements, that are over and above their usual commute to the University, will be reimbursed by the University. Many textbooks are accessible to students online, with free access provided by the University.

Included in fees? No

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS(YEAR LONG) Year-long Compulsory A pass as determined by the relevant criteria is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.