Medical Sciences (Pre-Med) Certificate of Higher Education - CertHE

The University of Buckingham is:
• Home of the two-year degree, the University of Buckingham, based in the South East of England, is ranked 6th for Student Satisfaction in the UK (National Student Survey, 2020).



• We are proudly independent and not-for-profit, and offer courses in Allied Health, Business, Computing, Education, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Psychology and Security and Intelligence. We are one of the few universities in the UK that offer September and January start dates for almost all of our courses.



• Based in Buckingham on a riverside campus, we are only 20 minutes’ from Milton Keynes central station and a short drive from Bicester, Aylesbury, Banbury and Northampton. There is free parking on-site and we are within easy reach of London and Oxford.



• Our award-winning small class tutorials ensure every student is known by name and supported throughout their studies, including by dedicated personal tutors.



• As pioneers of the two-year degree, we offer a condensed version of the traditional three-year degree, meaning you can gain a full honours degree and complete your studies a whole year earlier. Alternatively, you can complete both your undergraduate and master’s degree with us in just three years: saving you time and money.



The CertHE Medical Sciences Pre-Med (1-year) is a unique programme awarding graduates of this course a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE.) in Medical Science qualification. The Pre-Med has been developed for students that wish to enhance their application to medical or dental school.


Biomedical science focuses on how cells, organs and metabolic systems function in the human body. Through this understanding of health and disease processes, new treatments and therapies can be created or developed, which makes it a very dynamic and exciting field of study.

As part of our standard Quality Assurance cycle, The University of Buckingham is conducting a review of the CertHE Medical Sciences curriculum. This process may lead to updates in the curriculum for September 2025, which could differ from the current published version. We aim to provide you with the updated details as soon as possible.

Key benefits
• Core modules are taught from a clinical perspective which provides students with the theory and experience to make the transition to medical or dental school.



• Our teaching strategy promotes student centred learning with a focus on small tutorials and workshops rather than large lecture based programmes.



• Students who are on track to achieve at least 70% on the 1-year Pre-Med will be eligible to apply directly onto the University of Buckingham MB ChB Medicine course without needing to complete further interviews and assessments as a part of the selection process.



• Part of the Pre Med selection criteria is the successful completion of an MMI. Completing this prior to joining the programme therefore makes your application to our MB ChB an uncomplicated and streamlined process.



The programme is taught using a range of teaching methodologies such as lectures, small group tutorial sessions, problem-based learning, one-to-one personal tutoring, seminars, practicals and personal assessments.

Level 4 modules (October-June, or January-September)
• Professional Values and Behaviour



• Molecular Cell Biology



• Brain, Muscle and Coordination



• Gut, Hormones and Metabolism



• Circulation and Fluid Balance



• Matter and Energy in Medicine