MED-30003 - Module Specification
School of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completion of MED-30002

Barred Combinations

none

Description for 2026/27

In this module (Phase3, year 5) students undertake student assistantship placements
(https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/gmc-site/education/downloads/guidance/guidance-on-undergraduate-clinical-placements.pdf) in primary care placements (10 weeks) and secondary care (20 weeks) based across North Staffordshire, Shropshire & Mid-Wales and Mid/South Staffordshire. This is followed by an assessment week where students complete the Medical Licensing Assessment - Clinical, Professional skills assessment (MLA-CPSA). Students them complete an 8 week student-organised elective placement in either the UK or overseas. Finally, students attend a peer-to-peer learning event: Student Elective Presentation Week, where they present their elective projects.

Phase 3 (Year 5) of the programme marks the culmination of the MBChB and the transition towards independent clinical practice. Building on the integrated and spiral curriculum that guided development throughout the course, the year 5 ASSISTANTSHIP is designed to consolidate clinical knowledge, refine professional skills, provide opportunity to refine and apply professional values in clinical practice to prepare year 5 students to meet the responsibilities of a newly qualified doctor.
Throughout Year 5, students engage deeply with the realities of clinical care across diverse settings, including acute, community, and specialist environments.
The curriculum emphasises the application of clinical reasoning, decision-making, and person-centred care in increasingly complex and uncertain scenarios. Year 5 students are expected to demonstrate compassionate professionalism, ethical integrity, and a commitment to patient safety, while managing the demands of real-world healthcare delivery.
A key focus of Phase 3 is the development of leadership, teamwork, and quality improvement capabilities. Year 5 work within multidisciplinary teams, contribute to clinical governance, and participate in activities that promote safe, effective, and equitable care. The programme also supports growth in self-awareness and resilience, recognising the importance of wellbeing and reflective practice in sustaining a long and fulfilling career. Year 5 aligns closely with the General Medical Council’s Outcomes for Graduates (2018), ensuring that you are equipped to:
1) Communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and colleagues.
2) Make sound clinical judgements and manage medical emergencies.
3) Prescribe safely and appropriately.
4) Uphold legal, ethical, and professional standards.
5) Safeguard vulnerable patients and promote inclusive care.
6) Lead and collaborate within healthcare teams.
7) Engage in lifelong learning and professional development.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Document with ILOS:
https://keeleacuk.sharepoint.com/:x:/s/FMHS-SchoolofMedicine/IQBWr6WLQ1qITZ5c6Io9YfmSAc1r59QLmiimEArzsWfjkqk?e=dJeGCL: 1,2

Study hours

By year 5 of the MBChB a student will be in placement and studying full time. (37 hours a week)
Contact time:
Lectures, seminars and workshops: 133
Directed and self-directed clinical work (assistantship) and elective: 1145
Independent study: 276

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment