Getting started on the MBChB medical programme
Welcome checklist
There is a lot to take in before you start, so we’ve put together this checklist to help you keep track of the key information and actions on this site:
- Take a look at your programme Welcome Week timetable (available by Monday, 7 September 2026).
- Note the start date of the course and ensure you’ll be in Manchester.
- Work through your induction courses on Canvas (see Mandatory Induction Courses, below).
- Read the Hospital Allocation Policy.
- Read the Programme Student Agreement.
- If you are required to complete a DBS, take your ID to a post office to be verified.
- For health screening, ask your family doctor for a printed record of any vaccinations you have received.
What to expect from your first weeks on the MBChB
Our Medical Programme induction is incorporated into the first three weeks of the semester and is known as Introduction to Medicine. This period provides new students with an orientation and introduction to Manchester, the University, and all elements of the Programme, including Team-Based Learning (TBL), group-based activities, Lectures, Anatomy, Practical, Consultation Skills and Clinical Skills.
During Introduction to Medicine, you will meet your peers and the clinical and academic staff who will be teaching you, and you'll be introduced to the learning spaces you'll use over the next two years.
Welcome week
Once you get started on the programme you’ll be assigned to timetabled sessions and will be able to access a personalised timetable (see 'Your timetable' section further down the page for more details). Until then you can view a Programme Welcome Week timetable (note: this will be available by Monday, 7 September 2026):
We are hosting a range of exciting events in the School of Medical Sciences for Welcome Week:
- A Treasure trail designed to give you a tour of the campus and facilities you’ll be using while you’re here – with great prizes to be won!
- Guided tours – a walk around areas of interest to you, led by School of Medical Sciences students.
- Hub drop in sessions – come and have a chat, grab a cup of tea and a biscuit and a cosy chair. We have board games and mindful activities.
- Carnival in the Quad – Stopford Building has a lovely green garden. We’ll have some fun and games on for you to join in with prizes to be won.
We know that every student’s journey to university is different. That’s why the School is running a series of optional events to help you meet others who may share similar experiences. These sessions are informal, friendly, and a great opportunity to make connections before your programme begins. If any of the groups below sound relevant you, we’d love for you to join us:
- Students who live locally or commute to university
For students who aren’t moving into student accommodation and are either commuting or already living nearby. Friday, 18 September202 from 1pm-3pm - Sign up for this event. - Mature students
If you’re returning to education or balancing study with other responsibilities, this session is for you. Friday, 25 September 2026 from 10am-12pm - Sign up for this event. - International students
For students joining us from outside the UK - a chance to meet others, ask questions, and settle into life in Manchester. Friday, 25 September 2026 from 3pm-5pm - Sign up for this event.
Mandatory induction courses
There are a series of mandatory induction courses that all students entering the University are required to complete. We recommend you get these courses completed before you start as they are due for completion early in the semester.
You’ll be able to access them as soon as you’re logged in to Canvas. See more information about Canvas below.
How your course will be delivered
You'll be based mainly on campus, with opportunities to visit hospitals, GP practices and other healthcare settings across the North West.
You'll begin developing the skills and knowledge needed to become a doctor, combining classroom learning with early clinical experiences.
Teaching is centred around real patient cases, helping you understand how scientific knowledge connects to medical practice. You'll take part in lectures, small-group learning, themed case discussions and a wide range of practical sessions, including anatomy dissection, clinical skills and laboratory-based teaching.
You'll explore topics including human development, genetics, immunity, the heart and lungs, the brain and nervous system, mental health, nutrition and metabolism, while building the teamwork, communication and study skills that will prepare you for clinical placements from Year 3.
Your learning will take place primarily in clinical settings across Greater Manchester and the North West. Working alongside patients, NHS staff and experienced clinicians, you'll build your knowledge and confidence through a wide range of placements in hospitals, GP practices and community settings.
As you progress through the programme, you'll take on increasing responsibility and develop the skills needed to make the transition from medical student to Foundation Doctor.
Accessing online learning content
Canvas is the programme’s virtual learning environment – this is where you’ll find the learning materials throughout the programme. Once you’ve completed registration, you’ll find you can access Canvas through MyManchester
Your timetable
You will access your personalised timetable through 1Med.
The MBChB timetable is structured differently from other University programmes, so we use a bespoke timetable with more detailed, personalised information. We recommend using the 1Med timetable rather than MyManchester, as MyManchester may not show the full level of detail you need, or be as up to date as the 1Med timetable.
Please note that your full timetable will not be completely populated until Friday, 18 September 2026.
Course materials
You will be given a lab coat on Monday, 21 September 2026. Your timetable will show the time and location for collection.
You will use this lab coat throughout Years 1 and 2, and return it at the end of Year 2. You must wear it to enter the dissection room and physiology and pharmacology laboratories. If you arrive without your lab coat, you will not be admitted and will miss the session. If your lab coat is lost, you will be able to buy a replacement.
Student Information Hub
The School of Medical Sciences Student Information Hub is your one -top shop for any information you may need about your programme – from accessing support, to assessment information, key contacts, or the latest School news.
Important dates
The official start date for the programme is Monday, 21 September 2026.
This marks the beginning of key induction sessions, training, and teaching, so it’s important that you’re in Manchester and ready to attend your timetabled sessions from this date.
We understand, however, that some students may experience unavoidable delays, such as visa issues, that affect their arrival. If this applies to you, please don’t worry. Just get in touch with us as soon as possible via ug.medicine@manchester.ac.uk, and we’ll do our best to support you.
You’ll find university semester dates on the University website.
In Years 1 and 2, you will have enrichment weeks, which may include clinical visits and other learning opportunities outside your usual teaching timetable.
In Semester 1, enrichment weeks will take place on:
- 9 - 13 November 2026
- 14 - 18 December 2026
Your usual teaching sessions will not normally be scheduled during these weeks, giving you time to consolidate your learning.
Contact us
We’re here from 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday if you have any questions. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
- Tel: +44 (0)161 306 0460
- Email: sms.hub@manchester.ac.uk
- Visit: Stopford Student Hub & Library, 3rd Floor Stopford Building, Oxford Road, University of Manchester, M13 9PL
Follow us on social media
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/medicine_uom
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-university-of-manchester-medicine/
Other things to consider
Key dates
Check your semester dates.
Read more
Sign up with a GP
Register with local healthcare providers.
Read more
Sign up to a medical defence organisation
Consider the Medical Protection Society (MPS) or Medical Defence Union (MDU).