Getting started on the MBChB (Graduate Entry) 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: 

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 September 2026 from 1pm-3pm - Sign up for this event.
  • Neuodivergent studentsA welcoming event for neurodivergent School of Medical Sciences students to connect with one another. Tuesday, 22 September from 12pm-2pm - 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 our Oxford Road campus, with opportunities to visit hospitals, GP practices and other healthcare settings across the North West. As a graduate entrant, you'll study an accelerated first year that combines the core foundations of medicine with early clinical experience, drawing on the knowledge and skills you've already developed through previous study and experience. 

Teaching is centred around real patient cases and problem-based learning, helping you understand how scientific knowledge connects to medical practice. You'll take part in lectures, seminars, small-group discussions, anatomy teaching, clinical skills sessions and simulation-based learning. Alongside developing your understanding of the human body, health and disease, you'll build the critical thinking, teamwork and professional skills needed to move directly into clinical placements. 

As you move into your second year on the programme you will be joining year 3 of the five-year programme.  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 Medicine 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. 

Course materials  

You will be given a lab coat on Monday 21 September. Your timetable will show the time and location for collection. 

You will use this lab coat throughout your first year and will be expected to return it next summer. 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 stop shop for any information you may need about your programme – from accessing support, to assessment information, key contacts, or latest school news.

Important dates 

Start Date – when do you need to get here?  

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 at ug.medicine@manchester.ac.uk, and we’ll do our best to support you. 

Semester dates  

You’ll find university semester dates here: Key dates at The University of Manchester 

Contact us 

We’re here Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm if you have any questions.  We’re looking forward to hearing from you. 

  • Tel: +44 (0)161 306 0460 
  • Visit: Stopford Student Hub & Library, 3rd Floor Stopford Building, Oxford Road, University of Manchester, M13 9PL 

Follow us on Socials: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medicine_uom  

LinkedIn: https://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).