Overview

The approved programmes of study for the conjoint degrees of MB, BCh, BAO extend over a period of not less than five academic years from the date of registration for First Medicine; they must be pursued in a Constituent University or in some other institution whose programmes and standards are judged equivalent by the College of Medicine and Health. The Final Medical Examination for these degrees must not be completed before the end of the Fifth Medical Year.

At least three academic years must intervene between the date of passing the Second University Examination in Medicine and that of completion of the Final Examination.

Medical School Student Declaration

All students are required to sign an annual Medical School Student Declaration confirming their understanding of and compliance with the rules and policies of the University, College and School, and professional guidance issued by the Health Service Executive, Medical Council of Ireland and other relevant bodies. 

Student Vetting

Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer, on this programme will be subject to Garda Vetting as relevant. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been cleared. Click here to view UCC's Student Vetting Policy and Procedure.

Fitness to Practise

Commencing with the 2013/2014 intake of first year students (including repeats), this programme will be subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy - full details may be found here.

Clinical Placement Contribution

(for students entering First Year from 2021/22 onwards)

EU / EEA students admitted to CK701 and CK791 from Autumn 2021 will be required to make a Clinical Placement Contribution in years 3, 4 and 5 of this Medicine programme [CK701] and in years 2, 3 and 4 of the Graduate Entry Medicine programme [CK791]. This contribution is required to support clinical placement expenses. Payment will be made via the University fee payment process on an annual basis. Failure to make payment on time will limit or remove access to teaching at the clinical sites, until payment is received. The annual sum is €750.00.

For students who pay International / non-EU fees, this contribution is not a separate payment and is incorporated into the fee structure.

Oral Examinations

Many modules of the MB, BCh, BAO programme have provision for Oral Examinations following Written Examinations. Students should note:

• All students of the UCC School of Medicine are bound to inform themselves of the mechanism for release of oral lists, and of the day/time/location of their own oral examination.
• All students of the UCC School of Medicine are reminded that they are expected to stay in Cork until the examination session is over, so that they are available for the examinations if required.
• The Deputy President and Registrar has administrative responsibility for the academic affairs of the University including Student Examinations. All oral lists will therefore be reported to the Registrar's Office. Individual departments according to departmental procedures will also display a copy of the oral list. Oral lists will be published by Student Number (and not Student Name) where possible.

Internship Posts

Following successful completion of the Final Medical Examination, and subsequent graduation, Medical students are required to complete one year of Internship training in order to achieve registration with the Irish Medical Council. Medical students should note the following:

• A single, national matching system for interns has now been implemented. All applicants for internship in Ireland must complete a single application form, and will apply directly to the HSE in time to meet specified deadlines each year. It should be noted that the HSE deadlines for the application process must be adhered to rigorously.
• The School of Medicine works closely with the HSE in facilitating this national matching process.
• All graduates of EU Medical Schools recognised by the Irish Medical Council are eligible to apply to participate in the Internship Matching programme; however, applicants should note that the Internship Matching programme may not result in the allocation of posts to all applicants. Medical students should understand that in applying for Intern posts, they are competing for jobs in an open jobs market.
• The employer of Interns is the relevant Health Services Executive and, therefore, all queries in relation to contracts, working/holiday time, work permits etc. must be directed to the relevant agents of the HSE hospital.
• The Health Services Executive manages funding of Internship posts, and the availability of posts may change suddenly depending on availability of funding.
• All students are strongly advised to fully appraise themselves of intern matching regulations in all jurisdictions where they may be considering to apply for employment, noting deadlines in some jurisdictions may be more than one year before the commencement of employment.
• Internships undertaken outside the State, including outside the EU, can only be considered by the Irish Medical Council retrospectively for purposes of gaining a Certificate of Experience for subsequent registration with the Irish Medical Council. It will therefore be the experience of the intern in a post, rather than the post itself, that the Medical Council will be assessing for registration purposes, at the end of the period of internship. Graduates intending to pursue internship abroad should consult with the Medical Council in advance, to ensure that their intern year offers appropriate experience that will support their application for registration.
• Regulations may change. It is important that students are fully aware of the regulations in operation relating to their application.

Exemption Requests

As integrated modules are in place within the Medical curriculum, exemptions will not be available in years one, two and three unless the Programme Director is satisfied that all or a substantive proportion of the specific module is completed successfully. Requests will be considered on a case by case basis.

Students requesting exemptions from modules previously attended and passed must apply to do so to the College of Medicine and Health (via the Medical School) not later than four weeks after the start of the academic year, that is on or before the third Friday in October.

Attendance

Full attendance is required at all scheduled teaching activities in all modules, including at clinical placement. This applies to all years of study. Where this does not occur, students will be expected to satisfactorily explain and support with evidence (e.g. medical illness certificates, explanation of other mitigating circumstances causing non-attendance) all absences and this must be considered acceptable by the relevant module coordinator(s) and Dean of the School of Medicine. Unavoidable planned absence must be discussed and agreed with each module coordinator(s) of affected module(s) in advance. Each situation will be assessed on an individual basis. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a student being deemed not to have fulfilled the requirements for entry to the subsequent examination. These regulations apply also to students who are studying for the qualifications of some other licensing body. The Deputy President and Registrar, UCC will certify whether or not the student's attendance has been satisfactory on the basis of recommendations from the Dean of the School of Medicine.

Student Leave of Absence

Students intending to take leave of absence of a year or more must make application to the Dean of the School of Medicine and to the Deputy President and Registrar not later than March of the preceding academic year. Permission will only be given for specific reasons which will be considered in each case by the School's Executive/Heads of Department.

Regulations for the Degrees of MB, BCh, BAO

Each subject consists of modules which are measured in terms of credits. A module may correspond to 5, 10, 15 or 20 credits. One year of a degree programme consists of modules to a total value of 60 credits. Module descriptions are contained in the Book of Modules.

First Year - Medicine

In order to be admitted to the First University Examination in Medicine, a student must have satisfactorily attended (i.e. the First Year), subsequent to entry to the College of Medicine and Health, prescribed modules amounting to 60 credits.

Second Year - Medicine

No student may enter the Second Medical Year until he/she has passed the First University Examination in Medicine. In order to be admitted to the Second University Examination in Medicine, a student must have satisfactorily attended, subsequent to registration for the Second Medical Year, prescribed modules amounting to 60 credits.

Second Year - Second University Examination in Medicine

(Advanced Entry to Medicine for Dental Graduates)

Dental graduates wishing to be considered for admission to Medicine beyond First Year should apply for Advanced Entry Transfer. Applications will be made via the UCC Apply portal. Late applications cannot be considered. For opening and closing dates, and application information, please see Advanced Entry Transfer. Dental graduates wishing to be considered for admission to Medicine beyond First Year must provide a demonstrated intention of following a career in Oral Medicine and Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery including successful completion of both parts of the MFD or MFDS. No student may enter the Second Medical Year (Special Entry) until he/she has obtained the BDS Degree (or equivalent). In order to be admitted to the Second Medical Examination, a student must have satisfactorily pursued, subsequent to registration for the Second Medical Year, prescribed modules to the value of 60 credits.

• HC2002 Person, Culture and Society II 10 credits
• CP2004 Clinical Science and Practice (for Dental Graduates)  10 credits
• FM2004 Foundations of Medicine: Mechanisms of Disease 10 credits
• FM2006 Foundations in Medicine for Dental Graduates 1 5 credits
• FM2007 Foundations in Medicine for Dental Graduates 2 5 credits
• FM2101 Foundations of Medicine: Neuroscience 10 credits
• FM2102 Bone Metabolism, Renal Mechanisms of Homeostasis and Associated Anatomy 10 credits
• Total Credits 60

Third Year - Medicine

No student may enter the Third Medical Year until he/she has passed the Second University Examination in Medicine. In order to be admitted to the Third University Examination in Medicine, a student must have satisfactorily attended, subsequent to registration for the Third Medical Year, prescribed modules amounting to 60 credits.

Clinical Courses

Satisfactory attendance at all scheduled teaching and learning activities is mandatory. In relation to clinical rotations students must attend all scheduled activities but must also attend all relevant clinical activities as directed by the relevant module coordinators and supervising clinicians.

BMedSc Degree

Students who have successfully completed the Third University Examination in Medicine at the Summer and/or Autumn Examination and who do not wish to continue with their Medical studies are eligible to exit the MB, BCh, BAO programme with a BMedSc (Ordinary) Degree (NFQ Level 7, Major Award).

Students who have passed the Third University Examination in Medicine, and who subsequently fail either the Fourth University Examination or Final Medicine Examination are also eligible to exit with the award of a BMedSc (Ordinary) Degree (NFQ Level 7, Major Award).

Intercalated BSc Degree

Students who have completed Third Year of the undergraduate Medical Degree programme may be entitled to follow the programme for an Intercalated BSc Degree in the disciplines of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology or Pathology.

Fourth Year - Medicine

No student may enter the Fourth Medical Year until he/she has passed the Third University Examination in Medicine. In order to be admitted to the Fourth University Examination in Medicine, a student must have satisfactorily completed, subsequent to registration for the Fourth Medical Year, prescribed modules amounting to 60 credits.

Fifth Year - Medicine

No student may enter the Fifth Medical Year until he/she has passed the Fourth University Examination in Medicine. In order to be admitted to the MB, BCh, BAO Degree Examination, a student must have satisfactorily completed, subsequent to registration for the Fifth Medical Year, prescribed modules amounting to 60 credits.

Approved Elective

Approved Elective: As part of module MX5091, students, during the Summer recess between the Fourth and Final Medical Years, are required to spend a minimum of four weeks in a clinical, laboratory or research area of the student's choice. All electives must be approved by the Dean of the Medical School prior to the elective.

The Fifth University Examination in Medicine will be held at the end of the Fifth Year (i.e. April) in the modules MX5091,CP5100, CP5200, CP5300, CP5400, CP5500. A Final Medical Project must also be completed and presented during the Final Medical Year. A Supplemental Final Medical Examination, if required, will be held in Winter. Candidates rejected or absent in any of the modules of the Final Medical Examination must, before being re-admitted to the Examination, produce satisfactory evidence that they have, during the interval, pursued the study of such modules.

Students failing final year modules amounting to 20 credits or less in the Summer examination will be entitled to repeat the examination(s) in the Winter. The requirements to complete additional clinical attachments as outlined by the School and stated in the modules is essential for eligibility to re-sit the examination. These attachments will be arranged by the School and will not be altered unless in the event of exceptional circumstances arising. In general, students will be requested to join standard School clinical attachments, rather than to undertake specially arranged attachments.

Students failing modules totalling >20 credits will be entitled to re-sit the failed modules no sooner than the following Summer examination period. Such students will be required to repeat the allotted clinical attachments required in each of the failed modules. The module coordinator and School will set the schedule of attachments and this will not be altered unless in the event of exceptional circumstances. Efforts will be made to accommodate students' requests within the framework of the standard school clinical attachments within reason.

Note: Immediately after graduation, medical graduates are strongly urged to join a medical indemnity organisation.

Recognised Teaching Hospitals for Medical Students

• Bantry General Hospital, Co. Cork
• Bon Secours Hospital, Cork
• Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee
• Cork University Hospital, Cork
• Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork
• Mallow General Hospital, Mallow, Co. Cork
• Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Cork
• Mercy University Hospital, Cork
• South Infirmary - Victoria University Hospital, Cork
• South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
• St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork
• St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Cork
• St. Stephen's Hospital, Sarsfield's Court, Cork
• The Mater Private Hospital, Cork
• University Hospital Kerry, Tralee, Co. Kerry
• University Hospital Waterford, Co. Waterford

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Year 1
Students take 60 credits as follows – all listed core modules (55 credits) and 5 credits of elective modules:
Core Modules
HC1002	Person, Culture and Society I	5
CP1010	Clinical Science and Practice 1	10
FM1010	Foundations of Medicine 1 - Introductory Human Biology	15
FM1020	Foundations of Medicine 2 - Cardiovascular Biology	5
FM1030	Foundations of Medicine 3 - Respiratory Biology and Metabolism	10
FM1040	Foundations of Medicine 4 - Gastrointestinal, Nutritional and Metabolic Biology	10
Elective Modules
Students take 5 credits from the following:		5
EH1090	Epidemiology Elective I (5)
FR1106	Threshold French II (5)
HS1094	Spanish Language for First Year Medical Students (Beginner Level) (5)
IT1171	Italian Language for Medical Studies (Beginner Level) (5)
LC0001	Medical English (5)
MX1001	Library Project in Medicine I (5)
MX1006	Student Directed Special Study Module in Medicine (5)
MX1007	Special Study Module: Advanced Irish Language (5)
MX1009	History of Medicine (5)
UW0092	Science in Society for Medicine (available to MB, BCH, BAO students only) (5)
Year 2
Students take 60 credits as follows – all listed core modules (55 credits) and 5 credits of elective modules:
Core Modules
HC2002	Person, Culture and Society II	10
CP2001	Clinical Science and Practice II	10
FM2003	Foundations of Medicine: Medical Pharmacology	5
FM2004	Foundations of Medicine: Mechanisms of Disease	10
FM2101	Foundations of Medicine: Neuroscience	10
FM2102	Bone Metabolism, Renal Mechanisms of Homeostasis and Associated Anatomy	10
Elective Modules
Students take 5 credits from the following, not already chosen in a previous year:		5
AN2062	Human Embryology and Developmental Anatomy (5)
FR2106	Towards Vantage French II (5)
HS1092	Spanish Language for Second Year Medical Students (Beginner Level) (5)
MX1004	Introducing Medical Students to Irish as a Spoken Language (5)
MX2002	Library Project in Medicine II (5)
MX2006	Student Directed Special Study Module in Medicine (5)
MX2008	Medical Research Project (5)
MX2009	Advanced Irish Language II (5)
MX2010	Visual Culture and Medicine (5)
ST1001	Introduction to Health Statistics (5)
Year 3
Students take 60 credits as follows – all listed core modules (55 credits) and 5 credits of elective modules:
Core Modules
CP3003	Clinical Science and Practice III	5
CP3005	Clinical Science and Practice IV	15
CP3105	Clinical Science and Practice V	5
FM3003	Foundations of Medicine: Fundamentals of Therapy	10
FM3005	Foundations of Medicine: Manifestations of Disease	10
HC3008	Epidemiology for Evidence Based Healthcare	5
MX3021	Evidence-based Practice and Quality Improvement (Replacing MX3020)	5
Elective Modules
Students take 5 credits from the following, not already chosen in a previous year:		5
AN3000	Advanced Anatomical Skills (5)
DR3037	Drama for Medicine (5)
IP3008	Palliative Care: An Interdisciplinary Approach (5)
IS3101	Health Information Systems and e-Health (5)
MX3001	Maritime Medicine (5)
MX3005	Creative Writing for Medical Students (5)
MX3006	Student Selected Special Study Module in Medicine (5)
MX3009	Leadership and Teamwork in Medicine (5)
MX3011	Malnutrition and Nutrition Support (5)
MX3015	Psychological Medicine (5)
MX3016	Teaching and Learning in Medicine (5)
MX3017	Preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 (5)
MX3022	Research for Medicine and Health (5)
PM3090	Genetic Research in Human Disease (5)
Year 4
Students take 60 credits as follows:
Core Modules
HC4005	Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science	10
HC4006	Behavioural Medicine and Patient Safety	5
CP4003	Reproduction, Pregnancy, Child Health and Development	15
CP4006	Fundamentals of Adult Disease	15
CP4007	Fundamentals of Otolaryngology, Dermatology and Ophthalmology	5
FM4005	Forensic Medicine/Pathology and the Coroner's Court	5
MX4091	Research for Medicine and Health ll	5
Year 5
Students take 60 credits as follows:
Core Modules
CP5100	Principles and Practice of Surgery	10
CP5200	Principles and Practice of Internal Medicine and General Practice	20
CP5300	Principles and Practice of Paediatrics and Child Health	10
CP5400	Principles and Practices of Obstetrics and Gynaecology	10
CP5500	Preparedness for Professional Practice	5
MX5091	Research Project and Elective Practice	5
Total Credits		300

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MB, BCh, BAO Degrees (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

1
1-1
Diagnose, explain, and manage health problems in a range of clinical settings using the current scientific principles, knowledge and understanding that underpin medicine whilst demonstrating a sound knowledge of the biological, social and psychological basis of health and disease in local, national and global contexts.
1-2
2
Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, carers, colleagues and society in all relevant media necessary to provide high quality, scientific and multidisciplinary patient care.
1-3
3
Perform a range of clinical skills and procedures safely, reliably, unsupervised and to the standard of a preregistration doctor.
1-4
4
Identify, evaluate and apply evidence to their practice of medicine whilst demonstrating an understanding of how such knowledge is created, shaped, appraised and shared and avail of all appropriate opportunities to contribute to the evidence base by engaging in valid and ethical research.
1-5
5
Apply their knowledge of the ethical, regulatory and legal framework within which they operate to their practice of medicine whilst recognising the roles and contribution of other healthcare professionals to the provision of high quality, holistic patient care.
1-6
6
Provide the highest levels of ethical, rational and humane care to all patients they encounter in clinical and scientific practice whilst managing effectively the resources available to them.
1-7
7
Apply effectively principles of advocacy and knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention at individual and population level to their practice of medicine.
1-8
8
Manage their own personal development as responsive and reflective practitioners and demonstrate an ability to contribute effectively to the professional development of others.
1-9
9
Articulate and exemplify the specific roles, responsibilities and contribution of the doctor in the healthcare team and provide clinical, administrative and intellectual leadership in the quest to deliver excellence as a value and standard in health care.
10
10-1
Enter postgraduate medical training, meeting the health needs of the communities and health systems which they serve, under appropriate supervision.

*** Only for Incoming First Years and Repeat First Years 2024/2025 ***
*** Click here for Marks and Standards for all other years ***

Marks and Standards

These Marks and Standards should be read in conjunction with the Programme Requirements and the Book of Modules.

Fitness to Practise

All students on programmes subject to Fitness to Practise in UCC will be required to comply with the Fitness to Practise Policy and meet the relevant Fitness to Practise standards, in order to progress to the next year of his/her/their programme. Click here for a list of programmes subject to the Fitness to Practise Policy.

Marks and Credits

Students are required to take modules to the value of 60 credits.
Total Marks for year: 1200.

First Year - Pass and Progression Criteria

To pass first year and progress to second year, students must have satisfied the Fitness to Practise requirements and must achieve:

1. An aggregate mark of 50% across all modules,
2. A pass mark in each of the following modules: HC1002, CP1010, FM1010, FM1020, FM1030, and FM1040, and
3. A module mark of at least 45% in the remaining elective module.

Pass by Compensation: Students who satisfy each of the above criteria are allowed to compensate in the 5 credit elective module and pass the year overall.

Award of Honours in the Degree Award

An honours classification is awarded for the final degree using the final year examination results and marks carried forward from the penultimate year. The aggregate of 33.33% of the penultimate year marks plus 66.67% of the final year marks will be used to calculate the final degree award.

Honours will be awarded as follows:

1. First Class Honours: ≥ 70%
2. Second Class Honours, Grade I: ≥ 60% and <70%
3. Second Class Honours, Grade II: ≥ 55% and <60%
4. Pass: ≥ 50% and <55%

Examination Boards

• Provisional marks for Semester 1 examinations are released in January/February of each year. These marks are subject to approval at the University Examination Board.
• Marks for all modules taken in Semester 1 and 2, including those wholly assessed by Continuous Assessment, will be presented to the University Examination Board at the end of Semester 2.

Supplemental Examinations and Assessment

• Students who fail to achieve the progression standard for the year at the Summer Examination Board must complete Supplemental Examinations and/or Continuous Assessment for those specific module(s), where there is provision to do so.
• Please refer to the Book of Modules for requirements governing the Supplemental Examination and Assessment for individual modules. Note: For some modules there is no Supplemental Examination and Assessment.
• The marks achieved in the Supplemental Examinations and/or Continuous Assessment of a repeat module are considered at the Autumn Examination Board.
• The actual mark achieved by the candidate in the Supplemental or Repeat Year Examination will be recorded on the student record (Academic Transcript).
• The maximum mark that will be taken into account for aggregation and progression purposes is a pass level, unless the student has been granted a cap waiver or deferral by the University Mitigation Committee, or a University Examination Board, or has been approved to defer the previous attempt by the University Mitigation Committee.
• At the Autumn Examination Board, marks from all passed modules approved at the Summer Examination Board are carried forward and are combined with the marks achieved in Supplemental Examinations and/or Assessments. The pass and progression criteria are applied to the aggregate mark achieved.

Note: The mark achieved at the last examination/assessment attempt is the mark that is included in the calculation of the aggregate mark for pass and progression purposes.

Exemptions

All passed modules carry an exemption, which is limited to a period of five academic years (or two in the case of Computer Science modules) subsequent to the award of the exemption.

Repeat Year Examinations

Students retain module exemptions, if any, and must repeat all failed/absent modules, including those modules where the failing mark previously achieved was greater than the level of compensation (≥ 45%) but who failed to achieve the progression standard for the year (see above). The pass and progression criteria are then applied to the combination of full marks achieved in modules passed at the first attempt, plus capped marks achieved in modules in the Repeat Year Examinations.​

Note: For students selecting different modules not previously taken, there are no restrictions on the marks awarded for those modules at the first attempt in a repeat year. The selection of different modules by the student means that the student foregoes any previous marks achieved in the original modules (including previously passed modules).

Two Year Rule

Students must pass/progress within two academic years of the date of first registration for a year, otherwise they cannot continue in the programme. Students of Medicine are allowed to repeat a year after failing a re-sit examination only twice during their studies in University College Cork. Students of Medicine are not allowed two repeat years within the first three years of the programme. Therefore, students must complete the first three years of study within a maximum of four years (that is a maximum of one repeat year is allowed in the first three years). Furthermore, students must complete their studies within seven years of registering for the First Medical Year. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the College of Medicine and Health only for very serious reasons.

Terms and Definitions

Programme Description

• The programme description is outlined in the Programme Requirements tab.

Module Descriptions/Assessment

• Module descriptions, including the pass standard for a module, special requirements to pass a module, and assessment elements and their weightings, are contained in the Book of Modules.

Marks and Credits

• A maximum of 100 marks may be awarded for every five credits of a programme.
• Some modules are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis only, i.e. marks are not awarded.

Pass and Progression

• Progression is defined as the permission granted to a student to register in the subsequent academic year for the next set of modules within his/her/their programme of study.
• Compensation is defined as the process by which a student, who fails to satisfy some of the regulations for credit in a specific module, is nevertheless recommended for credit to be awarded on the grounds that the failure is offset by his/her/their performance in the other modules on his/her/their programme of study.