Teaching and learning
Get a unique experience as a medical undergraduate at Manchester with innovative teaching methods and a high-tech learning environment.
We use a wide range of learning techniques, but the key Manchester approach is the study of themed case discussions in small groups where you are a proactive learner.
This is supported throughout your course by lectures, practical classes (including anatomy and physiology skills) and clinical experience.
How you’ll learn
The course integrates science and clinical learning so you are able to apply scientific knowledge and concepts to your clinical practice.
At Manchester, you will use themed cases focused on real patients to achieve your learning outcomes for the week. You'll learn by combining independent study with numerous opportunities to learn from experts in their field, patients, and practicing doctors.
In Years 1 and 2 of our medicine (5 year) programme, themed cases are used as the basis for the Team-based learning (TBL) approach where you work in small teams to tackle tasks, solve problems and collaborate on a range of different exercises together.
- Video: More about team-based learning (YouTube)
In the Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) year of our 4-year pathway you will progress through learning weeks focused around a themed case using a problem-based learning (PBL) approach. The cases contextualise learning, to prepare you for the way in which doctors meet patients and their problems. The small group approach will develop your skills in collaborative group working while facilitating you to contribute expertise from your previous studies and life experience.
In the later years of our programmes, when based at our clinical education campuses, the themed-case approach continues. You will work through online material alongside your clinical placement activities which is then contextualised in face-to-face themed-case discussion (TCD) workshops aimed to support development of your clinical knowledge, communication and decision-making skills.
You'll attend sessions in the Consultation Skills Learning Centre (CSLC), where you can consult with 'simulated patients' played by actors and practice clinical skills on colleagues and our SimMan.
From the second semester onwards in years 1 and 2 of our Medicine (5 years) programme, you will gain hands-on experience of drugs and diagnostic methods in physiology and pharmacology lab-based sessions.
We offer the opportunity to study human anatomy, supported by experts, so you can learn first-hand how the human body works.
You’ll be able to apply the skills you learn at university to real situations as you begin to meet patients in general practice and in hospitals from your first year.
We organise several GP and hospital visits per semester to complement academic learning with real-world experiences.
From Year 3 of our 5 year programme and year 2 of Graduate Entry Medicine onwards, you’re assigned to a major teaching hospital. This is where you’ll gain most of your clinical experience. We have over 700 community placements throughout the North West, including central Manchester, Lancashire and Wigan.
You can explore topics that interest you in greater depth through personalised course units.
You’ll be provided with an iPad to help your learning and give you easy access to reference material in clinical settings.
Learn from experts
Manchester has a wealth of expertise in medical education, as well as clinical, biological and behavioural science research. Our teaching is supported by NHS clinicians who are experts in their clinical area and provide an active learning environment.
Our own academics are strongly committed to quality medical education, with many of our experts previously awarded National Teaching Fellowships.