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Doctor of Medicine MD

Most students complete this programme in 5 years part-time

Students will present a thesis completed while employed, or they will submit published work embodying research in some aspect of Medicine.

Department of Health

Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 5 years. You cannot take less than 6 months to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 8 years.

You can start this programme in September or October.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

  1. Registration
  2. Induction
  3. Candidature
  4. Confirmation
  5. Research
  6. Writing up
  7. Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
  8. Submission for examination
  9. Examination (Viva Voce)
  10. Examiners report
  11. Final submission of thesis / portfolio
  12. Graduation

Programme content

Learning

  • Doctoral skills online
  • Research project
  • Supervisory team

Research content

There are three different pathways that can be taken to complete the Doctor of Medicine programme:

  • carrying out work during the 5 years of taking the course
  • publishing work previously completed
  • collating a series of papers previously published.

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our MyDoctoralDevelopment workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment

Assessment methods

  • Thesis
  • Viva Voce

Assessment description

Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis.

The final stage of the MD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

Applicants must hold a qualification which is formally recognised for registration by the General Medical Council of the UK, such as a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree or the equivalent.

Professional requirements

Students should have been engaged for at least two years in an appropriate clinical or research setting in one or more hospitals or institutions approved by the appropriate Board of Studies and have completed the majority of the work for the degree during that employment.

English Language requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to meet the minimum English language requirements before you can start your course.

You’ll need to provide us with a valid result in an approved English language test, for example:

  • Duolingo: 130 overall with sub scores of Speaking 120, Writing 130, Reading 120, Listening 115
  • Academic IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any component
  • TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken before 21 January 2026): 100 overall with no less than 24 in any element
  • TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken after 20 January 2026): 5.0 overall with no less than 4.5 in any component

See the required scores for all the English language tests we accept.

You must have taken your English language qualification within 24 months of your course start date.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you might be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

You don't normally need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency if:

  • you're a UK national
  • you're a national of a majority English-speaking country, as recognised by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and you’ve lived and been educated in that country for a significant period
  • you hold a degree taught in English awarded within two years of your course start date

References

Two references are required. At least one of these should be an academic reference from your most recent place of study.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Doctor of Medicine MD

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

Extra costs

Some PhD projects may necessitate payment of a Training Support Fee (sometimes known as a Bench Fee) in addition to tuition fees. Your intended PhD project supervisor will be able to advise if this will apply to your intended PhD project.

Find out more about Training Support Fees (TSF)

How to pay

Funding options

To explore funding options, please see the The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Paying your tuition fees

Application information

Applicant profile

Application guidance:

Before you apply, it is essential that you identify a University of Bath academic staff member whose research interests align with yours and who is available and willing to act as your lead supervisor.

Selection process

When your application is received, it will be forwarded to your intended supervisor(s). If they are interested in pursuing your application, they will ask the Doctoral Admissions team to review your application. This will include assessing your tuition fee status, checking that your application is complete and confirming that you meet the minimum entry criteria as quoted in the ‘Entry requirements’ section above.

The outcome of the Doctoral Admissions team review will be sent to your intended supervisor(s) who will then decide if they wish to invite you to interview. Interviews will typically be conducted in person (if practical) or online by the prospective supervisor(s) and an independent member of academic staff or the Director of Studies.

It is important to remember that places are competitively awarded and your application will be considered as a whole including the quality of all your uploaded documents and your references as well as your ability to meet entry requirements and demonstrate relevant research experience/potential.

Immigration requirements

If you are an international student, you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK.

For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.

Programme enquiries

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