Your Gateway to Medicine: A New Route to Studying Medicine in the UK

For many international students, studying medicine is more than a dream – it’s a lifelong ambition. But with competition for medical school places continuing to grow, finding the right route into an MBBS degree can be challenging.

That’s why Brunel Pathway College (BPC) is proud to launch its new Gateway to Medicine Foundation Programme (MBBS) for September 2026, providing aspiring doctors with a dedicated pathway to Brunel University of London’s MBBS Medicine degree and the prospect of practising medicine in the UK.

The Brunel difference

The journey to a medical degree can often be convoluted, with the need to complete studies at different institutions, involving multiple CAS and visa applications. However, this route to Brunel’s MBBS is a simple one: receive one CAS and one visa for the full duration of your studies (Foundation + five-year MBBS), study on a single campus shared by the College and the University, and remain with the same friendly student community throughout. With this stability and consistency, you can concentrate on what matters most: developing the academic knowledge, clinical understanding and professional skills needed to succeed.

A clear pathway to an MBBS degree

The BPC programme is a structured, one-year foundation route leading to progression onto Brunel’s five-year degree.

By studying the Gateway to Medicine Foundation Programme, you will benefit from:

• A comprehensive academic foundation
• Clinical skills development
• Professional healthcare communication training
• Progression interview coaching and mock interview preparation
• Full university status from day one
• Access to Brunel University facilities and campus life
• A joint CAS, meaning one visa journey from foundation to degree

If you have always dreamed of becoming a doctor, this programme offers you a focused route designed specifically around future success in medicine.

More than a foundation programme

A medical career requires much more than strong grades. Successful medical students need communication and critical thinking skills, professionalism and the confidence to perform in academic and clinical environments. The Gateway to Medicine Foundation Programme has been created with this in mind.

Over two semesters, you will study key modules including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics for Medicine, Professional Skills in Healthcare, Research Methods, and Interactive Learning Skills.

You will also benefit from clinical skills laboratory visits and dedicated progression interview preparation, helping you develop an understanding of healthcare practice while preparing for the next stage of your journey.

A pathway designed to support success

One of the key strengths of the programme is the level of support available. We understand that a medical degree is academically demanding and highly competitive, so we have built extensive academic, wellbeing and pastoral support into your student experience.

Throughout the programme, you will benefit from:

• Personal tutors
• Subject-specialist academic support
• Regular progress monitoring
• Clinical lab practice sessions
• Revision bootcamps
• Peer community activities
• Wellbeing and financial guidance
• Dedicated support services for sponsored students

The aim is simple: to help you feel confident, supported and prepared throughout your studies.

Built-in flexibility for future healthcare careers

While many students will progress onto the MBBS Medicine degree, the Gateway to Medicine Foundation Programme also offers flexibility.

If you do not meet the progression requirements for Medicine, you may have opportunities to explore alternative health-related degrees, in subject areas such as Biomedical Sciences. This means you can continue building a future within healthcare and life sciences using the strong academic and professional foundation developed during the programme.

For many of you, and your families, this additional flexibility offers valuable reassurance when making such an important study decision.

Preparing for progression

To progress onto Brunel University’s MBBS degree, you will need to:

• Achieve a minimum Grade B (63%) in core modules
• Successfully pass the progression interview
• Demonstrate IELTS 7.0 proficiency

The College will provide extensive support throughout the programme, including interview preparation sessions and mock interviews, helping you understand expectations and build confidence ahead of progression.

Applications are open – but deadlines are approaching

Demand for medicine programmes remains exceptionally high, and this new pathway is expected to attract strong interest from students around the world.

With the first intake launching in September 2026, application timelines are structured and deadlines arrive earlier than you might expect. Applications, payments and visa processes must all be completed within the programme timeline, so if you are considering this opportunity, please begin preparing your application early to avoid missing key deadlines.

A new opportunity to study medicine in the UK

As Amol Gurung, College Director and Principal of Brunel Pathway College, explains:

Your future in medicine starts here

Studying medicine is one of the most rewarding and respected career paths in the world. The new Gateway to Medicine Foundation Programme gives you a dedicated pathway to pursue that ambition, while benefiting from a supportive environment, expert preparation and access to Brunel University’s medical education facilities.

If you are ready to begin your journey towards an MBBS degree, we eagerly await your application.