Student electives

In Year 5 of the MBBS (after your final exams), you will have a 7-week elective period incorporating 5 weeks of clinical placement and 2 weeks of vacation. Your elective may take place either in the UK or abroad.

This is an extremely exciting part of your education in which you will be able to choose and experience medical practise in a completely different setting. It is not mandatory to go overseas because you can experience different social backgrounds, cultures, and medical conditions in the UK. Indeed, many regions of the UK are truly diverse, offering you new social and clinical areas to explore.

Brunel’s clinical elective is intended to broaden your cultural experience of clinical practice and to enable you to engage actively in patient care ahead of your first post as a Foundation Year 1 (FY1) Doctor. It is possible that you may feel this placement is outside your comfort zone, nonetheless it represents valuable preparation for the challenges ahead.

The elective placement is self-funded; the university does not pay for travel or lodging.

The cost will vary depending on the location; for example flights, insurance, health checks and vaccinations will add to the cost. Students seeking a more cost effective elective frequently look to the UK.

Overseas electives are permitted if students pass the final year examinations on their first attempt (prior to the elective). Students who fail to pass the final assessments of the MBBS  will need to retake the assessments to graduate and begin their first job. Consequently, elective periods for those who must retake assessments are typically shorter and limited to a UK-based placement.

The Medical School will ensure compliance with health and safety requirements are in place - for example, immunisations, insurance, communication, accommodation, and expectations around clinical practice (skills competence and application).

*Please note, it may not be possible to secure a placement in every country, for example USA.