Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Four students walk through campus smiling
Brighton & Sussex Medical School

About BSMS

BSMS > About BSMS

About BSMS

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is an equal partnership between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton together with NHS organisations throughout the South East region. The arrangements for the school's governance reflect this approach and students are awarded joint BM BS degrees of both universities.

The school is fully committed to the principles of Outcomes for Graduates; we endorse the value of medical education in a multi-professional context, and promote the highest possible standards in our teaching, clinical practice, and research (both fundamental and applied).

Undergraduate

We admit approximately 200 students annually to our BM BS degree course. BSMS has proved exceptionally popular and in recent admissions rounds we have continued to achieve one of the highest application rates of any UK medical school. Students spend their first two years primarily on the universities' campuses at Falmer; thereafter the focus shifts to the associated teaching hospitals and community settings in Brighton and East and West Sussex. We have purpose-built teaching facilities in all areas.

Our curriculum emphasises early clinical involvement, a broad range of experience and a firm foundation in basic science. Led by the Department of Medical Education, we employ a wide range of teaching and learning approaches as appropriate for the particular circumstances; we are not committed to a single method of delivery.

Read more about Undergraduate study >

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Postgraduate

Our postgraduate courses provide a range of opportunities from taught and research Masters courses  to diplomas, certificates and individual continuing professional development (CPD) modules, allowing us to meet the needs of health professionals at all levels in a constantly changing healthcare sector.

As we respond to the needs of this sector, our courses continue to evolve, with new courses being added as a need is identified. We offer a range of clinical specialties, including  anaesthesia, cardiology and dementia studies, along with professional courses ranging from medical education to public health and global health.

Our partnership with the Universities of Brighton and Sussex and overlapping research groupings offer a rich research environment for students wanting to pursue a research degree, and we offer PhDs, MDs and MPhils along with our Masters in Research.  

Find out more about postgraduate study >

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Research

At BSMS our medical research has developed a strong reputation for making a real impact locally, nationally and internationally.

Ultimately, our research aims to:

  • improve medical treatment
  • answer fundamental biomedical and clinical questions
  • deliver more personalised healthcare to patients.

We are a diverse, collaborative research community with expertise in a wide variety of research areas, from laboratory research through to social science and clinical studies. Close integration with the local NHS allows researchers to work directly with the local population, improving their health while developing research work that can be applied nationally and globally.  

We are passionate about training and supporting our researchers at all levels, to deliver research that is relevant to our stakeholders, accelerate its recognition and foster adoption of our findings to catalyse new research impact.

Read more about our research >

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Our departments

Our key domains of research strength are recognised locally, nationally and on the international stage. These are represented by our departments of Global Health and Infection (including HIV and sexual health); Neuroscience (including mental health and neurology); Clinical and Experimental Medicine; Medical Education; and Primary Care and Public Health.

Find out more about our departments >

Training

BSMS offers an Academic Training Programme aimed at doctors who are considering an academic career in medicine. The programme is jointly overseen by BSMS and Health Education Kent, Surrey and Sussex and in close collaboration with the relevant partnership NHS Trusts (University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust).

READ MORE ABOUT ACADEMIC TRAINING >

Brain scans
Prof John Harris poses with BSMS colleagues including Dean of BSMS, Prof Malcolm Reed

Library

Find out about the library facilities available to students and staff of BSMS including accessing e-books, online resources and journals. 

Visit our library pages >

A teacher taking a session with students in the anatomy suite

Information for schools, teachers and parents

BSMS is committed to offering accurate and detailed information advice and guidance to those who require it. 

Through outreach work with local schools and sixth form colleges and the nationally recognised BrightMed widening participation programme, combined with our Open Days and Interview Days, prospective students are able to gain valuable insight into making a strong application to medical school.

Please see further details of all of our work in the links below. If you have any questions on any of our programmes, please contact Charlotte Smyrk at outreach@bsms.ac.uk

Read more about widening participation >

Read more about school visits and open days >

Students in dissection lab

Anatomy Laboratory

Our modern, fully equipped Anatomy Laboratory provides a range of facilities for teaching and research, including dissection, prosection and fresh frozen.

Find out more about the Anatomy Lab >

Clapping students in gowns at graduation

Alumni

As your lifelong link to BSMS, your Alumni Association provides a range of benefits and services that remain an invaluable part of your BSMS experience.

READ MORE about our Alumni Association>

Working here

Find out about our current vacancies within the medical school and other work opportunities including how to become a teaching facilitator or GP teacher and information about gaining honourary status. 

Find out about working at BSMS >

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Brighton and Sussex Medico-Chirurgical Society 

Founded in 1847 by Dr William King, the Brighton and Sussex Medico-Chirurgical Society is Brighton's historic medical society.   

Read more about Med-Chi >

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Our partners

BSMS works closely with a number of academic and NHS partners who contribute to achieving the medical school's goals and delivering high-quality teaching.

Read more about our partners >

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the medical school.

Read our FAQs >

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Contact us

Find out more information about our academic and administrative staff as well as the best ways to get in contact with us or visit us.

Read more about contacts >