Clinical Medicine: Year 6

The main focus of Year 6 is on the consolidation of skills in care and management and preparation for entry to postgraduate training. The first six months of the year include senior rotations in medicine and surgery in Oxford and in district general hospitals and student-selected options in clinical specialities. Students undertake summative assessments in January and March or May of the final year. In the final six months, all students complete a Preparation for Practice module (comprising a taught course) and a student assistantship attachment. The remainder of this period is allocated for student-selected components, including special study modules and a ten-week elective period. During this period, students must finalise their portfolio of achievement.

Please note that the course structure below relates to the current curriculum and may be subject to change, in line with the GMCs 'Outcomes for Graduates' standards guidance.  Click here to go to GMC website and view 'Outcomes for Graduates'.

YEAR 6: GENERAL CLINICAL STUDIES

Medicine

Students are attached to medical firms to consolidate their clinical skills and knowledge.

Surgery

Students have further opportunity for teaching in the surgical specialties.

Clinical Options and specialty study

Clinical options and the opportunity to complete student selected study modules are offered in the final year.

Medicine and Surgery PLACEMENTS AT LOCAl EDUCATION PrOVDERS

Current placement locations include: Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Trust, Milton Keynes General Hospital, Great Western Hospital, Swindon Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Northampton General Hospital.

YEAR 6: VOCATIONAL SKILLS

Elective

During the final six months of the course there is a period of elective study. Students may study any topic relevant to medicine either in the United Kingdom or abroad during the elective. Most students opt to travel overseas for clinical attachments, some pursue research and some arrange attachments in the UK.  

Special Study Modules (see Clinical Options)

Student Assistantship 

Final year students undertake a student assistantship in which they work closely with a clinical team to develop the practical and team-working skills required of a foundation doctor.

Preparation for practice as a doctor Course

The preparation for practice as a doctor course takes place at the end of the final year, normally in June.  The lecture course course cover some of the very important practical skills and knowledge that students will require as junior doctors.  Topics covered in the course include day to day work, on call work, practical prescribing and career progression.  Many of the lectures are delivered by current F1 doctors.