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St Mary's University School of Medicine

At St Mary’s University in London (SMU), we reshape the future of healthcare by integrating advanced medical knowledge with compassionate care and ethical practice. Our goal is to develop leaders who provide human-centred care, making a positive impact on the world. In essence we want to redefine medical training by developing ‘the complete doctor’.

With a focus on treating the whole person, our Bachelor Medicine Bachelor Surgery (MBBS) is designed with diverse placements in community settings, small class sizes and one-to-one support. It aims to address the global healthcare crisis and produce doctors prepared to thrive professionally and personally.

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For media information please contact: press.office@stmarys.ac.uk

Our curriculum

Students will be taught the latest medical curriculum, to equip them with the skills to meet society’s healthcare needs. They will gain experience working with diverse people and social structures on a range of placements, so they are practically and professionally ready for their future career.

  • 5 year degree in medicine (MBBS) ​
  • Blended curriculum with clinical placements from year 1 ​
  • Small classes sizes​
  • One-to-one support

Our School of Medicine at St Mary's University builds upon our proven history of teaching excellence and student satisfaction. SMU is currently placed in the Top 10 nationally for student experience* and the Top 5** nationally for teaching quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

We plan to welcome our first cohort of students in September 2026.

*2024 Sunday Times Good University Guide

**Times Higher Education 2024

The complete doctor

The St Mary’s University School of Medicine point of difference

Students will learn from some of the best healthcare professionals, use the latest medical technology, and study within newly-developed, state-of-the-art facilities.

We are taking a fresh look to the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) curriculum. This includes the provision of placements that expose students to diverse people and increasingly complex social structures, reflecting the work they’ll undertake throughout their careers. Our training will be unique, differing from what is typically offered. As is the case for all new UK Schools of Medicine, we are currently undergoing General Medical Council accreditation for our MBBS programme.

Leading with compassion

Our students will graduate into high-pressure, complex work environments. As a result, we equip them with the understanding and skills to protect their wellbeing and prevent burnout. This will help them lead with compassion and secure optimal outcomes for patients.

Ethos

The Catholic Church has always been a major provider of healthcare and medical training. Healthcare has an intrinsic link to ethics and, throughout history, medical practitioners have been required to take ethical issues seriously. Moreover, General Medical Council (GMC) guidance requires that practitioners prioritise honesty, integrity, and compassion.

We will infuse these values within our teaching, curriculum, and student care, alongside St John Henry Newman’s idea of a university: one built on interdisciplinary education, Catholic values, and a focus on individual students’ needs. We will also draw on our existing expertise in bio-ethics.

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Our historic response to social needs and global geopolitical challenges is one of the key determinants in our commitment to establish a School of Medicine. We are also building upon our strong credentials in Allied Health programmes and several research centres, including:

Our Medical School has a unique approach to equipping skilled and humanitarianly minded student doctors to meet society’s healthcare needs. Students will develop as medical professionals, leaders, and researchers of the future.

Excellence in student experience

Our innovative approach to learning

We already offer a variety of courses that produce skilled healthcare professionals. These programmes also incorporate a significant range of med-tech equipment. Several of our research centres also advance understanding of healthcare, bereavement, and bio-ethics. The School of Medicine, therefore, is a natural extension of our current work. The provision of complementary subjects creates positive co-learning and multi-disciplinary teams, which are essential for students’ growth.

Diverse placements

The St Mary’s University School of Medicine will stand in its own right – we won’t align with a specific healthcare trust. As a result, our students will experience flexibility regarding with whom and where they work. This diversity allows for a rich and rewarding experience on placement.

Pastoral care and wellbeing

We commit to supporting our students with any challenges that may arise during their time with us. As a result, we have dedicated teams to support students with various disabilities and health conditions. We also offer support through our thriving Catholic Chaplaincy and offer pastoral provision for students from all faiths and none. Our high-level focus on wellbeing and inclusivity will equip our doctors with the resilience and health to remain dedicated to their demanding careers.

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Play your part in the future of St Mary's

Advocate for us

We are exceptionally grateful for the advocacy of many stakeholders, such as St Mary’s alumni and healthcare professionals, as well as members of the local and national government, local community, and the Catholic Church. The St Mary’s School of Medicine is a team project that relies on the shared belief in excellent healthcare. Your advocacy will help us succeed.

Partner with us

We are keen to explore partnerships with a diversity of placement providers who will help our students develop their practice. Please let us know if you’d be interested in working with us.

Donate to us

Your generosity will enable us to develop the physical estate and facilities and provide financial support to students. We are continually looking to support the advancement of all St Mary’s students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We welcome charitable donations which help us to share the powerful legacy of a higher education.  

Make a donation