The degree of MBChB with Honours is awarded to recognise sustained high academic achievement over the course of the Programme. Based on external benchmarks (such as the additional points this achievement provides for future Speciality Training applications), it is intended to reward no more than the top 15% of the graduating cohort.
The Honours degree requirements have undergone recent revisions – as such we currently have two systems in operation dependent on your year of graduation. Please ensure you read the section relevant to you.
Please note that students who may take time out of the programme (i.e. intercalate /interrupt), and who therefore may move from a year group following the current system to a year group following the revised system, will follow the revised system.
For students who graduate in any academic year prior to academic year 2027-2028
To be awarded the degree of MBChB with Honours students must meet the following:
- Be awarded 10 or more Honours points out of 14 possible opportunities over Years 1 – 5 in the examinations as specified below.
- Note: This target may be adjusted up or down if we over or under-shoot in terms of the proportion of students who meet the 15% target.
- Have at least 1 Honours point awarded from the Year 5 Finals examinations (CCA or AKT).
- Have at least 1 Honours point awarded from Year 3 or Year 4.
- Have at least 1 Honours point awarded from Year 1 or Year 2 (or equivalent direct entry).
- Not been required to resit Finals at second attempt.
Please see this additional guidance document “Honours Calculations (until 2027) – additional detail”for further details.
For students who graduate from academic year 2027-2028 onwards
The Honours degree will be awarded to the top 15% of the graduating cohort. This will be determined using all assessment data from Year 3 through to Year 5 of the programme – this is achieved by converting your scores, for assessments taken as a first attempt, to standardised z-scores and then weighting them as follows:
| Exam | Exam Weight | Year Weight % |
| Y3 CCA | 10% |
29% |
| Y3 PT Winter | 6% | |
| Y3 PT Summer | 9% | |
| Y3 APEP/ GEM PEP | 4% | |
| Y4 CCA Winter | 10% |
35% |
| Y4 CCA Summer | 10% | |
| Y4 PT Winter | 6% | |
| Y4 PT Summer | 9% | |
| Y5 AKT | 17% |
36% |
| Y5 CCA | 17% | |
| Y5 QEPEP | 2% |
Please note that exam contributions/ weightings may be altered dependent on assessment changes that occur during your time on the programme.
Please see this additional guidance document “Honours Calculations (2027 onwards) – additional detail” for further details.
Distinctions
You may be awarded a grade of distinction in a particular element of an assessment if your mark falls within the appropriate banding.
No overall degree of MBChB with Distinction will be awarded.