Long renowned as a leader in medicine, the UK boasts a well-established medical system, with medical regulations stretching as far back as over six centuries ago. From its top-notch National Health Service (NHS) to various innovations throughout history, the British have always been an exemplary model in the fields of medical research and practice.
The growth of modern medicine in the 19th century necessitated the establishment of medical schools throughout the UK, particularly in industrial cities such as Newcastle. In 1831, surgeon and epidemiologist Thomas Greenhow proposed the establishment of a medical institution to serve the growing medical needs of Newcastle and in the following year, a group of local physicians, including John Snow, one of the pioneers in modern epidemiology, introduced medical lectures in the city. The School of Medicine and Surgery – the precursor of Newcastle University – was then formally founded in 1834.
Today, Newcastle University is ranked within the top 150 universities worldwide by Quacquarelli Symonds and counts medical research as its forte. The varsity has one of the largest European Union research portfolios within the UK and is also part of the prestigious Russell Group, an elite association of 24 research-oriented universities throughout the UK.
In 2011, Newcastle University, UK, opened its branch campus in Johor, Malaysia, giving an opportunity for Malaysian students to leverage the famed British medical education system on home soil. At Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), the syllabi and examinations are identical to those in the UK, and equal emphasis is placed on theoretical know-how, clinical research, and practical skills, guaranteeing high standards and market employability for its graduates.
At present, NUMed offers degrees in medicine (MBBS) and biomedical sciences (BSc Honours in Biomedical Sciences), as well as a Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences course. MBBS students are exposed to real-world case studies from the get-go and, from Year 3 onwards, will be required to undertake clinical placements at government hospitals and clinics in Johor to put their newly-acquired skills to practice. In addition, NUMed’s MBBS degree is professionally accredited, not just by the Malaysian and British medical boards, but also by the relevant governing bodies of Thailand, Maldives, Pakistan, and Mauritius.
Meanwhile, the biomedical science degree entails a ‘2+1’ structure, in which the first two academic years are delivered at the NUMed campus while the final academic year is taught in the UK. NUMed students will be provided a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences for the first 1.5 years before shifting gears towards clinical research and vocational experience. NUMed’s BSc Honours degree in Biomedical Sciences is also professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), opening doors for graduates to the various industries in the UK such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and biotechnology.
For more details on how to kickstart your medical journey with NUMed, email admissions@newcastle.edu.my, call 07-555 3800, WhatsApp 011-1231 5411 / 012-7849456, or visit the NUMed website at www.ncl.ac.uk/numed.
