In PBL, you will work in a small group with an experienced tutor, to explore realistic, clinically-relevant scenarios, and collaborate to define and achieve your learning objectives. The scenarios will encourage you to explore the relevant biomedical science, alongside the psychological and social science aspects of medical practice, the population health implications of the topics, and professionalism and medical ethics. You will then engage in independent study to research these topics, using suggested resources and developing your study skills. In feedback meetings, the tutor will guide students through the PBL process, stimulate group discussion, and explore your understanding of the researched topics. This process helps reinforce your learning and reassures you about the appropriateness of your self-directed learning.

In later years, in some instances, students use real clinical cases as a stimulus for learning, rather than written scenarios, but using the same PBL process. You will present information from your patient histories and use this information to develop your learning objectives.

To prepare you for a career in the future NHS, we place a strong emphasis on the importance of clinical placements in the community in a range of organisations. Each year, you will be placed in primary care and community settings in Lancashire and South Cumbria. These include: GP placements where you’ll see patients under the supervision of practice staff; Primary Care Assessment Services which are often co-located within hospitals; and specialised clinics such as community dermatology and sexual health.

Allied to these placements we have a strong programme of community-orientated teaching during which our community clinical teachers deliver high quality small group teaching across the breadth of the curriculum.