Learn about human responses to extreme environments and its relevance to the planning and provision of evidence-based healthcare in remote environments

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Course Coordinator

Jennifer Haley
remotemedicine@imperial.ac.uk

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Introduction to BSc Remote Medicine

Introduction to BSc Remote Medicine
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Introduction

The BSc in Remote Medicine introduces you to new concepts and areas of medicine that you’ve probably never been exposed to in your medical school career thus far.

The intercalated BSc programmes at Imperial aim to develop the next generation of clinicians and academics with the ability to interpret the scientific literature, informing your practice in any environment, rural or remote location.

The 1-year course comprises a core teaching module, an independent learning and group assessment module, and a 14-week research project.


 Aims and Objectives

 By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Critically appraise a wide variety of academic literature and understand the importance of applying research skills in clinical medicine
  • Explain the physiological changes that occur in a variety of extreme environments
  • Discuss the challenges and considerations of providing healthcare in a variety of remote environments
  • Understand the importance of non-technical skills in successful teams and clinical medicine more broadly
  • Confidently present scientific information to different audiences, through various communication methods

 Programme Structure

Programme Structure

Module 1

 

Module 1 - The Taught Module

Module 1 is a 12-week teaching block. It takes you through the key areas of:     right                                       

  • The responses of the human body to extreme environments
  • The unique challenges of these environments to healthcare delivery
  • New and emerging technologies in remotely monitoring health and disease

This is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, journal clubs,

group work, field trips, and self-guided learning.

 

Module 2
Module 2 - Self-Directed Learning

Module 2 is a 5-week block. In Module 2, you will apply knowledge you gain to clinical scenarios, exploring the evidence behind new clinical presentations and concepts introduced in module 1. You will also complete a group writing task, reviewing the evidence in an area from the course.

Module 3
Module 3 - Research Project

Module 3 uses the skills learnt in Modules 1 and 2 to carry out a novel 14-week project on a theme from the course, offering an opportunity to make a genuine impact on your field of choice.


 Why Remote Medicine?

The course is delivered as a distinctive programme that enhances your understanding through immersion in these environments;

During field trips and practical sessions, you will explore your own responses and behaviours as well as seeing how patients are treated in these environments.

Clinical scenarios allow you to put in to practice your new knowledge and existing skills in novel scenarios.

The course also supports an Extreme Environments Lab, with the ability to expose students and participants to cold and hypoxia in a controlled setting.

All of our teaching is designed to develop your scientific and critical thinking skills, enabling you to engage in research throughout your career, whether as a clinical academic, understanding and implementing the latest research in your clinical practice, or helping patients to understand relevant research or access clinical trials. This supports the aims of GMC to promote research engagement by future doctors.


Meet the Remote Medicine Team                                      

 

Course DirectorDr Andrew Cowburn
Module 1 LeadDr Iain Stewart
Module 1 Assessment Lead: Dr Aaron Braddy-Green
Module 2 Literature Review LeadDr Pankaj Bhavsar
Module 2 Science in Context Lead: Dr Louit Thakuria
Module 3 LeadDr Tamlyn Peel

 


Eligibility

This is a one-year intercalated BSc. To be eligible to apply you must:

  • Be registered on a recognised Medical, Dental or Veterinary course at a UK or Irish university.
  • Have completed at least one year of that course before you apply to Imperial. i.e. you must be at least in Year 2 in 2024/25.
  • Have at least one year of your degree left when you return to your home institution after completing your intercalated BSc.

Application Process

You can apply online now for 2025-26 entry. The application deadline will be 4pm on Friday 28th February.

Selection is based on your application form and the supporting documents you will upload with your application. Please find further information about the application process in the Imperial College London Intercalated BSc Guide for 2025-26 (PDF).

The BSc Remote Medicine will run from Monday 22 September 2025 until Friday 22 May 2026. The term dates can be found in the Provisional BSc Dates and Course Structure 2025-26 (PDF).

If you have any queries about the application process, please email the Faculty Education Office (BSc Team) at feo.bsc@imperial.ac.uk.


Second Round of Applications

Unsuccessful or wait-listed applicants will be given the opportunity to make a second round application to any BSc course with space remaining.


 Frequently Asked Questions 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tuition fees for the course?

Tuition fee rates are the same as the Imperial College London MBBS Course. Further information can be found here.

Can I speak to a current student?

Yes! Please contact the BSc Remote Medicine Course Co-ordinator, Jen Haley (remotemedicine@imperial.ac.uk), who will be happy to put you in touch with a current student.

What are you looking for in the personal statement?
We value a wide range of students and experiences on Remote Medicine. There are no prerequisites, and so you don't need to have an extensive list of expeditions under your belt! We are interested in what students will do during and after the Remote Medicine BSc.
  •  What are your interests, how will these enhance (and be enhanced) by the course? Tell us how these align with the topics on the course.
  •  Have you read anything, been to any talks, that stimulated these interests?
  • What have you done, and what are you going to do, that joining Remote Medicine will help with?
  •  Intercalated BScs are fundamentally accelerated scientific skills courses. On Remote Medicine we look at these skills within physiology, healthcare delivery and technology, culminating in a 14 week project. Why are you interested in this, and how have you been engaging in science up to now?
Make it specific to both the course and you, show us your enthusiasm and I'm sure we'll be seeing you in September!"
Do I need any outdoor experience?

No! The course is designed without any prerequisites. Those with no experience will be supported in their introduction to the outdoors, while those with experience will be able to take on other responsibilities.

Do I need any equipment to take part?

For field trips you will need basic personal equipment to be comfortable in the outdoors. A kit list and help selecting kit will be provided, as well as advice on cheap suppliers.

How many places are available on the course?

There are 12 course spaces for intercalating students from other universities, joining 16 internal students

What is the ratio of internal Imperial students to intercalating students from other universities?

Our course capacity is 28. 16 spaces will be filled by internal Imperial students and 12 spaces are filled by external intercalating students.

Can I apply for 'backup' BSc courses at Imperial at the same time?

Yes, the application process now allows you to nominate up to three additional BSc choices. If you want to come to Imperial but are unsuccessful with Remote Medicine, you will almost certainly be accepted on to one of these!

When will I receive the outcome of my application?

We consider all applications after the deadline, and we aim to respond to applicants by the end of March.

Can I propose my own project for Module 3?

While it is possible to propose your own project if you have existing research support, this needs to be raised with the Module 3 lead before the course starts to ensure the relevant regulations are adhered to for the degree.

The projects provided on Remote Medicine often allow for significant student input in the direction of the work, which is often what interests students. In addition, this is just the start of your research journey and so concentrate on gaining the skills you need to make an impact in the future!

How many firsts are awarded?

Every student is capable of doing well and is supported to do so by the course staff. However consider that, beyond a good grade, the unique skills you gain will allow you to think outside the box and may take your career to new places.