We set the standards and requirements for all stages of medical education and training in Promoting excellence: standards for medical education and training (pdf). And we hold a list of universities entitled to issue medical degrees (also known as UK primary medical qualifications). This document sets out what newly qualified doctors from all medical schools who award UK primary medical qualifications must know and be able to do and it is:
- a guide for students on what they need to learn during their time at medical school
- a basis for medical schools to develop their curricula and programmes of learning
- a blueprint or plan for assessments at medical schools
- a framework we use to regulate medical schools
- a summary of what newly qualified doctors will know and be able to do for those designing postgraduate training.
We recognise and expect that newly qualified doctors will have achieved the capabilities described in the Outcomes for graduates. But we acknowledge that they will need ongoing practical experience to develop and consolidate their skills and capabilities during foundation training.