What is an OSCE?
An OSCE is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination, used to examine within the skills domain of our assessment strategy.
We examine OSCEs in all years of our MBChB Medicine course. In Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2), the examinations take place on campus at the University. In Phases 2 and 3 (Years 3, 4, and 5), the examinations take place at our clinical partner organisations.
Station types vary from year to year of the course but can include history taking, clinical examination, prescribing, and procedural skills. There are formative, summative, and supplementary sit assessments for all year groups.
Who can examine?
The specific requirements for examining at each phase are listed below. We encourage healthcare professionals who are local to the region to consider examining for us. Our training is specific to Medicine at the University of Sunderland, so isn't transferable to other institutions.
Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2)
- Trained doctors of any seniority including foundation years 1 and 2
- Allied healthcare professionals (e.g. pharmacists, nurse teaching fellows). Must examine stations that map to their expertise.
Phase 2 (Years 3 and 4)
- Trained doctors of any seniority post-foundation training
- Allied healthcare professionals (e.g. pharmacists, nurse teaching fellows) with a considerable involvement in the University's undergraduate curriculum. Must examine stations that map to their expertise.
Phase 3 (Year 5)
- Examiners need to be qualified doctors of grade ST4 or above or Advanced Clinical Practitioners
- Year 5 (CPSA) examiners should usually have examined other OSCE assessments before being eligible to examine in the final year. Alternatively, they should've had enhanced OSCE examination training and direct involvement in clinical medical education and training.
Completion of the examiner training will be recognised with a certificate confirming three CPD points from the University of Sunderland. Examiner training is valid for three years and will prepare potential examiners for examining any year group of the course.
Please note, the University doesn't reimburse any expenses incurred in relation to examination activities, including travel, accommodation, or subsistence. All costs must be paid by the individual unless explicitly agreed in advance.
Training dates
We have a number of training dates online throughout the year. See the dates available and sign up to attend(opens in new tab).
Some training also takes place at our clinical partner organisations on an ad-hoc basis by our clinical assessment leads. This can be organised and facilitated on an as-required basis.
If you're unable to attend one of these dates but are still interested in examining, please contact the team by emailing medicine.osce@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).
Exam dates
The dates for the 2025/26 OSCE examinations are:
Year 1
- Year 1 Formative OSCE – Tuesday 17 March 2026
- Year 1 Summative OSCE – Friday 12 June 2026
- Year 1 Resit OSCE – Tuesday 4 August 2026.
Year 2
- Year 2 Formative OSCE – Wednesday 18 March 2026
- Year 2 Summative OSCE – Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 June 2026
- Year 2 Resit OSCE – Tuesday 4 August 2026.
Year 3
- Year 3 Formative OSCE – Friday 9 January 2026
- Year 3 Summative OSCE – Thursday 21 and Friday 22 May 2026
- Year 3 Resit OSCE – Wednesday 29 July 2026.
Year 4
- Year 4 Summative OSCE – Tuesday 30 June and Wednesday 1 July 2026
- Year 4 Resit OSCE – Wednesday 29 July 2026.
Year 5
- Year 5 Formative OSCE – Thursday 18 December 2025
- Year 5 Summative OSCE – Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 April 2026
- Year 5 Resit OSCE – Tuesday 23 June 2026.