Bma Students 2 (1) Bma Students 2 (1)

BMA: your safety net throughout medical school and beyond

The BMA is the trade union for medical students with 20,000 student members. 

We're there when you need us.

We've been helping doctors and medical students for 190 years, so we know the challenges that they face during their training and after it.

We know that you have to take in a lot of information, and quickly, so we provide access to the BMA Library, and BMJ learning, to keep you up to date, along with research, webinars and all the other resources you could need to learn, now and throughout your career.

We know that planning your future can be difficult, so we provide the mentoring, advice and resources you need to plot your path and continue learning, throughout your studies and after them.

We know that learning to work with patients can be challenging, so we have a host of wellbeing resources, along with free and confidential advice, counselling and support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whether you're a member or not.

We’ll look after you. You look after your studies.

Join the BMA
BMA Students 8
Very, very good experience and the person I spoke to was clearly very knowledgeable and understood the situation there is nothing that would improve it, it was a very good experience, thank you.
Medical student, BMA member

Backup when you need it the most

We've been on call for the medical profession for a long time.

That's why we offer a huge range of resources, advice, and assistance to medical students throughout their training. From the vast range of textbooks, journals and revision tools from BMA Library and archive through to webinars, e-learning modules, and our exclusive medical specialty research tool.

Alongside this we offer professional guidance throughout your career, lifestyle discounts to help with the high cost of living, and wellbeing support.

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Learning & professional development

Get help with passing exams and succeeding at medical school, understanding complicated topics, and preparing for the next stage of your career.

BMA membership gives you access to:

  • BMA Library: unrestricted access to key textbooks and a vast range of journals online.
  • ClinicalKey Student: an online study platform where you can watch procedural videos, make notes straight onto the text books, and collaborate with your peers.
  • BMJ Learning: learning modules from a world-leading medical publisher combining the latest evidence, videos, and question banks for clinical and non-clinical skills  - helping you to get ahead with your studies.
  • Specialty explorer: an exclusive tool that matches you with medical specialties that suit your preferences, helping you to research your future career options. 
  • Webinars: from exam preparation, to coping with imposter syndrome, our webinars are there to support you at every stage of your studies.
  • The BMJ online: stay up to date with the latest medical news from a world-leading medical research journal.
  • Medical supply discounts: get money off of stethoscopes, scrubs, and other equipment you'll need during your studies.
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Wellbeing support

There is always someone to talk to.

We understand that being away from home can be unsettling, and that studying medicine can bring its own challenges, that's why we support you with a safety net. Our 24/7 counselling and peer support service are open to all medical students and doctors regardless of membership, and our sources of support directory can help find more support for whatever you are struggling with. 

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Employment advice & support

Backup when you need it most.

We hope that your studies run smoothly, but if something should happen, we are on-hand to help. Whether you are concerned with the delivery of your course, or facing financial hardship, we have advisers to help guide you through challenging times.

  • Study and employment advice: Get help from our advisers with training or employment issues.
  • Individual representation: Get support with bullying, discrimination, ability to take resits, and fitness to practice procedures.
  • Ethics toolkits: Get guidance for the ethical decisions you may encounter
  • Immigration advice: Get expert advice to guide you through all you should know for making that move.
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Campaigns
National influence and lobbying

Join the doctors' fight for pay. Our support for doctors goes beyond their careers.

For 190 years, we at the BMA have helped to ensure that the voices of our members are heard, lobbying dozens of different governments on their behalf.

While you're caring for your patients, you can rest assured that our experienced teams are at work at the highest level: 

  • Negotiating on your behalf over pay and working conditions. 
  • Lobbying the government for better contract terms. 
  • Today we are fighting for resident doctors' pay. 
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Cost of membership

1st year of medical school

FREE

2nd and 3rd year of medical school

£3.50p per month

4th year and beyond students

£3.50p per month

BMA Students 10
Very satisfied and impressed with the answers and the advisor… and yes, I don't think there's any room for improvement she was great actually, thank you.
Medical student, BMA member
Apply online for instant access to member benefits

1. Complete our easy online application form in 5 minutes

2. You're a member! Start enjoying your benefits straight away.

3. We'll send you a welcome pack in the post.

Joining the BMA: FAQs
When do I start receiving support?

We're here to help you from the moment you join us. If you have a need that predates your BMA membership, assistance may be limited to telephone and email service only. Contact the BMA to discuss any issue you have and we'll let you know where you stand. 

Can I join for one month?

Joining for one month only is not recommended as you won't be guaranteed continued support and workplace protection. However, you can leave after one calendar month, if you choose. BMA membership is a reoccurring yearly membership. The subscription year runs from 1 October to 30 September.

Am I eligible for a discount?

We offer a discount for spouses/partners of BMA members. If you're on maternity leave, on lower income or having a career break, going overseas, a doctor new to the UK or permanently retired, we can offer a reduced subscription rate depending on your circumstances. After 50 years of membership, we give it to you for free. 

As a BMA member, you may be eligible to claim tax back from your subscription.

Find out more about subscriptions costs

Do I have to pay by direct debit?

We only offer direct debit as a payment option when joining online, with the ability to pay monthly or annually. You can discuss other payment options with our Membership Services team. Get in touch today. 

Can't find an answer to your question?

See our full membership FAQs page for more information about joining or get in touch.

See all membership FAQs

BMA Students