BURNLEY’S new medical school will open its doors to its first group of 35 would-be doctors next month.

The students, from 29 countries, will be the first intake for the new course at the the University of Central Lancashire campus in the town.

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All the 35 are international students and pay the £35,000 annual fees for the five-year degree course from their own or their family’s pockets or from government or commercial sponsorship.

Aimed at international students and predominately at those who lack opportunities in their own country, the new MBBS degree will teach medical sciences along with clinical and communication skills out of UCLan’s multi-million-pound facilities in Preston and Burnley.

Undergraduates will also undertake clinical placements as part of their course, thanks to opportunities provided by hospitals in the North.

Following a recent visit to UCLan School of Medicine, the General Medical Council has committed to work with the university to enable the MBBS programme to acquire full General Medical Council recognition.

UCLan’s Professor Cathy Jackson, head of the School of Medicine, said: “Our MBBS programme offers a more inclusive approach to typical medical education.

“The programme offers international students a state-of-the-art curriculum, exceptional practical clinical training, early patient contact and small class sizes.

“We have recruited a strong academic team. And thanks to the quality of the programme and our outstanding facilities, we are already receiving high-calibre applications for 2016.”

Gordon Birtwistle, former Burnley MP and Liberal Democrat councillor for Coal Clough & Deerplay, said: “This is great news. Who would have thought Burnley would have a medical school? This is remarkable.

“All those doubting Thomases who scoffed at the idea can now eat their words. I hope to see UK medical students coming to Burnley soon.”