Applying for a degree in Medicine

– 2014 entry

Types of Medical degrees

• All medical students in the UK will initially take an undergraduate course leading to a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.

– Depending upon the university - this will lead to one of the following qualifications : MBBS; MBBS/BSc; MBChB; MBBCh; BMBS - all of which are normally referred to as a "first MB".

Types of Medical degrees

• 5 years full time study before completing a 2 year general postgraduate medical training programme (foundation doctor) which forms the bridge between medical school and specialist/general practice training. Being a Foundation Doctor is compulsory for all newly qualified medical practitioners.

• Within the practice of medicine itself, there are over 60 different specialties; your medical degree will give you the opportunity to discover which appeals to you most.

Example entry requirements• Leeds University – 360-385 UCAS points (A,A,A including Chemistry at grade

A)– 12% of applicants receive an offer for this course

• Queen’s University Belfast – 370-480 UCAS points (A,A,A,a) – 47% of applicants receive offers for this course

• University of Glasgow– 360-385 UCAS points (A,A,A) including Chemistry and

(Biology or Mathematics or Physics).– 24% of applicants receive offers for this course

Work Experience

• Work experience is an essential criteria when applying for a medical degree – experience must be complete by the time you apply to university.

• By the time your personal statement is written and you have sent your application, you should be able to demonstrate relevant paid or voluntary work experience e.g. work as a hospital auxiliary, in nursing or residential care. You can also find more about what it is like to be a doctor by having a formal period of work observation.

Work Experience

• Students can find the addresses of local hospitals and residential homes on the NHS website.

• The Student Room has an online guide to medicine work experience - other potential sources of advice may be available in the 6th form library or from Mrs Haigh.

Personal Statement Tips• Remember- you don’t just “read” medicine- the course is

vocational and you are studying it because of the career it leads to

• Think about the following headings: work experience; voluntary work; extra curricular activities; reasons for choosing this course – see The Student Room for further information on each section

• Example personal statements

Interviews• Medical degree applicants, will be asked questions

about motivation, work at school, hobbies and personal interests, as well as having to produce evidence of academic achievements.

• A key question will be your reasons for wanting to become a doctor.

• Medical Degree university interviews – guidelines for each university

• General Medical Council – Professional Values in Action this site brings the GMC’s ethical guidance to life. Choose what the doctor should do in a series of case studies highlighting how the principles might work in practice.

• Financial Support available from the NHS

• Step Into The NHS

• Med Schools Online

Online Resources

http://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/

• UCAS application deadline for all Medicine courses is 15th October 2013

• The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is now available for registration and testing has started – you must be registered by 20th September 2013 and completed the test by 4th October 2013

What next?