UK Universities Application Handbook

Medical Sciences What would I study and how do courses differ?

The structure of all Medical courses is similar: most schools offer two years of PreClinical studies then three years of Clinical. However, there are different approaches: PBL (problem based learning) courses which focus on the student to demonstrate self-motivation and proactive, self-directed learning, integrated courses which teach basic Medical Sciences alongside clinical studies, and traditional courses which offer lecture-based learning. There are intercalated degrees which give you the opportunity to incorporate a further degree (BSc or BA). You may want to take an elective, usually a two-month period when you might work in a hospital abroad. You may wish to study e.g. Biomedical Sciences and then apply for Medicine as a postgraduate.

Which is the best Medical School?

There are oversubscribed Medical Schools and vastly oversubscribed Medical Schools.

The latter do not necessarily constitute the best! UCL and Imperial are popular with our students because they are in London and because students think they offer the best teaching and placements in the best hospitals. This is not necessarily the case.

The best Medical School is the best one for you! First choose the course you want. Then think location (London or not?), campus or not, traditional or modern, large or small, facilities and accommodation. Then consider what else is on offer, sports etc., which you already do/would like to take up.

What are the typical entry requirements?

Initial Screening This process takes place in most Medical Schools before your application is passed to the Admissions’ Tutor. To succeed in this first stage candidates from a selective school such as Haberdashers’ should aim to achieve GCSE grades above the requirement quoted in the admissions literature. Overall GCSE grades are often scored, so you should try to achieve 8s and 9s in all subjects if you are to be hopeful of passing through initial screening. If you are uncertain about your position, you must telephone the Admissions’ Tutor. General statements on the website are not necessarily true for an individual. Do your research.

GCSE/IGCSE Subject Choice You must take Chemistry and Biology and we strongly recommend Physics to IGCSE and that you must achieve an 8/9 in these subjects. Whilst Physics may not be quoted as a requirement by every Medical School, it is essential at some (e.g.

Nottingham), and there is an increasing reliance on technology for diagnosis. This makes Physics very desirable for potential Medical Scientists. IGCSE Physics is also required knowledge for those who wish to apply to one of the schools which require the BMAT (see below). You must consult your Science Teachers before you make your option choices to check that you are capable of achieving an A* in these 45