Board of medical education

Becoming a doctor: Entry in 2006

www.bma.org.uk

Becoming a doctor: Entry in 2006

6th revision December 2005 5th revision August 2004 4th revision October 2003 3rd revision December 2002 2nd revision August 2001 1st revision March 2001 November 2000

British Medical Association

Board of medical education
www.bma.org.uk

Editorial board
A publication from the BMA board of medical education and the BMA Science and Education Department Chair, board of medical education Director of Professional Activities Head of Science and Education Research Support Ofcer Sir Charles George Dr Vivienne Nathanson Dr Caroline Seddon Darshna Gohil

Contents
Page Section 1: General information: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
So, youre interested in becoming a doctor? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 The career path of a doctor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Ive decided to become a doctor what qualications do I need? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 How do I apply to study medicine? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 What are the courses like? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Is there an opportunity to study for an intercalated degree? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 I want to be a doctor but I dont have a science background what can I do? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 What qualities do medical schools look for in applicants? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Do I need to know what type of doctor I want to be when I apply to medical school? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 I am a graduate and would now like to study medicine how do I apply?. . . . . . . . . . 9 I am a mature student and would like to study medicine how do I apply?. . . . . . . . 10 I am a disabled person does this disqualify me from studying medicine? . . . . . . . . . 11 What if I have a serious communicable disease such as HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 I am not a UK national but would like to study medicine in the UK what do I need to do? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 I would like to study medicine abroad is this possible?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Are there any private medical schools in the UK?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 What if I dont get in to medical school? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 What funding is available for undergraduate applicants? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 What funding is available for graduate applicants? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Section 2: Entry requirements to medical school in 2006: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

For applicants with qualications from England, Wales and Northern Ireland . . . . . . . 21 For applicants with qualications from Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Contact Us Science and Education Department British Medical Association BMA House Tavistock Square London WC1H 9JP Tel No: 020 7383 6164 Email: info.science@bma.org.uk British Medical Association 2005
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Section 3: UK medical school contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Section 4: Major medical specialties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Section 5: Useful contacts and resources:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Application to medical school . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Funding undergraduate studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Information on bursaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Volunteer work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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Section 1: General information

Medicine is a popular career choice and competition for places at medical school is very high. This resource is produced annually to reect any changes in medical education, including entry requirements, funding arrangements and career structure. It is designed to help those who are considering a career in medicine. Whilst it raises some of the issues that potential medical students should consider, the main purpose of the booklet is to answer commonly asked questions about becoming a doctor and provide relevant information and sign-posting where further information can be obtained. If you are currently at school or college, an additional source of advice would be your career advisor.

So, youre interested in becoming a doctor? Contemporary medicine is challenging, exciting and dynamic. Countless new discoveries are making their impact on medical practice: doctors qualifying now will see even more dramatic changes in the future, with the development of many new therapies, involving not only drugs, but also treatments arising from research in electronics, nuclear physics, genetics and molecular biology. A career in medicine offers doctors an opportunity to provide a service to the public through the diagnosis and treatment of illness and diseases. Doctors are able to choose which area of medicine they practise in. This should suit their own personal aptitudes (for example, community-based doctors such as general practitioners have daily face-to-face contact with patients, whilst some other doctors concentrate on advancing medicine in terms of undertaking scientic research, which may involve less patient contact). Skills and attributes that are considered the core values of doctors: 1 Competence Caring Responsibility Integrity Compassion Advocacy Condentiality Commitment Spirit of enquiry

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Health Policy and Economic Research Unit (1995) Core values for the medical profession in the 21st Century. London: BMA. Becoming a doctor 2006 | 1

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There are a large number of specialty career paths in medicine with over 50 career options available, a doctor is assured of nding a suitable career. The options include becoming a surgeon, a general practitioner, a geneticist, a psychiatrist, a medical lecturer at medical school, a medical researcher, or a public health physician, to name a few. Although the majority of doctors work within the NHS, opportunities exist in other settings, such as the armed forces, prisons or the Home Ofce working as a police surgeon. The BMA Publication, Medical Specialites: the way forward provides more detailed information on different careers within medicine. Please contact the Science and Education Department to obtain a copy of this report. Medicine is a rewarding career and being a doctor involves a lifetime of learning. Doctors have to update their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. The government has recently established a new training structure through the Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) project. From August 2005 all medical students graduating from medical school will embark on a two year Foundation Programme. After graduation from medical school, doctors undertake what is sometimes seen as an apprenticeship. In simple terms, this means that you learn more about medical practice on the job whilst actually practising it within your level of competence, knowledge and skills. This apprenticeship, usually in a hospital or community setting, begins when you commence Foundation Year 1 (F1) and continues until you become a consultant or a general practitioner. Whilst the working conditions for doctors in general are improving and their hours have been reduced, it should be recognised that doctors do work relatively long hours and will be expected to be on-call at times. In addition, doctors in the training grades are usually studying for their specialty exams throughout this training period and this can be demanding and time consuming. The following illustration gives a general outline of the current career structure with the typical time frame for a doctors career progression and the various training stages that a doctor will undertake. The government has recently established a new training structure so some of these terms are changing. Additionally length of training may be reduced.

The career path of a doctor

Medical degree (usually 5 years) The undergraduate course provides students with some exposure to the different specialties within medicine. It involves basic medical sciences and practical clinical tasks and seeks to develop attitudes and behaviours appropriate to the medical profession, as well as the skills of independent learning.

Foundation Year 1 (F1) Foundation Year 1 (F1) will be equivalent to the previous pre-registration house ofcer. You will receive provisional registration from the General Medical Council upon graduating from your medical school, and will qualify for full registration once you have successfully completed F1 year.

Foundation Year 2 (F2) Foundation year 2 (F2) will be equivalent to rst year senior house ofcer (SHO1). During this time you will have a chance to sample a range of specialties, some of which were not previously available this early in postgraduate education such as psychology, immunology, and clinical genetics.

Postgraduate Medical Education The Postgraduate Medical Education Training Board (PMETB) and the Medical Royal Colleges have been charged with developing new specialist training programmes. Post-foundation programmes will involve a new integrated and streamlined training programme combining the previous Senior House Ofcer (SHO) level basic specialist training and Specialist Registrar (SpR) level higher training. PMETB and the Medical Royal Colleges are currently considering several training models. Further details of specialty training will be available by the end of 2005.

When considering a medical career, do your research be sure that this demanding career is for you. Some useful references are listed in section 4. Alongside the ability to demonstrate a long-term commitment to medicine to reach a career grade, there are other factors to consider such as the nancial impact of training. Information about funding to study medicine is provided in section 5.

On successful completion of postgraduate training in a chosen speciality, you will be able to apply for a career grade post a consultant or a GP principal. Whilst these are viewed as career pinnacles, all doctors are expected to continually demonstrate their tness to practise medicine, and so learning continues throughout a doctors career.
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Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) In 2003 the four UK Health Departments published a policy statement on Modernising Medical Careers, setting out a major reform of postgraduate medical education and training. The reforms mean that after graduating, doctors will undertake an integrated, planned two-year Foundation Programme of general training, which will act as a bridge between undergraduate medical training and specialist and general practice. The intention is to move towards competency-based, rather than time-based training. Foundation Programmes will be designed to provide trainees with specic competencies, for example in the care of the acutely ill. Normally, trainees will be expected to meet the requirements for full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), the regulatory and registration authority for all doctors practising in the UK, at the end of the rst year. They will usually achieve all the competencies by the end of the second year, although in exceptional circumstances, some trainees may need a limited amount of extra training to achieve the competencies. The Foundation Programme will incorporate the current pre-registration house ofcer (PRHO) year and the rst year of training in the senior house ofcer (SHO) grade.

When considering a medical career, do your research be sure that this demanding career is for you. Some useful references are listed in section 4. Alongside the ability to demonstrate a long-term commitment to medicine to reach a career grade, there are other factors to consider such as the nancial impact of training. Information about funding to study medicine is provided in section 5.

Ive decided to become a doctor what qualications do I need? Medical schools set their own selection criteria. Details of the entry requirements at each university in the United Kingdom are published annually on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service website3. The grade requirements of medical schools for 2006 are summarised in section 2. For students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, all UK medical schools accept applications that demonstrate a combination of GCSEs, AS levels and A levels. The majority will require good grades in science subjects as these form the foundation of the medical curriculum. A levels in such subjects are viewed as good preparation for the beginning of a medical career. Generally, medical schools seek a good grade in chemistry at A level and increasingly they require A level biology. Some universities may accept two science AS levels (including chemistry) in place of one A level science subject. One other science subject is often required, eg physics (or physical science), or mathematics. A good A level grade in an arts subject such as history or a modern language will usually be accepted in place of one other science subject. Applicants with A levels in arts subjects will need good passes at GCSE level in the sciences. Students with mainly non-science A levels are normally required to study a foundation course, which is an extra year in addition to the standard ve years. [For more information on foundation courses please see heading I want to be a doctor but I dont have a science background what can I do]. All applicants will be expected to have good GCSE passes in English and mathematics. The majority of medical schools will not accept A level general studies as a relevant qualification. In addition, most medical schools will not give an advantage to applicants who have a qualification in Key Skills. A small number of medical schools will accept a vocational A level (AVCE) in place of a traditional A Level (GCE) but only in a limited number of subjects, typically Health and Social Care, and Information and Communication Technology. Requirements vary between schools so it is important to check with the individual universities on these particular points, and have your reply in writing.
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UCAS. University and college entrance: the ofcial guidance. Becoming a doctor 2006 | 5

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Scottish students who apply to medical school both within Scotland and the rest of the UK will be accepted on their results in Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers. The majority of medical schools will accept a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers and generally look for high grades in science subjects such as chemistry and biology. Please refer to section 2 for further details. Applicants with other qualications, ie international baccalaureate, should contact the individual medical schools or UCAS for details on equivalent entry requirements. It is important to note that each medical school sets its own entry criteria so students should use this advice as a general guide only and contact the individual medical schools for more detailed information where necessary. Contact details are provided in section 3. How do I apply to study medicine? To study medicine, you have to make an application to the medical school of your choice through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) its contact address is available in section 5. A list of the UK medical schools, their contact addresses and website addresses are listed in section 3. You must look at the prospectuses for your preferred medical schools so you understand the nature of the courses offered each school is unique. The useful contacts section (section 5) lists a number of resources wherein medical students review the medical schools. What are the courses like? Under the overall supervision of the General Medical Council (which sets standards for undergraduate medical education),4 every university, medical faculty and medical school has its own syllabus and regulations for the course of study in medicine. There are generally three approaches to the training provided at medical school the traditional pre-clinical and clinical course, the integrated course or the multi or interprofessional learning course. For the traditional courses, students begin their training with two years of 'pre-clinical' work, involving study of the basic medical sciences. This is followed by the 'clinical' course, of approximately three years, during which they work in hospital wards under the supervision of consultants. Throughout the nal three years they also attend lectures on all aspects of medical practice. Universities which offer a traditional course include Oxford and Cambridge.

Integrated courses, which the majority of medical schools have now implemented, integrate what was previously learnt at the pre-clinical and clinical stages, to provide a seamless course. Teaching methods can include problem-based learning and practical clinical skills. Such courses are offered at Liverpool and Imperial College, for example. Also there are medical schools which focus on multi or interprofessional learning i.e. Peninsula and Southampton. Each course is different and uses different methods of teaching so it is important that you think carefully about the kind of course that would suit you. You can obtain a copy of the syllabus from each medical school (see contact numbers in section 3). Is there an opportunity to study for an intercalated degree? In addition to studying a degree in medicine, most schools offer students the opportunity to take an extra year (sometimes two) in the middle of the medical degree to study a subject of interest, which will lead to a BSc (Hons) or equivalent. At some schools this opportunity is only available to high achievers whereas at other schools an intercalated BSc (Hons) is built into the curriculum. These degrees can be in the basic sciences, or if taken later in the course, may be in clinically related subjects. This additional year of study can provide students with experience in front-line scientic research, laboratory techniques and writing scientic papers. Some schools will allow students to study a wider range of subjects, including humanities or modern languages. For full details on intercalated degrees, you should contact the medical schools directly. I want to be a doctor but I dont have a science background what can I do? Whilst medical schools are now more likely to accept students who have specialised in some non-science subjects, a general understanding of the sciences is preferred. If the school considers you to have an inadequate science background you may be required to take a foundation course or you may need to sit the relevant A levels.

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Foundation year courses allow students with good grades in non-science subjects the opportunity to study basic science, providing a route into studying the full medical degree. Medical schools that currently offer pre-medical courses are listed below. The nature of each course will vary from school to school, so it is important to contact the individual schools if you are considering applying. Medical schools offering pre-medical courses: Bristol Manchester Cardiff Newcastle Dundee Shefeld Edinburgh St Georges Guys Kings & St Thomas Swansea What qualities do medical schools look for in applicants? As you will have noted from the grades required by medical schools, the standards of entry for all medical schools are high and competition for places is strong. For example, in 2004 the ratio of applications to medical school in comparison to places available was nine to one. Not all medical schools interview students as part of the selection process; however, if you are called for an interview it is important that you are sufciently prepared, bearing in mind the competition. An interview can provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your awareness of what studying medicine and becoming a doctor will entail. You will usually face searching questions about your motivation to study medicine, your understanding of the course, your work at school, hobbies and personal interests, as well as having to produce evidence of your academic achievements. A key question will be your reasons for wanting to become a doctor. You may also be expected to demonstrate a reective approach to communication and learning. Finally, you could also be asked about current medical issues in the news. It is sometimes beneficial to demonstrate relevant paid or voluntary work experience, eg work as a hospital auxiliary, or in nursing and residential care. You can find more about what it is like to be a doctor by having a formal period of work observation. The BMA does not hold information on voluntary work and does not arrange work observation. Students may approach directly local hospitals and residential homes. Other potential sources of advice on volunteering can be found in section 5 useful contacts.

Do I need to know what type of doctor I want to be when I apply to medical school? When considering a career in medicine, you may form an opinion of the area in which you think that you would like to work. In section 4, a list of some of the medical specialties is provided, with the names and addresses of organisations that produce further information to help you understand what is required for the various specialties. However, you will not be expected to make an explicit career choice at this stage. You will do this later in your medical career after completing Foundation Year 2 (F2). Medical Careers Information The BMA provides careers information including a new careers guide Medical Specialties: the way forward, which is available free to BMA members from the Science and Education Department of the BMA (info.science@bma.org.uk). It can also be purchased from Hammicks BMA Medical bookshop in Manchester or online at www.bmjbookshop.com The BMA Board of Medical Education published a report on sign-posting medical careers for doctors which is available free of charge. It can be downloaded from the BMA website at http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/signposting Careers information can also be found on the careers site of the BMA website at the following address http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/__Hub+careers+education See section 4 for full details. I am a graduate and would now like to study medicine how do I apply? Graduate candidates for medicine normally need a rst or upper second class honours degree. It is important to check with the medical school whether or not your rst degree will be considered relevant before you apply. Most medical schools require applications from graduates to be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (the contact information for UCAS is in section 5), which will supply details on how and when to apply for medical school and all other university courses. See section 5 for details about nancial help for graduate entrants.

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The GMC has approved a number of shortened courses for graduates. The majority of graduate entry programmes require students to have their rst degree in a science subject. However, there are exceptions to this and St Georges medical school, Cambridge medical school, Guys, Kings and St Thomas medical school, Southampton medical school, Newcastle medical school, Nottingham/Derby medical school and University of Wales, Swansea also consider applicants with a rst degree in arts subjects. Graduate courses vary in length and structure but are shorter than standard undergraduate medical degrees and normally last four years.

applicants are advised to contact the medical schools of their choice to make sure they are eligible before applying for entry. I am a disabled person does this disqualify me from studying medicine? In accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (which applies to the whole of the UK) and the Equality Order 2000 (which applies to Northern Ireland only) medical schools have a duty to create a climate where disabled people are able to participate. These should include details such as access for disabled students, availability of specialist equipment and counselling, admission arrangements, and complaints and appeals procedures for disabled students. The Disability Discrimination Act's general duty is a way of addressing the social model of disability, which focuses on barriers that fail to take into account the particular circumstances of disabled people, and by so doing exclude or disadvantage them. This requires active promotion of equality of opportunity, focusing on improved outcomes for disabled people, which may require additional steps to be taken. Discrimination is dened in the Act as less favourable treatment for a reason relating to disability, without justication, or it can occur where there is a failure to make adjustments, without justication. There are three main areas for consideration to determine whether the environment and/or disability are likely to affect medical training: 1. The doctor's condition may limit, reduce or prevent him or her from performing the job effectively, in the absence of special equipment, aids and structural alterations. The extent to which these requirements can be met by medical schools and subsequent employees needs to be considered. 2. The condition may be made worse by the job. Applicants should consider how the environment may inuence their disability.

Medical schools that have a Graduate Entry Programme to Medicine: Barts and The London Queen Marys School of Medicine and Dentistry Birmingham Medical School Cambridge Medical School Guys, Kings and St Thomas Leicester Medical School Liverpool Medical School Newcastle Medical School Nottingham/Derby Medical School Oxford Medical School School of Medicine, University of East Anglia St. Georges Medical School University College School of Medicine London University of Bristol University of Southampton School of Medicine University of Wales, Swansea Warwick Medical School

Universities also allow graduates to enter the existing undergraduate medical courses. At Southampton, graduates can apply for an accelerated route during the rst year provided they are able to show evidence of previous relevant study from their rst degree. This reduces the programme by six months. I am a mature student and would now like to study medicine how do I apply? Medical schools welcome applications from mature students, who are able to meet the entry criteria (ie have the relevant A level subjects and grades or access course completion). In fact recent BMA research showed that mature students are increasingly found in medical schools . Many medical schools these days accept results of Access courses from mature students for entry into medical school. Details of Access courses can be found on the Learn Direct website, and UCAS also lists these courses under medicine and dentistry. Contact details of both these organisations can be found in Section 5. Selection policy varies across individual medical schools. Mature
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3. The condition and/or lack of enabling environment might make the tasks unsafe both for the doctor and fellow workers, or for patients and the community. There are many demanding aspects of medical work and as such any disability which may impede clinical capability needs to be considered carefully. It may be appropriate for students to have a skills assessment to ensure that they have the capability to perform the tasks involved in becoming a doctor. This will focus on what the student can do, rather than what she or he cannot do. The medical school's occupational health service will be able to offer practical advice and the universitys support services can offer condential help. In addition, the GMC can require the medical school to modify the undergraduate course and the rst postgraduate year for a student with disabilities.
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Deans of medical schools will provide further information and help. Students may also be eligible for nancial help, such as the disabled students allowance. For further information look at the SKILL: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities website at www.skill.org.uk/index.aspl. In addition, contact your local education authority, the universitys occupational health service and the disability service. What if I have a serious communicable disease such as HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C? The GMC has guidance on student health and conduct, which is available on the GMC website. The guidance provides assistance to universities and medical students in addressing matters such as serious communicable diseases. Most medical schools will still expect prospective students to provide evidence that they are not infected with hepatitis B and will expect those found to be susceptible to the virus to have started a course of immunisation before entry to the course. There are presently no specic guidelines for the testing of students for hepatitis C or HIV on application to medical school. Normally, in order for a student with hepatitis B to be allowed to train in medicine, their serological markers for hepatitis B have to accord with the published Department of Health guidelines. However, the GMC no longer requires students to undertake exposure prone procedures (EPPs) during medical training. [Exposure prone procedures are those where there is a risk that injury to the health care worker could result in their blood contaminating a patient's open tissues]. Some medical schools have subsequently relaxed their entry criteria to allow students with hepatitis to commence medical studies. This entails designing a medical training course that allows students with hepatitis to complete training without engaging in EPPs. Each case is different and will have to be considered by medical schools on its own merit and with appropriate advice from occupational health doctors. The Council of Heads of Medical Schools is currently working with university hospitals, Universities UK, medical schools and the Department of Health to agree a consistent approach to admitting students with hepatitis. Until a consensus is reached, anyone wishing to study medicine who is hepatitis positive should contact individual medical schools to nd out whether or not their application will be considered. Since doctors with HIV or hepatitis are not allowed to perform EPPs, a student infected with these diseases may be restricted in their nal career choice. The GMC's guidance states that if a student knows that she or he has a serious condition which could be passed on to patients they must take and follow advice from a consultant in occupational health or another suitably qualied doctor on whether, and in what ways, their clinical contact with patients should be modied.
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For further information on hepatitis B and hepatitis C please refer to the FAQs on the BMA website under science http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/__Hub+Science+briengs Im not a UK national but would like to study medicine in the UK what do I need to do? Both undergraduate and graduate applicants from outside the United Kingdom should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) and should follow the instructions provided with the application form. This can be obtained from British Council ofces, schools or colleges or by writing to UCAS (the address is in section 5). Most British Council ofces will have information and advice about entry to UK medical schools and whether or not your qualications are acceptable. British Embassies or High Commissions, or your country's education authority may also be able to advise on questions about grants and scholarships. Further information can be obtained by writing direct to any of the medical schools listed in section 3. UCAS itself cannot deal with enquiries about sources of nance or acceptability of qualications. Students are strongly advised not to travel to the United Kingdom unless they have been accepted for a course of study. I would like to study medicine abroad is this possible? If you are interested in studying medicine in another country, you should contact the country's embassy or High Commission for information. You should be aware that medical qualications obtained outside the European Economic Area are not automatically recognised by the General Medical Council and this may prevent you from practising in the UK. You may need to take further tests, for example, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) before you can work as a doctor in the UK. Overseas trained doctors may obtain further information from the BMA International Department. Are there any private medical schools in the UK? Two private medical schools are planning to open in the UK in the next year or two one at Brunel University (in September 2006) and the other at the University of Buckingham (opening date not yet known). The courses are for graduates and will be up to two years shorter than a traditional medical degree. Tuition fees have been quoted as being as much as 20,000 per year. At the present time, both institutions have yet to gain General Medical Council (GMC) accreditation of their medical degree programmes. Without GMC approval, medical graduates from these two institutions would not be able to register with the GMC and hence would not be able to practice medicine in the
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UK. There are several private international medical schools operating out of the UK, and as such do not come within GMC jurisdiction. If you are in any doubt about the authenticity of a private medical school, please contact the GMC for further information. This guide contains a list of GMC-accredited medical schools in section 3. What if I dont get into medical school? It is important to remember that not getting a place at medical school can often simply be a reection of medical schools in the UK being vastly oversubscribed, with competition for the limited number of places being very tough indeed. At this stage it is important to consider if you still want to study medicine. Medical schools try to select people who will make good doctors and who have the right ability and motivations for studying medicine, but even so some students choose to leave midcourse and others fail exams. The interview panel has a responsibility to make the right decision for the medical school, and you have a responsibility to yourself and your potential future patients to make sure you are making the correct choice. Examine your reasons for wanting to study medicine. If in doubt, or if you have felt pushed in the direction of medicine, it might be better to look at different courses or careers. You may nd it useful to speak again with your career advisor, to discuss other career options available to you. To enable you to move forward from here, it is important for you to gain an understanding of why you were not successful in your previous applications. You might wish to approach the medical school to which you applied and ask to for some constructive feedback. You may also consider reviewing your personal statement. What funding is available for undergraduate applicants? Undertaking a medical degree is likely to be a big nancial commitment, particularly if you also intend to study a foundation year or an intercalated degree in addition to the standard ve year medical degree. A survey of medical students carried out in 2003/04 showed that medical students incurred a total average debt of 6,612 for rst year students to over 19,000 for students in their 5th or 6th year. Debts upon graduation are set to rise given the increases in tuition fees for 2006. This guide sets out the nancial commitments that are involved at the undergraduate level. Tuition Fees The following details on tuition fees apply to home students and EU students only. Medical schools have a separate fee structure for international students, details of which can be found on medical school websites. England For 2006 English entry students will be required to pay contributions of up to a maximum of 3,000 per year to universities in England. Students will not be expected
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to pay their tuition fees to universities at the beginning of their course. Fees can be paid via a government loan, repayable in instalments after graduation and when students are earning a minimum salary of 15,000 per year. The University and Colleges Advisory Service (UCAS) website (www.ucas.ac.uk) has more specic details on how much universities are charging for tuition fees. Students from England studying in Scotland will be charged a xed-rate fee of 2,700 for students starting their degree in 2006/2007. Payment of this fee may be deferred until after graduation by taking out a loan. Repayments start once graduates are earning over 15,000. Wales Students ordinarily living in Wales attending a Welsh university in 2006 will be eligible for a 1,800 fee grant, so just have to pay the current at-rate tuition fee of 1,200. This at rate tuition fee will be deferred and a fee loan will be available for up to 1,200. This loan will be repayable in instalments after graduation and when students are earning a minimum salary of 15,000 per year. If you choose to study outside Wales, you will be eligible to pay the full amount of the top-up fees up to 3,000. This does not have to be paid up front and a fee loan will be made available to you for up to 3,000. Scotland Eligible Scottish domiciled (ordinarily living in Scotland) and EU students studying in Scotland are entitled to free tuition. The Student Awards Agency for Scotland will pay tuition fees straight to your university. However, you may be liable to pay Graduate Endowment which applies to Scottish students who enter a full-time degree course at a publicly funded Scottish university. Students who began courses in the session 20042005 paid 2,154. The amount will increase by the rate of ination for their students starting in future years so the rate payable by students entering 2006-2007 will be greater. The Graduate Endowment also applies to EU students from outside the UK. You will only be liable to pay the Endowment at the end of your degree if you are awarded a degree or have satised the requirements for an award. Scottish Students studying in England will have to pay the variable fee of up to 3,000. Payment may be deferred until after graduation by taking out a loan for fees. Repayments start once graduates are earning over 15,000. Northern Ireland Students starting their course in 2006 will have to contribute up to 3,000 to the cost of their education. Payment of these fees can be deferred by taking out a loan. You only need to start repayment of the loan once you have graduated and are earning a minimum of 15,000.

Becoming a doctor 2006 | 15

Students from Northern Ireland studying in England will be liable to pay variable tuition fees. Students studying in Wales will pay a fee, although, it is currently unclear what that amount will be. Students studying in Scotland will pay a xed rate fee, which will be between the amounts of 1,700 and 1,900 per year. Bursaries Medical and dental students resident in the UK are supported through the NHS Bursary Scheme during the later stages of their training irrespective of which home country their medical school is situated in. The NHS and Department of Health (DH) have produced a very helpful booklet for prospective medical students and their nances. It can be downloaded as a .pdf from the following website: http://www.nhspa.gov.uk/sgu/forms/booklets/students_nancial_help.pdf England English domiciled (ordinarily resident in England) students studying 5/6 year medical degrees will be eligible to apply for a means-tested bursary from year 5 of their degree. Additionally you will be entitled to a reduced rate student loan from year 5 of your degree. For further details on how to apply for the bursary contact: NHS Student Grants Unit Hesketh House, 200-220 Broadway, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8SS Telephone: 0845 358 6655 Fax: 01253 774490 Email Address: enquiries@nhspa.gov.uk Website: www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk Wales To be eligible for a NHS funded bursary, you need to be living in Wales for at least three years before the start of your medical degree. If you have immigrated to the UK from another country you need to have been granted settled status in line with the Immigration Act of 1971. You will have to be ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of the start of your course. For further details on how to apply for the bursary contact:

Health Professions Wales 2nd Floor, Golate House, 101 St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DX Telephone : 029 2026 1400 Fax : 029 2026 1499 Email Address : info@hpw.org.uk Website: www.hpw.org.uk Scotland Students undertaking medicine or dentistry courses in Scotland are eligible for the Scottish Executive Health Department bursary. At the beginning of your degree you will receive support under the same arrangements as for other undergraduate students for the rst four years. This will help towards living-costs support in the form of a student loan, supplementary grants and tuition fees. In the fth and later years, you will be able to claim for the income-assessed Scottish Executive Health Department bursary, supplementary grants and free tuition. You will also have access to a non income-assessed student loan that you will repay on an income contingent basis. For further details on how to apply contact: The Student Awards Agency for Scotland Gyleview House 3 Redheughs Rigg Edinburgh, EH12 9HH Telephone: 0845 111 1711 Fax: 0131 244 5887 Email: saas.geu@scotland.gsi.gov.uk Website: www.saas.gov.uk/ Northern Ireland For students living in Northern Ireland the Educational Library Boards will assess your eligibility for a bursary. There are 5 ofces and they cover different areas of Northern Ireland. For more details on your eligibility and how to apply contact Educational Library Boards (ELB) The Department of Employment of Learning, Training and Employment Student Support Branch 4th Floor, Adelaide House 39-49 Adelaide Street Belfast, BT2 8FD Tel: 028 902 577 77 Website: www.education-support.org.uk/students/contact/contact.asp (You will need to contact the appropriate ELB for your local Government District.)
Becoming a doctor 2006 | 17

16 | Becoming a doctor 2006

Scholarships There are many scholarships in the UK to help students fund their higher education. Below are details of organisations that may be able to help identify the right scholarship for you. The institution that you wish attend may also have details of scholarships for which you may be eligible. The Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS) offers guidance and advice on funding for those studying in post-16 education in the UK. EGAS operates nationally and provides comprehensive advice and information on sources of funding available for post-16 education and training including loans, grants, benets, access funds, hardship funds, bursaries and charitable trusts. EGAS operates a telephone helpline where experienced student advisers are available to give advice. This helpline operates on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 4 pm. Tel: 020 7254 6251, Website: www.egas-online.org/fwa. The Student Money website provides a comprehensive guide to planning and organising student nances. It has a search facility for sources of funding according to the subject matter of your degree. It also has a budget planner and a loan repayment calculator to make planning your nances easier. Website: www.studentmoney.org. Maintenance The living expenses of medical students (including food, accommodation and transport) are generally covered by parental contributions, student loans or personal loans from banks. In 2006, for all new full-time students from lower income households, the Government will provide a new income assessed non-repayable maintenance grant of up to 2,700 per year. The amount you receive will be dependant on your familys annual income. Student loans are administered by the Student Loans Company and repayments on fee loans are made in instalments based upon income after graduation and begin once your income reaches a certain threshold (currently 15,000 a year). In addition, if you are experiencing serious nancial difculties you may be eligible to apply for a hardship loan. Your college will assess your circumstances and decide whether it is appropriate to certify a one-off additional loan amount between 100 and 500. Medical students entering the 5th and 6th year can apply for means-tested nonrepayable maintenance bursaries from the Department of Health, in addition to student loans (see contact details in section 5).

What funding is available for graduate applicants? Graduates on standard ve-year courses Graduates gaining admission to the standard ve-year courses will be entitled to receive student loans for their maintenance. If you have previously taken a publicly funded higher education course lasting two years or more, you will not be entitled to receive funding from their local authorities for tuition fees, and universities may charge you the full cost of their tuition. (Fees payable to medical schools by graduate students vary widely and details are available from the schools themselves). The Department of Health will pay tuition fees for 5th and 6th year students, and a means-tested bursary will be made available in addition to the standard maintenance loan from the Student Loans Company. Graduate students on accelerated courses Graduates on accelerated (graduate entry) courses are eligible to receive bursaries from the Department of Health in the second, third and fourth years of the course. As a consequence, these courses are likely to be a more attractive option for graduate applicants thus making competition for places high. For further information please refer to the contacts listed in section 5. The BMA is not able to advise prospective students about fees or loans individually. You should contact your local education authority for advice. General advice on nancial support for higher education is given at www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport/.

18 | Becoming a doctor 2006

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Section 2: Entry requirements to medical school in 2005

This guidance outlines the most exible A-level combination acceptable and the typical grades required at rst attempt for entry to medicine (excluding pre-medical courses). In addition, it details the entry requirements for applicants studying Scottish qualications. Note: Requirements may change and should always be conrmed with medical schools before application. Individual medical schools will also be able to advise students offering other qualications such as the international baccalaureate.

20 | Becoming a doctor 2006

Entry requirements to medical school in 2006 (for applicants with qualications from England, Wales and Northern Ireland

University

Required GCE Awards

Other Qualications Considered in Offer

Graduate Entry

Pre-medical/Access course provided

GCE A Levels Aberdeen

GCE AS Levels Not formally available, but suitable applicants are accepted onto the 2nd year when there is space available. Contact medical school directly for further information. ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Awards - acceptable only when combined with other qualications Available

Acceptable on its own & combined Acceptable only when combined with with other qualications. Chemistry other qualications. General Studies is highly desirable, plus at least one excluded from Biology, Mathematics or Physics and one other. General Studies excluded.

Birmingham

Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications Chemistry and either Biology or Physics or Mathematics. Human Biology may be offered, but not in addition to Biology. General Studies excluded

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications Biology at AS level is required if not offered at A level. Human Biology may be offered instead of Biology. Acceptable combined with other qualications Chemistry and Biology. General Studies excluded. If you have studied Biology or Chemistry to AS level only, you will additionally be expected to pass this subject at grade B.

Brighton and Sussex

Acceptable on its own & combined Acceptable combined with other with other qualications. Biology or qualications. If four AS levels offered at Chemistry, General Studies excluded. least one should be in a non-science subject. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry required. General Studies excluded. Acceptable only when combined with other qualications Three of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics. Chemistry required at least to AS level.

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Awards - Acceptable combined with other qualications. AVCE and AVCE Double Awards Science required.

Available

Bristol

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable only when combined with other subjects

Available

Available MBChB 6 years

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Entry requirements to medical school in 2006 (for applicants with qualications from England, Wales and Northern Ireland).
University Required GCE Awards Other Qualications Considered in Offer Graduate Entry Pre-medical/Access course provided

GCE A Levels Cambridge Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. One from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics. Chemistry required at least to AS level.

GCE AS Levels A combination of GCE and VCE AS and A-Levels and Key Skills may be included. Contact medical school for further information Available Available

Cardiff/Wales

A combination of GCE and VCE AS Acceptable only when combined with other qualications Chemistry and any and A-Levels and Key Skills may be included. Contact medical school for science subject further information. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and any science subject General Studies excluded Acceptable only when combined with other qualications.

A combination of GCE and VCE AS and A-Levels and Key Skills may be included. Contact medical school for further information

Available

Available

Dundee

Available

East Anglia

Acceptable on its own & combined Acceptable only when combined with other qualications - Biology required if with other qualications. AAB of which Biology should be at least at B not held at A level grade General Studies excluded Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and any of Mathematics, Physics or Biology. Biology required at least to AS level. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry required and one from Biology, Mathematics or Physics. Biology or Human Biology in addition to Chemistry is preferred.. Acceptable on its own and combined Acceptable only when combined with with other qualications. Chemistry other qualications Biology and Chemistry and Biology required. General Studies excluded. Acceptable on its own and combined Acceptable combined with other with other qualications. Biology or qualications Biology and Chemistry. General Studies excluded. If Biology is not studied at A2 it should be taken at AS level or GCSE. Passes in 4 AS subjects are expected from Lower Sixth.

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable only when combined with other subjects. AVCE and AVCE Double Awards Health and Social Sciences preferred.

Edinburgh

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable only when combined with other subjects.

Graduates accepted Available on a 5 year medical degree

Glasgow

Hull York

ASVCE, AVCE Acceptable only when combined with other subjects

No Graduates accepted, on to full 5 year course

Imperial

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Not Acceptable

23 | Becoming a doctor 2006

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Entry requirements to medical school in 2006 (for applicants with qualications from England, Wales and Northern Ireland).
University Required GCE Awards Other Qualications Considered in Offer Graduate Entry Pre-medical/Access course provided

Keele

GCE AS Levels GCE A Levels General Studies excluded. Grades AAB required from Chemistry Not acceptable plus either Biology/Physics/Maths plus one further academic subject if only two sciences are offered. Acceptable on its own and combined Acceptable only when combined with with other qualications. Biology or other qualications General Studies excluded Chemistry General Studies excluded. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry required, General Studies excluded. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry required. General Studies excluded Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Biology and Chemistry . Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and one other of Biology, Physics, Human Biology or Mathematics. Subjects with less than 60% theoretical content and General Studies ecxcluded. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry or Biology required. General Studies excluded. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology) at A grade. General Studies excluded. Acceptable only when combined with other qualications.

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Not Acceptable

Kings College

ASVCE, AVCE Acceptable only when combined with other subjects.

Available

Leeds

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable only when combined with other subjects.

Leicester

Acceptable combined with other qualications Biology and Chemistry. General Studies excluded

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable only when combined with other subjects.

Available

No

Liverpool

Acceptable combined with other AVCE Acceptable combined with other qualications. qualications General Studies acceptable ASVCE and AVCE Double Award not acceptable.

Available

Manchester

Not acceptable

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Not Acceptable

Available

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. Chemistry or Biology if not offered at A Level. General Studies excluded Acceptable combined with other qualications.

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable only when combined with other subjects

Available

Nottingham

Available

25 | Becoming a doctor 2006

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Entry requirements to medical school in 2006 (for applicants with qualications from England, Wales and Northern Ireland).
University Required GCE Awards Other Qualications Considered in Offer Graduate Entry Pre-medical/Access course provided

GCE A Levels Oxford Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry with either Mathematics or Biology or Physics

GCE AS Levels Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. General Studies excluded. ASCVE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable only when combined with other subjects. Available

Peninsula

Acceptable on its own & combined Acceptable combined with other with other qualications. Biology or qualications. General Studies excluded. Chemistry or Mathematics or Physics plus two further subjects at A level, preferably to include one nonscience subject Acceptable on its own & combined Acceptable combined with other with other qualications. Chemistry qualications General Studies excluded or Biology. General Studies excluded.

ASCVE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable combined with other subjects.

Barts and The London Queen Marys School of Medicine and Dentistry

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Not Acceptable

Available

Queens University Belfast

Acceptable only when combined with Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. Chemistry other qualications. General Studies excluded. at grade A and (Biology at grade A or Mathematics at grade A or Physics at grade A). General Studies excluded. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and Any Science subject. Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. Chemistry, Biology and one other science subject recommended Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. General Studies and subjects which overlap each other eg Biology/P.E./Sports Studies and Maths/Further Maths are excluded.

ASCVE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable combined with other subjects.

Shefeld

ASVCE Not acceptable. AVCE - Acceptable combined with other subjects.

No

Available

Southampton

Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry required. General Studies and subjects which overlap each other eg Biology/P.E./Sports Studies and Maths/Further Maths are excluded.

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable combined with other qualications

Available

St Andrews (BSc)

Acceptable on its own & combined Acceptable only when combined with with other qualications. Chemistry other qualications and Biology, Mathematics or Physics. General Studies excluded

27 | Becoming a doctor 2006

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Entry requirements to medical school in 2006 (for applicants with qualications from England, Wales and Northern Ireland).
University Required GCE Awards Other Qualications Considered in Offer Graduate Entry Pre-medical/Access course provided

GCE A Levels St Georges Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and Biology required.

GCE AS Levels Not acceptable. ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Not acceptable. Available

Wales, Swansea

Graduate Entry only at Swansea. Partnership arrangement with Cardiff for ve-year medical degree. Contact medical school for further details. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry Biology required.

Graduate Entry only at Swansea. Partnership arrangement with Cardiff for ve-year medical degree. Contact medical school for further details.

Graduate Entry only at Swansea. Partnership arrangement with Cardiff for ve-year medical degree. Contact medical school for further details.

Available

University College London

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications.

ASVCE, AVCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable combined with other qualications

Available 5yrs

University of Wales College of Medicine

Acceptable combined with other Two of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, qualications Chemistry or Biology Mathematics, Statistics (one being if not taken at A level at grade B. Chemistry or Biology). AB grades required. (Chemistry or Biology required at AS if not at A level.) Nonscience subjects strongly encouraged. Graduate entry course. Candidates are expected to have a rst class or good upper second class degree in Biological Sciences. Relevant work experience is essential. Graduate entry course. Candidates are expected to have a rst class or good upper second class degree in Biological Sciences. Relevant work experience is essential.

VCE 3 Unit Award, Advanced VCE, AVCE Double Award Acceptable combined with other qualications

Available

University of Warwick

Graduate entry course. Candidates are expected to have a rst class or good upper second class degree in Biological Sciences. Relevant work experience is essential.

Available

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Entry requirements to medical school in 2006 (for applicants from Scotland).

University Aberdeen Typical Higher grades required AAAAB Subjects Typical Advanced Higher grades required Subjects Three from Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Physics. Chemistry is desirable, only acceptable in one sitting. Acceptable only when combined with other subjects.

Three from Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Physics. Chemistry is desirable, ABB only acceptable in one sitting. Acceptable when combined with other qualications. Two Advanced Higher also required Biology and Chemistry. At least two Advanced Highers are also required. If you have studied Biology or Chemistry to Higher level only, you will additionally be expected to pass this subject at grade B.

Birmingham

AAAAB

Brighton and Sussex

Biology or Chemistry. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. At least two advanced highers required.

Bristol

AAAAA

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. Chemistry required. Acceptable only when combined with other qualications.

AB

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. Chemistry required. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. One from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics. Chemistry required at least to Higher level.

Cambridge

AAA - AAB

Dundee

AAABB

Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and any science subject.

Not acceptable.Entry based on rst sitting of Highers, not Advanced Highers. AAB Biology at grade B Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications.

East Anglia

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. Acceptable with advanced highers. AAAAB AAAAB Chemistry and two from Biology, Maths and Physics. Chemistry and two from Mathematics, Physics and Biology or Human Biology Chemistry and Biology only acceptable in one sitting Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. Acceptable when combined with Advanced Highers 4-5 subjects at standard grade are required with good range of grades, including English Lang and Maths. Any science subject not offered at Advanced Higher/Higher level required at standard grade level instead. Not Acceptable

Edinburgh Glasgow

Hull York Imperial

AAAAB

AB AAB

Chemistry and Biology Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Biology and Chemistry Chemistry essential, plus one from Biology/Physics/Maths, plus one further academic subject if only 2 sciences offered. Alternatively 2 Advanced Highers plus one new Higher at AAA may be offered. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and Biology Individual cases considered

Keele

3 Advanced Highers at AAB required.

Kings College

ABB

Leeds

AAAAB

Individual cases considered

BB

31 | Becoming a doctor 2006

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University Leicester

Typical Higher Grades required AAAAA Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and Biology Acceptable only when combined with other qualications

Typical Advanced Higher grades required AAB

Subjects Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and Biology Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and Biology both at A grade. Acceptable only when combined with other qualications.

Liverpool

AAAAA - AAABB

AA

Manchester Newcastle Upon Tyne Nottingham AAAAB

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications Chemistry and/or Biology at grade A and Mathematics

AAB

AAB

Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and Biology at grade A Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and one from Mathematics, Biology or Physics Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. At least one Science and preferably one non-Science required. Only acceptable in one sitting.

Oxford

AAAAA - AAAAB

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications.

AAA

Peninsula

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. At least one Science and preferably one non-Science required. Only acceptable in one sitting. AAA Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. BB

Queen Mary, University of London Queens University Belfast

Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Biology or Chemistry Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry at grade A and (Biology at grade A or Mathematics at grade A or Physics at grade A). Chemistry at grade A and Any Science subject at grade B. Only acceptable in 1 sitting. Chemistry Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications.

AAAAA

Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry at grade A and Biology at grade A.

AAA

Shefeld

AAAAB

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. Only acceptable in 1 sitting. Chemistry Chemistry and at least one other from Physics, Biology or Mathematics Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. Biology and Chemistry required.

AB

Southampton St Andrews St Georges

AAAAB AAABB AAAAA-BBBBB

AB

AAA-AAB

Acceptable only when combined with other qualications. Biology and Chemistry required. Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualications. Chemistry and Biology required. Chemistry

University College London

Not acceptable

AAB

University of Wales College of Medicine Warwick

AAAAB

English Language and Chemistry, Biology, Physics.

AA

Graduate entry course. Candidates are expected to have a rst class or good upper second class degree in Biological Sciences. Relevant work experience is essential.

Graduate entry course. Candidates are expected to have a rst class or good upper second class degree in Biological Sciences. Relevant work experience is essential.

33 | Becoming a doctor 2006

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Section 3: UK medical schools contacts

The following is a list of universities with schools/faculties of medicine. Additional information regarding entry requirements may be obtained from the schools themselves.
English Medical Schools: University of Birmingham The Assistant Registrar The Medical School University of Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TJ Tel: 0121 414 6888 www.bham.ac.uk Brighton and Sussex Medical School University of Brighton Mithras House Lewes Road Brighton BN2 4AT Tel: 01273 600 900 www.bsms.ac.uk University of Bristol The Registrar & Secretary University of Bristol Senate House Tyndall Avenue Bristol BS8 1TH Tel: 0117 928 7679 www.bris.ac.uk University of Cambridge University of Cambridge Intercollegiate Admissions Ofce Kellet Lodge Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB2 1QJ Tel: 01223 333308 www.cam.ac.uk University of East Anglia The Admissions Secretary School of Medicine Norwich NR4 7TJ Tel: 01603 593 061 www.uea.ac.uk/med/
35 | Becoming a doctor 2006

Universities of London:
Imperial College School of Medicine The Admissions Ofcer Imperial College School of Medicine Exhibition Road London SW7 2AZ. Tel: 020 7589 5111 www.ic.ac.uk Guy's, King's and St Thomas' GKT School of Medicine Management Suite First Floor Hodgkin Building Guys Campus London SE1 9RT Tel: 020 7848 6971 www.kcl.ac.uk St Bartholomews and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry The Admissions Ofce Queen Mary and Westeld College Turner Street London E1 2AD Tel: 020 7377 7611 www.mds.qmw.ac.uk Royal Free and University College University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BT Tel: 020 7679 7050 www.ucl.ac.uk/medicalschool St George's Hospital Medical School The Admissions Ofce St George's Hospital Medical School Cranmer Terrace London SW17 0RE Tel: 020 8672 9944 www.sghms.ac.uk

Hull York Medical School The University of Hull Cottingham Road Hull HU6 7RX Tel: 01482 466 100 www.hyms.ac.uk University of Keele Undergraduate Division Keele University Keele Staffordshire ST5 5BG 01782 583642/583632 www.keele.ac.uk University of Leeds The Admissions Ofcer Faculty of Medicine University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT Tel: 0113 233 4362 www.leeds.ac.uk University of Leicester Admissions Ofce University of Leicester Medical School Medical Sciences Building, University Road Leicester LE1 7RH Tel: 0116 252 2295 www.le.ac.uk University of Liverpool The Admissions Secretary (Medicine) University of Liverpool PO Box 147 Liverpool L69 3BX Tel: 0151 706 4266 www.liv.ac.uk/facultymedicine/

University of Manchester University of Manchester Undergraduate Medical Admissions Ofce The University of Manchester Stopford Building Oxford Road MANCHESTER M13 9PT Tel: 0161 275 5025/5774 www.man.ac.uk University of Newcastle The Administrative Assistant (Admissions) Medical School Framlington Place University of Newcastle Upon Tyne Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH Tel: 0191 222 7034 www.ncl.ac.uk University of Nottingham The Admissions Ofcer Medical School Queen's Medical Centre University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH Tel: 0115 970 9379 www.nott.ac.uk University of Oxford The Co-ordinator for Admissions University of Oxford Medical School Oxford OX1 3RE www.medicine.ox.ac.uk Peninsula Medical School The Admissions Ofce Tamar Science Park Derriford Plymouth PL6 8BX Tel: 01752 764261 www.pms.ac.uk University of Shefeld The Sub-Dean for Medical Admissions The University of Shefeld Medical School Beech Hill Road Shefeld S10 2RX Tel: 0114 271 2142 www.shef.ac.uk
Becoming a doctor 2006 | 36

University of Southampton Admissions Ofce University of Southampton Biomedical Sciences Building Ballett Crescent East Southampton S15 7FX Tel: 023 8059 4408 www.soton.ac.uk

University of Edinburgh Undergraduate Admissions College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine The University of Edinburgh Teviot Place Edinburgh EH8 9AG Tel: 0131 650 3187 www.ed.ac.uk University of Glasgow Admissions Committee Faculty of Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ Tel: 0141 330 4424 www.gla.ac.uk University of St Andrews (Medical Science BSc only Medical Admissions Ofce The University of St Andrews 79 North Street College Gate St Andrews KY16 9AJ. Tel: 01334 476 161 www.st-and.ac.uk University of Wales The Registrar School of Medicine Cardiff University Heath Park Campus Heath Park CF14 4XN Tel: 029 2074 3949 www.cardiff.ac.uk

Section 4: Major medical specialties

Anaesthetics Royal College of Anaesthetists 48 Russell Square London WC1B 4JP9 www.rcoa.ac.uk Accident & Emergency Medicine Cardiology Dermatology Endocrinology General (Internal) Medicine Geriatric Medicine Neurology Renal Medicine (Nephrology) Respiratory Medicine Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Royal College of Physicians 11 St. Andrew's Place London NW1 4LE www.rcplondon.ac.uk Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 9 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 1JQ www.rcpe.ac.uk Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow 232-242 St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5RJ www.rcpglasg.ac.uk General Practice Royal College of General Practitioners 14 Princes Gate London SW7 1PU www.rcgp.org.uk Medical Research The Medical Research Council 20 Park Crescent London W1N 4AL www.mrc.ac.uk Occupational Medicine Faculty of Occupational Medicine Royal College of Physicians 11 St Andrew's Place London NW1 4LE www.rcplondon.ac.uk Ophthalmology Royal College of Ophthalmologists 17 Cornwall Terrace London NW1 4QW www.rcophth.ac.uk Obstetrics & Gynaecology Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists 27 Sussex Place London NW1 4RG www.rcog.org.uk Paediatrics Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health 50 Hallam Street London W1M 6DE www.rcpch.ac.uk Pathology Royal College of Pathologists 2 Carlton House Terrace London SW1Y 5AF www.rcpath.org.uk Pharmaceutical Medicine Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine 1 St Andrew's Place London NW1 4LB www.fpm.org.uk

Medical Schools in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Queen's University of Belfast The Dean The Medical Faculty The Queen's University of Belfast University Road Belfast BT7 1NN Tel: 028 9033 5081 www.qub.ac.uk University of Aberdeen Admission Tutor University of Aberdeen Medical School Polwarth Building Foresterhill Aberdeen AB9 2ZD Tel: 01224 554 975 www.abdn.ac.uk University of Dundee The Admissions Ofcer Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry University of Dundee Dundee DD1 4HN Tel: 01382 344160 www.dundee.ac.uk

Applications to medical schools should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ. Tel: 0870 1122211 www.ucas.ac.uk

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Psychiatry Royal College of Psychiatrists 17 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8PG www.rcpsych.ac.uk Public Health Medicine Faculty of Public Health Medicine 4 St Andrew's Place London NW1 4LB www.fphm.org.uk Radiology (diagnostic) Royal College of Radiologists 38 Portland Place London W1N 3DG www.rcr.ac.uk Radiotherapy & Oncology as above Sports Medicine National Sports Medicine Institute Medical College of St. Bartholomew's Hospital Charterhouse Square London EC1M 6BQ www.nsmi.org.uk Surgery Royal College of Surgeons of England 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields London WC2A 3PN www.rcseng.ac.uk Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Nicolson Street Edinburgh EH8 9DW www.rcsed.ac.uk

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow 232-242 St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5RJ www.rcpglasg.ac.uk Dental Surgery British Dental Association 64 Wimpole Street London W1M 8AL www.bda-dentistry.org.uk

Section 5: Useful contacts and resources

Further essential or useful information about application to, medical school can be found in the following sources: Application to medical school : Details of admission to medical school, and Access and Foundation Courses are available on the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website:
UCAS Rosehill New Barn Lane Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ Tel: 0870 1122211 www.ucas.ac.uk Universities Scotland and UCAS Entrance Guide to Higher Education in Scotland UCAS Distribution Team PO Box 130 Cheltenham GL52 3ZF Tel: 01242 544 610. Big Guide 2006 UCAS Distribution Team PO Box 130 Cheltenham GL52 3ZF Tel: 01242 544 610. For details on Access Courses in your area contact: Learn Direct www.learndirect.co.uk Tel: 0800 100 900 Or search on UCAS website at www.ucas.ac.uk Entry to medical school: The Insiders' Guide to Medical Schools (8th Edition) (ISBN: 1405131047) Compiled by the BMA Medical Students Committee. Edited by Sally Girgis, Karen Herbert, Joanna Burgess Available from: Hammicks BMA Bookshop 399 - 401 Oxford Road Manchester M13 9BL UK E-Mail orders@hammicksbma.com Web: www.bmjbookshop.com Tel - 0161 276 9704 Fax - 0161 276 9700 Learning Medicine (16th Edition) (ISBN: 0727917129) Peter Richards and Simon Stockhill. Available from: Hammicks BMA Bookshop 399 - 401 Oxford Road Manchester M13 9BL UK E-Mail - orders@hammicksbma.com Web: www.bmjbookshop.com Tel - 0161 276 9704 Fax - 0161 276 9700

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Getting into Medical School (10th Edition) (ISBN: 1844550303) James Burnett, Joe Rushton. Published by: Trotman and Company Ltd 2 The Green Richmond Surrey TW9 1PL Tel: 020 8486 1150 Available from: Hammicks BMA Bookshop 399 - 401 Oxford Road Manchester M13 9BL UK E-Mail - orders@hammicksbma.com Web: www.bmjbookshop.com Tel - 0161 276 9704 Fax - 0161 276 9700 Medical School Survival Guide (ISBN: 0954765702) Ashley McKimm. Published by: Trauma Publishing Available from Hammicks BMA Bookshop 399 - 401 Oxford Road Manchester M13 9BL UK E-Mail - orders@hammicksbma.com Web: www.bmjbookshop.com Tel - 0161 276 9704 Fax - 0161 276 9700 And most good bookshops including Waterstones & www.amazon.co.uk at 12.95 Becoming a doctor in the NHS is available from NHS Careers Tel: 0845 60 60 655 Email: advice@nhscareers.nhs.uk

Sign Posting Medical Careers for Doctors (ISBN: 0727978206) Board of Medical Education British Medical Association Available free of charge from the Science and Education Department British Medical Association Tel: 020 7383 6164 info.science@bma.org.uk Medical Specialities: the way forward (ISBN: 0954861531) Board of Medical Education British Medical Association Available free of charge to BMA Members from the Science and Education Department British Medical Association Tel: 020 7383 6164 info.science@bma.org.uk Available to non-BMA members for 10 via Hammicks BMA Bookshop 399 - 401 Oxford Road Manchester M13 9BL E-Mail - orders@hammicksbma.com Web: www.bmjbookshop.com Tel - 0161 276 9704 Fax - 0161 276 9700

Funding undergraduate studies:

Student Loans Company Ltd 100 Bothwell Street Glasgow G2 7JJD Tel: 0800 405 010 www.studentloans.gov.uk National Union of Students Nelson Mandela House 461 Holloway Road London N7 6LJ Tel: 020 7272 8900 www.nusonline.org.uk Scholarship Search UK provides a free search facility for all undergraduate students wanting to study in the UK, regardless of nationality. The site covers scholarships and sponsorship above the value of 100 per annum. It went on-line as a direct result of the withdrawal of the LEA maintenance award and the introduction of tuition fees. Scholarship Search UK The Old House Church Lane Claxton Norfolk NR14 7HY www.scholarshipsearch.org.uk/about.html The Educational Grants Advisory Service 501/505 Kingsland Road Dalston London E8 4AU Tel: 020 7254 6251 www.egas-online.org

BMA Charities BMA House Tavistock Square London WC1H 9JP Tel: 020 7383 6334/6142 Email: info.bmacharities@bma.org.uk BMA Charities has a list of alternative sources of funding for graduates who want to take medicine as a second degree. To obtain the list, please send a stamped self-addressed envelope to the above address.

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General information:
General Medical Council 178-202 Great Portland Street London W1N 6JE Tel: 020 7580 7642 www.gmc-uk.org Council of Heads of Medical Schools 20 Tavistock Square Woburn House London WC1H 9HD Tel +44 (0) 20 7419 5494 Fax +44 (0) 20 7380 1482 email: admin@chms.ac.uk www.chms.ac.uk

Information on bursaries
England: NHS Student Grants Unit 22 Plymouth Road Blackpool Lancashire FY3 7JS Tel: 01253 655 655/ 01253 655 660 Email: nhs-sgu@ukonline.co.uk Northern Ireland: Department for Employment and Learning 4th Floor Adelaide House Belfast BT2 8FD Tel: 028 902 577 77 E-mail: del@nics.gov.uk

Volunteer Work:
National Association of Volunteer Bureaux New Oxford House 16 Waterloo Street Birmingham B2 5UG Tel: 0121 633 4555 Fax:0121 633 4043 www.navb.org.uk The National Centre for Volunteering Regent's Warf 8 All Saints Street London N1 9RL Tel: 020 7713 6161 Fax: 020 7713 6300 www.ncvo-vol.org.uk Community Service Volunteers 237 Pentonville Road London N1 9NJ Tel: 020 7278 6601 www.csv.org.uk Scotland: The Student Awards Agency for Scotland Gyle House 3 Redheughs Rigg South Gyle Edinburgh EH12 9HH Tel: 0131 476 8212 Email: geu@saas.gov.uk Wales: The NHS (Wales) Student Awards Unit 2nd Floor Golate House 101 St Mary Street Cardiff CF10 1DX Tel: 029 2026 1495

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Issued by: British Medical Association BMA House Tavistock Square London WC1H 9JP www.bma.org.uk December 2005