Typical grades needed for entry:

GCSE level : Five or six subjects at grades A/B, including mathematics and English. Manchester can ask for five subjects at grade A, including science and English grade B.

A –levels: AAB or AAA may be asked from chem. + 1 from boil/phys/maths + 1 sub.

Check with each institution for entry requirements.

Many medical schools are moving away from the emphasis on lectures and factual learning to a system based on acquiring appropriate skills and understanding as well as knowledge. This system is referred to the New Curriculum which introduces communication, problem-solving and more directed self-learning. Whilst there is a core curriculum of knowledge, the first three years integrate scientific and clinical experience and there are fewer formal lectures than before and more group and individual work. For outstanding students without science A level, some pre-medical courses are available. For all a period of preclinical studies leads to clinical studies. Intercalated studies of one year leading to a BSc are offered and elective courses abroad in the final years can sometimes be taken.  

• You no longer need three sciences to study medicine.
• 60 % of doctors are female.
• You can enter medicine by graduate entry and 30% of graduate entrants have non-science degrees.

UCAS advice

• Great emphasis is placed on the applicant’s evidence of caring, of exposure to hospital environment for example voluntary work in hospitals.
• First-hand experience is obligatory. Consider you motivation carefully. The universities will ask questions on your demonstration of motivation and commitment to a caring profession.
• You need to present evidence of a wide range of interests and academic ability. You need to be numerate and have good communication skills, as well as personal qualities to suit the career.

There must be evidence of scientific interest, commitment, enthusiasm, determination, stability, self-motivation, modesty (if you come over as arrogant and over confident you could be rejected), breadth of interest, leadership skills, stamina, good physical and mental health.

You must have experience of exposure to the medical profession – visit old people’s home, visit hospitals, discuss your career with your GP.

Read medical and scientific magazines. Keep up to date with the medical literature.

Interview advice

Questions will vary between applicants depending what is on their UCAS statement. Questions will relate to specific A – level subjects, general medicine topics and unconnected topics.

Questions:

• What interests you about science, biology chemistry?
• What is the most important advance in the last 50 years?
• Why do you want to study medicine, be a doctor? Do you agree with the concept of NHS trusts?
• Do you think NHS doctors should treat private patients?
• If you had to decide between the life of an old patient and a child which would you choose?
• Would you choose not to treat lung cancer for a patient who refuses to give up smoking? What is the most serious cause for concern for health of the UK? What was the last non-technical book that you read?

You need to show the ability to discuss medical and ethical issues. Awareness of problem-based learning.

Reasons for rejection :

• Insufficient vocation demonstrated.
• No steps taken to gain practical experience.
• Doubts as to ability to cope with the stress of a medical career. Not enough awareness about the career.
• Applicant appear dull and lacking enthusiasm. Lacking a caring, committed attitude.
• No evidence of broad , social, cultural, sporting interests or teamwork.
• Poor or lack of communication skills.
• Arrogance. Unrealistic expectations about being a doctor. Thinking that it is a good way of being rich!!!!
• You need to ensure that you personal skills and qualities match up with those needed to be a doctor.