Access to Medicine and Dentistry

This course is for anybody who wants to obtain a College of West Anglia Access to Medicine certificate. This is a Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) recognised qualification that is currently accepted by 20 UK medical schools as an entry qualification to medicine. About a third of students are health service professionals (e.g. nurses and paramedics). The remaining students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. We suggest that applicants must be familiar with and have experience of the National Health Service (NHS).

This course started in 1993/4 and has since sent over 300 students to UK medical schools. It is for those who seek a route into medicine or dentistry having either already achieved academically in other areas or who are seeking to make a greater contribution in this discipline.

The course is recognised by the following medical schools: University of Aberdeen; Brighton and Sussex; University of Cambridge; Cardiff University; University of East Anglia; University of Edinburgh, King¿s College London; Hull York; Durham University, Leicester; University of Leeds; University of Liverpool; Keele University; University of Manchester; Newcastle University; University of Oxford; University College London; University of Sheffield; University of Southampton; University of St Andrews.

The course intake includes graduates, many of whom aim for graduate entry 4-year medical courses as well as 5 year courses depending on first degree. Our progression to medical school has been favourable, achieving some 80% of students receiving offers, although progression is subject to achieving distinctions in all the subjects as the standard qualification for entry to 4 and 5 year degree programmes.

The core subjects are biology, chemistry and physics with 2 ancillary subjects (mathematics and epidemiology) taken for 2 hours for the first 2 terms. This is a longitudinal programme and is completed with a final exam and accompanying practical skills assessments throughout the year.

In addition each student completes a project, the written report of which will be included as the main component contributing to the 60 credits offered. Students taking the dentistry route will take the option in 'The Mouth in Health and Disease'.

A typical working week would be spread over 4-5 days. The course regularly recruits 75 students and runs as 4 groups for tutorials and laboratory sessions. Groups may be combined for specific lectures.

Entry Requirements:

Interview required

You must be aged 19 or over on 31st August in the year you begin the course and you will need 5 GCSEs or O levels at grades A-C, including English, maths (higher tier) and science (grade BB). Most medical schools require a minimum of grade B in GCSE English and maths. If you have a C in English and/or Maths, you will be required to retake and achieve a higher grade.

If you are an overseas student with non-UK qualifications, you will need to ensure that these are at least equivalent to the UK qualifications mentioned above and you will need to provide a NARIC statement of comparability as evidence.

If you already hold a degree, then acceptance for the access course will be dependent on degree classification. University medical schools do not usually accept students with a recent degree below grade 2:1. Therefore 2.2 degrees will not be acceptable for this course.
Graduates who wish to undertake graduate entry at university may need BBB at A level. Please check university websites to confirm the exact requirements and how your own qualifications match these.

Those who have completed a level 3 course (A levels or equivalent or Baccalaureates) within the last two years will not be considered.

If English is not your first language, we will require you to have an IELTS score of 6 (or equivalent) to join the course. You should also check the requirements of individual university medical schools - some require an IELTS score of 7.

Applicants will be expected to provide evidence of substantial health care or NHS experience (e.g. supporting references from a supervisor, a minimum of six months experience of fulfilling a role in healthcare etc).

A group interview will take place to ensure applicants receive consistent information. This will be followed by an individual interview in which the interviewer will be looking for further evidence of the applicants experience in health care or the NHS.

Applicants will be expected to provide evidence of substantial health care or NHS experience (e.g. supporting references from a supervisor, a minimum of six months experience of fulfilling a role in healthcare etc).

A group interview will take place to ensure applicants receive consistent information. This will be followed by an individual interview in which the interviewer will be looking for further evidence of the applicants experience in health care or the NHS.

Assessment:

There will be an end examination in each subject. Assignments will also be set throughout the course. In addition students have to complete a project.

Progression from this course:

The access certificate is validated by the Cambridge Access Validating Agency. It is preparation for higher education and is a nationally recognised qualification for entry to 20 specific medical schools.

Locations:

King's Lynn Campus - PE30 2QW

Duration:

1 Year

Start times:

September 2013

How to Apply:

Please apply online using the Access to Medicine and Dentistry application form.

Course Costs:

Click here for details on course fees for 2013-14.

Additional Information:

For more information, contact student services: King's Lynn - 01553 761144 Isle - 01945 582561; Cambridge - 01223 860701

Please note: Students are expected to purchase key texts where these are set out in module guides or unit specifications. Anglia Ruskin University have an extensive digital library that provides on and off-campus access to databases, e-journals and e-books which you will be able to access.