[music2000]

I am looking at three options, all of which include sitting GAMSAT as well:

a) Complete a 2nd degree
b) Complete a masters
c) complete full A-levels
d) access to med course

I am fully aware that a 3rd is pretty hopeless, but if you could please indulge the question, and tell me what you think I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

[Norton1]

It's questionable whether you'd get on a Master's with a 3rd. Even a new undergraduate degree might be aiming a bit high.

[Fynch101]

what?

[Gridiron-Gangster]

(Original post by music2000)
I am looking at three options, all of which include sitting GAMSAT as well:

a) Complete a 2nd degree
b) Complete a masters
c) complete full A-levels
d) access to med course

I am fully aware that a 3rd is pretty hopeless, but if you could please indulge the question, and tell me what you think I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

Hmm this is tricky to advise.

a c and d are entirely feasible. You may be able to do b via distance learning e.g. with the OU but even then the OU may ask for a 2:2 or 2:1 minimum and having just done a bachelor's with the OU, distance learning is not easy.

In the first instance you need to write to medical schools and ask what they suggest. So may say that you won't be eligible even if you were to do another degree because some places will only look at your first degree. If they say that then unfortunately that's it.

You could apply taking a-levels with pending grade predictions (and Access courses) but again with no real previous academic record to go by it would be difficult to make a strong case on paper. Also I'm not sure if you'd be eligible for Access courses given that you already have a first degree.

Like I said you need to write to the medical schools admissions tutors and ask their advice and opinions as ultimately it is there advice that is the only 100% accurate answer to your questions.

I hope you find some positive answers for entry in the UK but there are also foreign medical schools in the EU e.g. Czech Republic, Hungary and now a new one in Spain. I think the one in Spain wants BBB at A-level whereas in the past I've known people with Cs and Ds go to the Czech. Czech, Hungary and Spain are all in the EU so you could feasibly practice in the UK without having to take the PLAB. However Czech isn't an easy option as the passing marks are quite high not to mention the fact you need to have mastered the local lingo by the time you reach clinical years. All that means that every year the courses in Czech and Hungary boot out so many candidates. It's an alternative but certainly not an easy option.

You've also got places like Grenada, Bermuda etc but you would have to do the PLAB if you want to practice in the UK. Whilst they're listed in the WHO directory of medical schools some of the schools aren't recognised by the GMC and the American Equivalent so you'd be in danger of spending loads of money and graduating with a degree not worth the paper it's printed on unless you want to live out your career in Grenada etc.

So you got a range of options there but sadly the 3:3 makes everything very tricky. Send blanket emails to all medical schools and outline everything to them about your grades etc.

All the best.

[Observatory]

(Original post by music2000)
a) Complete a 2nd degree

Not as useful as you might think, because employers often specify first degree result.

b) Complete a masters

Unlikely to be admitted. Not considered to compensate for undergrad by most employers. Should be viewed as an 'Access to PhD' course, and will cost cash money.

c) complete full A-levels

How did you get onto a degree without them?

d) access to med course

Err, alright, but to get in you are going to have to do very well. The more fundamental issue is: why did you get a 3rd? Why will it be different if you do something else? If it won't, you're better off getting a non-graduate job or a vocational qualification.

[MJK91]

(Original post by music2000)
I am looking at three options, all of which include sitting GAMSAT as well:

a) Complete a 2nd degree
b) Complete a masters
c) complete full A-levels
d) access to med course

I am fully aware that a 3rd is pretty hopeless, but if you could please indulge the question, and tell me what you think I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

Unfortunately, and you're not going to like this comment and I'm sorry for that, but if you obtained a third class degree in what was presumably a subject less academically challenging than a medical degree, I think you need to have a very long think as to whether you could cope with the workload of medicine at University.

If there were extenuating circumstances behind your degree result, this will help you case if you were to do further study and then apply. However, without any such reasons, I think you'll find it hard to convince admissions tutors of your academic ability.

What is it which draws you to medicine? The patient-care aspect, or the academic challenge? I'd vouch that you can obtain either in other professions, though usually not both. If you're looking for a high degree of patient care, consider nursing, physiotherapy (although these courses are by no means easier to get into) or even becoming a healthcare assistant. If it's the academic challenge you're after, then perhaps go on to study further in a degree you think you will succeed in.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, and I do hope you find a way around your dilemma. All the best!

Matt