The Student Room Group

Access to Medicine

Hi,

First post on student room, be gentle taking my virginity guys.

(Sorry, I realise this must be an age-old topic discussed hundreds of times, but it's poor forum etiquette to hi-jack someone else's thread)

I'm a 21 year old A/S level dropout, I got 11 decent-ish GCSE's but I'll need to re-take maths which isn't a problem. Spent the last few years working in bars and wishing I could do medicine.

I've determined for reasons not limited to finance and time, that an 'Access to Medicine' course might be the best route into medicine for me rather than retaking (and having to pay) for 3 separate A levels. From what I've researched there are different access courses at different colleges that can get you into different universities, but the maybe 'best' and most universally recognised is the Access to Medicine and Dentistry at the University of West Anglia.

( http://www.cwa.ac.uk/cms_view.php?page_id=8960&showone=1608&pai=28&template=yes )

Does anyone here know anyone that has gone or is going this route into medicine? Are access courses looked down upon compared to people who've done the million A*'s at GCSE and A level route? I've heard it can be quite competitive.

I guess I just want to find out before I sign up to apply for next year if more learned people than I would recommend another route.

Ta very much.

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Reply 1
Typical, found a really informative thread on page 5 after posting this.
Reply 2
I'm on the CWA Access to Medicine course at the moment.

Feel free to ask any questions :smile:
Reply 3
Wow, what a stroke of luck.

I have loads of questions to be honest, if you have enough time to answer a few would be such a help for me.

How was the interview stage in terms of questions they ask you?
How much work experience did you do?
Were your previous academic results (A levels/GCSE) closely scrutinised?
Do you have any idea of the % of people who graduate the course that go onto study medicine the year after?
How many days a week do you have to go into the college?
How much of it, so far, has been maths!?

Thank you so much!
Reply 4
Hi :biggrin:

Im currently looking at Access to Medicine. Im 24 and I sat AS levels when I left school but did not complete them as I had some personal problems. Iv wanted to study medicine for years but never believed in myself enough, and have just got to a point where I cant get it out of my mind.

Iv found it really difficult to gain information on how to get into medicine - eg the routes. So if anyone on here can give me advice too I would be muchly grateful :colondollar:

I have quite a bit of experience I think...Iv been a support worker in mental health for 2.5 years and am currently a support worker for people with learning disabilities. I am also looking at getting some voluntary work at my local hospital but it is taking ages for them to get back to me! I am not academically strong but am very determined. I have begun being tutored this month for chemistry. My teacher is a moderator, therefore, if I do end up sitting as and a2 chemistry exams, im sure he will help me achieve the best I can.

I have looked at loads of access to medicine courses but am keen to stay as close as I can to where I live, which unfortunately probably limits me quite a bit. Iv been looking at Leeds and Nottingham areas, but am unsure as to whether the universities accept just a science access course, or whether they only accept access to medicine (I am emailing them today).

Can anyone help?!!!
Reply 5
Original post by lozzza b
Wow, what a stroke of luck.

I have loads of questions to be honest, if you have enough time to answer a few would be such a help for me.

How was the interview stage in terms of questions they ask you?
It was a short 30 minute chat, although longer for some others. They ask about your reasons for wanting to do the course, your background, any individual issues, they check if you can survive financially, academically etc. My chat was very friendly
How much work experience did you do?
I was an community responder for 2.5 years and a week shadowing in a city hospital
Were your previous academic results (A levels/GCSE) closely scrutinised?
Not overly - my GCSEs (from 11 years ago!) were average/poor - all Bs. They were only concerened that I had B or higher in maths & english. If you don't though, you do these GCSEs as well as the access to medicine course. Approx 10 people are this year. I did lvl 3 equivalents to A levels, but they're not really looked at.
Do you have any idea of the % of people who graduate the course that go onto study medicine the year after?
I don't, but as you said, it's the most respected and accepted course. 26 med schools I believe accept it. And it's done well for me so far!!
How many days a week do you have to go into the college?
4 - Monday to Thursday
How much of it, so far, has been maths!?
Very little indeed. Physics/Chemistry/Biology are all 12 point modules. Maths is a 6 point module. I'm not overly math'y, but it's been surprisingly easy. It's only relevant topics (i.e. statistics). You finish maths completely in March.
Thank you so much!


My pleasure - any more questions, just ask
Reply 6
Original post by domht
Hi :biggrin:

Im currently looking at Access to Medicine. Im 24 and I sat AS levels when I left school but did not complete them as I had some personal problems. Iv wanted to study medicine for years but never believed in myself enough, and have just got to a point where I cant get it out of my mind.

Iv found it really difficult to gain information on how to get into medicine - eg the routes. So if anyone on here can give me advice too I would be muchly grateful :colondollar:

I have quite a bit of experience I think...Iv been a support worker in mental health for 2.5 years and am currently a support worker for people with learning disabilities. I am also looking at getting some voluntary work at my local hospital but it is taking ages for them to get back to me! I am not academically strong but am very determined. I have begun being tutored this month for chemistry. My teacher is a moderator, therefore, if I do end up sitting as and a2 chemistry exams, im sure he will help me achieve the best I can.

I have looked at loads of access to medicine courses but am keen to stay as close as I can to where I live, which unfortunately probably limits me quite a bit. Iv been looking at Leeds and Nottingham areas, but am unsure as to whether the universities accept just a science access course, or whether they only accept access to medicine (I am emailing them today).

Can anyone help?!!!


You have great work experience background, but the course is very challenging academically. Due to the 6x level 3 qualifications undertaken in a year, it's a huge amount to learn in a very short period of time.

If you can handle AS and A2 chemistry though, you'll be able to do the course. The chemistry we're doing does seem to be the hardest aspect of the course. A big amount of self directed learning though.

I think it's safe to say that I don't know of a single medical school that will accept a general access to science course - they specifically want access to medicine, due to the extra workload and more specialised topic direction, and not all universities will even accept this. I don't know of any access to medicine course in the Leeds area. The two main ones are the College of West Anglia, and Sussex Downs.
(edited 12 years ago)
Reply 7
Thanks so much islanders, I never actually expected to find anyone on the actual course I've been so interested in, so it's a massive help to be able to ask someone that's in the know.

Were there far more than 10 people at the interview stage?! I'm just trying to get a feel for how much work, aside from academic, I'm going to have to put in to stand out from the 'crowd', however big that might be!
Reply 8
Original post by lozzza b
Thanks so much islanders, I never actually expected to find anyone on the actual course I've been so interested in, so it's a massive help to be able to ask someone that's in the know.

Were there far more than 10 people at the interview stage?! I'm just trying to get a feel for how much work, aside from academic, I'm going to have to put in to stand out from the 'crowd', however big that might be!


There are only 30 on the course this year - a big reduction on last for one reason or another, but I don't know applicant numbers unfortunately. Just ensure that you are able to financially survive, you can easily prove your academically able, and most importantly, you've thought long and hard about this career choice. Your sensible enthusiasm will make you stand out enough!
Original post by domht

But am unsure as to whether the universities accept just a science access course, or whether they only accept access to medicine (I am emailing them today).
Can anyone help?!!!


There is only one way to know: check with the unis. I'd say check it on their website or if the information is not available there, just e-mail them.

I can't help about the other question though. I am on an Access to Science and plan to study Nursing or OT (undecided). :biggrin:

I have only started my course my last month but I can already see it is going to be tough. But I am still extremely excited although I have started to officially panick last week- let's take it as a good sign! :biggrin:
(edited 12 years ago)
Reply 10
Original post by islanders
There are only 30 on the course this year - a big reduction on last for one reason or another, but I don't know applicant numbers unfortunately. Just ensure that you are able to financially survive, you can easily prove your academically able, and most importantly, you've thought long and hard about this career choice. Your sensible enthusiasm will make you stand out enough!


You're awesome thanks for all the help and I'll see you at med school soon. How's that for sensible enthusiasm!
Reply 11
Original post by lozzza b
You're awesome thanks for all the help and I'll see you at med school soon. How's that for sensible enthusiasm!


Beautiful. See you there!
Reply 12
Just thought I'd chime in and say that if you're thinking about access to medicine you should definitely consider the Perth College Pathway to Medicine. I did this course back in 2008/2009, the great thing about this course is that if you complete the course satisfactorly (over 70% in core modules), there is 5 guaranteed places to St Andrews medical school. They are also a little lax about the guaranteed places, 6 people in my year passed and all 6 were given a place at St Andrews. There were only 10 people in my class too and 4 of them dropped out. The teaching is great!

http://www.perth.uhi.ac.uk/academicdepartments/scienceandenvironment/Pages/pathway.aspx
Reply 13
Thanks everyone :-D
Reply 14
Original post by leemkule
Just thought I'd chime in and say that if you're thinking about access to medicine you should definitely consider the Perth College Pathway to Medicine. I did this course back in 2008/2009, the great thing about this course is that if you complete the course satisfactorly (over 70% in core modules), there is 5 guaranteed places to St Andrews medical school. They are also a little lax about the guaranteed places, 6 people in my year passed and all 6 were given a place at St Andrews. There were only 10 people in my class too and 4 of them dropped out. The teaching is great!

http://www.perth.uhi.ac.uk/academicdepartments/scienceandenvironment/Pages/pathway.aspx


Hi there,

I'm 17 (18 in April) and I've sat my A2's in Psychology and Maths and AS in Chemistry...with BCC - to your best knowledge, would you think I would be eligible to apply and get a offer for this access course next year when I turn 19?

Thanks :biggrin:
Reply 15
Original post by Medicina
Hi there,

I'm 17 (18 in April) and I've sat my A2's in Psychology and Maths and AS in Chemistry...with BCC - to your best knowledge, would you think I would be eligible to apply and get a offer for this access course next year when I turn 19?

Thanks :biggrin:


Unfortunately, your age will be the prohibiting factor here, you need to be 21 and they are strict about that requirement. It can't hurt to give them an e-mail and ask though, things may have changed, but I doubt it. :frown:
Reply 16
Same with the COWA course - most access courses (if not all) are designed for those looking for an alternative entry into medicine, and not for those that didn't do overly well at A levels the year before
To do an access course you have to be 19 and over on the start date of the acedemic year!!!!!!!!
I am intrestead in cognitive psychology,sleep studies,and MATHS .i was thinking of taking this course do u think it would be a good course to take but i have no gcses science quakificatiins and my english gcse is at level c not b.also medicine is very competitive :/.plus i hate experiments and essay writing.
Hi
I was wondering how your interview was like ?
What type of question did they ask you?
How should I prepare myself as my interviews is soon?
Was it a panel of interviewers?

Thanks

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