Barts & The London (QMUL) Medicine - ask a student

Not sure if this is the right place to ask - with regards to applying, I know that a 1st in your degree is worth more points. But is there more points given for higher achievement in an MSc? Say is there a difference in Pass/Merit/Distinction, and what would you need in an MSc to make a 2.1 worth as many points as a first? (I have a 2.1 and an MSc, and didn’t do fantastic (but still above average) in the UKCAT so I’ve been quite worried!)

Hi there,

The deadline on UCAS for Medicine in London was October 15. However, applications for the Malta course are still open and information can be found here: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/smd/undergraduate/courses/medicine-mbbs-malta/

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Barts love,
Will

thanks for replying!
whens the deadline for malta?

Hi Will,
I was wondering how Barts teach the anatomy side of the course. Do they have dissection or something else?
thanks

Currently studying maths, chemistry, physics and biology at Alevel, any tips as atm I’m finding things fairly challenging????

Hi Will

How much of the teaching at Barts is PBL? How do you and your Colleagues find PBL? My concern is that without actual tuition there is a huge possibility of not retaining the correct information?

Hi there,

Opinion is mixed on PBL - some people love it, some would rather not do it. However, the reality is that PBL is important for a lot of reasons. Firstly, as a doctor you will need to be able to learn independently. When you are revising for your post-graduate exams to become a registrar or consultant, you won't have anyone to teach you and therefore you need to develop these independent learning skills at medical school. Secondly, PBL teaches you how to critically appraise resources and research. Because of the huge wealth of information in books, in papers and online, you need to know how to decide what is reliable. This is something you will learn when doing independent study in preparation for PBL. Finally, PBL-style interactions teach you how to work and communicate in a group with your peers in exactly the same way you would do when you begin work.

If you don't like the sound of PBL, don't be too put off. For your first block of PBLs you receive a lecture on the subject matter afterwards in a 'PBL-debrief'. This teaches you what sort of content you should be covering in your PBLs and ensures you haven't missed anything important. For subsequent PBLs, most of the content is covered in lectures or elsewhere in your course. The PBL is there to highlight important aspects of the area you are studying and to teach you the skills I've mentioned above.

I hope this helps - let me know if you have any more questions.

Barts love,
Will

Thanks Will

My son has an interview on 5 Feb at Barts and he has heard that med students are torn between liking PBL and disliking it, your explanation makes a lot of sense and has helped him to see the reason for it.

Do you have any advice for him pre interview? Apart from the questions on the article which is given in advance is there any advice you can give on other areas that might come up?

Thanks

Hi Will,

I am a current preclinical Barts student. Sometimes, I find it challenging to filter which part is important and which part is unimportant. Even though I did quite well in my first ICA in FunMed (what others regard as good), I was not satisfied at my results as I have made some stupid mistakes + found it hard to filter things (mentioned above) and could have done better (huge rooms for improvement) Therefore, apart from trying to make some adjustments on myself in the coming semester, I would like to ask you for a favor- whether you can send me some past questions on first 2 year ICAs and Finals if you have some or ask someone who has. (You can pm me.)

Also, I am curious on one thing. What percentage will guarantee the merit or distinction in your past experience?

Thank you! Looking forward to hearing to your reply!

Best,
Spiderman

Hi! Do you know the pointing system regarding the SJT of the UKCAT when combined with an interview score (offer process )? E.G is it scores 1/2/3/4 depending on what band you received or is it a larger scale?
Thank you.

Do you have a good recommendation on where to stay a night before the interview at Barts? something that is relatively cheap and not too far away from the university?

Hi will, i was wondering if there are any opportunities to get involved with research throughout the undergrad degree? Also, is there a medic netball team? Thank you!

I suppose you have now been graduated and would like to congratulate you on that and wish you all the best for your career.
I am a Y2 Barts medical student and I would be grateful if you could advise me on finding some past papers (or similar) and past clinical scenarios that will help me with my study and exams which I find a challenge for me.
Thank you very much in advance for your time and your advice.