Access to Medicine

Access to Medicine courses are an alternative to A Level qualifications for those who have not studied science but now wish to retrain as a doctor. These access courses are offered by many colleges and universities in the UK and they are each recognised by different medical schools. Some have a guaranteed number of places at a medical schools while others don't and the entry depends on grades in the Access course, BMAT/UKCAT scores and interview performance.It is advised to check individual websites of medical schools to see which course is the most accepted one and which one suits you the best.

NB: This is to be used as a guide, you should always check with individual colleges and do your own research as there are many more courses that enable you to apply to Medical School.

Course: Foundation in Clinical Sciences

Length: 1 year

Requirements: 200 UCAS points

Note: This foundation course allows you to enter BSc Clinical Sciences at Bradford or Leeds Medical School on succesful completion. To transfer to Leeds Medical School you will have to complete the foundation year and depending on your grades achieved and on your interview performance up to 20 students will transfer into year one at the medical school.

Further information: Foundation in Clinical Sciences

Course: BSc Clinical Sciences

Length: 3 years (Transfer to medicine once year 1 has been completed)

Requirements: 300 UCAS points including grade B in Biology and Chemistry at A Level

Note: First year of the BSc mirrors the first year of the MBChB program at Leeds Medical School. Successful completion of the first year at Bradford will allow, depending on grades achieved and interview performance, up to 20 students to progress into year two at Leeds Medical School. Students who do not transfer to Leeds Medical School are expected to continue with the degree, although it also possible to transfer to another biomedical courses at Bradford. Once you have finished the 3 years, you can apply for GEM.

Course: Interdisciplinary Science Foundation Programme

Length: 1 year

Requirements: CDD at A Level, a good GCSE profile and an interview. NB This course is not usually suitable for those who have already studied A level in one or more of these subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, due to overlap of content.

Note: Access to medicine is not guaranteed, but depends on performance on the course, UKCAT score and interview performance.

The course lasts for one year and is a level 3 qualification. You will be studying for the course at the college's Centre for Applied Sciences. The course is highly popular programme for adults who lack the standard entry qualifications to apply directly to medical, paramedical and human science degrees.

Course: Access To Medicine & Medical Bio Sciences Level 3 Course

Length: 1 year

Requirements: You must be 19 or over at the start of the course. GCSE English or equivalent. Interview where you will have to demonstrate your commmunication skills and your interest in the field of Medicine or Biosciences.

Note: If you wish to apply to Medicine once you have completed this course you should have in your possession a UKCAT and/or BMAT score and you should arrange relevant work experience. This course is aimed at those who do not meet the entry critieria for Medicine or other realated courses and they focus on giving you a foundation on the knowledge you need. Only those who perform well in the course will be allowed to apply to Medicine. NB At least five medical schools have taken Access students from this course, so you should find out which universities allow you to apply using this route.

This 1 year course has been made in collaboration with the University of Manchester's School of Medicine. The course is made of 4 modules including Biology,Mathematics , Physics and Core Modules. It is held at both the Nicholls Campus and the Northenden campus.

Course: Access to Medicine HE Diploma

Length: 1 year

Requirements: 'Good GCSE qualifications' and an Initial Assessment process.

Note: This HE diploma can be used as an alternative to A Level and you can use it to then apply to Medicine and other related subjects. You will need to take the UKCAT/BMAT and you will have to meet the GCSE requirements of the medical schools. Places at university are not guaranteed.

This course has been designed with the participation of Brighton and Sussex Medical School and so has direct links with this medical school. However, it is accepted by 15 UK medical schools in total and it provides a strong science foundation.

Course: Access to Medicine

Length: 1 year

Requirements: Good GCSEs, demonstration of success on a programme of study at level 3 or beyond will be expected. Final selection will depend on an admission test and an interview.

Note: This course has links with BSMS and each year the entire cohort receives an initial interview. In 2008-2009 cohort 8 out of 19 students were offered a place conditional on their performance in the Access course.

Course: Medicine and Dentistry (Medicine and Biomedical Sciences) - OCNLR Access to Higher Education

Length: 1 year

Requirements: 4 GCSE passes at grades A*-C to include English and Maths. Evidence of relevant work experience is essential.

Note: You should contact them and ask for more information about the course.

This course is aimed at adults who didn't complete a degree or diploma and now wish to retrain as doctors.

Course: Access to Medicine and Dentistry

Length: 1 year

Requirements: Aged 19 or above at the start of the course. 5 GCSEs grades A-C to include English, Maths and Science. Substantial work experience in the NHS. Group and individual interviews.

Note: This course is recognised by 20 medical school (list available on their website) and your entry will depend on your performance in the Access course, your UKCAT/BMAT score and your performance at the interview.

Perth College and The Bute Medical School, St Andrews has formed a partnership whereby a small number of students on the Applied Sciences: Pathway to Medicine HNC can progress to the 6 year Medicine programme based upon performance on the HCN Applied Sciences course.

Course: Applied Sciences: Pathway to Medicine HNC

Length: 1 year

Requirements: One science at A Level. You should have left school at least four years before your application. Interview.

Note: You can progress to HND, BSc programmes at other universities as well as apply to other medical schools.

Carmel College offers a unique course linked with the University of Liverpool that 'guarantees progression onto a Medicine or Dentistry degree at the University of Liverpool, for those students who meet the progression criteria'.

Course: Foundation to Health Studies - Programme AZ00

Length: 1 year

Requirements: 5 GCSEs at grades B or above to include English and Maths. Relevant work experience and an interview.

Note: You study modules in Biology and Chemistry as well as Health and Social Care and Professional Studies. To progress into Medicine or Dentistry an average year mark of 70% with 70% in both Chemistry and Biology over the two semester is needed. Students who od not progress into Medicine or Dentistry may have the opportunity to study other degrees at other universites.