Birmingham (A101) Graduate-Entry Medicine 2020 Entry

Original post by Pharmacology

No, referring to their website it’s the minimum entry standard

Hey guys ^-^

Does Birmingham look at your contextual background for your GCSEs as well, or only for A-Levels? I was forced to sit foundation-level maths because my school wouldn't let me take maths at the higher tier during GCSEs. Consequently, I achieved a C and only took higher in year 12; I had to study for this independently, achieving a B. I meet all of their other minimum requirements (As in English and science) and am hoping to score at least ~15/20 for their pre-interview assessment: 1:1 biomedical science degree (79% overall), ABC at a contextual school for A-Levels (As in EPQ, general studies if relevant, probs not >.<), between 1-2 years full-time work as a HCA (9 months by the time I apply) and doing research in Japan (1 year), and (hopefully) at least 5th decile for UCAT. Should I apply? I tried emailing twice, but the university hasn't replied. Also, I called the medical school directly and they said Birmingham primarily look at your A-Levels and degree if you're from a contextual school and do not focus on GCSEs, so I thought I'd ask here!

I was hoping this would be an alternative to Warwick, because I scored 630 in the UCAT, which seems a bit low for them. Also, Birmingham's course sounds great, especially because of the mixture of learning methods (lectures, seminars, PBL, bedside learning, etc.) and modules available.

Reply 26

RedNebula

14

Out of interest, what has everyone scored in UCAT, to gauge what is a competitive score? Got mine next week :s-smilie:

Also, does anyone have any tips or help with the situation judgement? I struggle with this because I feel like there's quite often a bunch of logical and reasonable suggestions and in reality I would sometimes do a combination or it would depend on the situation so is so hard to say!

Thanks and good luck to all!!

Reply 27

ChooseWisely

Hi, just a few questions:

1) In the website it says that the last two GCSE's to be scored are 'unspecified'. Does this mean they'll randomly choose any of your GCSE's to score?

2) How do they score GCSE's? They say that you can only get a maximum score og 6.0. Hypothetically how can you get this score?

Reply 28

Pharmacology

9

Honestly I think a lot of these questions can only be answered by med school, and in practice they probably won’t divulge the minutiae of their admissions protocol. You could try submitting a FOI request?

Reply 29

Would they consider a low-mid 2.1 (approx 63%) Biomed or are they specifically after high 2.1 or 1st. I know before they brought in the UCAT, they would strongly consider 1st class degrees but i'm not sure for this year.

Reply 30

missr6

5

hey guys, is it worth applying if I am currently doing my masters? Their website was vague and mentioned completing before application?
I looked at the scoring thing and I think I'd get 15 points.

1st in biochemistry Bsc
BBB at A-levels
UCAT score- 710 average, band 2 SJT

Reply 31

laurenjjj

8

Hi, I scored 675 UCAT, does anybody know how many points would be allocated for this? Interim results suggest that it is very nearly 8th decile (hopefully interim results are higher than what the official will be and this will be within 8th)

Reply 32

ambzzzz

13

Original post by laurenjjj

Hi, I scored 675 UCAT, does anybody know how many points would be allocated for this? Interim results suggest that it is very nearly 8th decile (hopefully interim results are higher than what the official will be and this will be within 8th)

8th decile would be around 3.1 points I think, and 7th would be 2.6

Reply 33

Original post by missr6

hey guys, is it worth applying if I am currently doing my masters? Their website was vague and mentioned completing before application?
I looked at the scoring thing and I think I'd get 15 points.

1st in biochemistry Bsc
BBB at A-levels
UCAT score- 710 average, band 2 SJT

As long as your masters has been completed before you start, it will likely be fine, as that would be the case for the vast majority of GEM universities.

Reply 34

They ask for an A in English. I have GCSEs in English Language (B) and in Literature (A). Worth a punt?

I do have Maths at A level (A) and GCSE (A)

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 35

Original post by MZI3

They ask for an A in English. I have GCSEs in English Language (B) and in Literature (A). Worth a punt?

I do have Maths at A level (A) and GCSE (A)

It's worth a shot if you already have 3 choices and are struggling for a 4th! Otherwise, it's a high-risk choice because they have stated the minimum requirements are As in English and/ or Maths if the highest qualification you have is GCSE. So for English they can either reject you, or overlook it and invite you to interview if you have enough points to reach the cut-off. I think the latter is possible if you have other outstanding aspects of your application, such as high degree, A-level, and/ or UCAT scores.

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 36

ambzzzz

13

Original post by MZI3

They ask for an A in English. I have GCSEs in English Language (B) and in Literature (A). Worth a punt?

I do have Maths at A level (A) and GCSE (A)

Email them just to check because it’s possible they would reject you but it’s also possible they would allow it. It’s best to know for certain though so you don’t waste a choice.

Reply 37

Original post by davidthomasjnr

It's worth a shot if you already have 3 choices and are struggling for a 4th! Otherwise, it's a high-risk choice because they have stated the minimum requirements are As in English and/ or Maths if the highest qualification you have is GCSE. So for English they can either reject you, or overlook it and invite you to interview if you have enough points to reach the cut-off. I think the latter is possible if you have other outstanding aspects of your application, such as high degree, A-level, and/ or UCAT scores.

UCAT isn't great lol 677.5 average Band 3
A-levels ABBb (Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Business Studies respectively) (underperforming school, same with the GCSE)
BSc Biomedical Science (2.1) not a great 2.1 (~63%)
MSc Biomedical Blood Science (Merit)
PhD Cardiovascular Science

Research scientist experience in cardiovascular science and volunteering experience at care homes and the hospital in the past.

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 38

Original post by ambercairney

Email them just to check because it’s possible they would reject you but it’s also possible they would allow it. It’s best to know for certain though so you don’t waste a choice.

I did do, but they haven't yet replied. I emailed about 2 weeks ago!

Reply 39