HCP Med at Edinburgh Uni: query about studying as a parent of a small child

Hi,

I am wondering about applying to study this course (Registered Nurse working in Scotland) but not sure if I should wait until my child is older. In 2023 my child will be in school so in-terms of a lot of the course being online, I think I will be ok but not sure in terms of placements. As far as I am aware placements could be anywhere in NHS Lothian but wondering if for instance there is the same expectation to have tightly regulated hours like they do in nursing course i.e. you are on placement 0700-1930 for the next three days and you have to have at least xx amount of hours etc. In other words would I be allowed to request e.g. if I could finish earlier one day and travel to my home town to my family that day? Or you just have to do the hours you are given and work out your childcare like you would if you were working? Not sure if med school is more forgiving but I know a lot of our nursing students with kids have to do the hours they are given by the placment and that's it.

Also how long are placement blocks in years 4 and 5? Do you get offered hospital accommodation? I seem to remember that used to be the case but not sure what the situation is now and certainly for nursing you didn't get reimbursed for it but not sure about medicine.... Haven't applied for the course yet as mentioned above want to consider a few things first. Anyone else in a similar situation/ have school aged children? Did you relocate as the whole family?

Thank you in advance for anyone who bothered reading the above novel and answering my queries. x

Reply 1

Scarlet-Ibis

Hi, I’m a first year HCP-med student,

Can answer some but not all of your questions.

Re placement: first and second year you attend the same GP practice once a week for 3-4 hours. It’s pretty flexible; you agree a day and time that suits both you and the practice. I’m able to tweak the times of my GP placement but unsure if everyone’s GP practice is as flexible. The university try to ensure placement is within the health board you live in, so if you live in NHS Lothian you’ll likely be given a placement there but if you’re in, for example nhs highland, you’ll be based there.

I’m not sure how placement works in 4/5th year but I imagine it’ll be less flexible. And I don’t have kids so cannot comment about that. 🙃

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 2

Julezvaren87

Original post

by Scarlet-Ibis

Hi

Thank you for taking your time to reply :smile:

. It's helpful to know :smile:

. If you don't mind me asking- just wondering how long did you spend to prep for your UCAT? How long did you wait to hear if you were invited for an interview? A bit worried about UCAT (from what I read it's not everyone's favourite either :P). Do you get any feedback from your application or interview? What about references? Do you need at least one academic reference? Finally about uni life... Do you get to meet other HCP- Med students in person at all?

Reply 3

Beginningagain

Hi I've applied and keen to chat with any other interviewees/students before interview.

Reply 4

pringle_pops

A useful look at what some current students and leaders of the HCP-Med course :smile:

: https://healthandcare.scot/default.asp?page=story&story=3017

Reply 5

Tgn2025

Original post

by Scarlet-Ibis

Hi, I’m a first year HCP-med student,
Can answer some but not all of your questions.
Re placement: first and second year you attend the same GP practice once a week for 3-4 hours. It’s pretty flexible; you agree a day and time that suits both you and the practice. I’m able to tweak the times of my GP placement but unsure if everyone’s GP practice is as flexible. The university try to ensure placement is within the health board you live in, so if you live in NHS Lothian you’ll likely be given a placement there but if you’re in, for example nhs highland, you’ll be based there.
I’m not sure how placement works in 4/5th year but I imagine it’ll be less flexible. And I don’t have kids so cannot comment about that. 🙃

Hey! I’m thinking of applying for 2026 entry but the financial aspect is really hindering me. Are you really expected to drop work to 2 days per week with no financial support? Or are you able to get student loan or anything? I could not live on a wage from 2 days work as I live alone!