Access course to medicine via distant learning

Hi,
I am currently studying the access to medicine course through distance learning centre (DLC), they’re the only remote access course unis will accept as they’re fully regulated.
I know 3 people from DLC who got into med schools with this access course in the last couple of years - one at Keele, one Bristol and one St George’s.
I am hoping to be the next! 😊 I haven’t come across a uni that doesn’t accept this DLC access course if they accept access courses generally (must be the medicine one!) my first choice is BSMS and they were very happy with it.
Hope that helps.

Hello, I am looking to do this exact course sometime this year. Please can I ask how you are finding it so far and any advice before starting it? I was thinking of going over all of A Level Chem and Bio to give myself a better chance at the course, I have a baby so all of my work will be through the night predominantly hence why I would really appreciate any advice you have at all about the course and workloads, I have gone through everything on their website but I would really appreciate someone's first hand experience with it. Thank you

Hi IXM9
First of all congratulations on your little one! I have 4 myself, my youngest is 3, so I very much get the apprehension of whether it’s manageable, but happy to say it really is!
I also run a business and have managed to get through the course well in evening and I allow myself one full day a week while the kids are at school/nursery. There’s been occasions where I’ve had to spend all weekend catching up on a big unit due to family/work commitments eating into study time, but I’m over halfway now and built up a momentum.
Going over a-level biology and chem would help for sure, but isn’t necessary. The last time I did chemistry was at GCSEs 15 years ago and I’ve managed with the DLC materials and lots of YouTube/recommended resources and achieved distinctions in each module. It’s hard but definitely do able.
The hardest part so far (if you’re looking to study medicine at Uni) was the UCAT without a doubt, so don’t underestimate that. I didn't feel I did as well as I could have if I’d had more time, I took a 1 month study break from the DLC course and had 3 weeks of prep.
I hope I’ve addressed everything you asked, but if there’s any other advice you want please don’t hesitate to ask, always happy to help!
All the best of luck, an exciting journey to start! 😊

That is such an interesting and helpful post. Thank you

Hi IXM9
First of all congratulations on your little one! I have 4 myself, my youngest is 3, so I very much get the apprehension of whether it’s manageable, but happy to say it really is!
I also run a business and have managed to get through the course well in evening and I allow myself one full day a week while the kids are at school/nursery. There’s been occasions where I’ve had to spend all weekend catching up on a big unit due to family/work commitments eating into study time, but I’m over halfway now and built up a momentum.
Going over a-level biology and chem would help for sure, but isn’t necessary. The last time I did chemistry was at GCSEs 15 years ago and I’ve managed with the DLC materials and lots of YouTube/recommended resources and achieved distinctions in each module. It’s hard but definitely do able.
The hardest part so far (if you’re looking to study medicine at Uni) was the UCAT without a doubt, so don’t underestimate that. I didn't feel I did as well as I could have if I’d had more time, I took a 1 month study break from the DLC course and had 3 weeks of prep.
I hope I’ve addressed everything you asked, but if there’s any other advice you want please don’t hesitate to ask, always happy to help!
All the best of luck, an exciting journey to start! 😊

Good morning King2023,
I would like to express my gratitude for your comprehensive reply to my question. Thank you very much truly, it was exactly the information I needed. If this is how you approach helping others, then I am confident you will make a remarkable Doctor as how you do anything, is how you do everything. 🏆️
WOW, 4 children, a business and every other role you play in your life yet you are undergoing this course to achieve your dreams, nothing but respect for such a tenacious individual. Please kindly keep us all updated on your journey if you are able to, and good luck with the remainder of the course. Thank you once again, I hope you continue to excel in both personal and professional development. 🏆️

Hi IXM9
First of all congratulations on your little one! I have 4 myself, my youngest is 3, so I very much get the apprehension of whether it’s manageable, but happy to say it really is!
I also run a business and have managed to get through the course well in evening and I allow myself one full day a week while the kids are at school/nursery. There’s been occasions where I’ve had to spend all weekend catching up on a big unit due to family/work commitments eating into study time, but I’m over halfway now and built up a momentum.
Going over a-level biology and chem would help for sure, but isn’t necessary. The last time I did chemistry was at GCSEs 15 years ago and I’ve managed with the DLC materials and lots of YouTube/recommended resources and achieved distinctions in each module. It’s hard but definitely do able.
The hardest part so far (if you’re looking to study medicine at Uni) was the UCAT without a doubt, so don’t underestimate that. I didn't feel I did as well as I could have if I’d had more time, I took a 1 month study break from the DLC course and had 3 weeks of prep.
I hope I’ve addressed everything you asked, but if there’s any other advice you want please don’t hesitate to ask, always happy to help!
All the best of luck, an exciting journey to start! 😊

Hi King2023,
Your post is really helpful. I am just starting the DLC course, attempting the first part of writing the essays for UCAS in the first assessment (TAQs). I have 3 kids and feeling a bit anxious about this journey!
Do you have any advice on how to use the resources with the DLC course? Also, did you purchase any textbooks to help with the course material?
Please do keep us all updated with your progress and good luck on your interview in December.

Hi King2023,
Your post is really helpful. I am just starting the DLC course, attempting the first part of writing the essays for UCAS in the first assessment (TAQs). I have 3 kids and feeling a bit anxious about this journey!
Do you have any advice on how to use the resources with the DLC course? Also, did you purchase any textbooks to help with the course material?
Please do keep us all updated with your progress and good luck on your interview in December.

Hi mature.student.
Congratulations on taking the first step! I know just how overwhelming it feels at the beginning, especially with little ones to consider, but as long as you stick to your ILP like glue you’ll get there! 😊
The materials with DLC are great, but definitely need wider research to enhance your answers to hit distinctions in every unit. I watched a lot of YouTube videos (Freesciencelessons, crash course, amoeba sisters) but make sure you’re using A-level equivalent resources to make sure the level of detail is appropriate. I only bough textbooks for my biology units, the Collins AQA A-level Biology textbook is a must! I also got the anatomy and physiology one DLC recommended and that’s great too. I bought then second hand from Ebay and Amazon for not a lot 😊
Have you joined the DLC Facebook group? It’s great, and I’ve connected with a few people from there doing the same course so it’s nice as we’re all mature students in the same boat supporting each other.
I would defo recommend UCAT prep early next year, that really is the make of break as to whether you’ll get interviews or not so don’t leave it as last minute as I did (only 3 weeks!). That’s enough time to get used to the format, but once you’re doing okay it’s slow progress to keep improving the score so I wish I’d had 6 weeks at least of UCAT focus to bump mine up.
Thank you very much! I’ve since had an interview invite from Exeter too for January, so 2/4 so far! I’ll keep you updated 😊 What unis are you thinking you want to apply to?

Hi, I just started the same course this week, would be great to have course buddies to motivate each other through this journey, if you're interested then feel free to drop me a message!

Hi, I just started the same course this week, would be great to have course buddies to motivate each other through this journey, if you're interested then feel free to drop me a message!

Hope your interviews at Exeter and BSMS went well and fingers crossed for more! I am hoping to apply to BSMS, St. George's and KCL (still looking into the best 4th option).
I am 41 - I am curious what the age range is of the current classes. Did you visit any of the schools and did any reps mention anything?
I didn't realise that there was a FB group for the DLC course, thanks for the heads up. Also, did you use any of the UCAT test prep courses and would you recommend any?
Thank you for taking the time to write back!

Hi!
Yes both interviews at BSMS and Exeter went well, so much so that I’ve received early offers from both unis!! I am absolutely over the moon, never imagined when I started this access course that I’d get a choice of medical schools, let alone early offers!
I have since also had an interview at Bristol a couple of weeks ago, just awaiting an outcome. Nothing from KCL yet but I knew they were a long shot with my UCAT.
Definitely look at Bristol for your 4th choice, if you’d be able to go there, as they offer guaranteed interviews for mature students studying an access course 😊
I visited BSMS as they were my first choice and they said quite a few mature student go there.
Bristol in particular are super keen on mature applicants (hence the guaranteed interview scheme) and I’ve heard over 1/3 of cohorts are mature students most years! So that’s really reassuring.
I haven’t heard much either way regarding KCL or St George’s, I also considered St George’s as my 4th but went for KCL for logistical reasons.
UCAT prep I just watched YouTube videos and practiced on medify and UCAT past papers. Have you started UCAT prep yet?

No, I didn't start my ucat prep yet. I'm planning on after Feb half term, since the kids will be home.
Do you happen to have the link to the DLC Facebook page for access to medicine (i cant seem to find it)?
I didn't know that some unis have guaranteed interviews for mature students on access course - is it just bsms and Bristol that does that? We live in London and I was hoping apply to med schools close to here but also have one shot at this so want to make the most of my chances!
Sorry for all the questions!
For your academic reference, did you ask your dlc tutor? I was wondering how this works.