Medicine at Plymouth
I was wondering if any students studying medicine at Plymouth would like to share their experiences. I’m in year 12 and heard some y13’s at my school say it’s rubbish, however I would like to hear the opinions of somebody who actually go there. The location really appeals to me, which is one of the reasons I would like to go there.
Reply 1
I was wondering if any students studying medicine at Plymouth would like to share their experiences. I’m in year 12 and heard some y13’s at my school say it’s rubbish, however I would like to hear the opinions of somebody who actually go there. The location really appeals to me, which is one of the reasons I would like to go there.
Hey,
Firstly while every medical school has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to be aware of them before applying, I wouldn't ponder too much on your peers' negative perceptions. Your choice should be about you, not them. It's worth mentioning that all medical schools in the UK are tightly regulated by the GMC to meet a required quality of teaching.
Personally I love studying medicine at Plymouth. From the teaching aspect, I don't have too many criticisms so far. The lectures are standard as you'd expect from most universities, and recorded. However, we don't have too many of those as most of our teaching is delivered through smaller group sessions. My timetable consists of the following sessions:
•
LSRC - where we're taught content in smaller groups, usually up to half the year group (but can be smaller), around tables. More similar to a classroom setting. This is where we might use the anatomage tables (digital dissection tables) or do surface anatomy (the uni employs actors who we get to draw & palpate on). Unfortunately and annoyingly Plymouth doesn't do actual dissections, so if this is a major thing for you then that's something to consider.
•
EBL - small groups <10 where we discuss a fictional patient history, mindmap and create/research questions.
•
EBP - every two weeks, an hour of stats. Personally my least favourite session, probably because it feels less 'medicine-y'
•
Lectures
•
Clinical skills - once a week at Derriford hospital, we're taught practical skills e.g., measuring blood pressure. Free bus travel to the hospital, which is good. I hate the early morning starts, but that's part and parcel of the degree 😖
The biggest reason I chose Plymouth was because of the location. It's located so close to the sea, or rather should I say on the sea, that it takes only ten minutes to walk from campus to the seafront. This means there's a large range of sea-based societies, such as sailing or paddleboarding. A lot of people swim down by the lido in summer too. However, there's easy access out of Plymouth too, which I love most. Dartmoor is a quick bus or train ride away, with services to Ivybridge, Princetown and Okehampton so you can get all over Dartmoor easily. If you ever go to Plymouth, I'd strongly recommend checking out Dartmoor - lovely place to walk (and camp!). There's a couple of societies which go out to Dartmoor and further if that's your thing. Similarly, it's quite easy to get to Cornwall and I have friends who travel by train to Newquay to surf. There are also coastal walks around Plymouth itself - you can get the ferry to Mt. Edgecombe or Cawsand, or walk around to Jennycliff and that direction.
Plymouth as a city is quite small, but has a lot of shops in its high-street. You've got your main shops: Primark, B&M, Poundland etc and your other shops too. Easy to get around.
I've given quite a bit more information than perhaps you asked for, but if you have any more questions I'm happy to answer them.
Reply 2
Firstly while every medical school has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to be aware of them before applying, I wouldn't ponder too much on your peers' negative perceptions. Your choice should be about you, not them. It's worth mentioning that all medical schools in the UK are tightly regulated by the GMC to meet a required quality of teaching.
Personally I love studying medicine at Plymouth. From the teaching aspect, I don't have too many criticisms so far. The lectures are standard as you'd expect from most universities, and recorded. However, we don't have too many of those as most of our teaching is delivered through smaller group sessions. My timetable consists of the following sessions:
•
LSRC - where we're taught content in smaller groups, usually up to half the year group (but can be smaller), around tables. More similar to a classroom setting. This is where we might use the anatomage tables (digital dissection tables) or do surface anatomy (the uni employs actors who we get to draw & palpate on). Unfortunately and annoyingly Plymouth doesn't do actual dissections, so if this is a major thing for you then that's something to consider.
•
EBL - small groups <10 where we discuss a fictional patient history, mindmap and create/research questions.
•
EBP - every two weeks, an hour of stats. Personally my least favourite session, probably because it feels less 'medicine-y'
•
Lectures
•
Clinical skills - once a week at Derriford hospital, we're taught practical skills e.g., measuring blood pressure. Free bus travel to the hospital, which is good. I hate the early morning starts, but that's part and parcel of the degree 😖
The biggest reason I chose Plymouth was because of the location. It's located so close to the sea, or rather should I say on the sea, that it takes only ten minutes to walk from campus to the seafront. This means there's a large range of sea-based societies, such as sailing or paddleboarding. A lot of people swim down by the lido in summer too. However, there's easy access out of Plymouth too, which I love most. Dartmoor is a quick bus or train ride away, with services to Ivybridge, Princetown and Okehampton so you can get all over Dartmoor easily. If you ever go to Plymouth, I'd strongly recommend checking out Dartmoor - lovely place to walk (and camp!). There's a couple of societies which go out to Dartmoor and further if that's your thing. Similarly, it's quite easy to get to Cornwall and I have friends who travel by train to Newquay to surf. There are also coastal walks around Plymouth itself - you can get the ferry to Mt. Edgecombe or Cawsand, or walk around to Jennycliff and that direction.
Plymouth as a city is quite small, but has a lot of shops in its high-street. You've got your main shops: Primark, B&M, Poundland etc and your other shops too. Easy to get around.
I've given quite a bit more information than perhaps you asked for, but if you have any more questions I'm happy to answer them.
This was actually super helpful, especially hearing about what different sessions there are.
I have seen the anatomies table on the virtual tour, looks pretty cool, do many universities have those? Also, do you find it’s easy to become close to other people studying medicine, would you study with them outside of the classroom?
Reply 3
I have seen the anatomies table on the virtual tour, looks pretty cool, do many universities have those? Also, do you find it’s easy to become close to other people studying medicine, would you study with them outside of the classroom?
I'm unsure which other unis have those, but I know there are one or two. As for getting to know other people, I think there's ample opportunity to socialise with coursemates but obviously it's all down to the individual. I prefer to study alone because I get distracted in groups, but people do study together.
Reply 4
Reply 5
Firstly while every medical school has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to be aware of them before applying, I wouldn't ponder too much on your peers' negative perceptions. Your choice should be about you, not them. It's worth mentioning that all medical schools in the UK are tightly regulated by the GMC to meet a required quality of teaching.
Personally I love studying medicine at Plymouth. From the teaching aspect, I don't have too many criticisms so far. The lectures are standard as you'd expect from most universities, and recorded. However, we don't have too many of those as most of our teaching is delivered through smaller group sessions. My timetable consists of the following sessions:
•
LSRC - where we're taught content in smaller groups, usually up to half the year group (but can be smaller), around tables. More similar to a classroom setting. This is where we might use the anatomage tables (digital dissection tables) or do surface anatomy (the uni employs actors who we get to draw & palpate on). Unfortunately and annoyingly Plymouth doesn't do actual dissections, so if this is a major thing for you then that's something to consider.
•
EBL - small groups <10 where we discuss a fictional patient history, mindmap and create/research questions.
•
EBP - every two weeks, an hour of stats. Personally my least favourite session, probably because it feels less 'medicine-y'
•
Lectures
•
Clinical skills - once a week at Derriford hospital, we're taught practical skills e.g., measuring blood pressure. Free bus travel to the hospital, which is good. I hate the early morning starts, but that's part and parcel of the degree 😖
The biggest reason I chose Plymouth was because of the location. It's located so close to the sea, or rather should I say on the sea, that it takes only ten minutes to walk from campus to the seafront. This means there's a large range of sea-based societies, such as sailing or paddleboarding. A lot of people swim down by the lido in summer too. However, there's easy access out of Plymouth too, which I love most. Dartmoor is a quick bus or train ride away, with services to Ivybridge, Princetown and Okehampton so you can get all over Dartmoor easily. If you ever go to Plymouth, I'd strongly recommend checking out Dartmoor - lovely place to walk (and camp!). There's a couple of societies which go out to Dartmoor and further if that's your thing. Similarly, it's quite easy to get to Cornwall and I have friends who travel by train to Newquay to surf. There are also coastal walks around Plymouth itself - you can get the ferry to Mt. Edgecombe or Cawsand, or walk around to Jennycliff and that direction.
Plymouth as a city is quite small, but has a lot of shops in its high-street. You've got your main shops: Primark, B&M, Poundland etc and your other shops too. Easy to get around.
I've given quite a bit more information than perhaps you asked for, but if you have any more questions I'm happy to answer them.
Hi thanks for the in depth review. Can I ask what you think of the cultural diversity. Both on campus and outside campus?
Reply 6
hi, are you at plymouth uni?
Reply 7
We also have lots of upcoming open days which I'd highly recommend to give you a feel for the campus, hear about courses and facilities, as well as tour the new Intercity Place building, the home for healthcare students and state-of-the-art equipment, teaching spaces, and resources.
If anyone has any general questions too about the university or city, feel free to let me know and I'd be happy to help 🙂
-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep
Reply 9
I was wondering if any students studying medicine at Plymouth would like to share their experiences. I’m in year 12 and heard some y13’s at my school say it’s rubbish, however I would like to hear the opinions of somebody who actually go there. The location really appeals to me, which is one of the reasons I would like to go there.
I'm wondering this as well !
Reply 10
Firstly while every medical school has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to be aware of them before applying, I wouldn't ponder too much on your peers' negative perceptions. Your choice should be about you, not them. It's worth mentioning that all medical schools in the UK are tightly regulated by the GMC to meet a required quality of teaching.
Personally I love studying medicine at Plymouth. From the teaching aspect, I don't have too many criticisms so far. The lectures are standard as you'd expect from most universities, and recorded. However, we don't have too many of those as most of our teaching is delivered through smaller group sessions. My timetable consists of the following sessions:
•
LSRC - where we're taught content in smaller groups, usually up to half the year group (but can be smaller), around tables. More similar to a classroom setting. This is where we might use the anatomage tables (digital dissection tables) or do surface anatomy (the uni employs actors who we get to draw & palpate on). Unfortunately and annoyingly Plymouth doesn't do actual dissections, so if this is a major thing for you then that's something to consider.
•
EBL - small groups <10 where we discuss a fictional patient history, mindmap and create/research questions.
•
EBP - every two weeks, an hour of stats. Personally my least favourite session, probably because it feels less 'medicine-y'
•
Lectures
•
Clinical skills - once a week at Derriford hospital, we're taught practical skills e.g., measuring blood pressure. Free bus travel to the hospital, which is good. I hate the early morning starts, but that's part and parcel of the degree 😖
The biggest reason I chose Plymouth was because of the location. It's located so close to the sea, or rather should I say on the sea, that it takes only ten minutes to walk from campus to the seafront. This means there's a large range of sea-based societies, such as sailing or paddleboarding. A lot of people swim down by the lido in summer too. However, there's easy access out of Plymouth too, which I love most. Dartmoor is a quick bus or train ride away, with services to Ivybridge, Princetown and Okehampton so you can get all over Dartmoor easily. If you ever go to Plymouth, I'd strongly recommend checking out Dartmoor - lovely place to walk (and camp!). There's a couple of societies which go out to Dartmoor and further if that's your thing. Similarly, it's quite easy to get to Cornwall and I have friends who travel by train to Newquay to surf. There are also coastal walks around Plymouth itself - you can get the ferry to Mt. Edgecombe or Cawsand, or walk around to Jennycliff and that direction.
Plymouth as a city is quite small, but has a lot of shops in its high-street. You've got your main shops: Primark, B&M, Poundland etc and your other shops too. Easy to get around.
I've given quite a bit more information than perhaps you asked for, but if you have any more questions I'm happy to answer them.
hey, i have a interview coming up could you please let me know if you remember your experience because i am so nervous... can we also connect via social media ?
Reply 11
Hi, congratulations on getting an interview! 🙂 If the interviews are still online as mine were, then my biggest piece of advice is to practice answering questions over zoom. Get somebody to ask you questions over a video call. For me, doing an interview digitally felt very different to in-person and more unnatural. More practice will help you answer more confidently, plus if you record yourself you might pick up on any negative body language and bad habits.
I'd also say don't be worried about giving the wrong answer. If you think you've said something wrong, then just state that you've realised your error and correct yourself. I thought I fumbled my interview after saying something I thought was wrong then backtracking, but being honest and realising you're wrong is better than doubling down on the wrong path.
I wish you luck for your interview and I'm sure you'll smash it if you practice plenty of questions! Be sure not to disregard any topics as anything could come up! Brush up on current medical news, key cases, situational judgement etc. Plus have a think about any volunteering, placement or general learning experiences where you have shown attributes expected of a doctor or medical student. Wishing you luck!
Reply 12
I'd also say don't be worried about giving the wrong answer. If you think you've said something wrong, then just state that you've realised your error and correct yourself. I thought I fumbled my interview after saying something I thought was wrong then backtracking, but being honest and realising you're wrong is better than doubling down on the wrong path.
I wish you luck for your interview and I'm sure you'll smash it if you practice plenty of questions! Be sure not to disregard any topics as anything could come up! Brush up on current medical news, key cases, situational judgement etc. Plus have a think about any volunteering, placement or general learning experiences where you have shown attributes expected of a doctor or medical student. Wishing you luck!
do they touch up on current medical news and key cases?
Reply 13
Hi, I also have an interview for Plymouth coming up, do you mind getting together to do some prep (like the over zoom practice she talked about) I really need the practice.
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