AHPS: Can I still do the BSc route over the MSc pre-register if I have a degree?

I want to study an Allied Health Profession course.

I completed my BA in a completely unrelated subject more than 4 years ago. I want to ask:

Is it mandatory for me to apply for the MSc (pre-register) version, or am I still able to do the BSc route?

I’m afraid of submitting an undergraduate application only to be rejected from all my choices.

Whilst qualifying in 2 years over 3 years sounds appealing, I am worried if I can handle the workload after being out of education for so long. I’m not sure how much losing that 1 year will hurt me.

Also are postgraduate AHPS pre-register courses more competitive as opposed to undergraduate?

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 1

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Yisayuu

I want to study an Allied Health Profession course.

I completed my BA in History (completely unrelated subject) more than 4 years ago. I want to ask:

Is it mandatory for me to apply for the MSc (pre-register) version, or am I still able to do the BSc route?

I’m afraid of submitting an undergraduate application only to be rejected from all my choices.

Whilst qualifying in 2 years over 3 years sounds appealing, I am worried if I can handle the workload after being out of education for so long. I’m not sure how much losing that 1 year will hurt me.

Also are postgraduate AHPS pre-register courses more competitive as opposed to undergraduate?

It's your choice which option you prefer. As you are aware, a pre-reg masters is a condensed 2-yr version of the undergraduate course. They both get you to the same point when you graduate - you will be qualified to apply for band 5 jobs in the NHS.

I'm not aware of any data regarding competitiveness of courses. You could ask unis how many applications they receive for how many places.

Have you checked that you meet the entry requirements for each course? Some pre-reg masters require a science-based undergrad and some unis might want to see more recent study.

Reply 2

Yisayuu

Original post

by normaw

It's your choice which option you prefer. As you are aware, a pre-reg masters is a condensed 2-yr version of the undergraduate course. They both get you to the same point when you graduate - you will be qualified to apply for band 5 jobs in the NHS.
I'm not aware of any data regarding competitiveness of courses. You could ask unis how many applications they receive for how many places.
Have you checked that you meet the entry requirements for each course? Some pre-reg masters require a science-based undergrad and some unis might want to see more recent study.

I meet the requirements. My concern is I haven’t submitted the application for the undergraduate yet and I understand equal consideration is only applied for those who submitted before 29th January. So I was also looking at the MSc pre-register option but I’m concerned about the workload.

Being out of education for 4-5 years worries me. I’m concerned I will struggle to get back into academia and feel overwhelmed trying to relearn and do everything in 2 years. I also plan on working part-time if possible. Hence I wanted to hear from those who took the pre-register route after being out of education for years :smile:

Reply 3

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Yisayuu

If you still want to consider the undergrad route, you need to contact each uni to confirm if the course is still open to applications.

Try asking in the following threads if there are students in your situation:

Physio
OT
Nursing
Mature students forum

Reply 4

evantej

Original post

by Yisayuu

I want to study an Allied Health Profession course.
I completed my BA in History (completely unrelated subject) more than 4 years ago. I want to ask:
Is it mandatory for me to apply for the MSc (pre-register) version, or am I still able to do the BSc route?
I’m afraid of submitting an undergraduate application only to be rejected from all my choices.
Whilst qualifying in 2 years over 3 years sounds appealing, I am worried if I can handle the workload after being out of education for so long. I’m not sure how much losing that 1 year will hurt me.
Also are postgraduate AHPS pre-register courses more competitive as opposed to undergraduate?

No you can apply for whatever course you want.

I had an undergraduate and master's degree and still went down the undergraduate route to have a better work-life balance.

Master's programmes in my profession are significantly more competitive to get onto than an undergraduate degree so if you are concerned about getting on and about the workload it sounds like it might be the perfect solution.

Your concern about equal consideration is fair but my university is still interviewing undergraduates for quite a while yet, and depending upon the start date for the master's degree you may be in almost exactly the same situation anyway so there is little harm in applying if you can afford the UCAS fee. Lots of courses will go into clearing too.