Graduate Entry Medicine 2026/2027 Applications – Advice + Uni Shortlist

Hi everyone,
I am intending to apply for GEM for 2026/2027 entry and wanted to connect with others who are on this journey – especially those from non-traditional or mature backgrounds.
About Me:
Age: 34
Background: BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care (graduated 2022 from Anglia Ruskin University).
Experience: 6+ years working in NHS GP surgeries. I started as a Clinical Administrator and then trained as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA). I’ve worked closely with GPs and nurses, doing phlebotomy, wound care, vaccinations, and mental health triage.
Academic Progression:
- Although my degree isn’t science-based, I’ve always been a strong academic and continue to engage in health-related research, CPD courses, and postgraduate study. I’m currently in my first year of a medical degree abroad but plan to withdraw and reapply for GEM in the UK.
Passion: I have a strong interest in neurology and psychiatry, especially the psychological impact of epilepsy and long-term neurological conditions. I’ve done research, wrote a case study that I am looking to publish (happy to chat if anyone’s working on similar things!).
Course Choices:
1. University of Oxford (A101)
A long shot, I know – especially with my non-science degree – but after emailing admissions, I was told I wouldn’t be automatically rejected. They said relevant experience and academic commitment will be taken into account. I’m preparing for UCAT and aiming high, so fingers crossed.
2. University of Southampton (BM4)
Love their more holistic selection process and early clinical exposure. I’ve heard they’re very open to mature applicants and those with healthcare backgrounds. Also encouraged by the fact that they consider overall academic and professional development, not just your degree title.
3. Newcastle University (A101)
I really like their case-led teaching style, and I’ve heard great things about how they support mature students. Very stats-heavy, but after reaching out to them, I was reassured that applicants from non-science backgrounds aren’t automatically excluded if other areas are strong.
4. Still deciding between:
Warwick (A101) – Known for its intense, clinical-focused course and all-GEM cohort. Slightly unsure about the location, but I know they value NHS work experience highly, and they’ve confirmed my background is eligible.
Chester (A101) – Newer course, but very student-focused from what I’ve seen and read. They seemed open to my application when I reached out, and the smaller cohort and supportive learning style is appealing. Still gathering opinions from current students or applicants.
A Note on Being a Non-Science Grad:
I know I’ve set my sights on some competitive programmes, and many prefer science backgrounds, but I’ve contacted each of them and was told I won’t be automatically rejected. My healthcare work, voluntary experience, and continuous academic development will be considered. It’s definitely a stretch, but I believe I’ve built a solid foundation and transferable skill set.
Can you also let me know how did you find and planning to manage the funding of the course considering SFE are not offering full funding for graduate medicine.
Would love to connect with:
- Other mature applicants
- Non-science grads applying to GEM
- People prepping for UCAT or interviews
- Anyone who’s applied to/been accepted at Oxford, Southampton, Newcastle, Warwick, or Chester.
Happy to chat about routes into medicine, balancing work/study, and the ups and downs of this process. Good luck everyone! 🙌🏻

Hi everyone,
I am intending to apply for GEM for 2026/2027 entry and wanted to connect with others who are on this journey – especially those from non-traditional or mature backgrounds.
About Me:
Age: 34
Background: BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care (graduated 2022 from Anglia Ruskin University).
Experience: 6+ years working in NHS GP surgeries. I started as a Clinical Administrator and then trained as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA). I’ve worked closely with GPs and nurses, doing phlebotomy, wound care, vaccinations, and mental health triage.
Academic Progression:
- Although my degree isn’t science-based, I’ve always been a strong academic and continue to engage in health-related research, CPD courses, and postgraduate study. I’m currently in my first year of a medical degree abroad but plan to withdraw and reapply for GEM in the UK.
Passion: I have a strong interest in neurology and psychiatry, especially the psychological impact of epilepsy and long-term neurological conditions. I’ve done research, wrote a case study that I am looking to publish (happy to chat if anyone’s working on similar things!).
Course Choices:
1. University of Oxford (A101)
A long shot, I know – especially with my non-science degree – but after emailing admissions, I was told I wouldn’t be automatically rejected. They said relevant experience and academic commitment will be taken into account. I’m preparing for UCAT and aiming high, so fingers crossed.
2. University of Southampton (BM4)
Love their more holistic selection process and early clinical exposure. I’ve heard they’re very open to mature applicants and those with healthcare backgrounds. Also encouraged by the fact that they consider overall academic and professional development, not just your degree title.
3. Newcastle University (A101)
I really like their case-led teaching style, and I’ve heard great things about how they support mature students. Very stats-heavy, but after reaching out to them, I was reassured that applicants from non-science backgrounds aren’t automatically excluded if other areas are strong.
4. Still deciding between:
Warwick (A101) – Known for its intense, clinical-focused course and all-GEM cohort. Slightly unsure about the location, but I know they value NHS work experience highly, and they’ve confirmed my background is eligible.
Chester (A101) – Newer course, but very student-focused from what I’ve seen and read. They seemed open to my application when I reached out, and the smaller cohort and supportive learning style is appealing. Still gathering opinions from current students or applicants.
A Note on Being a Non-Science Grad:
I know I’ve set my sights on some competitive programmes, and many prefer science backgrounds, but I’ve contacted each of them and was told I won’t be automatically rejected. My healthcare work, voluntary experience, and continuous academic development will be considered. It’s definitely a stretch, but I believe I’ve built a solid foundation and transferable skill set.
Can you also let me know how did you find and planning to manage the funding of the course considering SFE are not offering full funding for graduate medicine.
Would love to connect with:
- Other mature applicants
- Non-science grads applying to GEM
- People prepping for UCAT or interviews
- Anyone who’s applied to/been accepted at Oxford, Southampton, Newcastle, Warwick, or Chester.
Happy to chat about routes into medicine, balancing work/study, and the ups and downs of this process. Good luck everyone! 🙌🏻

Hi everyone,
I am intending to apply for GEM for 2026/2027 entry and wanted to connect with others who are on this journey – especially those from non-traditional or mature backgrounds.
About Me:
Age: 34
Background: BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care (graduated 2022 from Anglia Ruskin University).
Experience: 6+ years working in NHS GP surgeries. I started as a Clinical Administrator and then trained as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA). I’ve worked closely with GPs and nurses, doing phlebotomy, wound care, vaccinations, and mental health triage.
Academic Progression:
- Although my degree isn’t science-based, I’ve always been a strong academic and continue to engage in health-related research, CPD courses, and postgraduate study. I’m currently in my first year of a medical degree abroad but plan to withdraw and reapply for GEM in the UK.
Passion: I have a strong interest in neurology and psychiatry, especially the psychological impact of epilepsy and long-term neurological conditions. I’ve done research, wrote a case study that I am looking to publish (happy to chat if anyone’s working on similar things!).
Course Choices:
1. University of Oxford (A101)
A long shot, I know – especially with my non-science degree – but after emailing admissions, I was told I wouldn’t be automatically rejected. They said relevant experience and academic commitment will be taken into account. I’m preparing for UCAT and aiming high, so fingers crossed.
2. University of Southampton (BM4)
Love their more holistic selection process and early clinical exposure. I’ve heard they’re very open to mature applicants and those with healthcare backgrounds. Also encouraged by the fact that they consider overall academic and professional development, not just your degree title.
3. Newcastle University (A101)
I really like their case-led teaching style, and I’ve heard great things about how they support mature students. Very stats-heavy, but after reaching out to them, I was reassured that applicants from non-science backgrounds aren’t automatically excluded if other areas are strong.
4. Still deciding between:
Warwick (A101) – Known for its intense, clinical-focused course and all-GEM cohort. Slightly unsure about the location, but I know they value NHS work experience highly, and they’ve confirmed my background is eligible.
Chester (A101) – Newer course, but very student-focused from what I’ve seen and read. They seemed open to my application when I reached out, and the smaller cohort and supportive learning style is appealing. Still gathering opinions from current students or applicants.
A Note on Being a Non-Science Grad:
I know I’ve set my sights on some competitive programmes, and many prefer science backgrounds, but I’ve contacted each of them and was told I won’t be automatically rejected. My healthcare work, voluntary experience, and continuous academic development will be considered. It’s definitely a stretch, but I believe I’ve built a solid foundation and transferable skill set.
Can you also let me know how did you find and planning to manage the funding of the course considering SFE are not offering full funding for graduate medicine.
Would love to connect with:
- Other mature applicants
- Non-science grads applying to GEM
- People prepping for UCAT or interviews
- Anyone who’s applied to/been accepted at Oxford, Southampton, Newcastle, Warwick, or Chester.
Happy to chat about routes into medicine, balancing work/study, and the ups and downs of this process. Good luck everyone! 🙌🏻