1. Applying for a degree in Medicine – 2014 entry

2. Types of Medical degrees
All medical students in the UK will initially take an undergraduate course leading to a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.
Depending upon the university - this will lead to one of the following qualifications : MBBS; MBBS/BSc; MBChB; MBBCh; BMBS - all of which are normally referred to as a "first MB".

3. Types of Medical degrees
5 years full time study before completing a 2 year general postgraduate medical training programme (foundation doctor) which forms the bridge between medical school and specialist/general practice training. Being a Foundation Doctor is compulsory for all newly qualified medical practitioners.
Within the practice of medicine itself, there are over 60 different specialties; your medical degree will give you the opportunity to discover which appeals to you most.

4. Example entry requirements
Leeds University
UCAS points (A,A,A including Chemistry at grade A)
12% of applicants receive an offer for this course
Queen’s University Belfast
UCAS points (A,A,A,a)
47% of applicants receive offers for this course
University of Glasgow
UCAS points (A,A,A) including Chemistry and (Biology or Mathematics or Physics).
24% of applicants receive offers for this course

5. Work Experience
Work experience is an essential criteria when applying for a medical degree – experience must be complete by the time you apply to university.
By the time your personal statement is written and you have sent your application, you should be able to demonstrate relevant paid or voluntary work experience e.g. work as a hospital auxiliary, in nursing or residential care. You can also find more about what it is like to be a doctor by having a formal period of work observation.

6. Work Experience
Students can find the addresses of local hospitals and residential homes on the NHS website.
The Student Room has an online guide to medicine work experience - other potential sources of advice may be available in the 6th form library or from Mrs Haigh.

7. Personal Statement Tips
Remember- you don’t just “read” medicine- the course is vocational and you are studying it because of the career it leads to
Think about the following headings: work experience; voluntary work; extra curricular activities; reasons for choosing this course – see The Student Room for further information on each section
Example personal statements

8. Interviews
Medical degree applicants, will be asked questions about motivation, work at school, hobbies and personal interests, as well as having to produce evidence of academic achievements.
A key question will be your reasons for wanting to become a doctor.
Medical Degree university interviews – guidelines for each university

9. Online Resources
General Medical Council – Professional Values in Action this site brings the GMC’s ethical guidance to life. Choose what the doctor should do in a series of case studies highlighting how the principles might work in practice.
Financial Support available from the NHS
Step Into The NHS
Med Schools Online

11. What next?
UCAS application deadline for all Medicine courses is 15th October 2013
The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is now available for registration and testing has started – you must be registered by 20th September 2013 and completed the test by 4th October 2013