Access course or A-level?

[shamraig]

I'm educated to Masters level in a non-science area and aiming for graduate entry programs. I am interested to know whether it would be better to study an access course or an A-Level in chemistry. I know that many access courses are not necessarily geared towards graduates but I just think I'd get more out of an access course. Any thoughts? Apologies for repeating a question that has most likely already been asked.

[frangelico]

From my limited experience of access courses if you are a graduate some access courses can be a good choice. It's usually essential to have some experience(as in 6-12 months) in a caring role be it in a voluntary or paid capacity. They usually say say that evidence of previous roles showing ability to progress in a field is desirable as well.Have you only just graduated if you don't mind me asking?

[shamraig]

I graduated only last year, I'm 25. I live in London (possibly moving to Manchester) and I'm more than willing to spend two years doing a chemistry A-Level here or a year doing an access course and working part-time (and hopefully living off my boyfriend) for one year. The entry requirements detailed by the universities offering suitable GEPs don't usually mention access courses but I am only thinking about the four year degrees.

[Born 2 b Medic]

Why not you straight apply to medical schools (your grades for GEP entry permitting) as there are institutions that accept applicants from arts? If you are looking for a solid foundation, A level Chemistry might equip you pretty well, but I would deem spending two years superfluous, given the academic credentials you have at your disposal - though it will be favoured by most med schools.
For an applicant of your calibre, a crash course (like access) would cover what is required and help you apply for selected 4 yr and 5 yr programmes. You can use the extra one year an A level will have to either intercalate another degree or shorten your future training periods once you get into medicine. I would try to visualise the number of years it takes to be either be a consultant (around 15 yrs) or to do any other speciality if I were in this position. Hope this helps!

[shamraig]

Thanks for the encouragement. I definitely need a proper grounding in the sciences. I've applied for access courses in London and Manchester as well as an A-Level chemistry evening course. (Don't know where I'll be living :-/ ).There are many practical pros and cons of both options but I do need to prove my commitment to a scientific approach so I'm still going to err on the side of chemistry. It's cheaper too!