Please help with my access into medicine

**cyberspaceandreds** · 23-06-2012, 02:08 AM

I've got only GCSE's and have been wanting to get into medicine for a while.

I'm 23 and am currently in the process of applying to part time A levels for Chem and Bio in the evening at liverpool college and was thinking about doing further studies in 2 other subjects with the open university to get the required alternative to the usual 3 A2 and 1 AS.

Is this the best way for me as alot of people seem to say A levels aren't worth doing if you're not a school leaver?

I went to preston college adult open day yesterday and was offered a course in a foundation entry science degree but was told this probably wouldn't get me into medicine. As I'm lacking in medical experience in my day job and dont have any previous degrees to speak of so should i stick with the part time a levels?

Thankyou

**jcak** · 27-06-2012, 03:39 AM

Without knowing the ins and outs of your personal circumstances, it's hard to say without any certainty whether or not you're eligible for any courses, however try searching through the universities which offer medical courses for the access to medicine course, and then comparing your situation with he access requirements outlines there.

The best way of doing this would be to go to the UCAS website and search for the A103 (I think this is the usual code for it) and then go to each university listed with having one separately to see if you can get onto the course.

To get you started: Entry requirements — St George's, University of London is the link to the St George's University of London A103 course.

As long as you've got 5 A*-C's from your GCSE's, it's never too late to start medicine- you're always in with a shot!
Good luck!

**themedicformerlyknownas** · 29-06-2012, 03:28 AM

Hi!

Have you seen this?
Access to Medicine and Dentistry Programme St Helens Widnes Wigan Warrington Knowsley Merseyside Liverpool

...be aware though that if you don't have the GCSE requirements, you won't get to interview stage.

**cyberspaceandreds** · 30-06-2012, 08:11 PM

Yes, thanks.
It looks like an A2M course is the best route, I was going to do a levels but at part time that would take alot longer and this doesnt seem to be a common option.

I do have the GCSE requirements for this course and it is one of the most local to me apart from Mancat! To enable me to apply for other A2M courses Im going to retake my science gcse this year to achieve better than c/c

**Mamba** · 15-08-2012, 03:14 PM

A levels are certainly the best route !!! I am a student that did Access to Medicine.

There are far more places for A level students and you are far better prepared for the medical degree. Good on you and stick it out. May I suggest you do some biology, pref human biology!

Medical schools love mature students, so dont worry about your age ! I did A2M at age 26.

If you are really unusre, which is understandable as these are big decisions.... then write to the unis you are interested in and ask for their advice. They will give it to you. I have no doubt that they will tell you that A levels are more valuble.

Mamba

P.s. when you ask for advice here, note who replies. Are they doing A2M, are they doing A levels, are they in Medicine yet, have they even got into A2M yet?....... it amazes me the advice people give having not even started A2M !!! (not talking about anyone replying on this thread)

**Mamba** · 15-08-2012, 03:15 PM

Ps....

I did not have the GCSE's but not only did I get interviews.... I am in my 4th year.

**cyberspaceandreds** · 15-08-2012, 10:47 PM

Hey,

Thanks for the reply and well done on getting onto one.

If I'm honest I would prefer to do a levels as I would like the option to study abroad in europe and those unis only specify a levels as a requirement. Still cannot find anywhere that does a levels for mature students apart from Liverpool Community College but they only allow 2 a levels part time and dont allow full time as an option for matures.

I've got plenty of time to get work exp this year. I might go to Europe and see if theres anything voluntary going there - NHS applications take so long!

**cyberspaceandreds** · 16-08-2012, 12:32 AM

Originally Posted by Mamba

Ps....

I did not have the GCSE's but not only did I get interviews.... I am in my 4th year.

Just out of interest what GCSes did you have? I have science double award C/C and I've seen that some unis like at least a BB in the sceicnes even at this level.

**UKAmerican** · 19-08-2012, 08:06 AM

I'd agree with Mamba, most of the time all you have to do is email or call the Uni to ask what they're looking for. Just let them know where you're at and they should be able to give you some advice. A2M courses don't seem to be getting a high number of people actually getting into the 5 year courses. I had two COWA students that got into my 6 yr because the Uni wouldn't even consider them for the 5 yr. Hope it works out for you!

**sbufton** · 24-08-2012, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Mamba

Ps....

I did not have the GCSE's but not only did I get interviews.... I am in my 4th year.

Sorry to interject here, but may I ask Mamba, where you did your Access to Medicine Course? I notice you attended Cardiff University for Medicine and I am hoping to apply to Cardiff and Bristol (I live in South Wales and have a family so can't move elsewhere to go to school). I am a mature student and have international qualifications (US) but also haven't studied within the last five years so I am trying to find out what would be a suitable access or catch-up course that would give me a chance at getting in. I am in touch with Bristol University about it but still waiting to hear back. Thanks for any help!