Access to Medicine Lambeth or City Islington college?

**basia** · 25-07-2012, 04:25 PM

Hi all,

I am a dental technician by profession and am planning to apply for dentistry starting in 2013. I attended initial assessment conducted by both colleges and am fortunate enough to get their face-to-face invitation letter today. Unfortunately, they fall on the same day (28th August) and am confused which one should I go for?

Moreover, City and Islington college letter states that they have invited me for an interview (10- 12 pm)(which will follow enrolment should I get through).

But, Lambeth college has just sent a letter stating that as a result of my assessment they are inviting me to come back and discuss my application (9:30 to 7 pm). I do not understand - what does this mean ? (Also, they have attached an advice sheet for enrolment). Reading through other messages, I realise that the second stage in Lambeth college admission is usually a group discussion.

Has anyone experienced a similar situation?

It will be great if any one could kindly guide/advice !

Many thanks in advance

Cheers

Basia

**basia** · 27-07-2012, 12:14 PM

any advice please ????

**Nua** · 28-07-2012, 09:03 PM

Hi Basia,

I would say go for Lambeth. The course there is much more recognised by universities as it has a very good reputation. All the people I've spoken to about it have highlighted how rigorous the course is, and how helpful the teachers are. I don't know that much about the City and Islington course, I just didn't apply there because all the universities I approached regarding my application told me that they don't accept it as a suitable qualification. I think this is due to the fact that it's not fully accredited, whereas the Lambeth course is. I would say going with C&I would be a bit risky. Check with your chosen universities though - ask them which of the two courses they would accept, as this is the only way you can be sure that you're making the right decision.

All the best with your applications,

Nua

**basia** · 31-07-2012, 12:57 PM

Thanks a lot Nua. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I would like to enrol at Lambeth, but it is tricky as both my interviews fall on the same day and time. I am unable to get hold of concerned people to sort this out. Anyway, will keep trying. WHich course are you planning to apply? I am planning to apply for dentistry at Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester, and Birmingham. I was told by these colleges that they would accept a QAA recognized access course with distinctions, and both Lambeth & City college are QAA recognised.

Do you know when the course at Lambeth starts? Are you taking UKCAT before the start or after?

cheers

Basia

Originally Posted by Nua

Hi Basia,

I would say go for Lambeth. The course there is much more recognised by universities as it has a very good reputation. All the people I've spoken to about it have highlighted how rigorous the course is, and how helpful the teachers are. I don't know that much about the City and Islington course, I just didn't apply there because all the universities I approached regarding my application told me that they don't accept it as a suitable qualification. I think this is due to the fact that it's not fully accredited, whereas the Lambeth course is. I would say going with C&I would be a bit risky. Check with your chosen universities though - ask them which of the two courses they would accept, as this is the only way you can be sure that you're making the right decision.

All the best with your applications,

Nua

**Nua** · 31-07-2012, 11:27 PM

Hi Basia,

As you say, you need to keep trying to get hold of the relevant admissions officers. If you can get both of your interviews at different times that would be great, as it'll keep your options open just in case. I'm in the Medicine stream and the course induction (for both the Medicine and Dentistry streams) is on 10th September and classes start immediately after that. I have scheduled the UKCAT for the end of September as I need maximum time to revise, due to a busy summer!