Changing Faculty

[BozzyB]

Well my second year at the university is about to start, however something has been playing on my mind ever since my fifth year of high school.

I have wanted to study medicine for a while, however I was always daunted by the prospect in high school. I had always thought 'nah, I'm not good enough for medicine', and so to avoid disappointment I didn't even consider it. However by the time I got the confidence boost that my Higher results gave it was too late.

I had missed the boat, as it were. I hadn't done the work experience, the UKCAT test, the early application etc. This didn't really bother me initially as the excitement of living away from home for the first time, and starting university buried any doubts I had under layers of anticipation and excitement.

But recently I've been wondering 'what if'. I don't want to look back in ten years time and regret my decisions so I am looking into changing course.

Like I said, all my high school results were very good. They included an A in crash-Higher Human Biology, the only biology I have ever done. However my university results have just been average. I appreciate that 'average' won't get me anywhere, but I am endeavoring to up-the-ante for the coming academic year.

I am currently studying for an MChem, unsurprisingly enough, in the Science Faculty. However, after this year I wish to change faculty to the Medical Faculty.

I have emailed the Pro-Dean of Medicine explaining my situation and my desires and await his reply.

Ideally what I would like is to continue with my chemistry course this year, complete my UKCAT, gain the appropriate experience during the term/summer and start as a first year medical student next September.

How likely is this?

What should I be doing to achieve this goal?

How would it affect my SAAS loans?

Thoughts? Advice?

[terpineol]

If it was possible I would have thought there would be a fair few people trying it, going on the number of times biochem students have suddenly turned sour on asking what I study.

But the best of luck, I would be surprised if you can pull it off but all the best none the less.

I would also try emailing Dr Jackson, who I believe is still the head of admissions, Jim and Susie may also be worth a shot.

[BozzyB]

I've sent Dr Jackson the same email I sent Dr Sinclair. With appropriate names changed, of course.

Fingers crossed that I can do something about this in the near future.

If anything, I've got age on my side. I'm only 18 and spent all of my first year being 17. So even if it takes me an extra couple of years, it shouldn't be that big of a deal.

[the_slob]

Its possible but you will have to go through the same hoops as everyone else ie. work experience, academic results etc. The only way to get in is by the normal entry route. I don't think there is such a thing as "swapping faculties." However if you have the grades then there's no reason why not. Look on here and the uni site for what they are looking for.

[doctor40]

Dr Sinclair is the guy to talk to. Jim A and Susie W can hold your hand and advise you, but they haven't got much in the way of big guns when it come sort that sort of thing, and they're not going to get you the answer you want. They'd refer you to Dr DW Sinclair. He's a fair guy but as "the slob" said I think everyone would go via the route of applying to uni, then changin courses if it was likely to work. I think your best bet is to carry on and re-apply as a graduate. But I might well be wrong, if you really want to do it you can and you'll get there in the end. I was 29 when I went back and I'm now in year 4 at Edinburgh, being a bit scared sometimes as people expect me to do "doctor" type things now like cut people open and deliver babies. I would say don't give up if they knock you back, if you've just come from school you've got lots of time. Hope it works out for you x

[doctor40]

sorry just realised it was terpineol who mentioned the swapping courses thing!