Leicester medical school vs. Birmingham Medical school

[Medbound]

I'm a Canadian student in my senior year, trying to make a firm choice between Birmingham and Leicester. I seem to get mixed reviews from people I talk to and I was hoping to get some external input from others. I understand that Leicester is very hands on and experience based, while Birmingham is more internationally recognized with better access to different hospitals. What's the better pick? Which would be a better choice if I plan to return to Canada to do my residency? Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

[LMedic]

Hiya!

I was in a similar situation when I was applying to medical schools 2 years ago. I had to choose between Birmingham, Leicester and Dundee. The general consensus was that all these schools scored moderately well in the league tables. You bring up some valid points, it is possible that Birmingham is known in other countries, but this is because it is a larger city. Birmingham has always maintained its reputation as providing offers once the applicant has progressed to the interview stage. While Leicester’s acceptances are not as easily gained. If you plan on returning to your home country, it is important that you are able to pass your equivalence exams with ease and from my personal experience I believe that the medical school program at Leicester provides this. As most of the other threads explain Leicester is focused on an experiential based teaching system, and is one of the few schools who still use dissection teachings. This really allows students to understand what concepts described in books look like. Leicester sets high standards for its students and students you graduate from this program are definitely prepared for the medical world both in the UK and abroad.
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask

-J. Withers

[Medbound]

Hi there,

Thank you for your response! I really appreicate it.
Are you currently studying at Leicester? Or are you at birmingham or dundee? what year are you in? Why did you end up choosing this school? Are you from the UK or an international student?

thanks again!

[Prof. W.H. Stein]

Cheers,

First of all, congratulations on your endeavors. Many students dream of getting accepted to just one medical school.

Moving on, in regards to your question, I wish to offer you a unique perspective as I am a Professor at Cambridge University and have taught at both King's and Birmingham. Though the University of Birmingham may have more recognition, which I would assume amounts from its larger home city, residencies are given based on academic scores and reference letters. Therefore, choosing a University based largely in regard to recognition is meaningless. Instead, in order to wreak the benefits of medical school, I would suggest you choose a school based on both curriculum as well as student support. Student support is often underestimated, however ensuring students maintain a healthy mind, especially when under tension from studies and distance from family, is crucial to ensure success. Leicester has tied for first, during 2006-10, with Cambridge University for best student support system.

I am also aware that a culture such as Canada's is very diverse and rich. I cannot speak for Leicester, but Birmingham houses many from the asian community and has the highest Anglo, Muslim and Sri Lankan residents in England. There are very few Chinese.

I hope you give your decision considerable decision.

- Stein

[Monique Alexander]

Birmingham.. they throw some sick partiez there mate. Also, I hear the teachers don't really even teach so you dont have to pay attention in class much (apparently they're just doctors that give lectures, they've never taken a teacher's course).. Not entirely sure if thats a good thing tho..

[Melanie Rios 1]

Hmm tough choice. Birmingham is more recognized but Leicester just expanded their facilities. I think the library there is open 23 hours a day now too.

And hi Prof. W.H. Stein! My cousin Jeri Lee is doing his foundation years at Cambridge! Have you taught him by any chance.

[mbj]

I was in the same situation four years ago except I had offers for the grad courses. I went to Leicester as I thought the grad course was a bit more structured back (think its different now) then after doing research and talking to students from both universities. If you are happy with both courses then I would go with which campus/city you are happy to spend all that there

[xylophonefairy]

If you're after diversity, Leicester is one of the most diverse cities in the UK!

I can't really comment on Birmingham, and I'm going to be ridiculously biased towards Leicester, but I just want to say this. Leicester is a little university, one of the most improved in the coutry, winning Uni of the year etc. The medical school at Leicester is ranked 7th in the country according to the Guardian, ahead of many 'more recognised' universities. The student support is second to none, and Leicester students are literally just the happiest people, probably because the welfare is so good and there's not that many people.

The library is open 24 hours around exam time if you want it (though there's not staff there all that time...).

At the minute, it's not the prettiest medical school in the world, but that's all going to change! Look how pretty it's going to be! Also, you'll probably get a chance to use it unlike us

[DR. WHO]

Leicester all the way!