Hi,

This is my first post, and unlike most here I've only fairly recently been realised that I want to study medicine and become a doctor.

I've got several issues though, and while I'm doing research on the net, sometimes I'm just completely lost not to mention apprehensive about the big change in my life.

Since finding this forum though I'm a little heartened that I'm not completely alone or hopeless in my dream. but there's still a long long way to go.

My first issue is academic in nature, while I understand most of the threads on here and their approaches because I went to school in South Africa, and got my Bsc degree (computer science, majors: Artificial intelligence with psychology and Mathematics) there, but I don't know how much applies. Since degrees there aren't graded 1st, 2i, etc. to further complicate matters, South african highschool is only regarded to be equivalent to AS.

So I'm currently approaching medschools asking if a) my degree is ok for graduate entry and b) whether my highscool is ok or whether I need to take A levels (to prove science knowledge)

So the first question I've got is whether anyone on the board has past experience with something approaching my situation, specifically how other countries degrees are considered and possibly what I should try and do to get a more UK recognised equivalent (e.g. top-up through OU, or trying to get an Msc)

My second question is financial in nature, since I'm currently in a farily well paid job, around £45k, but I've got no support network, as in family to stay with, etc. it's a big financial worry that I could carry out my goals. Considering it'll take between 7-8 years before I'm back at this level of income again.

I've read lots of tales on here about people with families and mortgages that push through and somehow manage. and I'm just wondering how on earth you did. Is it all grants & loans, or a well earning spouse, or do you just save up for a few years?


I really feel like the studying part will be much easier once I get to it, at least then all the answers would be in front of me as opposed to this aimless shooting in the dark feeling I've got now. but maybe that's my third issue, impatience and thinking I'm cleverer than I actually am

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.