Mature Business Studies graduate-2.2

[Sabzi]

I'll try and keep this short but would appreciate some advice.

I graduated back in 2006 with a 2.2 in Business Studies. My A-Level grades were beyond bad...(Business Studies-D, Urdu-D, English Lit-E and ICT-E). Since my degree I have been working in different organisations and am currently working in the NHS as a Management Trainee. Working in an office pushing around papers and spending all day on the computer/telephone whilst doctors are saving lives has made me realize....that's what i want to be doing. I know my academic record isn't shining, but i have definitely matured and realized how important education and focus are. I don't lack in determination so If it doesn't work out this time, I'll definitely be trying again.

I haven't got much work experience but am in the process of trying to arrange some. I know about the Lambeth College Access Course but just wanted some advice. I've read a few threads about extra-curricular activities and voluntary work....I definitely have those but i'm more worried about how bad my academic record is

I just don't want to start pursuing something i want so much to be left heartbroken.

Thanks in advance.

[FairytaleGirl]

Regardless of your A Level Results - you can apply to a few Graduate Entry programmes with a 2:2

St Georges London
Peninsula Medical School
Nottingham
and I think theres another one but it escapes me right now..

Alternatively, if you are over 23, in Ireland (and possibly UK) you can apply as an undergrad - but as a Mature Student - you just need to do the GAMSAT/HPAT and have decent work experience. A longer route, yes 5-6 years and more expensive, but if its what you want..

[Profanius]

Sorry to correct the post above but the only actual GEPs that will accept a 2:2 are St George and Nottingham. Peninsula isn't a graduate entry programme, it's a regular 5 year medicine degree that has an entry track for graduates.

This may seem like a petty distinction but it makes a massive difference in regards to funding.

@Sabzi.

Alas, as a graduate you would not be entitled to tuition fee loans and would be expected to pay 4 x £9k per year tution fees yourself for any 5 year medicine degree. Completing an access course will not help much as it will not make you any more eligible for GEP, and unless you have £36k tucked away a 5 year medicine degree is probably out of reach.

The upfront cost of a GEP course is £3625, the rest can be covered by tuition fee loans (which you can get for a GEP) and NHS bursaries. King's College London will accept a 2:2 if you have a Masters at 2:1 or higher. However, numbers wise KCL is probably the most competitive GEP in the country and it means the cost and time of studying for a masters. In reality your only real options are Notts and St George.

This may sound limited but they are both great universities. It means taking the GAMSAT exam but if you meet the required mark (~65%) then you are guaranteed an interview at both, while the rest of your academic record will not matter. It may sound like a longshot, but it can be done and is probably the best route for you within the UK.

[nearlybled2death]

It is possible to pursue a GEP with a 2:2 and less than stellar a levels. As Profanius said the two options for accelerated courses are SGUL and Nottingham. If you want to apply for 2013 entry then you will need to sit the GAMSAT in Sept (I think March registrations have closed now) and that is a challenging test that requires a fair amount of preparation. If you are based in London at the moment and prepared to wait a year to apply in 2014 I completed a CertHE in Life Sciences (essentially Biology & Chemistry) at Birkbeck two evenings a week over a year to give me a feel for university level science (I have done no science since GCSE). Although it didn't count at all towards my application I felt it gave me a better understanding of how I would cope with science again!

If it helps and gives you hope this is my profile:
A Levels: A - Sociology, B - Maths, B - Politics, C - Philosophy (over 3 yrs)
MA (Hons) - Philosophy 2ii (2005)
Since graduating I completed the NHS training scheme (finance stream - 2006) so have my CIMA qualification and have been working as a finance/business manager within the NHS ever since.
GAMSAT - 69, 73, 56 - Overall 64
I now hold an unconditional offer to study MBBS-4 at SGUL starting in 2012 (deferred)

[Sabzi]

Thanks for your responses guys! It has really helped. I think i'll look into strengthening my science knowledge first. I'll try and sort out work experience, see the best entry route and def work hard at studying for the GAMSAT. I think i have a long way to go but i won't let it phase me and as for the money situation....i'll have to sort something out :/

I hadn't even thought about studying in Ireland....might look into that as well.

WOW! Well done for your amazing results (Profanius and nearlybled2death) and the unconditional offer....good luck with everything and thanks again.