Ive been made redundant from a city job, is it too late for a career Medicine?.....

**tomvcarter** · 27-05-2012, 02:08 AM

Hi, I'm 31 and have recently been made redundant after 8yrs in the city within a financial role. I'm now looking for a total career change, and would love to enrol for a medical degree.

As I now live in Hampshie a course at either a London based Uni or Soton would be best.

Problem is I'm clueless about where to start!
I have good GCSEs, average A-Levels (BCC (Art/Art History, Biology & Business Economics) and a BA in Business from Bristol Uni of West of England (don't judge me...)

Can anyone advise what my next step should be? Am I too late...
(Will I need additional A-Levels? Is my degree worthless?)

**snakefisch** · 27-05-2012, 06:27 PM

With business degree you can apply to a few courses as a graduate, what degree class did you get though, as if 2:2 probably only gamsat unis eg St Georges for SE area
If you have a 2:1 you can apply to Southampton but you need AS chemistry and biology to at least E grade or full chem a level at certain grade

**Kusuri** · 27-05-2012, 06:29 PM

Hey I live in Warsash so similar location - I used to work for the University of Southampton - I would give them a call and ask informally what they will accept qualifications wise as if you did well at both your A levels and degree it is likely that they'll want you to apply for their graduate degree. If not, I'd advise sitting the GAMSAT but you'll need to research this option further to see if it suits you as it does require more financial outlay and more effort generally than the first option I've outlined.

Answer to your concern - NO it's never too late - plus you have the handy anti discrimination legislation on your side nearly all uk med schools offering a grad med course state no upper age limitation - so there you have it

)

All the very best to you.

**Kusuri** · 27-05-2012, 06:29 PM

Hey I live in Warsash so similar location - I used to work for the University of Southampton - I would give them a call and ask informally what they will accept qualifications wise as if you did well at both your A levels and degree it is likely that they'll want you to apply for their graduate degree. If not, I'd advise sitting the GAMSAT but you'll need to research this option further to see if it suits you as it does require more financial outlay and more effort generally than the first option I've outlined.

Answer to your concern - NO it's never too late - plus you have the handy anti discrimination legislation on your side nearly all uk med schools offering a grad med course state no upper age limitation - so there you have it

)

All the very best to you.

**snakefisch** · 27-05-2012, 09:43 PM

OK I did the research for you.
Southampton entry requirements:
Degree: An upper second-class honours
degree in any subject.
A levels: A minimum of grade E in A level
chemistry or in chemistry and biology/human
biology at AS level.
GCSEs or equivalent: A minimum of
grade C in mathematics, English and double
award science (or equivalent).
So for you, you can just take Chemistry AS level as an evening/distance learning course.

To be honest, this school is really tough to get into. I think they have around 30 places for home students. It seems they prefer people who have worked as a HCA or nurse or something in a paid caring role.

St George's would be your other option if you are just looking at London. Your chances are a lot better here imo, but you have to take the GAMSAT which requires quite a lot of prep. The plus side is you only need a 2:2 in any subject.

Also King's but again, very competitive as there are only 24 places next year. You need a 2:1 also.

**Martigan** · 28-05-2012, 02:54 PM

Have a look here, its not been kept up to date, but is a good starter.

**Martigan** · 28-05-2012, 02:54 PM

Have a look here, its not been kept up to date, but is a good starter.

**new2newmedia** · 29-05-2012, 02:49 PM

Hello tomvcarter,

As Snakefish says, a lot hinges on your degree grade. If you have a 2:1 then that opens more schools. If you have a 2:2 then it's just GAMSAT I believe. Kings will accept a 2:2 + masters (I think?) but it's a lot of effort to open up one very competitive option. SGUL (GAMSAT and accept a 2:2) have quite a few places so although the exam sounds horrendous if you can only have 1/2 options, SGUL is a great one to have.

If you are prepared to move then Warwick, as of next year, will accept any degree (2:1+) and don't look at A levels. Although it will probably get more applications it has a lot more places compared to Southampton and Kings. Perhaps worth a go and then, if you get in, you can think about whether it's worth the move.

Aside from entry requirements I'd advise you focus on gaining experience. I was interested in medicine as a long term career but I absolutely could not have made that decision without a decent stint in a hospital. It would be like getting married to someone having never seen them naked.

Everyone will have different opinions on this but I personally feel that "an aptitude for and interest in science" and the "desire to work within a multi-disciplinary team" and all the other clichés that get trotted out really don't matter much. What it comes down to I think is - if you help someone who is in need (even if it's just wheeling them about or making them tea), does that make you feel good/happy?

Good luck with it all.