SWANSEA 2010 applicants!

[Dr_Paul]

Hey everyone,

If you sat the GAMSAT, I would advise applying to Ireland for 2010 entry GEP/GEM courses.

Deadline: Jan-Feb time
Interview: Normally No
Student Loan: Generally Yes
Student Status: UK students classified as Homestudents
Universities: RCSI (DUblin), UCD (Dublin), UCC (Cork) , UL (Limerick - same course as St Georges even has some their teachers apparently and lectures via video link up)

GAMSAT - Usually 55 and above does it.


If havent sat the GAMSAT, you can do it in March 2010 for Sep 2010 Entry.
It called GAMSAT IRELAND (TEST Centre : London)
I would apply and keep your options open, you never know.

Hope it helps.

[Grant Stevens]

Hey Grant. I'm applying too!! How did you find the Gamsat? Do you know if Swansea have a cut off?

I did GAMSAT last year here in Ireland and did reasonbly ok (sadly not well enough to get in!) Went through it again in London last month and found Sec III tough as nails again - despite half of it being identical to what came up in Limerick in March 2009!

Swansea seems a really nice place to study and I really like the ''not too PBL-based approach'' to the course. How's work placement going for everyone?

It would be nice to hear about interviews this side of Christmas for sure

[Grant Stevens]

@ Dr_Paul..

Fees for Ireland GEP are 13,330 per annum - (factor in approx 6000 a year for living expenses) and that equates to a loan of about 85,000 for the four years.

I'd rather the interview than the face that mortgage-sized loan. Still a safety net for some I imagine.

[BEULA24]

Has anyone received an acknowledgement yet?

[Dr Shadow]

What was Swanseas's cut off mark for last year's entry? Is it really hard to get an interview with them?

[Grant Stevens]

Nothing from Swansea as of yet

[Dr_Paul]

@ Dr_Paul..

Fees for Ireland GEP are 13,330 per annum - (factor in approx 6000 a year for living expenses) and that equates to a loan of about 85,000 for the four years.

I'd rather the interview than the face that mortgage-sized loan. Still a safety net for some I imagine.

Yes the fees are higher, nut the living cost you put are a bit out. I read somewhere you put estimate 18,000 Euro to live in style. The cost would work out 70,000 Euro...depends at the end of the 4 years what that equates to in pounds...should be 60,000 pounds

Plus there are numerous scholarships available (I know 4 people who got 18,500 Euro per year ). If you do a 4 years instead of 5 year you get an extra year to earn. That should bring in 20,000-30,000.

It does not compare to GEP in the UK, but it is an option to consider.

[Grant Stevens]

Yes the fees are higher, nut the living cost you put are a bit out. I read somewhere you put estimate 18,000 Euro to live in style. The cost would work out 70,000 Euro...depends at the end of the 4 years what that equates to in pounds...should be 60,000 pounds

Plus there are numerous scholarships available (I know 4 people who got 18,500 Euro per year ). If you do a 4 years instead of 5 year you get an extra year to earn. That should bring in 20,000-30,000.

It does not compare to GEP in the UK, but it is an option to consider.

I'm sorry but you do not have a clue what you are talking about. Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe to live in. Factoring €6,000 to live per annum isn't exactly a 'High-Flying' lifestyle. €6,000/52 = €115 per week to live...This barely covers the rent in Dublin not to mention food, transport, course material and dare I mention the occasional beverage. I had factored in this low amount when using savings to get by also.

A medical education in Ireland - for most(including myself) is simply not feasible. The GEP programme here is advantageous of people's ambition. As it stands the GEP fees are actually €25,000/annum for 'Home/EU' students. The HEA subsidise 13,000 of this fee leaving the student liable for the balance. Given current trends in economic activity in Ireland this 'governmental gesture' may be removed in the near future as part of cost-cutting measures in education policy. I wouldn't like to be going into 2nd year just as the full fee is re-introduced - not a nice scenario at all.

As for the scholarship you mentioned, the only one I'm aware of is the Atlantic Philanthropies Scholarship offered by the University of Limerick of which approximately 7 are available. I highly doubt that four of these went to four of your mates.

If you're willing to throw money at the problem then by all means make the move to Ireland - you will have no trouble spending it here

In my opinion Irish GEP programmes are not a viable option for most. The vast majority of med wannabes will be sticking to the conventional:
personal statement/reference/apply/hope&pray/interview/hope&pray again/accept approach.

[Dr_Paul]

I'm sorry but you do not have a clue what you are talking about. Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe to live in. Factoring €6,000 to live per annum isn't exactly a 'High-Flying' lifestyle. €6,000/52 = €115 per week to live...This barely covers the rent in Dublin not to mention food, transport, course material and dare I mention the occasional beverage. I had factored in this low amount when using savings to get by also.

A medical education in Ireland - for most(including myself) is simply not feasible. The GEP programme here is advantageous of people's ambition. As it stands the GEP fees are actually €25,000/annum for 'Home/EU' students. The HEA subsidise 13,000 of this fee leaving the student liable for the balance. Given current trends in economic activity in Ireland this 'governmental gesture' may be removed in the near future as part of cost-cutting measures in education policy. I wouldn't like to be going into 2nd year just as the full fee is re-introduced - not a nice scenario at all.

As for the scholarship you mentioned, the only one I'm aware of is the Atlantic Philanthropies Scholarship offered by the University of Limerick of which approximately 7 are available. I highly doubt that four of these went to four of your mates.

If you're willing to throw money at the problem then by all means make the move to Ireland - you will have no trouble spending it here

In my opinion Irish GEP programmes are not a viable option for most. The vast majority of med wannabes will be sticking to the conventional:
personal statement/reference/apply/hope&pray/interview/hope&pray again/accept approach.

I would just like to clarify I'm not saying its a better option then applying within the UK, but if that fails then its an option, especially considering how many people go to other European countries. Its like a safety option.

I agree with you the cost of living in Dublin is not cheap, but I was under the impression that there are other Medical Schools in Cork and Limerick. I apologise for this mistake.

I do not know as much about the Irish system as you do, I was under the impression the government was making its changes to undergraduate courses that fall under the FREE FEE, which GEP medicine isn't.

Anyway I was only saying if someone done the GAMSAT you can use it to apply to Ireland to as many people would not know this.

Btw the hope and pray thing cracked me up.

Thanks for your reply and educating me and others!!!

[BEULA24]

Anyone heard anything?