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access to medicine

Access to Medicine courses are an effective way for mature entrants who lack either a sufficient academic record or an adequate knowledge of Biology and Chemistry to gain a qualification acceptable for entry into medical school.

A pass at distinction level is normally required. We advise those considering the Access to Medicine entry route to investigate carefully the success record of the courses to which they apply.

There are now an increasing number of Access to Medicine courses preparing mature students lacking the standard qualifications to enter medicine.

Successful courses are likely to:

  • have selective entry policies
  • require intensive full-time commitment to study
  • have a differentiated outcome (eg a pass with distinction or a percentage mark).

A Sussex-based Access to Medicine course has been developed by Sussex Downs College, Lewes, in partnership with BSMS. This course offers the possibility of linked BSMS places for appropriate candidates. The curriculum includes Biology to A level standard, Chemistry to above AS level standard and a range of subsidiary subjects including Health Psychology, Mathematics, Physics, IT and Study Skills. The course runs from September to June each year, and application should be made no later than the May-June prior to intended entry. For details contact Sussex Downs College www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/, tel: 01273 402222 e-mail: info@sussexdowns.ac.uk

There are also well-established Access to Medicine courses offered by West Anglia College, Kings Lynn and City College, Norwich. For details contact www.col-westanglia.ac.uk, tel 01553 761144 e-mail enquiries@col-westanglia.ac.uk or www.ccn.ac.uk, tel 01603 773773, email information@ccn.ac.uk.

BSMS has received successful applications from Access to Medicine candidates studying at Sussex Downs, West Anglia College, City College Norwich and Lambeth College.

There is no formal upper age limit for application to medicine. However, applicants should bear in mind the length of the degree and the subsequent postgraduate training period necessary for doctors to achieve general practitioner or consultant status.