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‘Working alongside patients from the first year allows us to build confidence in a clinical setting, and to develop our communication and examination skills. We work in hospitals all over Brighton and Sussex, which is great for getting experience in many different specialities.’
Rich Crawley, year 3
'I got three A pluses and an A in my modules and was awarded the Dean's prize for best overall performance in year 1. Because of that, I got nominated for the University of Brighton scholarship, which was £1000.
'BSMS also makes it clear who we should go to if anyone needs financial help - there are lots of options.'
Amelia Heaford, year 2frequently asked questions
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admissions FAQs
q - What are the term dates for 2007/2008?
Autumn: Monday 1 October to Friday 7 December 2007
Spring: Monday 7 January to Friday 14 March 2008
Summer: Monday 14 April to Friday 20 June 2008
Term dates for third years will differ.
q - What A level subjects should I take?
Biology and Chemistry are the most important subjects for students who wish to study medicine. All prospective BSMS students will have studied both Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry at AS level. Students need to take A-level Biology (or Human Biology) or Chemistry but it is not imperative for students to take both A-level Biology and Chemistry.
A wide range of skills and knowledge are relevant to medicine, and a correspondingly wide range of A levels may contribute positively. A and AS levels in Psychology, Computing, Maths, English, Humanities, Law and Physics all have important advantages and skills to offer potential medical students. We do not prescribe any subjects you should take as the 'third' A level, with only General Studies normally being excluded from conditional offers.
q - Will you consider me if I am re-sitting my A levels?
BSMS policy is to accept re-taken grades or modules without penalty. BSMS decisions on individual applications will of course be guided by the academic referee's predictions about the grades likely to be achieved after re-taking. Candidates re-taking qualifications who wish to be considered for BSMS entry must declare in their UCAS application the A level grades for which they qualified at their first attempt.
It is not necessary for BSMS entry for candidates to simultaneously re-sit subjects in which they have already achieved acceptable grades, and we do not need to be informed if a candidate decides to attempt individual modules more than once within the initial two year period of study.
Where grades already achieved would have opened the way to a range of alternative degrees and careers, we accept the decision to re-sit to achieve the grades necessary for entry to medicine as evidence of the candidate's commitment to medicine. This is in itself an important selection criterion.
q - My GCSE results are not all As. How will this affect my application?
We expect grades B in GCSE Maths & English. Re-taken grades or equivalent qualifications are acceptable as evidence of adequate literacy and numeracy.
Otherwise while high GCSE grades are obviously encouraging, we shall primarily be considering applicants' most recent qualifications, so modest GCSE grades would be over-ridden by high AS level achievement or high actual or predicted A level grades.
BSMS recognises that individuals develop in different ways. We will not penalise applicants who have achieved high A level grades or graduates with good degrees on account of modest GCSE or A level grades obtained in the past.
q - Does BSMS accept AVCE qualifications as well as GCE A levels?
Yes, BSMS will accept combinations of GCE and VCE A levels. We would expect the candidate to achieve a minimum of 340 UCAS points over 18 units.
q - Is the Advanced Diploma in Society, Health & Development a suitable entry qualification?
No, as neither the Biology or Chemistry curriculum content meets BSMS entry requirements.
q - Is my first degree suitable for graduate application?
Most graduate entrants offer Bioscience, Health Professional or Psychology degrees, but in principle a class 2 honours degree in any subject is acceptable as evidence of academic ability.
However, all entrants, including graduate entrants, must have the required level of knowledge of Biology and Chemistry. This may be achieved through the degree itself; through having studied these subjects to A or AS level; or through an Access to Medicine course. If your degree includes good (class 2i-level) passes in modules such as Biochemistry, Pharmacology or Molecular Biology the requirement for a formal qualification in Chemistry will be waived.
q - Will BSMS accept class 2(ii) honours degrees for graduate applicants?
In most cases BSMS will only make offers to graduates with class 1 or 2(i) degrees, who can also demonstrate an adequate knowledge of Biology and Chemistry.
A 2(ii) is not an acceptable academic entry qualification for BSMS, but does not invalidate the application of a candidate who holds another recognised qualification (e.g. AAB at A level, a suitable Access to Medicine qualification or a PhD).
q - Will BSMS accept a MSc in place of a Class 2(i) Honours degree for a graduate entry application?
Not at present.
q - Does BSMS offer a "fast track" for graduate entry?
BSMS is not offering this option at the present time. We offer only a standard five-year degree.
There are an increasing number of four-year medical degrees on offer to graduates, but entry into these accelerated degrees can be particularly competitive. Using all four UCAS choices for four-year degrees can prove a high-risk strategy.
q - Who should take an "Access to Medicine" course, and when will it be offered in Sussex?
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 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, to require intensive full-time commitment to study and to have a differentiated outcome (e.g. 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 email
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.
In 2003-2007 BSMS received successful applications from Access to Medicine candidates studying at Sussex Downs College, West Anglia College, City College Norwich, Lambeth College and City & Islington College.
q - Does BSMS use the UKCAT tests?
BSMS has joined the UKCAT consortium, and expects all applicants to sit the CAT test prior to application. BSMS has always taken particular care to take account of both academic and non-academic factors in considering whether to make an offer of a place, and we are broadly satisfied that our application procedures are effective at selecting students from a wide background and with all of the attributes that Tomorrow's Doctors will need. We are interested to see what additional information we might gain from the CAT scores, and we use the CAT results selectively and with care in informing the judgements of our admissions assessors in making offers to individual students.
For more information, please see our UKCAT question and answer page or www.ukcat.ac.uk
What health requirements are there?
For information, please click here.
q - Can I transfer from other medicine courses, or other degrees?
Entry is only into year 1 of BSMS, on the basis of either A level (or similar) qualifications achieved or completed degree qualifications (eg a class 2(i) honours degree). Entry with advanced standing is not possible, as key clinical skills and essential clinical experience are gained within the year 1 of the integrated BSMS curriculum. Partly completed degree grades will not normally be accepted as an entry qualification for BSMS.
q - Can international or EU students apply for the BSMS course?
Yes. Tuition fees for EU-based students are the same as for UK-based students. Tuition fees for other international students will be £23,678 p.a. in 2009-10. At the present time no scholarships are available from BSMS for international students studying here.
q - Does BSMS accept deferred applications so I can go on a GAP year?
Gap years are valuable to many students, enabling them to gain relevant experience and/or maturity. We would expect an applicant seeking deferred entry to have developed plans for the gap year and to be able to explain its value to them.
Students may apply either during their A level year (for deferred entry) or during the gap year itself. However, applicants intending to spend a gap year abroad should appreciate that BSMS will require them to attend for interview.
q - I'm over 30 - am I too old to study medicine at BSMS?
BSMS does not discriminate on the grounds of age.
q - What financial support will I get during my training?
As a member of two universities, you will be eligible for support from both, as outlined below.
Home/EU students
Fees are £3,070 per year, subject to inflation. If this is your first degree, you can take out a student loan, and may receive an NHS bursary in year 5. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for a maintenance grant and other support. See www.brighton.ac.uk/studentlife/money/ and www.aimhigher.ac.uk for more information. Students from other EU countries may get some help with their tuition fees; see www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport for details.
BSMS students are included in the University of Brighton’s bursary scheme, worth from £540 to £1,080 per year to those whose family income is £38,330 or less. It is anticipated that approximately 50% of the intake will benefit from this scheme. (See note 1 below.) UK students may also apply for a University of Sussex Chancellor’s scholarship. There are 200 Chancellor’s Scholarships available each year. Worth £1,000 per year, these are means-tested, and aimed at students from families with no previous experience of higher education. (See note 2 below.) If you are ineligible, or not awarded a Sussex Chancellor’s Scholarship, you can be considered for a University of Brighton Scholarship. These scholarships are made on the basis of performance in end of year assessments and are worth £1,000 per year. Both universities also offer a range of sports scholarships. More information is available at www.sussex.ac.uk and www.brighton.ac.uk.
International students
Fees will be £23,678 per year in 2009-10, subject to annual inflationary review. You need to ensure that you have enough money to cover the cost of your fees and other expenses before you begin your course. You will not qualify for the NHS bursary in your fifth year. The University of Brighton offers international scholarships based on merit and financial need, with a £3,000 tuition fee reduction per year. To find out more, please visit www.brighton.ac.uk/international/,or information on student finance for international students, click here. You can email their international students’ office: intrel@brighton.ac.uk. Other information about living and studying in Britain is available from the same site, and from www.sussex.ac.uk/internationalsupport and the email address International@sussex.ac.uk.
As details of available financial help are liable to change, and application deadlines vary, please check the universities’ websites. The information above is only a guide. You will be sent further details about how to access financial help once you have firmly accepted the offer of a place at BSMS.
1 - University of Brighton
University of Brighton bursaries
Bursaries of between £540 and £1,080 will be awarded on a sliding scale to students with an annual parental / family income of up to £38,330 or equivalent.
In years 3 and 4 BSMS students face longer terms. Year 3 and 4 BSMS students from the UK and other EU countries will receive between £200 and £650 to help them meet the additional study costs they will incur.
Each year 100 University of Brighton scholarships, worth £1,000 each, will be awarded to students at the end of years 1, 2, 3 and 4 of their courses. These scholarships will be awarded on the basis of student achievement.
There are various sports scholarships available from Brighton including the elite athletes squad and disabled athletes scholarship. These range in annual value from £300 to £1,000. There are eligibility criteria that must be met to qualify.
2 - University of Sussex
Students with a family income of £24,000 or less are eligible to apply for one of 200 University of Sussex Chancellor's scholarships, each worth £1000 per year, and aimed at students selected on the basis of no previous family experience of higher education and personal circumstances of disadvantage. If you are not eligible for one of these awards, or if your application is not successful, you can be considered for one of the University of Brighton’s merit-based scholarships awarded at the end of years 1, 2, 3 and 4 (see above).
The University of Sussex offers a range of competitive, subject-based scholarships worth around £1,000 per year. Charitable scholarships and sports bursaries are also available. You can apply for a range of bursaries and scholarships.
You can find out more about financial help available for medical students on the Department of Health web site: www.nhspa.gov.uk/sgu/forms/booklets/students_financial_help.pdf
and at www.money4medstudents.org
q. What fee is paid if I have studied at undergraduate level before?
You will not be eligible for tuition fee support if you have received LEA funding in the past. Tuition fees must be paid in full by yourself or a sponsor. You will however be eligible to apply for a non-means tested Student Loan throughout the first four years of the degree.
q. What NHS bursary am I entitled to on this five-year medicine degree?
For the first four years of this degree you apply for help with tuition fees and grants through the usual channel for higher education, your Local Education Authority. In addition to this you are entitled to apply for a student loan for each of the first four years of study. In the fifth year you will be entitled to a NHS means-tested bursary and help with tuition fees. With the bursary you will also be entitled to apply for a reduced rate student loan (50% of the full loan entitlement for final-year students).
q. I have received a NHS bursary in the past for earlier training. Am I still entitled to a bursary and if so at what level?
You are entitled to another NHS bursary even if you have received
one in the past; as long as the previous subject you studied is
different from the one you are applying for now. The level of bursary
will be the usual NHS means-tested bursary – the basic rate
for 2007/8 was £2,672 (living outside parental home) and £2,231
(living in parental home). You cannot receive a NHS bursary for
studying a subject you have already studied and received a bursary
for.
q. Am I entitled to a student loan? If so at what level?
You are entitled to apply for a full student loan in years one to four of this degree. In year five you will be entitled to a NHS bursary and help with your fees. You will also be entitled to apply for a reduced rate of student loan, the level of which is 50% of the full entitlement for a final year student.
q. What other financial advice and assistance is there?
At BSMS we believe that a medical education is affordable and we make every effort to provide financial support to students as well as opportunities for students to earn money while supporting the work of the School. Students are paid to assist with Admissions and Open Days for example and other jobs are available from time to time. We offer several annual merit prizes, open to all, and merit-based bursaries in years 3 and 4 up to the value of £3,000 for those in receipt of fee remission. The University of Brighton’s careers centres and the University of Sussex Career Development and Employment Centre (CDEC) are experienced in helping students find part time or vacation work, whether on campus or in the local area. The University of Brighton also provides means-tested bursaries for BSMS students. The students’ unions offer online help and trained advisers – see www.ubsu.net/main/advice and http//ussu.info.dnsupdate.net. Your NUS card will get you discounts in many shops, cinemas, museums and galleries, and on national and local bus and train travel. The two universities’ welfare services also offer information and advice on applications for additional sources of income (Access to Learning Fund) and advice on money management and debt counselling. Useful websites include www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport and www.dh.gov.uk, particularly www.nhspa.gov.uk/sgu/forms/booklets/students_financial_help.pdf. Meanwhile www.aimhigher.ac.uk has a budget calculator to enable you to start planning.
interview FAQs
q - Is it necessary for me to be earlier than the start time written on my letter?
As the presentation starts promptly at the time given it is useful for you to arrive 15 minutes earlier to register and collect your information pack for the day. However, please do not arrive more than an hour earlier.
q - What will happen on the Interview Day?
The programme will contain the following elements:
- Short presentations about BSMS, its curriculum and its admissions process
- A formal 20 minute semi-structured interview
- A student-guided tour of the Falmer campuses (including accommodation) - please bring waterproof clothing in case of poor weather.
- An opportunity for group discussions with BSMS students. Refreshments will be available while you are waiting.
q - Should I wear a suit?
Smartly casual clothes would be acceptable. As the campus tour may take place before or after your interview we suggest you bring waterproof clothing in case of poor weather.
q - Do I need to bring my examination certificates with me?
No; however, you will need to show them when you enrol on the first day of term if you are offered a place.
q - Do I need to bring any form of identification with me, e.g. passport or driving licence?
No, but on the first day of term it will need to be checked.
q - Is there anything I should read prior to the interview?
No.
q - Are my parents or friends allowed to come with me to the interview day?
Parents or friends are welcome to attend the initial presentation and the tour but not your personal interview. They may wait for you in the Medical School Foyer.
q - Would I be able to find out the time of my personal interview prior to the day?
Interviews and other activities take place throughout the day, and may be as late as 4.30 pm. You will be advised of the time of your interview on arrival. If it is essential that you leave before 5 pm please inform the admissions office in advance.
q - Will I be able to find out who is on the interview panel?
You will be advised on the information sheet provided in your pack on arrival. Please advise BSMS staff if you realise that you know any members of the panel.
q - Can you tell me how long it would take to get from Falmer railway station to BSMS?
It will take you about five minutes to walk from Falmer railway station to the Medical School building on the University of Sussex campus. Use the underpass to cross the A27 to reach the Sussex campus.
q - Is it possible to stay over at the University of Brighton campus area or nearby?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer any accommodation during interview sessions as students currently occupy the halls of residence. Please contact either of these websites: www.visitbrighton.com or www.tourism.brighton.co.uk/accommodation
If you are travelling by train it would be useful for you to be in the proximity of Brighton station as you will need to travel by train from Brighton to Falmer prior to your interview.
q - Is it possible to reserve parking?
You are advised to use public transport on Wednesdays (please see www.bsms.ac.uk/schoolandfaculty/directions.htm for details) but on the Saturday sessions there will be plenty of available spaces.
q - If I am unable to attend this interview will I be able to arrange another date with BSMS?
If there are places available on a future date it may be possible to rearrange your date.
q - If I am unable to attend the alternative date will I still be considered for a place on the course?
As attendance at an interview is an essential part of the selection
process your application would not be able to proceed any further.
graduate entry FAQs
q - What fee is paid if I have studied at undergraduate level before?
You will not be eligible for tuition fee support if you have received LEA funding in the past. Tuition fees (currently £3,070 pa for home students) must be paid in full by yourself or a sponsor. You will however be eligible to apply for the non-means tested Student Loan throughout the first four years of the degree.
q - What NHS bursary am I entitled to on this five-year medicine degree?
For the first four years of this degree you apply for help with tuition fees and grants through the usual channel for higher education, your Local Education Authority. In addition to this you are entitled to apply for a student loan for each of the first four years of study. In the fifth year you will be entitled to a NHS means-tested bursary and help with tuition fees. With the bursary you will also be entitled to apply for a reduced rate student loan (50% of the full loan entitlement for final year students). The basic rate for 2007/8 is £2,672 (living outside parental home) and £2,231 (living in parental home).
q - I have received a NHS bursary in the past for earlier training. Am I still entitled to a bursary and if so at what level?
You are entitled to another NHS bursary even if you have received one in the past; as long as the previous subject you studied is different from the one you are applying for now. The level of bursary will be the usual NHS means-tested bursary – the basic rate for 2007/8 is £2,672 (living outside parental home) and £2,231 (living in parental home). You cannot receive a NHS bursary for studying a subject you have already studied and received a bursary for.
q - Am I entitled to a student loan? If so at what level?
You are entitled to apply for a full student loan in years one to four of this degree. In year five you will be entitled to a NHS bursary and help with your fees. You will also be entitled to apply for a reduced rate of student loan, the level of which is 50% of the full entitlement for a final year student.
For this year’s rates please see www.brighton.ac.uk/studentlife/money/2007entry/index.php?PageId=1910