student support
Medicine is a demanding course physically, intellectually and emotionally and during your five years here you may experience problems with which you need help. But there is no need to struggle alone. The medical school will provide you with a friendly, supportive environment in which to learn and develop - academically, professionally, socially and personally.
Medical facilities and counselling services are also available on campus. So, if you encounter personal pressures such as family worries, social difficulties or study problems, you can seek help, in the strictest confidence, from experienced personal counsellors, psychologists or psychotherapists. Short courses in relaxation, massage, yoga, study skills and counselling are also available.
International students: please see also
Information for international students from the University of Brighton
Information for international students from the University of Sussex
Throughout your study at BSMS you will be supported by a team of specialist tutors.
Academic tutors
Your academic tutor will be your academic adviser throughout your degree, encouraging you to set your own learning goals, advising you on your academic progress and, if necessary, acting as your advocate. She or he will lead your weekly tutorials during term 1 and ensure that you develop the necessary study skills.
Personal tutors
Your personal tutor will normally be the medical practitioner who guides you through your patient contact sessions in the first year. She or he will monitor your progress and provide guidance throughout the clinical aspects of your medical training. Your personal tutor will also be available to talk through the difficult clinical and ethical issues that every aspiring doctor will encounter.
Link tutors
Link tutors are on hand at each training hospital to provide advice and guidance to students during year 5 clinical attachments away from the main medical school.
Inevitably, a small minority of students will encounter difficulties they are unable to resolve or will find their studies interrupted by exceptional circumstances. An important role of all tutors is that, in such an event, they will liaise with the BSMS Director of Student Support and/or Student Advisers, who can provide pastoral support, expert advice and guidance on welfare issues, or refer you to a range of specialist services.
Chaplaincies
Support and friendship are offered by the chaplaincies which aim to help students of any faith or none to enjoy and enrich their time here. The chaplains organise group activities and worship, can put students in touch with local churches and interested groups, and are also available for confidential advice or consultation.
Childcare facilities
A number of university sites offer childcare provision including crèche, nursery, morning playgroup, after-school club and half-term play schemes. However, there is space for only limited numbers of children and places cannot be guaranteed. Crèche and nursery applications should be made at an early stage.
Disability and learning support
Services providing advice, guidance and personal and academic support are available to you. These include individual and group learning support for students with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.
Financial support
Welfare Services and Students’ Union Advice Centres offer information and advice on applications for additional sources of income (Access to Learning fund) and advice on money management and debt counselling.
The following websites also offer useful information:
- general information on the financial support available:
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=557 (external)
- student support for students living in England and Wales – NHS bursaries for medical and dental courses:
www.nhspa.gov.uk/sgu/ (external)
- ‘Financial Help for Health Care Students’ published by the Department of Health:
www.doh.gov.uk/hcsmain.htm (external)
Health Services
There are health services providing medical care under the NHS. There is also access to an optician and pharmacist.
Personal Counselling
The Personal Counselling Services provide a safe, confidential environment for students to discuss worries and concerns with qualified and experienced counsellors.
Sexual Health
UNISEX offers a drop-in service and outreach with information on sexual health and drugs.
Welfare and advice
Welfare Services and Students’ Union Advice Centres offer information, advice and support on a range of welfare matters including financial, emotional, practical, housing, benefits, academic, consumer and legal issues.
Careers
The careers centre aims to support students who wish to undertake suitable vacation or part-time employment during the early states of their study. It can also offer advice about the process of career planning and development through the provision of quality careers guidance, education and information.