Aston

Aston Medical School (AMS) is one of the newer UK Medical Schools, after accepting its first cohort as recently as 2018 and having its first cohort of graduating doctors in July 2023. Aston is based in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

About The Course

AMS runs a five-year medicine course which is taught in an integrated style, utilising both group work, independent study, clinical placements, and lectures as its main teaching methods.

The course is split into Phase 1 and Phase 2, with Phase 1 focusing on academic clinical sciences and Phase 2 being more patient facing.

At Aston the Medicine curriculum takes a patient-centred approach, with the five years being split into two phases.

Structure Of The Course

Year 1-2

Phase 1 focuses on learning clinical sciences, particularly physiology, pharmacology, public and global health, and the musculoskeletal system. You will also begin to learn patient-doctor communication skills and history-taking. You will also have early clinical experience in a GP surgery.

Year 3-5

Phase 2 is largely based around clinical placements, with some lectures and group work running throughout. You also have some research opportunities in this phase in which you can complete a research project at Aston Medical Research Institute.

Academic Requirements

GCSEs: Minimum of six GCSEs/IGCSEs at grade B/grade 6 or above, which must include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Double Science. Aston uses a scoring system for academic qualifications.

A-levels: A*AA including Chemistry and Biology plus any third subject excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. The A* must be in Biology or Chemistry. There is no advantage of studying more than three A levels. Chemistry and Biology, plus any third subject excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Scottish Higher: AAA including Biology and Chemistry. Contextual offer of AAB may be made if you meet widening participation criteria.

Scottish Advanced Higher: AAA Chemistry and Biology

International Baccalaureate: 37 overall (7,6,6 at Higher Level in three subjects which must include Chemistry and Biology and the rest from three subjects at Standard Level (SL) and Diploma Programme Core). Either Chemistry or Biology must be at Higher Level grade 7. Chemistry (HL6) and Biology (HL6)

IELTs (International applicants only): Score of 7.0 in all categories.

Bachelor's Degree (Graduates only): 2:1 in any subject plus ABB at A level including Chemistry and Biology. The A grade must be in Chemistry or Biology.

Further Entry Requirements

Work experience: While Aston values relevant work experience as part of a Medical School application, there are many ways to achieve this. For example, working/ volunteering in a hospital in any capacity (e.g. hospitality) or caring for an unwell family member is considered as relevant work experience.

Personal statement: Your personal statement will not be scored; however, it’ll be read prior to interview to ensure no concerns are raised by the statement or the references. Disability, extenuating circumstances, and behaviour concerns should be highlighted in the references.

Admissions Process

Applicants are ranked by their academic qualifications and UCAT score.

Admissions Tests:

UCAT ✅
Based on a resource from Aston’s website, these were the UCAT scores and outcomes of applicants for 2022 entry. UCAT scores for interviewees - All applicants: Lowest: 2050; Average: 2615; Highest: 3280. UCAT scores for interviewees who were given offers - All applicants: Lowest: 2210; Average: 2647; Highest: 3280. UCAT scores for enrolled students - All applicants: Lowest: 2380; Average: 2625; Highest: 3080.

Interview Type: MMI

Interview Topics: Aston interviews cover a wide range of topics. As per the Aston website, your interview will be assessing:

Oral and written communication
Listening
Empathy, compassion, respect and dignity
Emotional intelligence
Problem solving
Motivation
Teamworking, including being able to lead as well as follow
Knowing your limitations and knowing when to ask for help

Admissions Statistics

Total number of applicants:	1293
Total number of places:	211
Total number of entrants:	211
Acceptance rate:	16.32%

Fees

Home students:	£9250 pa
Rest of UK:	TBC
International students:	£44549 pa

Teaching Methods

Teaching style: Aston Medical School uses a variety of different methods to provide an integrated teaching style. These methods include lectures, group PBL sessions/ seminars, clinical skills sessions, tutorials, and clinical placements. Students will also have a personal tutor to refer to should they need any help with their studies or have personal issues that they would like to discuss.

Intercalation mode: Following a successful completion of three or more years of your medical degree, the following programmes are available:

Graduate Prospects

As Aston only produced its first cohort of doctors in the summer of 2023, there is no data yet on the employment status and salaries of Aston Medical School Graduates. The course is now GMC certified meaning that graduates from the Medicine course will be able to enter the same foundation training programme as graduates from all other Medical Schools in the UK.

FAQs

Is Aston a private Medical School?

Aston Medical School was originally planned to be a private Medical School that would mostly comprise of international students. However, Aston now has Government funding for home students meaning the fees for UK students are the same as they would be at any other UK Medical school.

Is Aston University part of Russell Group?

No, Aston is not a Russell Group university.

Where is Aston University?

Aston University is located in Birmingham City Centre, a city in the West Midlands of England.

Is Aston Medical School accredited?

Aston has been given full General Medical Council (GMC) approval and produced their first qualified cohort of doctors in 2023.