Nottingham’s Medicine programme is split into two parts. In the pre-clinical phase, students will learn the fundamental skills and knowledge needed by a doctor. Students will complete a research project and attain a BMedSci. In the clinical phase, students will put their learning into practice in clinical settings like hospitals and GP surgeries. The case-based learning approach means students will get to grips with real patient scenarios that focus on the integral clinical points. There are written examinations in the form of ‘short answer’ and ‘single best answer’ formats, audit projects for student-selected component and research method assignments.

In year one, the scientific and professional basics of Medicine are developed. Themes centred on clinical problems, such as cardiovascular medicine and the musculoskeletal system will also be taught. Learning is also reinforced through hospital and GP visits too. In the spring term, students have the chance to study an optional module to look at particular topics in more depth. Year two continues theme-based teaching, where other clinical issues, like the central nervous system, are looked at. Each semester will consist of one optional module too.

Year three begins with a supervised research project in a personal area of interest, as well as an accompanying Research Methods module to aid this project. Optional advanced medical science modules can also be undertaken, which will lead to students attaining their BMedSci.

In the final two years, students will enter the clinical phase, which involves rotation through a series of six-week placement at hospitals and primary care across the region. This is so students will gain the knowledge, skills and value needed to succeed through experience. In both years, students will have the opportunity to undertake student selected modules either at home or abroad. They will also have a six-week placement and a medical assistantship to aid preparation for the foundation programme.

Website URL:

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/medicine/study/medicine/index.aspx

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

+44 (0)115 951 5151

Case Study

Name:

TJ

Year of Study:

4

What are the best things about your Medical School?

1. Early clinical experience.
2. Getting both a BMedSci and a BMBS degree in 5 years.
3. Peer support.

What are the hardest things about your course?

1. Balancing the workload with everything else (social life, volunteering etc.).
2. Doing a dissertation in about 4 months.
3. Can be emotionally tiring at times.

What’s the social side of your Medical School like?

There is so much to do at Nottingham! All medics are members of Medsoc, which organises special socials like Winter Ball and Celebrity Cocktail Party, welfare packs and drop-in support sessions and the “Medic Parents” scheme. It also involves a number of sports clubs and societies such as Medics Football, Medics Widening Access to Medical School and Teddy Bear Hospital. The Nottingham Student’s Union also introduce you to even more opportunities for societies, sports, volunteering, part-time employment, nights out cultural experiences and other ways to meet lots of different people.

What tips would you give to someone applying to your Medical School?

1. Talk to as many students as possible at Open days.
2. Start preparing your personal statement and UCAT early — they’re important!
3. Persevere at getting work experience, and show what you’ve gained from it.