UCL

UCL’s Medicine six-year degree equips students with the knowledge to practise patient-centred Medicine in a continuously modern world. Each year of this integrated degree will see students take on several compulsory core modules, assessed through each academic year, in either a formative or summative method.

In year one and two students focus on the fundamentals of clinical science. In year one, students can expect to undertake systems based learning in horizon modules such as Infection and Defence, Nutrition and Metabolism as well as Circulation and Breathing. Similarly to year one, year two learning is taken in the form of systems-based modules, with each module based on a physiological system such as Neuroscience and Behavior, Genetics and Endocrine Systems and Reproduction. There is also early patient contact and opportunity to meet healthcare professionals. In year three, UCL offers various one-year integrated BSc programmes. During the BSc year, students have an opportunity to develop personal interest whilst developing research literature as well as scientific techniques and methods.

Year four focuses on combining integrated clinical care and clinical practice. This year is split into four key parts: a short course that focuses on workplace-based and patient centred learning, and three long attachments that take place in hospital and GP settings. This year is about focusing on three categories of clinical care: community based care, emergency as well as ward based care.

The theme that runs throughout year five is the ‘life cycle’ – students will interact with patients across the ‘seven ages’ of man. There is particular emphasis on the beginning of the life cycle, through women’s health, men’s health, child health and sexual health. Adult health and behaviour is tackled, with insight into areas such as breast services, dermatology and urology.

In the sixth and final year, students are encouraged to integrate their learning in biomedical and human sciences with their clinical experiences and apply it to longer attachments. Students will undergo assistantships, which are both hands on and demanding. The aim of the final year is allow students to reflect and practice before entering the FY1.

Website URL:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/medicalschool

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

020 3108 5639/8948/8235

Case Study

Name:

Katie

Year of Study:

4th Year (First Clinical Year)

 What are the best things about your medical school?

1. The variety of BScs available to us and the opportunities we have to get involved with so many specialties before we even start studying in the hospital.
2. The variety of patients we see as we cover such a large area of London/Hertfordshire.
3. The rivalry of RUMS (the medics) against UCLU sports teams!

What are the hardest things about your course?

1. The lack of gaps between days of full contact (for example, 8am-6pm) and exams.
2. The sheer amount of things to learn.
3. Trying not to compare yourself to what everyone else seems to know.

What’s the social side of your medical school like?

Loud! With masses of sports teams, a performing arts team, a choir and several bands as well as a massive MedSoc, there’s always something going on and chances are it involves a lot of people, a lot of noise, and beating UCL at something.

What tips would you give to someone applying to your medical school?

1. Be yourself – interviewers can tell when you’re lying.
2. Be enthusiastic!
3. Play on any extra-curriculars or outside interests you have- UCLMS loves people who aren’t just cookie cutter medics (i.e. Biology/Chemistry/Maths A levels, plus Duke of Edinburgh and some volunteering).