post-bac programs in UK

[rtull37]

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Hi,

I'm from the U.S. but was wondering if anybody has any information on pre-med post-bac programs in the UK. Do formal programs exist or do most people complete their prerequisites independently? If they do exist, any suggestions?

 

[jtlc2345]

I afraid I'm not down with the lingo so I'm not entirely sure what you're getting at.

Most people who go to medical school in the UK go straight from high school and either have A-levels or the IB. Some go into medicine as a second degree so already have a bachelor's degree (not necessarily science-based). Others, who have neither, do what are called 'Access' courses which is what I think you might be getting at. There is one based at the College of West Anglia http://www.col-westanglia.ac.uk/atm-content.html although there are others - note of warning, some medical schools will accept these, others will not.

Hope this is of some help - might be able to help a bit more if you clarify exactly what you're looking for.

Jonathan

 

[rtull37]

So, in the U.S. there are programs for students who have completed their undergraduate but lack the necessary prerequisite courses (or have an inadequate GPA and need to re-take these classes) in order to apply for med school. Although there are formal certificate-granting programs that are specifically designed for this purpose, many people simply take the necessary courses at a University in a non-degree setting.

I myself was an economics major but have since decided that I would like to study medicine and need to complete a few basic science courses before applying to med school. I was wondering if there were any such opportunities in the UK, either formal programs or a way to simply enroll in a University and take the necessary classes without working towards an actual degree.

 

[jtlc2345]

So I think the Access courses are suited to people in your situation. The other option I believe people do is to just take the A-levels required to make them eligible for admission. The best thing to do would be to research some of the medical schools you are thinking of applying to and to e-mail their admissions office so you know exactly where you stand and what the best route into medical school would be for you.

Jonathan

 

[ramekin]

You may find this site helpful:

http://www.medschoolsonline.co.uk/index.php?pageid=174