The Pre-Med Programme at Sussex University (in association with M&D) has now become an excellent route to an overseas medical school
AND the UK!
Please click on the following link to go directly to the University of Sussex webpage:
This is a one calendar-year programme taught at the University of Sussex in Brighton, primarily for applicants that do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry for the four-year degree programme at St. Matthew's University (SMU) on the British Cayman Islands.
However, due to the nature and quality of the course content, some UK medical schools are (some already have) accepting this course and it now acts as a complement to standard British 'A' level qualifications for UK medical school entry. UK Medical schools may view an applicant that has completed this course in a university environment, at a level exceeding the standard 'A' level syllabus, very positively, in comparison to other access/re-sit courses.
Successful completion of this programme offers progression directly into the 2nd year of the 6-year medical degree course at Comenius University in Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic.
UK Medical Schools and the Pre-Med Programme
The Pre-Med Programme serves as an excellent route to a medical school both in the UK and overseas. In previous years, almost half of the students on the Pre-Med Programme have had offers from UK medical schools. UK universities that offer courses in dentistry, pharmacy, optometry and veterinary medicine may also be willing to consider students on this programme.
Some UK Medical schools are very positive about the Programme, others are more cautious, and some will only consider A levels passed at high grades at the first attempt. Some require specific grades in school leaving examinations as well as the programme, and different institutions have different attitudes to non-standard qualifications. Some require that students take the BMAT or GAMSAT, as well as passing the programme. Remember that it is individual students who are considered and admitted, so your application and personal statement will always be really crucial. We have contacted all UK medical and dental schools for their views, and we will be able to advise you which institutions are the most promising for your individual circumstances. When you apply through UCAS by 15 October, for most of you, we will not be able to write a letter of recommendation - but most institutions will accept a letter later in the season, once we have got to know you better, and we have some coursework marks to tell them about.
Please note: Since adding this information on this webpage, other UK medical schools may have been added to this list. The above Medical schools may require other qualifications, such as specific A-level grades, the IB BMAT or the GAMSAT, in addition to passing the Pre-Med. Certain UK medical schools may be unable to consider international students. Prospective students are therefore advised to contact the appropriate Medical school directly to clarify and confirm specific entry requirements.
Whilst on the course, students have the chance to re-sit their 'A' levels if required and re-apply to UK medical schools. Therefore, by completing the Pre-Med, it may not be necessary for students to have to study medicine abroad at all! This course started in September 2002 and is a unique concept, the first of its kind in at any British university and it now a very secure of winning entry into a top medical school in the UK or at SMU.
Typical applicants for direct entry to SMU have completed an undergraduate degree in a scientific field, such as Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, and Biological Sciences. Applicants that do not have a degree in these areas, such as those who have completed science A/AS levels would be eligible to apply for the Pre-Med Programme at Sussex.
The University of Sussex offers a unique environment for interdisciplinary study and world-class research. Currently the choice of students from over 100 countries, who are attracted by its academic reputation, excellent facilities, beautiful campus, and location at the lively city of Brighton & Hove. Many North American students spend all or part of their Junior Year at a European university - the University of Sussex attracts one of the largest of these groups in the UK and has had, since 1990, a program specifically designed for the needs of U.S. pre-medical students.
The Programme consists of modules tailored to build on what the student has already covered at 'A' level, in preparation for medical school. For this reason, depending on the student's academic background, the exact course content for individuals may vary. However, all students of the Programme will complete the following, which include extensive practical work:
Organic Chemistry, Cellular Biochemistry, Introduction to Molecular Genetics, Physiology & Behaviour, Neurobiology & Behaviour, Health: A matter of National Concern, and Critical Reading and Stylish Writing.
For further information on application, please contact us on: 0871 7171 291
Here is a list of common questions specific to the Pre-Med Programme
Q: "After successfully completing the Pre-Med Programme at Sussex, will I have meet all the academic requirements for SMU?"
A: Yes. All students of the Pre-Med Programme are given a conditional offer of a place from SMU. To meet the academic requirements, student must 'pass' the programme - a pass means the average mark is 50% or over, with no modules failed (below 40%).
Q: "Will I be penalised in any way by SMU or by British medical schools if I apply for other medical schools during the Pre-Med Programme?"
A: No. In fact, quite the opposite. British medical schools may look positively at applicants who have completed a Pre-Med course at a reputable British university, in addition to A/AS levels. The course is now being accepted as an alternative to A-level re-sits by top UK medical schools and we would encourage students to apply to these medical schools.
Q: "What do students on the course have to say?"
A: Here is a recent quote from a student currently on the course:
"The M&D Pre-Med at Sussex has provided me with an ideal opportunity to secure a place at a British or an overseas Medical school. The course has given me a chance to experience life at university, which has been challenging-yet very enjoyable, which is excellent preparation for when I begin Medical school.
Before I started the course, my options were to either re-take my 'A/AS' levels or embark on a three-year science degree, or to just not apply to medical school at all. This course has not only saved me a lot of time, but as the focus is on Medicine - has led to UK medical schools viewing my application far more positively.
It is an imperative consideration for those students who have been unsuccessful in their application to any UK medical school."
Faisal Hanjra, from Surrey - Premier Group at Sussex - now reading medicine at Queen Mary's, University of London
"I think its a fantastic idea and will allow a lot of people wanting to do medicine the chance to follow their dreams."
Haniya R. Hasan, from Croydon - Premier Group at Sussex
"I feel the M&D Pre-med has allowed me to appreciate a challenging course at university level. Hence opening doors within the medical profession, whilst experiencing the scenic location of Brighton and the most of a university life."
G. Mason, Brighton - Premier Group at Sussex
"My year on the M&D Pre-med Programme provided me with a strong foundation for the subjects I have encountered at St. Matthews University, School of Medicine.
At SMU, many of my classmates are from the U.S. and are more advanced in age and experience and they all have a science degree. Despite this, the knowledge I acquired from pre med did not leave me feeling inadequate. I thoroughly enjoyed all the subjects at SMU from physiology to behavioral science.
Grand Cayman is a wonderful island, with people from all different areas of the world; it’s a real learning experience I feel everyone should go through.
In addition to that each student will spend a semester on the Miami campus, taking introduction to clinical medicine and being given the chance to take the US Medical Licensing Exam in order to work in The States.
I am aiming to go through clinical rotations both in the UK and the US, due to the fact that M&D Pre-med offers everyone an opportunity to gain medical experience both outside and inside the United Kingdom
I am glad I entered this programme and whether you study Medicine in England or on Cayman Islands, your success depends on the effort you put in and the knowledge you gain and M&D Pre-med left me very well prepared."
Ms. Enyo Agamasu, from Portsmouth, England - currently a 2nd year medical student at SMU
Q: "What is the application procedure?"
A: Prospective students must send completed Application Forms, supplied on request. Applications are submitted directly to M&D Europe and NOT made via UCAS. Therefore, applying for this programme DOES NOT affect the number of university choices made on UCAS application forms.
Short-listed applicants are usually invited for interview. Prospective Medical students are advised to apply in advance and conditional offers may be made subject to achieving minimum marks in forthcoming examinations. If a conditional offer is made, our minimum GCE A-level grade requirement is BCC, to include at least 2 science subjects, however due to demand for places; the average A-level grade score of our Pre-Med students is usually higher.
Entrants will have at least two science 'A' levels and one other 'A' level or 2 A/S levels in another subject which may or may not be science. Applicants who have similar qualifications, such as the Irish leaving Certificate or Scottish Highers and applicants from countries outside the UK should contact us for an individual evaluation. Prospective applicants that do not have an adequate scientific background would be advised to complete the required science courses at an associated tutorial college. A free selection service to locate your ideal college can be found via: www.schoolmatcher.co.uk.
We welcome applications from International students who may not have GCE A-levels, but have completed equivalent examinations in their home country. Such International students are advised to contact us for an individual evaluation.
New application Deadlines: 15 August 2009 for non-EU students and 1 September 2009 for UK/EU students. However prospective students are advised to apply as early as possible as places are limited.
Q: "How will I be accommodated during my stay at Sussex University?"
A: Provided that an offer of a place has been made and a housing application form has been completed correctly and submitted by 1st August, all students on the programme will be offered university-managed housing (which may be on or off campus). Due to demand for places, university housing can not be guaranteed for later applicants.
Q: "What are the costs involved?"
A: All students (inc. British) on this programme are pay fees of £13,150 (GBP) for the full year, or £12,200 (GBP) if Critical Reading and Stylish Writing course is not required. Please note that if a student intends to secure at place at SMU, this Critical Reading and Stylish Writing course will be required. This includes tuition fees, administration and management of the programme, but does not include living expenses, which for an average student in Brighton and Hove are about £7,260 (GBP) for an academic year.
Q: "Can I arranging a loan or get any funding assistance while on the course?"
A: Most students on the course find private funding. However, in some cases it may be possible to arrange a bank loan via British Banks. Please contact us for further information.
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