Are you thinking of studying Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine or Science at a university in the UK? These are prevalent career paths that many individuals aspire to pursue, meaning that competition to secure positions on the courses is fierce.
Read on to find out how applying to these courses differs from others and the best way to prepare for them. From extra work to rehearsing for interviews and working to meet tighter, earlier deadlines, this article contains everything you need to know to give yourself the maximum chances of success.
Before Starting your Application
Your career in Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary medicine or science begins very early in your academic journey, and you will need a solid educational background to demonstrate your commitment to your studies.
For your application, you will need the following:
- Excellent grades for your GCSEs, AS and A Levels in the Sciences, e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics. Most of your chosen courses require you to have the knowledge you acquire from these subjects.
- Some universities will not accept Critical Thinking or General Studies, so ensure that you have checked the university's specific requirements to which you are applying.
- GCSE passes in Mathematics and English. This is the same as most university applications, and you will also need a substantial pass for these courses.
- If you do not have an educational background that includes the Sciences, you will be required to study a foundation course that equips you with all of the basic knowledge needed to understand the course. It is also worth noting that this will mean an additional year to the standard five-year undergraduate course.
Personal Statement
Along with your academic achievements, a considerable emphasis is placed on your personal statement, as this is what illustrates your passion and motivation for the course to the admissions team. It is also the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how well you understand your chosen field and allows you to mention any relevant reading or research that you have done. Ultimately, aside from the grades, this will set you apart from other applicants, meaning that your personal statement writing has to be outstanding and original.
Applying to Medicine in the UK
UK Medicine applications are handled through UCAS, and you will be able to apply to four medical courses. Each medical school will have their own entry requirements, which are subject to change. As a rule of thumb, you will generally need three A’s at A Level or equivalent to meet the entry requirements.
Applying to Undergraduate Medicine as a Graduate
Applying to medicine as a graduate will mean that your application has several different requirements and routes. As a graduate, you will need:
- A first or upper-second-class honours degree to qualify for the course
- Your medicine application will need to be made through UCAS.
- Many universities will also require your first degree to be in a Science subject. However, this is a requirement that you will have to check with your chosen university.
There are also various GMC-approved shortened courses that you may apply to, given that you qualify, which would mean that your medical degree lasts four years instead of five, should you choose.
Applying to Medicine After a Gap Year
Although there are not any specific ways to spend your gap year, it is advised that you spend this time being productive, as this may be discussed during your interview stage. It would also be wise to spend this time preparing for your application, including your medicine personal statement, any additional work required from your chosen university, and interview preparation.
Applying to Dentistry in the UK
When applying to Dentistry in the UK, you will have the option to apply to four Dentistry courses through UCAS. The entry requirements are often also the same; however, they may vary slightly between Dental schools. As part of your UK Dentistry application, you must also sit an admissions test, which will determine whether your application continues successfully.
Applying to Veterinary in the UK
In line with the other two subjects, applying to Veterinary courses must be done through UCAS, and the applicant may select up to four courses. At this time, there is no admissions test required for your Veterinary application; however, you may be required to submit a pre-written assessment depending on your university choice.
Application Deadline and Interviews
The deadlines for applying to these courses fall significantly sooner in the academic year than most university applications. Your application must be submitted by 6 pm GMT on the 15th of October, which means you will have a shorter window to ensure you have prepared everything you need.
Most Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine/Science courses will require partaking in a face-to-face interview. After receiving applications, the universities will shortlist candidates who will then be invited for an interview. During the interview, your personal statement will be a crucial discussion point; therefore, it is a good idea to dedicate some time to your personal statement writing. These interviews usually assess whether you are suitable for their course, so preparation is vital! There are ample resources online, including practice questions which you can use to structure what you wish to discuss. The key, however, is to remain calm. As long as you give yourself time to prepare, your passion for your chosen course and your experience will support you through the process.
The key to successfully applying to these courses, is to give yourself a substantial amount of time to prepare. As competition is tough, it is also important to remember not to be disheartened if your application does not go to plan and persevere with your goals by trying again, However, as long as you have covered the basics outlined in this guide, you will give yourself the best chances of succeeding.
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