MBBS MEDICINE WITH A GATEWAY YEAR
MBBS MEDICINE WITH A GATEWAY YEAR
Walk out into the world as a highly competent, empathic and confident doctor, with a course that gives you hands-on experience and rigorous training in modern practices from the very start.
Medicine at UEA is supportive and inclusive. We want everyone who has the passion and potential to succeed to have the chance to study here. As well as looking at your results we’ll look at the school you studied at, your family income, your area of residence, and whether you live in the East Anglian region.
About
The Gateway Year of this course will equip you with the academic skills and knowledge you will need to progress onto our five-year MB BS Medicine course. Complete it successfully and you’ll be well on your way to your career as a qualified doctor.
At Norwich Medical School we put patients at the heart of everything we do. With a curriculum approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) and developed in accordance with their standards, our MB BS degree in Medicine will see you embarking on placements almost immediately. So you’ll gain early exposure to the clinical practices essential to addressing the complex needs of patients in the 21st century. And you’ll graduate ready to use your skills and knowledge in your chosen field to improve the health of patients in your care.
Our rigorous training ensures we develop doctors who are knowledgeable scholars and scientists. And we pride ourselves on providing the highest possible quality of learning, in a supportive, nurturing and student-centred environment where you can reach your potential.
Highlights of Medicine at UEA
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Learning with and from real patients, from the first month of your course
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Exploring anatomy linked to clinical practice in our anatomy facility, including dissection
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Access to a varied range of clinical placements on acute hospital wards, specialist units and in general practice
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Linking theory with practice across the course, including during small-group teaching sessions and within primary care placements
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Developing your clinical skills with access to the world-class and architecture-award winning Bob Champion Research and Education Building, with its state-of-the-art facilities and purpose-built clinical resource centre
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Developing the art of communication through our excellent consultation skills programme, supported by dedicated tutors and role-players
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A team of respected, highly experienced teaching and research academics, who’ll support your learning in our friendly, student-centred School
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Strong networks for student support, including a dedicated and experienced team of senior advisers
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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Accreditation
This course is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC), this primary medical qualification entitles the holder to apply to the GMC for registration to practise medicine in the UK.
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Placement Year and Study Abroad
Study with us and you’ll have the option to extend your knowledge by arranging a self-funded, elective four-week placement in another country or elsewhere in the UK at the end of your fifth year. This is a great chance to broaden your horizons while experiencing medicine in another culture or in a specialist unit, making you an even more well-rounded and resilient doctor.
You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake an intercalated postgraduate (Master’s level) degree course after year four;or five. Currently our students have the option to take a Master’s in Clinical Research (MRes), in Clinical Education (MClinEd), in Molecular Medicine, Cognitive Neuroscience or in Health Economics (all MSc).
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After the Course
Once you’ve successfully completed your MB BS, as long as there are no concerns regarding your fitness to practice, you’ll be entitled to provisional registration with the General Medical Council. You will then be able to practise in approved Foundation Year One posts.
If you’d like our support during this year, you can apply to work in our local Foundation Programme. Complete a satisfactory year as a Foundation Programme doctor and you’ll gain full registration with the GMC.
The majority of our graduates work in the NHS and many go into general practice, but you’ll have many other options available to you.
Career destinations
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Public Health
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Psychiatry
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Hospital-based specialties including medicine, surgery, anaesthetics, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, emergency medicine, radiology and pathology
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Assessment for Year 1
We’ll assess your progress on a regular basis throughout the course, to support your learning and development, and to keep you on track to become a qualified medical practitioner.
In your Gateway Year this will include written exams and practical write-ups of laboratory experiments. In your Medicine modules you’ll be assessed through reflective writing (portfolio), presentations to your fellow students and written examinations in both ‘short answer’ and ‘single best answer’ formats.
Assessments in later years of the programme will include Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) which are practical tests to assess your knowledge and clinical ability.
You’ll also have written examinations in both ‘short answer’ and ‘single best answer’ formats, research method assignments, and an audit project on the Student-Selected Study component of your course.
During your time with us you’ll build a working portfolio and write a short essay each year, reflecting on your own personal and professional development.
Assessment for Year 1
We’ll assess your progress on a regular basis throughout the course, to support your learning and development, and to keep you on track to become a qualified medical practitioner.
In your Gateway Year this will include written exams and practical write-ups of laboratory experiments. In your Medicine modules you’ll be assessed through reflective writing (portfolio), presentations to your fellow students and written examinations in both ‘short answer’ and ‘single best answer’ formats.
Assessments in later years of the programme will include Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) which are practical tests to assess your knowledge and clinical ability.
You’ll also have written examinations in both ‘short answer’ and ‘single best answer’ formats, research method assignments, and an audit project on the Student-Selected Study component of your course.
During your time with us you’ll build a working portfolio and write a short essay each year, reflecting on your own personal and professional development.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBB or ABC in any subjects, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. All science A levels must include a pass in the practical element.BTEC
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF): DDM in any subject, excluding BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration.Scottish highers advanced
CCCAccess course
Not acceptedInternational Baccalaureate
32 overall including 3 subjects at Higher level 5 in any subjectGCSE offer
Six GCSEs at grade B/6 or above, including English Language, Mathematics and either a single science subject (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or double science. Applicants who do not meet the GCSE requirement MUST be resitting GCSE’s and predicted to achieve the required grade. This should be evident from their UCAS application.
International Baccalaureate (UK based only): IB Middle Years (in lieu of GCSEs) with 6 passes at 6 including English Language, Mathematics and two science subjects.
Additional entry requirements
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2021 ENTRY - PLEASE NOTE WE WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE APPLICATIONS NOR RE-OPEN APPLICATIONS FOR MEDICINE IN CLEARING
This course is a ‘Widening Access’ programme for students who are in the 13th year of education or left school no more than three years prior to the course start date. Applicants must have completed their GCSE and Level 3 qualifications in the UK. It is designed for students whose circumstances or educational opportunities have prevented them from realising their academic potential.
All applicants must meet the academic criteria and the following contextual criteria:
Your secondary school (GCSE education) achieved an Attainment 8 score of 50 or less, in the year you sat your GCSEs, according to the Department for Education data (www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/) AND one of the following:
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You live in an area with low progression to higher education with Polar Data 1 or 2 from Polar 4.
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In receipt of the UCAT Bursary.
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Your combined household income is under £35,000 per year, excluding Government benefits. We use the same criteria as the UCAT Bursary eligibility. We are unable to accept payslips or P60’s.
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You currently live locally to UEA (Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex or Lincolnshire). Evidence taken from UCAS application.
OR meet the academic criteria and ONE of the following contextual criteria:
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Successfully complete the UEA Medical Aspirations Programme
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You have been in Local Authority care. Examples of evidence accepted: Letter from Social Worker/Local Council.
Further information
A Level Resits are not considered.
Not accepted: General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, GCSE short courses, BTEC Level 2, OCR Level 2, Functional Skills.
Applicants who have started or completed study post A level (degree study or equivalent) will not be considered.
Applicants predicted to meet the MB BS Medicine (A100) academic requirements are unlikely to benefit from this course and should apply directly to A100.
Applicants who meet the minimum academic requirements and are attending the UEA Medical Aspirations Programme will be guaranteed an interview.
Autumn Exam Series
Applicants who meet the following criteria are able to apply through UCAS for September 2021 entry, and will be made a conditional offer without the need to be interviewed or take the UCAT test:
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A UEA conditional offer was held for Medicine in 2020 on 12 August 2020 (as shown on UCAS Track)
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UEA’s offer was accepted as Firm Choice on UCAS Track as at 12 August 2020 (as shown on UCAS Track)
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The Calculated or Centre Assessment grades received did not meet the offer set by UEA and you were not accepted by UEA.
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You are eligible for and must sit the Autumn (to be sat in October 2020 with results awarded in December 2020) or Summer A-level Exam Series in England.
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The offer made will be our typical A-level offer for 2021 entry (as listed on our website).
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Your 2021 UCAS application must be submitted by the 15 October UCAS deadline for Medicine courses.
Only those that meet or exceed their conditional offer from the Autumn or Summer exam series will be accepted.
Other students sitting the autumn exam series, including students that selected UEA as their insurance choice in 2020, will be required to take the UCAT and if successful, an interview would be required.
Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
ALL applicants are required to take the UCAT in the year of application, prior to applying. UEA does not have a cut off score. A high score is advantageous, however a low score does not disqualify an applicant from consideration. Further information is available at www.ucat.ac.uk.
· UCAT scores may be used to rank the applicants for selection for interview.
· The overall (cognitive) score is used alongside the interview score to rank and select applicants to whom an offer is made.
· The SJT component score is included within the interview.
Applicants in receipt of the UCAT Bursary who meet the minimum entry requirements will be invited to interview.
UCAT Exemptions
Applicants to Medicine who are granted a UCAT Exemption resulting in them being unable to take the UCAT will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact the Admissions Service with evidence of your exemption and the reasons this was granted before you apply to us. If we can consider an application please note that you will be awarded the average UCAT score achieved by the UEA’s cohort for 2021 entry. This will be calculated for the Overseas cohort if you are applying as an international applicant and the Home cohort if you are applying as a UK student.
How do you use the UCAT?
We do not set a minimum cut-off score for the UCAT however we may use scores to rank the applicants for selection for interview. The overall (cognitive) score is used alongside the interview score to rank and select applicants to whom an offer is made. The SJT component score is included within the interview score
Whilst a high UCAT score may be advantageous, a low score in an otherwise strong application, will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.
Due to the current situation with COVID19, UCAT tests have been delayed. Tests are expected to take place with results being reported to universities in November. Further information can be found here.
Important Information For All Applicants
All successful applicants will be required to complete a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Police check and a satisfactory occupational health check. As part of the selection process, all applicants who accept an offer of a place at Norwich Medical School are checked against the Medical Schools Council (MSC) excluded student database. Details of these requirements will be provided to the applicants at interview and if they are successful in receiving an offer. Further information regarding requirements for medical students in relation to blood born infectious diseases, and information on Medical Students Fitness Standards is available. Any offer holder with a current or past history of health conditions (physical or mental health) should tell occupational health about any health conditions they have, and may be subject to an early occupational health check, for the following reasons:
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Medical schools have a duty to support their students, but students have to help the school to do this by being open and honest about their health.
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Being open and trustworthy is an important part of being a doctor – patients and the GMC expect this of practising doctors. Failure by a doctor on the medical register to disclose a health matter that could potentially impact on patient safety is a breach of this duty.
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A student should understand that their ill health could put their ability to study at risk. Where a student has this understanding – and shows this by getting help and support – their health condition rarely prevents them from completing the course. One way to demonstrate understanding from the start is for a student to declare whether they will need additional support when they begin their course.
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Read more on Essential Information for Medicine Applicants
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Norwich Medical School will consider all requests for adjustments in line with the UK Equality Act 2010. Any student can graduate as long as: they are well enough to complete the course; they have no student fitness to practice concerns (having a health condition or disability alone is not a fitness to practice concern); they have met all the Outcomes for graduates, with adjustments to the mode of assessment as needed.
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Further guidance and advice specific to undergraduate medicine courses, including clinical exams, can be obtained via med.senioradviser@uea.ac.uk . Further information regarding accessibility, written exam concessions and confidential advice and guidance on health and disability can be obtained via: https://portal.uea.ac.uk/student-support-service.
After the Course
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Click here for information from the General Medical Council (GMC) about Postgraduate Foundation training and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How will you process my application?
Briefly, all on-time applications proceed to primary screening, where checks are made to see that applicants meet, or are predicted to meet, our minimum academic entry criteria, have a satisfactory personal statement and reference and have taken the UCAT test in the summer prior to submitting the application. Applicants are then invited to interview (from late November/December onwards).
If the number of applications received exceed the number of interview places available those meeting primary screening requirements will also undergo secondary screening, where the UCAT scores will be ranked against the applicant cohort, with the strongest applicants invited to interview.
Following the completion of interviews, interviewed applicants are ranked (by interview – which includes the UCAT SJT subsection score - and UCAT overall scores) within the applicant cohort. The top ranking applicants will receive offers.
What if there is a mistake on my application?
Following the closing date, any errors or omissions should be notified to the Admissions Service immediately for consideration, and verified by an official letter from your school. However, if notification is made after 15 October, we reserve the right not to consider the application further.
What if my predicted grades change?
Your application will be processed using the information provided on your UCAS form. Any changes in predicted grades will not be considered once processing has commenced following the UCAS deadline.
Can I send in additional supporting documents?
Only information submitted on the UCAS form will be considered, unless supplementary information is requested by the Admissions Team. Factual errors on the form should be notified to the Admissions Service as soon as possible but additional information provided or errors highlighted after submission of the UCAS form cannot be considered. Please note that we are unable to accept any unsolicited additional references or CVs.
How do I report extenuating circumstances?
These should be indicated on the UCAS application. Supporting evidence may be requested. Please note: adverse events potentially impacting on performance at A level (or equivalent) or degree classification, should be notified to the relevant examination board.
Should I gain some voluntary or paid experience in the Healthcare professions?
If possible, but this is not a specific requirement. However, it is important that, prior to committing to 6 years intensive study, that you find out as much as you can about being a doctor. Any experience that gives you an insight into your suitability to the profession is valuable. Such experience may include work experience in a health care organisation (e.g. a hospital, hospice, or primary care setting), a regular commitment as a volunteer in a care-related setting, or paid employment as a health care assistant or similar. Please see current guidance from the Medical School Council regarding work experience during a pandemic. This list is not exhaustive, but at interview, you will be expected to draw on your personal experiences to demonstrate your suitability to be a doctor. If invited to interview, you are required to bring with you our work experience form.
If I am unsuccessful, can I reapply?
Applicants to Medicine at UEA will only be considered for two consecutive years. All applicants must have achieved successful academic study within the past 3 years. Please note that entry requirements may change each year and we would advise you to check our website before submitting an application. You will be required to retake the UCAT test as this is only valid in the year of application.
Interviews
Interviews will take place virtually for this cycle. Please note that we do not disclose interview questions.
Typically we look for applicants to demonstrate at interview;
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An acceptable approach to decision making when given incomplete or conflicting information
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The ability to learn and work effectively in partnership
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A caring and supportive attitude
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An empathetic and caring approach
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Insight in to Medicine as a career and personal suitability for the profession
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Honesty, integrity, and personal effectiveness.
We will individually email invitations to applicants who are selected for interview.
Work Experience
If you are invited to interview you are required to complete a Work Experience Form. We understand that it might be difficult to gain experience in a pandemic but the first thing to remember is that all applicants to medicine will be in the same situation. The second thing to remember is that clinical work experience is not generally a requirement for applying to medical school in any year. We are aware that the opportunities open to you have been affected and will take this into account when considering applications for cohorts that have been impacted.
The Medical Schools Council has published some very useful guidance for gaining relevant experience during the pandemic and we will follow their guidance.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK applicants only. The school's annual intake is September. 40 places for 2021 entry.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
You can find information regarding additional costs associated on our Fees and finance webpages.
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How to apply
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2021 ENTRY - PLEASE NOTE WE WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE APPLICATIONS NOR RE-OPEN APPLICATIONS FOR MEDICINE IN CLEARING
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The application allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it is sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please complete our Online Enquiry Form to request a prospectus and to be kept up to date with news and events at the University.
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