Preparing for Medicine

Experience what it's like to be a medical student

What is Preparing for Medicine?

Applying to study medicine can be daunting, especially without any experience of university or medicine in the family to draw upon. Preparing for Medicine supports  Year 12 /Level 3 Year 1 students on their path to studying medicine through participation in a range of free activities.   

Why should you sign up?

  • Events including a three-day, two-night residential event (12th – 14th April). 

  • Ongoing support with applying to study medicine, including writing a personal statement and admissions support. 

  • A three-day GP work experience placement in summer (subject to location).  

  • A dedicated current UEA medical student e-mentor throughout the programme. 

  • Learn about BMATs and UCATs. 

  • Practice interviews and guidance. 

  • A guaranteed interview to study medicine at UEA if students attend all events. 

  • Access to speak with current UEA medical students. 

And more! You will take part in all of this and more during the rest of Year 12 /Level 3 Year 1 – end of Year 13/Level 3 Year 2). 

What’s more… it's all FREE! 

Here's what students have to say about it

"I found it invaluable to speak to a current Medical student and have her guide me all the way through the application and interview process. I was given so much support and encouragement and this really helped to ensure my application was as strong as possible"

- 2019 attendee, now current UEA Medicine student

Types of careers within Medicine 

Here are some examples of what kind of careers a degree in Medicine can lead to: 

  • Surgeon 

  • Cardiologist 

  • Neurologist 

  • Clinical radiologist  

  • Sports club doctor 

  • Military doctor 

  • Anaesthetist 

  • Hospital doctor 

  • General practice doctor  

To explore more careers in Medicine, visit the NHS website here. 

FAQs

Please see the 2023-24 criteria is below. 

You must: 

  • Live in Norfolk, Suffolk, or Cambridgeshire 

  • Be in Year 12 or Level 3 Year 1

  • Have the GCSE grades needed for one of the  UEA medical courses. If you are planning on retaking GCSEs to achieve this level, you are still eligible to apply but need to outline this in your application.   

And either: 

  • Live in a POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 postcode* 

Or:

  • Are currently/ have previously received free school meals 

 

*UEA will use the Office for Students ‘Search by Postcode’ tool to check eligibility for this program. If you want to pre-check that you are eligible, you can do so by following these instructions. 

  1. Go to the Office for Students ‘Search by Postcode’ website  

  1. Read the statement and if you agree, click on the box 

  1. Enter your postcode of where you live 

  1. Look at the first line which says POLAR4, which Quintile are you in? 

  1. If you are in Quintile 1 (like the example below) or if it says Quintile 2, then you are eligible to apply to Preparing for Medicine. 

Search by postcode webpage

 

If you have any queries about the eligibility criteria, please get in touch - fmh.outreach@uea.ac.uk

Applications are now closed for 2023.

If you have any questions please get in touch - fmh.outreach@uea.ac.uk

If you are part of the Preparing for Medicine scheme, you’ll get the chance to visit and get a real feel for what it is like to study medicine.  

You will have the opportunity to*: 

  • Meet current medical students including junior doctors, consultants and academics who teach at our Medical School 

  • Take on the role of a doctor by working in groups on a Problem Based Learning scenario 

  • Get hands on in practical sessions 

  • Receive advice on making your UCAS application stand out from the crowd 

  • Enjoy getting to know like-minded students 

  • Explore our university 

  • Take part in a 3-day placement (subject to availability) or go on a virtual placement 

  • Take part in UCAT workshop 

  • Learn about BMATS 

  • Learn about the application and interview process for different Medicine courses 

  • Meet some UEA Medical clubs and societies 

*All activities are subject to change due to the Government and UEA’s COVID-19 guidance.  

There is no cost to attend, and we will even arrange and pay for your transport to and from UEA. If your application for the Preparing for Medicine scheme is successful, you will automatically receive a place on the events and activities, and we will be in touch with more details.  

The Norwich Medical School at UEA has an established reputation for exciting and innovative approaches to education, supported by a strong and rapidly developing research programme. You can read about education, research and innovation and engagement on the  Norwich Medical School  webpages.