Institute of Continuing Education (ICE)
Submitted by Amy Kingham on Thu, 16/12/2021 - 12:10
One of the main reasons why adults in their twenties, thirties and beyond find it difficult to gain entry to medical schools is that they lack the required qualifications, particularly in science subjects needed to underpin both the pre-clinical and patient-facing elements of training to become a doctor.
This new course from the University of Cambridge seeks to create a path for mature students, a group who are underrepresented at medical schools, despite frequently having valuable experience of caring for others or managing their own health concerns.
To address this obstacle, the University of Cambridge’s specialist adult education provider the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) has worked with the medical schools at the University of Cambridge, University of East Anglia (UEA; Norwich) and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU; Chelmsford) to develop a new pre-medical studies course to support mature students aspiring to become a doctor.
Dr James Gazzard, Director of Continuing Education at ICE said, “The East of England has a shortage of doctors, particularly in areas of urban and coastal disadvantage. We also know there are many talented adults across this region, drawn from diverse communities, who could become excellent doctors. This new qualification has been developed to help overcome the barriers mature students face when seeking to change career into the medical field”.
Dr Corinne Boz, Director of the Academic Centres Division at ICE continued, “This course has been specifically designed to focus on the scientific knowledge and skills mature students need to apply to the medical schools in our region. We are looking for highly motivated adult students considering a career in medicine. While the course is intellectually demanding, we plan to create a welcoming and supportive cohort of adult learners who are all committed to taking their first steps to becoming a medical practitioner and serving patient communities in East Anglia”.
Dr Sue Madden, Admissions Director at Norwich Medical School at UEA commented, “This is an important new route to support adults to apply to medical school, which is recognised by the University of East Anglia. While it is a full-time course, it will take a flexible approach and could be relevant to people already working in the health and care sectors, other community-facing roles or science-based disciplines”.
Dr Enamul Ahsan, Deputy Head of the School of Medicine at Anglia Ruskin University said, “Widening participation is a key ethos of the School of Medicine at ARU, and we welcome new pathways for those adults who have not got the standard qualifications required to apply for entry to medical school. This course will allow adult learners to achieve the knowledge and skills to make those first steps to a potential career in medicine”.
The CertHE in Pre-Medical Studies, resulting in a University of Cambridge qualification, will accept its first cohort of students in autumn 2022, and is now open for applications. Applicants must hold six GCSEs grade B or higher (including mathematics, English language and science) and will be able to demonstrate a patient-focused outlook during the interview process. While successfully completing the Certificate of Higher Education in Pre-Medical Studies does not guarantee entry to medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, University of Cambridge or University of East Anglia, the qualification is a recognised prerequisite qualification at the region’s three medical schools.
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Find out more and apply on the course page.
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