Routes to the Professions(R2P): Medicine

The Routes to the Professions: Medicine programme has been developed to address the national concern of a lack of social diversity in medicine. The programme identifies and supports students who aspire to and have the potential to succeed in a career in medicine.

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Who should apply? This programme is aimed at students who are currently under-represented in medicine courses and the medical profession, but who have the academic potential for medical studies and a medical career.

Places are limited and priority will be given to students who meet the following criteria: o Be the first generation in their family

to go to universityo Have parents in non-professional

occupationso Have a minimum of seven GCSEs with a

minimum of three at Grade A, including two As from English, Maths or Science and a minimum of Grade B in these three subjects

o Minimum predicted A level grades BBB including Biology and Chemistry

We will also prioritise students:o In receipt of free school mealso Attending a state school with a high

proportion of students eligible for free school meals and with low progression rates to selective universities

What will the programmeinclude?

This is an 18-month programme with a range of opportunities to support students who would like to apply for a course in medicine. Students will join the programme in December of Year 12 and take part in a range of activities to help them make an informed decision about whether to pursue a career in medicine and to support them throughout the application process. The programme will include:

Launch event: Wednesday 9 December 2015Students will have the opportunity to:o Find out more about applying and getting

into medicineo Take part in a hands-on medical activityo Hear from a doctoro Find out more about life as a medical

studento Meet medical students who will support

them throughout the rest of the programmeo Find out about work experience

opportunities

Medical student mentoringAll students will be assigned a mentor who will be a current medical student. The mentor will support students with:o Understanding more about the demands

of the medical course

The programme will provide targeted support to Years 12 and 13 students in the West Midlands and includes workshops at the Medical School to help students develop the non-academic skills required to be a doctor and to assist them with medical applications and interviews.

R2P: Medicine

o Seeking work experienceo Writing a UCAS application and personal

statemento Interview techniqueso University life

Clinical mentoringStudents will also be mentored by a doctor to help develop some of the skills which are important for studying medicine and for a career as a doctor. Students will have the opportunity to discuss with their mentor what it is actually like to be a doctor, the challenges involved, the highs and the lows, and the career paths available. This will give students an invaluable insight into the profession and will help them make important decisions about their future.

Student shadowingStudents will have the opportunity to spend a day with a current medical student; shadowing lectures and spending time in the Medical School, so they can experience what it is really like to be a medical student.

Work experience guidance Students will be offered guidance on finding appropriate work placements. They will receive support with identifying appropriate work placement opportunities, making successful applications as well as support with reflecting on their placements.

The closing date for applications is Friday 20 November.

Learn moreIf you have any questions about the programme, please contact:Shaheen BarkatEmail: s.barkat@bham.ac.ukTel: 0121 414 9017

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Preparing Your Medicine Application Workshop 1: Wednesday 15 June 2016This workshop is designed to help students to prepare for their university medicine application. Sessions in the workshop will cover:o Aptitude testso UCAS personal statement and reflecting

on work experienceo Access to Birmingham schemeo Discussions with clinical mentors

Preparing Your Medicine Application Workshop 2: Wednesday 14 September 2016This workshop will offer students further support in preparation for their university medicine application and will cover:o Alternative routes into medicine and

healthcare professionso Medicine admissionso Interview preparationo Personal statements

Mock medical interviews:This session will give students the opportunity to find out more about medical interviews, take part in a practice interview and receive tips on how to be successful.

R2P: Medicine

Graduation: Wednesday 14 September 2016The graduation event will celebrate the achievements of students on the R2P Medicine programme. There will be a certificate presentation ceremony that will be attended by parents/carers, teachers, clinical and medical student mentors and staff from the University.

Guaranteed interviewStudents on the R2P Medicine programme who meet the minimum GCSE threshold and have taken the UKCAT will be guaranteed an interview on our undergraduate MBChB programme.

How do students apply? Please complete all sections of the Routes to the Professions application form. This should be supported by the head of sixth form or a nominated teacher at the school/college. Once completed, please return the form to the University of Birmingham (contact details are on the application form).

www.birmingham.ac.ukPlease note: not all programmes or courses are offered every year. Our research is constantly exploring new areas and directions of study; therefore, some courses may be dropped and new ones offered in their place.