Studying Medicine - Help on Funding

ste_coxy

The Careers Advice Service (formerly Learn Direct) are really good at giving advice about careers, courses and funding give them a bash! 0800 100 900. http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/

All the best with this. Your story is similar to mine - I did well at my GCSEs but did not go 2 college and now would like to study for a degree but I am STILL unsure what 2 do!

currently doing an access course but really would prefer to do A-Levels but not sure of anywhere that does them in the evening part time.

might give them a call myself!

Oldernotwiser

ste_coxy wrote: »

currently doing an access course but really would prefer to do A-Levels but not sure of anywhere that does them in the evening part time.

!

Just as a matter of interest, why do you think that you would prefer to do A levels? An Access course would be the normal recommendation for a mature student.

scottp_2

The maths thing was told to me by someone who interviews for Medicine but looking at the Criteria on the websites just Chemistry and 1 science is mentioned on them. I want to do Chemistry, Biology and Maths as I enjoyed all those subjects at GCSE and I would do well in them I think.

In regards to the Work Experience I know this is one of the most important things so I am working on quite a few different ones to make sure that I have enough experience before I apply!

Thanks for all the comments. Any more information or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Blacksheep1979

Did I read this correctly as 'I have my own money (or will), but don't want to spend it and would like a hand out'?

mccristo

I totally agree with Oldernotwiser, do some voluntary work in the medical field, maybe consider going out with an Ambulance crew? They're always crying out for help and there isn't much thats more hands on.

Contact Sheffield about the pre-Medicine course, you might already be able to get in. I did an Access Course last year, it was perfect for me (that said I am little older than you) it really got me back into the education mindset.

qcumber_2

You could also study for A-Levels by distance learning (eg with ICS Learn Direct). Biology/Chemistry/Maths do lend themselves to self-study, though you'll need a lot of motivation and discipline. Alternatively, you could download the relevant syllabuses and past papers (which are freely available from the exam bodies' websites) and self-study thus; paying an FE College or VIth Form to enter you for examinations as a non-enrolled student.

+1 What others have said re: voluntary experience. Contact your local hospital's education centre to arrange shadowing, volunteer with the St. John ambulance, do community outreach, etc.

justruth

If it helps any I am a mature medical student, I had average at best GCSEs and not much in the way of useful experience when I started. (I could run a pub but that was about it!)

I made the decision that I really wanted to pursue medicine, I started by getting a part time job at a hospital for about 6 months before quitting my full time job and moving to Norfolk to complete an access course. While there I got a job in care work. I was rejected first time round so had to work for a year (more care work) and completed a open university course relevant to the subject. The second time I was lucky enough to get a place and I am now entering the second year, although I do have debt, some of which is from quitting work and going to college!

If you really want it you have to be prepared to really go for it, if you make a half hearted attempt at it you probably will not get in. There are always more applicants than places in medicine.

Oldernotwiser

qcumber wrote: »

You could also study for A-Levels by distance learning (eg with ICS Learn Direct). Biology/Chemistry/Maths do lend themselves to self-study, though you'll need a lot of motivation and discipline.

Biology and Maths A level are possible by distance learning, although personally I prefer the National Extension College to ICS. However, I don't know anybody who offers Chemistry at A level (including ICS or NEC) and one can see why.

The OP needs to look for an alternative entry route to A levels.

scottp_2

I have managed to find somewhere that will allow me to do Chemistry on a night so that is perfect and I will just self study the other A Levels or do distance learning.

Thanks for all the help again. You have all been great!