GUIDE TO ADMISSIONS IN MEDICINE
You should read this guide if you are considering applying to Cambridge to study Medicine; it applies to
courses starting from October 2003. The information in this leaflet is primarily intended for students who are
studying in UK schools or colleges and taking GCE A-levels. If you are considering making an application to
study Medicine on the basis of qualifications other than A-levels you should also consult the leaflet Guide to
Medicine admissions with qualifications other than A-levels
The Medical course at Cambridge
To practise medicine you must pass, or obtain exemption from, a series of professional examinations. At
Cambridge these are the two levels of the Bachelor of Medicine degree, known as the Second MB and the Final
MB. When you study at Cambridge you gain these professional qualifications, and you will also gain a
Cambridge BA, usually taken in the third year of your studies. The Cambridge degree programme is not an
integrated course where you start clinical training from the beginning, but one which offers a rigorous academic
grounding in the necessary science prior to the clinical years.
Year 1 and Year 2 (Part IA and Part IB)
At Cambridge, the science base which you need for medicine is covered in the first two years, by teaching the
subjects quite explicitly as those biological sciences relevant to medicine. These first two years are a medical
science course, with an unrivalled degree of personal tuition in college supervisions. In the normal course of
events you complete your MB qualification at the end of the second year of your studies, and then proceed to
study a subject of your own choosing in your third year (see below).
Year 3 (Part II)
You have the choice of a range of courses (Part II courses), some specialised and some more general. The
specialised courses will bring you right to the cutting edge of scientific and medical thinking and would enable
you, if you so wished, to proceed immediately to research. Many research projects that students undertake
during the final year are published as papers in scientific journals. Alternatively, you can study other subjects
some of which are not directly related to medicine: e.g. Social and Political Sciences, Anthropology or even
History or Modern Languages.
Years 4-6 Clinical study
In these years you undergo training in clinical skills and knowledge, either by staying in Cambridge, or by
going on to another Medical School. If you stay in Cambridge, there is the opportunity for well-qualified
students to undertake a research degree via the MB PhD programme. There is considerable flexibility of
opportunity as to where you complete your clinical training. Many students continue in Cambridge, or go to
Oxford or one of the London Teaching Hospitals. During the process, you will complete the professional
qualifications for the Final MB, and proceed to your pre-registration year.
In this way we are trying to produce not only good doctors, but also doctors who will have a significant
influence on the practice of medicine during their working lives.
Routes into medical study at Cambridge
The information in this leaflet is primarily intended for students who are completing their GCE A-levels in UK
schools/colleges and who form the majority of applicants. There are also a limited number of places available
for mature students and for students who already possess a degree.
Entry as a Mature student
You need to satisfy the premedical requirements (see below), should be 21 or over and preferably of an age
which will enable you to provide at least 25 years of service to the profession after qualification. The course is
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the same as that for other students, but only three Colleges (Lucy Cavendish, for women only, St Edmund’s,
and Wolfson) regularly admit students by this route.
Entry as an Affiliated student
For applicants who already hold a first-degree qualification, you can apply as an affiliated student. You need to
have satisfied the premedical requirements, and must have, or be in the process of achieving, a good degree (1st
or 2.1 or the equivalent) from a recognised University. Affiliated students follow the first two years of the
medical course, but then proceed directly to clinical studies without doing a third year Part II course. You can
only apply to Lucy Cavendish College (for women only), St Edmunds College, and Wolfson College.
The Cambridge Graduate Course
This is a graduate entry course similar in its requirements to those for affiliated students. Only students from
the UK or EU may apply. 20 places are available each year. This course differs from the other routes into
medicine in that students will have clinical training integrated with the scientific basis of medicine from the
beginning of the course. You will complete your medical training in just over four years, but it is a full time
study programme occupying 46 weeks of each year. Further details can be obtained from the Clinical School,
Addenbrookes Hospital, or on the web at: www.lucy-cav.cam.ac.uk/admissions/pgrad/GradMedCourse.htm
Students for the Cambridge Graduate Course will be admitted to three colleges: Lucy Cavendish, for women
only, Hughes Hall and Wolfson.
Admissions
Number of places
Like all universities, Cambridge is restricted (by a government-imposed quota) in the number of places that can
be offered in Medicine. At the moment we are allowed to take approximately 300 pre-clinical students each
year (of which about 7% can be overseas students) and there are more than four well-qualified applicants for
each place.
Entry requirement
Because you will be simultaneously gaining academic and professional qualifications, while studying at
Cambridge, selection for admission in medicine is more complex than for most subjects, and involves you
meeting three requirements:
1. You have to satisfy the “pre-medical requirements.” These are set out in detail in the Prospectus, and
summarised below.
2. You must also meet the criteria that have been formulated by the Council of the Heads of Medical Schools
as being necessary in order to start as a medical student: these “Guiding principles” are set out at the end of
this document.
3. In addition, the Cambridge course is scientifically demanding, and you face extremely stiff competition
from many excellent applicants who want to study medicine at Cambridge. Since nearly all our successful
applicants gain at least three A grades at A-level, this means that many other factors apart from A level
predictions have to be weighed up by admissions selectors. The next section provides information about
the criteria we use in selection.
The pre-medical requirements: a summary
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GCSE Physics, Biology and Mathematics at Grade C or above
GCE Advanced or Advanced Subsidiary passes in three of the following:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
One of the subjects must be Chemistry and at least one pass must be at Advanced GCE.
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Conditional offers for those taking GCE A and AS levels
For applicants applying in 2003 to study Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, the Cambridge Colleges have
collectively agreed that:
1.
Subject requirements: The A levels will normally be in Chemistry and two others in science or
mathematics. Science and mathematics subjects refers to the following subjects only: Biology, Chemistry,
Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics (these are referred to below as the listed subjects).
Chemistry is required, GCE A level is strongly preferred, but the minimum is GCE AS level.
2. Typical conditional offer: AAA at GCE A level.
3. Applicants taking three or more of the listed subjects at GCE A level are the largest proportion of
applicants.
4. Applicants taking two of the listed subjects at GCE A level with one or more non-science subject(s), the
agreed minimum offer will be
i) two A grades from the GCE A level listed subjects, plus
ii) an additional A grade in one other GCE A level subject, plus
iii) an A grade at AS level in a third listed subject.
However, the following colleges would prefer applications from those taking three or more of the listed
subjects: Christ's, Jesus, Newnham and St John’s.
5. Applicants taking one of the listed subjects at GCE A level. All colleges will, exceptionally, consider
applicants taking only one of the listed subjects at GCE A level, provided this subject is Chemistry.
Applicants will still be expected to show a very high level of scientific ability. Such applicants are likely to
be disadvantaged in all colleges when considered with those of comparable ability taking other science or
mathematics GCE A levels.
6. All applicants will be expected to take the Bio-Medical Admissions Test (The BMAT).
7. Advanced Extension Awards (AEA) will not normally be required.
8. All colleges may make a lower offer in appropriate circumstances, for example, to an applicant applying
through the Cambridge Special Access Scheme.
The selection process
Admissions are handled by individual Colleges, and our pooling system between Colleges ensures that a
applicant’s chance of a place across the Colleges is relatively even. You may name a preference College on
your application form, or make an open application. UK applicants applying through either route are equally
successful.
These criteria should be read in conjunction with the information about the Cambridge Special Access Scheme
which is available from CAO or any College Admissions office.
Two considerations underlie the way we select medical students. The first is that there is a large number of
very able and well qualified applicants. The second is the unusual nature of the course itself. A demanding,
rigorously scientific course of this kind does not suit everyone, and it is to no-one’s advantage, when the
numbers of places to study medicine here are few, if we give them to applicants who are not going to enjoy and
make the most of what this course has to offer. This is the main thing we are looking for in admitting
applicants: are you prepared and in fact, eager to embark on a course of intense scientific training, preceding
your clinical training? If the answer is no, then you would probably be better advised to apply to one of the
many excellent medical schools that offer a less scientific course, with clinical material introduced at an earlier
stage.
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Some of the more specific things we weigh up when deciding to whom to make offers include:
1
GCSE Results: The majority of our successful applicants have normally achieved A* grades in all
science subjects taken, and if you have lower grades some explanation in the reference would be
appreciated. Successful applicants have normally obtained a good number of A* grades unless they
attended a school where starred A grades were not normally achieved. Grade C or below in any
academic subject would be a cause for unease unless there were unusual circumstances.
2
A-level predictions: All Colleges set conditional offers of at least AAA at A-level unless there are
specific reasons for an individual applicant to be given a lower offer. The A-levels that you are taking
must satisfy the pre-medical requirements.
3
Performance in the BMAT: All applicants are required to take a two hour test (the Bio-Medical
Admissions Test) before coming to interview. For pre-A level applicants this is normally taken in
school/college, and individual arrangements are made for post-A level applicants. There is no charge for
the test. This test supersedes the use of STEP in offers for medicine as well as individual college written
tests. The test is used to assess scientific aptitude, not fitness to practice medicine, and is intended to test
ability and fundamental relevant understanding rather than advanced factual knowledge. Further
information about the BMAT, together with a specimen paper, is available on our website:
http://www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/undergrad/medvet/test.html
or through CAO.
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Reference: Here we hope to hear from those who have taught you about your intellectual ability,
commitment, self-discipline, energy and maturity. We also hope to gain some insight from someone who
knows you reasonably well about your personality and suitability for medicine.
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Personal statement: We are looking for evidence of a well-balanced individual with a realistic attitude
to medicine: we expect you to have gained some practical experience of medical, social or charitable
work. Hands-on experience in coping with the elderly, with children or with the disabled may well be
preferable to a few days spent shadowing a hospital consultant. Rather than a vague and “gushy” mission
statement, you should include factual information about your outside interests, experience and
achievements. Someone who has something to show in music or sport, drama or any other worthwhile
activity at the same time as getting three A’s at A-level is likely to be more impressive than a three-A
applicant who has devoted no time to anything other than work. Quite apart from the increased breadth
of activity and experience, it suggests that their current A-level work does not entirely use up their
intellectual capacity. That being said, we recognise that some students have huge commitments within
the home or undertake part-time paid employment and have not yet been able to develop their interests
fully. If you have worked during the time you have been studying, we recognise the commitment and
effort that this can involve, please tell about it if you think it appropriate.
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Matriculation requirements: You will normally be expected to satisfy the University Matriculation
requirements (See the prospectus for details.)
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Interview: We normally interview all well qualified applicants and do not normally admit for medicine
without interview unless the cost or inconvenience of travel is absolutely prohibitive. For overseas
applicants it is sometimes possible to arrange for interviews in your own country but, if not, it may be
necessary for you to travel to Cambridge. We want to know whether you have a genuine intellectual
curiosity for medical science, imagination and a breadth and flexibility of outlook, have the personal
characteristics likely to make you a good doctor, and have a realistic attitude to medicine as a career.
We may well ask you about what you read, since self-guided reading is such a large part of the way you
learn at University, and we are likely to ask about experimental and project work that you have done at
school, as this often gives a good idea of your understanding independently of how well you have been
taught. We may initiate a discussion on a subject that engages your interest, probably, but not
necessarily, related to your work, to see whether you have the imagination and flexibility to cope quickly
with novel points of view, whether you can argue coherently, and whether in general you enjoy using
your brain. You may well be challenged with ideas that are beyond what you have studied at school or
college and, while we will not expect you to know the answers to the questions we may ask, we will
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expect you to follow the argument and explore these concepts with the interviewer. Finally, you will
have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have concerning Cambridge, the course and the
College and to tell us of anything else you want us to know about yourself, or discuss with us.
Gap Year: All Colleges accept deferred entry applicants. If you are particularly young, (Cambridge
regulations normally require students to be eighteen before the start of their course) a College may well
encourage a gap year. Colleges would expect that during a gap year you undertake something that is well
thought out. We encourage activities that are challenging and develop your independence and self-reliance;
work overseas, perhaps in a third-world country or one that requires the use of a foreign language, can provide
valuable experience. This need not be medically related, though the value of such experience is recognised.
Retakes: We appreciate that, very occasionally, there are circumstances when the grades that a applicant
achieves are not an accurate reflection of the student’s abilities and potential. Normally, however, you should
not be advised to make an application based on re-sitting A-levels to gain improved grades.
Transfers into Medicine: It would be misguided to apply for a place to study Natural Sciences in the hope
that a transfer into Medicine could subsequently be made. In theory, transfer from Natural Sciences into
Medicine is possible: in practice it is now very difficult. There are very few places available by this route and
the courses followed by Natural Scientists now differ substantially from the Medical courses, and you may have
to go back and start medicine as a first year student.
Intercalated BSc: Cambridge does not accept students who wish to spend a year at the University as part of an
intercalated course in Medicine.
Applicants with a disability: Cambridge has a code of practice for students with a disability which is
available on request from CAO or from Mrs Judith Jesky, the Adviser for Students with a Disability (01223
332301). A disability need not be a bar to becoming a doctor, but the practice of medicine requires the highest
standards of professional competence. Thus on admission all students must be able to show that they can fulfil
the rigorous demands of professional fitness to practice as a pre registration house officer. If you are in any
doubt about your individual circumstances please consult any College Admissions Tutor or Judith Jesky at an
early stage. For more information is see the Disability Resource Centre website:
http://www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/disability/
Open Days: In 2003 Departmental Open Days for Medicine will be held on 3 and 4 July, coinciding with the
Open Days in many other scientific Departments and a number of College. Further information can be obtained
from CAO. Colleges also hold Open Days for potential medical students: details can be obtained from any
College admissions office or on the University website.
For more information:
See the University of Cambridge Undergraduate Admissions Prospectus on our website:
http://www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/undergrad/medvet/
or request a paper copy from the Cambridge Admissions Office, Kellet Lodge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge,
CB2 1QJ. Telephone 01223 333308 or Fax 01223 366383. . Email: undergrad-enquiries@cuao.cam.ac.uk
More specific information can be obtained by writing to the individual College that you are interested in
applying to.
CAO
Revised December 2002
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COUNCIL OF HEADS OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS
AND DEANS OF UK FACULTIES OF MEDICINE
Woburn House, 20 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HD
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE ADMISSION OF
MEDICAL STUDENTS
The following guiding principles for the selection and admission of medical students to medical schools have
been agreed by the Council of Heads of Medical Schools:
1
Selection for medical school implies selection for the medical profession. A degree in medicine
confirms academic achievement and automatically entitles the new graduate to be provisionally
registered by the General Medical Council and to start practising as a doctor (Medical Act 1983, Part II).
2
Medical schools have agreed that the selection process for medical students must be transparent
and involve procedures that respect obligations under the Race Relations Act and offer equality of
opportunity. Individual medical schools will publish annually details of their admissions procedures
together with an analysis of the outcome of the selection process. Their procedures will reflect an agreed
standard for racial equality and equal opportunities. They will amend procedures that are shown to result
in any unfair imbalance between successful and unsuccessful applicants. The results of their internal
audits will be available for scrutiny by the national bodies that have responsibility for monitoring equal
opportunities legislation.
Medical schools welcome mature students who satisfy the selection criteria, but will take account of the
length of postgraduate general and specialist clinical training that doctors are required to undertake.
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The selection process attempts to identify the core academic and non-academic qualities which
doctors must possess. First among these is the recognition that patient care is the prime duty of a
doctor. Honesty, integrity and an ability to recognise one’s own limitations and those of others are
central to the practice of medicine. In addition, medical students should be expected to have good
communication and listening skills, an understanding of professional issues such as teamwork and
respect for the contribution of other professions. Curiosity, creativity, initiative, flexibility, and
leadership are all desirable characteristics for the aspiring doctor.
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Candidates should have obtained some experience of what a career in medicine involves and
demonstrate their suitability for a caring profession. Medical schools will not be unduly prescriptive
about the nature of this experience, recognising the differing opportunities available to candidates.
5
A high level of academic attainment will be expected. Understanding science is fundamental to the
understanding of medicine, but medical schools will encourage diversity in the subjects offered by
candidates and will publish the range of acceptable subjects together with the typical offers which are
made.
6
The practice of medicine requires the highest standards of professional and personal conduct. It
must be recognised that some students may not be suited to a career in medicine, even though they may
attain the academic standards necessary for admission to medical school. It is in the interests of such
students themselves and the public for them not to be admitted to medical school, rather than to have to
leave the course or the profession subsequently. Criminal offences and other related matters must be
declared by applicants. Medical schools will seek information from applicants on any convictions or
charges with offences, which are awaiting trial, or on Child Protection investigations.
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The primary duty of care is to patients. Students who have infectious diseases that could be
transmitted to patients – e.g. e-antigen positive hepatitis B – will not normally be admitted to medical
school. Candidates should therefore satisfy themselves of their suitability in this regard well before
committing themselves to the admissions process.
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The practice of medicine requires the highest standards of professional competence. This implies
that there may be particular circumstances which require special consideration. A disability, for
example, need not be a bar to becoming a doctor if the student can fulfil the rigorous demands of
professional fitness to practise as a preregistration house officer. Students with disabilities should seek
advice from medical schools well before the deadline for UCAS submissions so that their individual
circumstances can be considered. Applicants must declare a history of mental ill health, but this will not
jeopardise a career in medicine unless the condition impinges on professional fitness to practise and is
ongoing or likely to recur.
9
Failure to declare information that has a material influence on a student’s fitness to practise may
lead to termination of their medical course.
February 1999
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