Aston University Medical School Guide

Aston Medical School Guide

Medicine at the University of Aston is a great way to explore the city centre of Birmingham over 5 years. The medical school took its first students in 2018, making it one of the newest medical schools in the UK. Like other medical schools, it offers a five-year undergraduate course, split into pre-clinical (years 1 and 2) and clinical (years 3, 4, and 5). Details of the course are below, alongside information about entry requirements for medicine at Aston, course structure, example interview questions, and more.

Aston Medical School Entry Requirements

Academic

	Category		Grades Other
	A Levels		A*AA. The A* must be Chemistry or Biology and these subjects must be taken.
	Scottish Highers		N/A.
	Scottish Advanced Higher		AAA. Must include Chemistry and Biology.
	IB		36 pts. Three subjects at Higher level with grades 6, 6, 6. Must include Chemistry and Biology.
	Bachelor’s Degree (graduates only)		2:1 Honours degree. No specific subject requirement.A-Level requirement: ABB including grade A in Chemistry or Biology. GCSE requirement: Usual GCSE requirements apply to graduate applicants too.
	GCSEs		6 GCSEs at Grade B/6 or above. Must include Chemistry and Biology (or Dual Science), English Language, and Maths.

Admissions Test

To assess the suitability of prospective students, Aston Medical School requires applicants to sit the UCAT.

These scores are then used to select interview candidates. With that said, there is no cut-off score for the UCAT. Instead, the University considers each candidate’s UCAT performance along with other entry requirements in the interview selection process.

However, a higher UCAT score can increase the chances of receiving an invitation for interview. The lowest UCAT score for Aston Medical School that was interviewed in 2023 was 2610 for non-widening participation applicants.

Work Experience

Work experience is a crucial component of the application process since it provides insight into real-world work conditions. It’s goal is to help you get an experience of what it takes to study medicine and practice as a doctor, as well as to demonstrate that you have relevant insight and can demonstrate some of the key attributes you have witnessed.

Aston Medical School understands that not everyone will be able to get this opportunity, but it is still feasible to gain meaningful, relevant work experience in a non-medical setting.

A way to demonstrate your ability and understanding of medicine is by providing care and compassion to sick or ageing family members. If you’ve been involved in their treatment, you’ll understand the need of maintaining their dignity, which is another component of what a doctor is obliged to do.

Personal Statement

It is your opportunity to show the Admissions team at Aston Medical School that you are enthusiastic about studying medicine and that you should be accepted on the course. Although they don’t score Personal Statements, but they do read them with the reference comments and take these into consideration so make sure your voice shines through!

Make sure your personal statement explains why you stand out to the University. It should include topics like:

• Identifying and addressing a skill gap.
• Serving as a peer mentor for younger students or being a school prefect.
• Volunteering.

It is critical to demonstrate what you have learned from your experiences and how this will be relevant to your course in the future.

Interviews

Aston Medical School uses Multiple Mini Interviews. During an MMI you will encounter between five and seven different stations. Each station is designed to test a different attribute.

Each station will be separately scored, and an overall score will be generated.

Aston Medical School is looking for qualities such as: 

• Oral and written communication 
• Listening 
• Empathy, compassion, respect and dignity
• Emotional intelligence
• Problem solving
• Motivation
• Teamworking
• Being able to lead as well as follow
• Knowing your limitations and knowing when to ask for help.

You will not be tested on medical knowledge. When writing the scenarios for the MMIs, they take into consideration the typical age and experience of our applicants. The MMIs normally take place between December and March in your year of application.

Graduate Entry at Aston Medical School

For degree applicants, a minimum of an upper second class Honours degree (2:1) in any area is required, as well as three A Levels at grades ABB, one of which must be Chemistry or Biology at grade A.

Although Aston welcomes applications from graduates, there is no accelerated graduate entrance. All graduates will be required to finish the same five-year programme as all other pupils.

International Students Entry Requirements at Aston Medical School

International students who are applying for an Undergraduate Medicine program at Aston Medical School must satisfy the academic requirements for their country. Please see the Aston Medical School Advice Zone for a full list of qualifications and different home countries. Applicants will also need to satisfy the English language requirements.

How many places are there for home and international students at Aston Medical School?

Aston Medical School has 100 places for Home UK students and 30 places for international students. For entry to University in 2024, EU students will be classified as international fee payers and any applications will be considered as part of the 30 places available for international students.

Aston Medical School Ranking

The Guardian ranks Aston as the 36th Medical School in the UK.

It’s important to keep in mind that university rankings are subjective and can be based on different criteria. Rankings can be a factor when deciding which medical schools you apply to, but make sure to have a holistic approach when making your decisions and consider which universities you would thrive in the most.

Aston Medical School Fees

Home students pay £9250 whilst international students pay £45,550.

At Aston University they are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs all of which can be found in their Advice Zone. 

Aston Medical School Acceptance Rates

Total number of applicants:	1293
Total number of places:	211
Total number of entrants:	211
Acceptance rate:	16.32%

Aston Medical School Medicine Programmes

There is 1 course offered:
A100 Standard-Entry Medicine – 5 years

Aston Medical School Course Structure

Years 1, 2	Students learn the fundamentals of physiology, pharmacology, public health, and various body systems.Short clinical placements throughout the year help students to gain exposure to UK clinical practice.
Years 3, 4, 5	Most learning takes place in clinical settings – students develop understanding of different hospital specialties, general practice, and one area of interest selected by the student.By the end of the programme, students will have developed the diagnostic and management skills to prepare them to start their foundation training as a doctor.

Aston Medical School Teaching Style

At Aston Medical School, you will be taught by medical professionals with diverse practice, industry, and research backgrounds. During your time on campus, you will experience a range of learning and teaching approaches, including:

• In-person and online lectures
• Group collaboration and problem-based learning.
• Seminars
• Clinical skill training and independent research.
• Practical sessions
• Interactive workshops and seminars.
• Online Resources

In addition to these learning approaches, you will spend time each year on a variety of placements. You will be supervised by a variety of medical and healthcare professionals drawn from their carefully selected network of NHS trusts and primary care providers.

Aston Medical School Term Dates

Term dates vary year-to-year as the course gets more and more packed but for 2024 entry the start date is the 16th of September 2024.

Aston Medical School Hospitals

The organisations partnered with Aston Medical School include:

• Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust – this is comprised of Sandwell General Hospital in West Bromwich, Birmingham City Hospital and Rowley Regis Hospital.
• Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group – a group of 84 GP practices.
• Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust – this is comprised of Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospital and Community Services, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham Chest Clinic.
• Wye Valley NHS Trust – Hereford County Hospital.

Placements are allocated randomly and most hospitals and practices are within a commutable distance from Aston University (10 minutes- 1 hour), so accommodation is not provided.

Aston Medical School Elective

Before your finals in Year 5, you will complete three blocks of six weeks: one in primary care, and two in hospital settings. After your finals, you will complete a six-week foundation assistantship where you will undertake foundation-level work under very careful supervision and a six-week elective which may be undertaken anywhere suitable worldwide.

Year five focuses on building diagnostic and management skills in preparation for your foundation training position.

Aston Medicine Interview Format

Aston Medical School uses an MMI interview style, with 7-10 stations with each one testing an attribute. For 2024 entry, the MMIs will be held online between December and March.

Interview Questions for Aston Medical School

Questions can vary each year, and are likely to include testing of the following topics:

• Applicant’s motivation and understanding of studying and practicing medicine
• Verbal communication
• Listening skills
• Teamwork and leadership skills
• Compassion, empathy, respect
• Problem solving
• Emotional intelligence
• Understanding limitations

Some example questions for Aston Medical School are below, with a brief answer guide underneath each.

Discuss a time when you demonstrated good leadership. What was effective about your leadership?

This question isn’t just testing your leadership skills; your ability to reflect on your experiences is also assessed. It is important to effectively communicate not only how you demonstrated good leadership, but also why these skills helped you achieve your goal. Reflection is key here – what would you do differently? Why will these skills help you in a medical career?

What will you find challenging about medical school? How will you cope with these challenges?

In a medical school interview, it is important to show an understanding of the realities of medicine. Focus on steps you’ve taken to work on your weaknesses and prepare for a future career in medicine. This question is a great way to tie in work experience – what did you learn about the realities of life as a doctor?

Discuss a news article that you have recently read about a medical topic.

Keeping up-to-date on medical ‘hot topics’ is a great way to demonstrate an interest and understanding of the ever-changing field of medicine. Focus on your structure in this question – what have you read about? What are the implications of this news? Why is this important/interesting to you?

You have been house-sitting for a friend on holiday, during which you broke an item of sentimental value. Please break this news to your friend

Acting stations test your empathy and communication skills. Demonstrate empathy by being receptive to the actor’s emotions. Reading up on guidelines for breaking bad news can help to give you a framework to work off during the station

Life as a University of Aston Medical School Student

Social life at Aston Medical School

Aston Medical School is situated in the heart of Birmingham, a bustling city with lots of places to see, with it being the 3rd largest city in the UK. With a wide variety of things to do, Birmingham offers a great escape from the demanding nature of the medicine course. It may be best known for its restaurants and shopping, with Bullring being a large attraction as an indoor shopping mall. The University is a 10-minute walk from the train and coach station, and there is also a wide range of food places within walking distance.

Societies and Clubs at Aston Medical School

Aston has a wealth of societies and clubs for all to enjoy ranging from their very own Aston Medical Society to General Interests such as Humanitarian Relief and Finance!

There is also a wide range of societies catering towards many cultures, faiths, and ethnicities which creates a warm community for all students amongst their peers.

Intercalation at Aston Medical School

Students may intercalate – take another extra degree in one year – after year 2, 3, or 4 of the course. Intercalation offers an opportunity to expand knowledge and improve career prospects.This is not a requirement at Aston, and as such, medical students at Aston can choose to graduate with a single degree (5 years) or two degrees (6 years).

FAQ’s

Does Aston Medical School offer a BSc?

Yes – students will graduate from Aston Medical School with a BSc (Hons) in Medicine after successful completion of the program.

How Much of the Aston Medical Course is Clinical vs Preclinical?

At Aston Medical School, the curriculum is divided into preclinical and clinical phases. In the preclinical years, students focus on mastering fundamental medical sciences like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology. This phase builds a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the human body and disease processes.

Transitioning into the clinical phase, usually in the second or third year, students start hands-on clinical training in hospitals and clinics. Here, they apply their knowledge in real-world settings, learning clinical skills, patient care, and working alongside healthcare teams across various medical specialties.

Aston Medical School ensures a balanced approach between theoretical learning and practical experience, preparing students to become competent and compassionate doctors who can excel in both understanding medical concepts and delivering patient care effectively.

 Does Aston Medical School Offer Medicine Scholarships?

Yes, Aston Medical School does offer scholarships to support students pursuing their medical education. These scholarships are designed to help alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees and other associated costs. The specific details of available scholarships, including eligibility criteria and application processes, may vary from year to year.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit Aston Medical School’s official website or contact their admissions office directly for the most up-to-date information on scholarship opportunities.

Is Aston Medical School a Good Medical School?

Aston Medical School is recognised for its commitment to providing a high-quality medical education. While rankings and perceptions can vary, Aston Medical School has established itself as a reputable institution that prepares students for successful careers in medicine.

Some particular strengths include:

Innovative Curriculum: Integrates early clinical exposure and practical skills training.

Modern Facilities: Equipped with state-of-the-art resources and facilities.

Experienced Faculty: Comprised of dedicated clinicians and researchers.

Clinical Partnerships: Provides diverse clinical experience through partnerships with local healthcare providers.

Student Support: Offers comprehensive support services including academic advising and career counseling.

Support with Getting Into Aston Medical School

UCAT Tutoring

The UCAT forms an important part of the application to Aston. MedicHut offers support with UCAT preparation, which is important to submit a strong and competitive application.

Medicine Personal Statement Tutoring

Aston, while not scoring it, do consider the personal statement of their applicants. It is an important opportunity to detail any medical experience undertaken and an applicant’s insight into a career in Medicine. MedicHut can support candidates with their personal statements and help them get the most out of their experiences,

Medicine Interview Tutoring

Aston uses multiple mini-interviews, which is a common style of interview for medical school. MedicHut have experience tutoring candidates for these types of interviews and can prepare applicants well.