University of Central Lancashire Medical School Guide

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Medical school is one of the newer medical degrees accredited by the GMC, which will see you studying in the centre of the UK. As part of their integrated course, you will begin clinical patient contact from the first year in various diverse urban and rural placements. The Medical school is 8th in the UK for academic support (National Student Survey (Medicine (non-specific) (compared with unis in the Guardian University Guide)
2023), and uses the spiral curriculum in order to deepen your knowledge and understanding throughout the course. Continue reading this article to learn more about this new and exciting Medical school!

University of Central Lancashire Medical School Home Entry Requirements

Academic

GCSE	Mathematics and English at Grade B/5
A Level	AAA at A2 with at least two science subjects including Chemistry. All A-Levels must be taken in one sitting
Degree	Honours degree in Health or Science Degree at Grade 2:1 *
UCAT	No cut-off used to select for interview. The 2024/2025 entry average was 2628

*Students can either have A levels, or as an alternative only have a degree, but GCSE and UCAT are required for all students.

Overall, UCLan considers the application as a whole, so please note that the personal statement is also considered.

Admissions test

All UK applicants are required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). Your UCAT score will be used as part of the selection process prior for interview.

Work experience

You must provide examples from experiences that show the characteristics, skills and values required by a doctor. Claiming to have these attributes without providing evidence will not be enough for UCLan. Active involvement in assisting underprivileged, sick, disabled, or distressed individuals is highly valuable. It can help you gain experience for a future career in caring. Other valuable experiences can involve handling demanding situations. Or going above and beyond your basic duties to assist someone at work.

If you have taken paid employment, you may use examples from your interactions with people at work. Especially if you have experience in a role involving personal interaction.

In your personal statement, you must mention how often and for how long you’ve been doing the described activity. You also need to say why you chose to do it, what your responsibilities were or are, and most importantly, what you’ve learned from it.

Personal statement

UCLan state that your personal statement should cover all of the following:

• Your reasons for applying for MBBS
• Understanding the role of the doctor
• Your health-related or caring work experience
• Work-Life balance
• Initiative and enterprise
• Teamwork and Communication
• Quality of written application
• Exceptional circumstances

In your personal statement, you must mention how often and for how long you’ve been doing your work experience. You also need to say why you chose to do it, what your responsibilities were or are, and most importantly, what you’ve learned from it.

You must clearly describe how the experience taught you this lesson and how you applied it in practice. For instance, how you showed respect for residents as individuals. Be aware that UCLan may ask for confirmation from the organisation where you gained work experience.

Interview

Eligible applicants will be asked to attend an interview which is held on weekdays from 2 December 2024 to 13 December 2024. UCLan says there will be a short window between interview bookings being open and the dates when the interviews are being held, and that no other interview dates will be offered.

Graduate entry at University of Central Lancashire Medical School

Graduates require an Honours degree in a Science or Health degree at grade 2:1.

All applicants must sit the UCAT as stated above.

International Students Entry Requirements for University of Central Lancashire Medical School

• 144 UCAS tariff points unless stated, these points are calculated from qualification grades.
• IB: Diploma 36 points overall and 144 UCAS Tariff points achieved from Chemistry and another science subjects at Higher Level H6, plus one other at H6.
• Plus, evidence of sustained academic achievement with a broad study of science, English and maths up to 16.
• IELTS 7.0 in all components (or equivalent).

A satisfactory Criminal records declaration (DBS) and Occupational Health clearance are required for this course.

How many places are there for home and international students at the University of Central Lancashire Medical School?

There are 50 places for undergraduate students in this university, however, they have minimal information about specific places. For example, their website states that their medical school is mostly comprised of overseas students and that they have a limited number of UK (home) places.

University of Central Lancashire Medical School ranking

UCLan is ranked 35th out of 38 medical schools in the UK by the Guardian and 33rd in the UK by the Complete University Guide.

University of Central Lancashire Medical school fees

UK: £9,250 per year

International: £49,000 per year

University of Central Lancashire Medical school acceptance rate

The acceptance rate for UCLan medical school is 16.67%, with 300 recent applicants and 50 places/entrants.

University of Central Lancashire Medical school Courses

UCLan Medical school offer Standard entry 5-year MBBS, and also a 6-year MBBS with a Foundation year.

Intercalated degree at UCLan Medical school

Though foreign students are able to intercalate with a degree in UCLan, Medical students at UCLan are not offered an intercalation year.

University of Central Lancashire Medical school Course Structure

In Year 1 you will be based in the Preston campus, mainly studying Integrated Science and Clinical Medicine. Year two builds on this knowledge in Integrated Science and Clinical Medicine as well as Year 1 modules like Evidence Informed Practice and Medical Skills and Quality care; you will be based in UCLan’s Preston campus again. Years 3 and 4 focus on Evidence informed practice and Medical Skills and Quality care modules and you will now be studying medicine in a clinical setting in the Medicine in clinical practice modules. In Year 5 you will Transition to Clinical Practice using all the skills you have gathered in previous years/modules. This transition will also facilitate smooth transition from undergraduate into postgraduate pre-registration practice.

University of Central Lancashire Medical school Teaching style

UCLan uses a modern spiral curriculum, which is designed to build on your knowledge gradually by revisiting pre-learnt themes regularly. The teaching style is integrated, so lectures and clinical placements run side by side.

University of Central Lancashire Medical school Term dates

Semester 1: Monday 30th September 2024-Friday 17th January 2024 (Welcome week W/C Monday 23rd September) Achievement week: Saturday 19th October 2024-Sunday 27th October 2024

Student vacation period: Monday 16th December 2024-Friday 3rd January 2025

Semester 2: Monday 20th January 2025-Friday 2 May 2025 Achievement week: Saturday 15th February-Sunday 23rd February 2025

Student vacation period: Saturday 5th April-Monday 21st April 2025

Semester 3: Tuesday 6th May 2025-Friday August 15 2025 Achievement week: Saturday 24th May-Sunday 1st June 2025

Summer break: Saturday 12th July-Sunday 27th July 2025

University of Central Lancashire Medical school Hospitals

• East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
• North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
• Blackpool Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
• University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust

University of Central Lancashire Medical school Interview format

UCLan use MMI-style interviews to interview their applicants. The MMI will include 8 MMI stations, including an English language and mathematics assessment. Each station is 7 minutes long, with 5 minutes for an activity and 2 minutes of reading time before each activity; each station has an assessor who may be a scientist, clinical teacher, patient volunteer or actor. Be aware that your transferable skills statement form (you may be asked to fill this out upon application) is discussed at one station.

University of Central Lancashire Medical School interview questions

The following topics may be covered in UCLan Medical School interviews:

• Understanding of the medical career
• Integrity
• Empathy
• Ethics
• Honestly and conscientiousness
• Flexibility
• Motivation for medicine

Sample interview questions may include:

• Should Doctors always be honest? Should there be any exceptions?
• Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge
• Why UCLan Medical School?

Life at the University of Central Lancashire Medical School

Social life at UCLan

UCLan has a nightlife which comes alive at night. Preston has something for everyone, no matter what night of the week it is. The Students Union also holds various types of events for everyone, whether you are extremely sociable or you are more introverted. There are also non-alcoholic activities available.

Societies and Clubs at UCLan

UCLan has over 70 different societies in which you can get involved. From politics and campaigning groups, to expressing your creative passions, trying to find new hobbies or meeting people who share your nationality or religion.

UCLan offers sports and physical activity, whether you’re a complete beginner, an elite performer, studying sports, or want to make the most out of your gym membership. They have over 35 social sports clubs and also have competitive sports clubs if you play BUCS sports or BUCS Para sport.

FAQ’s

Does UCLan offer Medicine scholarships?

Yes, they offer scholarships such as the Mackenzie Scholarship, given to those from East Lancashire who meet their Widening participation criteria, Dr Kate Granger Scholarship, offered to applicants from Cumbria with Widening participation. Those who complete the UCLan Scholars Programme – Livesey Medicine Pathway can be offered the Livesey scholarship (only two places).

Does UCLan offer a BSc degree?

Yes, they offer a BSc degree in Medical Sciences, which is an accelerated programme delivered over two years.

How much of UCLan is clinical vs pre-clinical?

Years 1-2 are preclinical and 3-5 are clinical.

Is UCLan a good medical school?

UCLan is a recently accredited medical school by the GMC, so your medical education will be to a high standard.

Support with getting into the University of Central Lancashire Medical School

UCAT tutoring

With the UCAT forming part of your ranking for interviews and offers, it’s a good idea to get a UCAT tutor to help you exceed the UCAT threshold. When looking for a good tutor, it’s wise to consider someone who has recently achieved an excellent UCAT score and who has experience with tutoring. Your tutor should be able to assess your strengths and weaknesses to focus your lesson time on improving the areas you need improvement. Ultimately, getting a good UCAT tutor can potentially enhance your performance in the exam and improve your chances of gaining admission to UCLan Medical School.

Interview tutoring

Interviews can be the most daunting part of getting into Medical school. Especially with UCLan, as it’s a relatively new university, it may be helpful to get a University-Specific interview tutor. With an acceptance rate under 17% in 2023, entry to UCLan is competitive. A large part of the admissions process is the MMI, which you’ll need to thoroughly prepare for if you’re serious about getting into Sheffield. We recommend booking in with a medicine interview tutor at UCLan to get the most realistic preparation for the interview. An interview tutor can help you to gain interview confidence, competence, and the knowledge-base you need to stand out from the crowd.