University of East Anglia (Norwich) Medical School Guide

Overview of the University of East Anglia Medical School

The University of East Anglia provides a Medical School based in Norwich. UEA stands out among medical schools for its exceptional clinical exposure starting at the beginning of the course. Consequently, the university consistently ranks highly in GMC surveys. This unique approach allows students to develop and refine their skills throughout their studies, therefore resulting in highly competent graduates. Another fantastic feature available at Norwich Medical School is their dissection facilities within their anatomy teaching. This greater improves the standard of understanding for the basis of medicine. Furthermore, UEA offers intercalation opportunities after the third or fourth year of the MBBS program.

UEA is a campus-based environment, where students have easy access to all essential amenities. This includes accommodation, entertainment food, drink, shops, libraries, and lecture theatres. As well as this, medical students may also benefit from the state-of-the-art Bob Champion Research Building training facility, which is a short walk away. Generally, this cohesive setup fosters socializing and networking opportunities with students from various disciplines. Overall this enhances the university experience with access to areas for studying and socialising creating an enjoyable university experience.

https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/mbbs-medicine#entry_requirements

Norwich Medical School Entry Requirements

You must be aged 18 or over by the start date of this course due to the early clinical exposure.

Academic Requirements

A Levels	AAA including Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
T Levels	Not accepted
BTEC	Not accepted
Scottish Advanced Highers	BBB including Biology or Chemistry
Irish Leaving Certificate	6 subjects at H2 including Biology or Chemistry
Access to HE Diploma	See website for a list of accepted courses and grade requirements
International Baccalaureate	36 points with HL 6 in three subjects to include Biology or Chemistry
GCSE	These are in addition to the Level 3 (A-Level) requirements.  Six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Mathematics and either two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or double science. Alternatively, Triple Science, Science, Additional Science and Further Science GCSEs are accepted.   GCSE English Language grade 6/B.  If Methods of Mathematics & Application of Mathematics are taken, we require grade 7 or grade A in both. They will be considered as a single grade 7/A for screening purposes as together they are equivalent to the full Mathematics GCSE.  We will only accept one of the following: Learning for Life & Work, Expressive Arts, Catering, Child Development, Business & Communication Systems (ICAA), Health & Social Care and Leisure & Tourism.  GCSE short courses, BTEC Level 2, OCR Level 2, AQA Level 2 and Functional Skills are not accepted   Applicants who do not meet the GCSE requirement MUST be resitting GCSE’s and predicted to achieve the required grade. This should be evident from their UCAS application.  GCSE requirements for Graduates are listed under the section titled “Minimum requirements for Graduates”.

Information taken from the UEA Norwich entry requirements available at: https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/mbbs-medicine#entry_requirements

Admissions test

The University of East Anglia (Norwich Medical School) requires the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test). UEA does not use a cut off score when inviting students to interview however their website states that a high score is advantageous whilst a low score does not disqualify an applicant from consideration. Average UCAT score of applicants given an interview for 2022 entry was 2762. The lowest UCAT score to be invited to an interview was 1890. The lowest UCAT score to receive an offer was also 1890. The applicants UCAT score will be used alongside the interview score to rank applicants and select which applicants to make an offer to. The SJT is considered within the interview score.

Work Experience

When invited to interview, you are required to present a Work Experience Record Form. This requests you to provide details of two experiences which have most informed your decision to study Medicine. This highlights the value of work experience in applications to UEA Norwich Medical School. However it is not a requirement to gain experience within healthcare.

Interview

MMI consisting of 7 stations, 5 minutes each.

Face to face interviews resumed for 2024 entry. The interview follows an MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews) format with 6 stations. Each station will last for a duration of 5 minutes, with 1.5 minute preparation time. A professional dress code is expected, and you are required to bring a valid passport or driving licence as well as the completed work experience form.

Interviews took place between November and February for the 2024 entry admissions cycle.

Widening Participation

Norwich Medical School demonstrates its commitment to widening participation through various initiatives. One such program is the Medical Aspirations Programme, which provides support to Year 12 students as they pursue their goal of studying medicine. Crucially, this program aims to help aspiring medical students navigate their path and gain valuable insights into the field.

Additionally, Norwich Medical School offers the Medicine with Gateway year (A104) course as part of its widening participation efforts. This course provides an opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to access medical education. Moreover, by offering a gateway year, the school aims to create a more inclusive and accessible pathway for students who have faced barriers in pursuing a medical degree. The Gateway Year provides an alternative route to students whom meet the necessary criteria.

Norwich Medical School also provide the opportunity to apply for various bursary’s and scholarships to support your educational journey!

Graduate Entry

Applicants must meet the minimum degree requirements, which include:

– Predicted or achieved 2:1 or above in any subject.

– Graduates must be in their final year or have completed their undergraduate degree. Transfers from applicants partway through a degree are not accepted.

– UEA will not consider applicants with a 2:2 or below in their academic history will not, regardless of post-degree study.

Minimum A Level requirements for graduates are as follows:

– Achieved BBB/ABC in the first sitting.

– Must show recent competence in Biology or Chemistry via one of the following:

– Grade B in A Level Biology or Chemistry

– Undergraduate level study of Biology/Physiology or Chemistry with a 65% requirement

– Approved Access course

UEA only accepts one of Mathematics or Further Mathematics, not both. The following Level 3 qualifications are not accepted: General Studies, Citizenship Studies, Leisure Studies, Applied Science, Critical Thinking, and BTEC qualifications.

Applicants studying for a Master’s degree or PhD at the time of application must also meet the undergraduate degree requirements.

Minimum GCSE requirements for graduates are:

– Six GCSEs at grade 6 or grade B or above, including Mathematics, English Language, and either two single science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) or Double Science. Alternatively, applicants can apply with Science, Additional Science, and Further Science GCSEs.

UEA guarantees graduates who meet the minimum academic requirements an interview. Applicants who have previously studied or are currently studying at a Medical School (UK or International) are not considered for entry.

Applicants will not be considered if they have previously studied or are currently studying at a Medical School including UK and International.

International Students Entry Requirements for University of East Anglia (Norwich) Medical School

International applicants must sit the IELTS test and achieve a score of 7.5 overall with a minimum of 7.0 in each component. Alternatives accepted include the VVO,IB and HKDSE English. If you are a native English speaker (as defined by UK Visa and Immigration Service) you may not be required to provide evidence of English speaking and listening abilities, as long as a level of English proficiency is adequately demonstrated within your application process. All applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements.

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

Annual intake differs each year. In 2023 there was a total of 203 places including 190 home places and 13 overseas (international) places.

UEA Medical School Ranking

Ranked 26^th on the Complete University Guide medical school league table in 2024.

Fees

The current fee status for home students at Norwich Medical School is £9,250 per annum. International student fees for Norwich Medical School are £42,300 per annum for 2024/2025. East Anglia University offers funding support such as bursaries and scholarships for eligible students.

https://www.uea.ac.uk/f/185167/x/9ea7b13e2e/fees_table_2024-25_-_overseas_v4-1.pdf

Home Students and International Students Acceptance Rate

For 2022 entry, 693 applicants were invited to interview. 413 applicants were given an offer.  209 home students and 13 international students got into the MBBS program.

For 2021 entry, 574 applicants were invited to interview. 378 were given an offer.

Course Structure

Course Structure at Norwich Medical School:

During Year 1 you are introduced to modules based on body systems. That involves the underpinning biological, social and clinical sciences of medicine combined with the early clinical exposure. You will also undertake a PBL course structure with virtual scenarios, anatomical dissections, and a blended learning approach (synchronnous and asynchronnous teaching). You will also undertake independant study in the form of SSS (Student Selected Studies).

Year 2 focusses on four core modules based on the major organ systems in the body and their associated clinical specialities. This is structured into blocks of campus based teaching and secondary care placements whilst also maintaining the PBL course structure. Secondary care placements will equal a total of 12 weeks.

Year 3 focusses on a further four core modules whilst integrating the 12 weeks of secondary care placements and PBL teaching.

Year 4 provides the opportunity to extend studies to include an external elective as well as continuing to complete a further four core modules. There is a greater focus on clinical exposure including both primary and secondary care settings. You will continue to spend time working with the PBL course structure to aid in continuous review of lecture content.

Year 5 focusses on ensuring you are fully prepared to enter clinical practices upon graduation. As a result, the majority of time is spent on placement with a focus on acute and emergency care. You will also complete a module that provides the opportunity to “learn on the job” as well as vital courses such as ALS (Advanced Life Support) and ALERT (Acute Life-Threatening Event, Recognition and Treatment).

Year 1:

• Module 1: Foundations of Medicine & Musculoskeletal system (musculoskeletal medicine, rheumatology and orthopaedics)
• Integrative period & Fitness to practice
• Interprofessional learning

Year 2:

• Modules include Haematology, Dermatology, Cardiology, Respiratory, Vascular, and Stroke
• Develop core clinical skills such as ECGs, chest x-rays, and spirometry
• Focus on essential specialties in medicine

Year 3:

• Modules include Gastroenterology, Renal, Urology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Endocrine, and ENT
• Challenging year with a comprehensive coverage of content
• Spiral learning approach, incorporating questions from prior learning and modules

Year 4:

• Specialty modules in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Old People’s Medicine, Oncology and Palliative Care
• Conduct an elective abroad at the end of the year

Year 5:

• Rotation in emergency care and preparation for finals
• Attached to a teaching hospital, working closely with the ward team
• Complete a 6-week Career Development Placement after finals
• Undertaking the MLA (Medical Licensing Assessment) and the PSA (Prescribing Safety Assessment)

Term Dates

https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/university-information/university-governance/academic-calendar/dates-of-semesters

For the 2024-2025 academic year term dates are as shown below:

Year 1:

• 16 September 2024 to 13 December 2024          
• 6 January 2025 to 30 May 2025           
• 2 June 2025 – 13 June 2025                        

Year 2:

• 16 September 2024 to 11 November 2024
• 12 November 2024 to 10 February 2025 (including Christmas break from 14 December 2024 to 5 January 2025)
• 11 February 2025 to 7 April 2025
• 8 April 2025 to 27 June 2025 (including Eatser break from 10 April 2025 to 23 April 2025)
• 30 June 2025 to 11 July 2025

Year 3:

• 25 September 2024 to 20 November 2024
• 21 November 2024 to 19 February 2025 (including Christmas Break from 14 December 2024 to 5 January 2025)
• 22 February 2025 to 1 May 2025 (including Easter break from 17 April 2025 to 30 April 2025)
• 1 May 2025 to 1 July 2025
• 2 July 2025 to 16 July 2025

Year 4:

• 17 September 2024 – 12 November 2024
• 13 November 2024 – 4 February 2025 (including Christmas break from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2025)
• 5 February 2025 – 1 April 2025
• 2 April 2025 – 19 June 2025 (including Easter break 16 April 2025 – 29 April 2025)
• 20 June 2025 – 11 July 2025                
• Elective = 14 July 2025 – 11 August 2025

Year 5:           

• 16 September 2024 – 20 September 2024
• 23 September 2024 – 29 November 2024
• 2 December 2024 – 14 March 2025
• Christmas break: 21 December 2024 – 5 January 2025
• Winter assessment period: 20 January 2025 – 7 February 2025 
• Final integrative period: 17 March 2025 – 28 March 2025
• Easter: 29 March 2025 – 22 April 2025
• UK Elective: 23 April 2025 – 5 June 2025

Norwich Medical School Hospitals

• James Paget University Hospital
• Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn
• Ipswich Hospital
• Colchester General Hospital
• Norfolk Mental Health and General Practitioners

Norwich Medical School Elective

Norwich Medical School provide the opportunity to take an abroad elective in Year 4 of Medical School and a UK elective in Year 5 of Medical School. This gives a chance to medical students to experience and benefit learning at different hospitals and medical institutions around the world.

Norwich Medical School interview format and questions

MMI style interview consisting of 6 stations at 5 minutes long.
Interview criteria states that they typically look for:

• An acceptable approach to decision making when given incomplete or conflicting information
• The ability to learn and work effectively in partnership
• A caring and supportive attitude
• An empathetic and caring approach
• Insight to Medicine as a career and personal suitability for the profession
• Honesty, integrity and personal effectiveness

Life as a Medical Student at Norwich Medical School

https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/norwich-medical-school

UEA provides ample information on their website with multiple student testimonials. This shares the view point of students from both the MBBS A100 and also the MBBS with a Gateway Year. Being able to view such student testimonials highlights the environment provided at Norwich Medical School.

Intercalated Degree at Norwich Medical School

UEA offers intercalation opportunities after the third or fourth year of the MBBS program. Students are provided with the opportunity to choose from various highly regarded Master’s courses as well as Bachelors of Science and Masters of Arts. Examples include Masters of Clinical Education, Masters in Clinical Science, BSc in Medical Research and more. This allows students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest within medicine before starting fourth or fifth year whilst obtaining an additional degree. Moreover, it provides the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed faculty members from Norwich Medical School who enjoy international recognition.

https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/norwich-medical-school/education/intercalated-medical-degrees

FAQs

• Does UEA Offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree?

Yes! UEA offers the chance to intercalate with the opportunity to take a year out to complete BSc or MSc or MA degrees!

• How Much of the UEA Medicine Course is Clinical vs Preclinical?

The UEA course structure provides a great balance between clinical and preclinical education. From Year 1 you will be introduced into clinical experience allowing you to apply the systems based teaching provided.

• Does UEA Offer Medicine Scholarships?

Yes! UEA offers multiple routes into Medicine including the Medical Aspirations Scholarship programme and other bursaries.

• Is UEA a Good Medical School?

Norwich Medical School is currently ranked at 24 by the Complete University Guide 2024 and provides a comprehensive education including state of the art facilities and world class research.

Support with Getting Into University of East Anglia (Norwich) Medical School

UCAT Tutoring

As UEA uses the UCAT to rank students for interviews and offers, it is really beneficial to aim for a competitive UCAT score. At MedicHut we provide different packages and UCAT tutoring that helps students improves by targetting strengths and weaknesses through our UCAT Masterclass and 1-1 tutoring services.

Medicine Interview Tutoring

Once achieving an interview for UEA, it’s vital to perform competitively to ensure a higher chance of receiving an offer! Interview tutors can help practice the MMI interview style and make sure you are confident and feeling prepared ahead of your interview. At MedicHut we provide a range of different interview tutoring services including the opportunity to have a tutor specific to your desired university.