University of East Anglia (Norwich) Medical School Guide

Overview of the University of East Anglia Medical School

UEA stands out among medical schools for its exceptional clinical exposure. 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.

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.

Furthermore, UEA offers intercalation opportunities after the third or fourth year of the MBBS program. Students can choose from various highly regarded Master’s courses. Examples include Clinical Education (MClinEd), Research (MRes), Health Economics, and more. This allows students to delve deeper into specific areas of medicine before their final exams whilst obtaining an additional degree. Moreover, it provides the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed faculty members from Norwich Medical School who enjoy international recognition.

Academic Requirements

A Levels	AAA including Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry
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

The GCSE requirements for admission to a program are as follows:

• Six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Mathematics and either two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) or double science. Alternatively, they will accept Triple Science, Science, Additional Science, and Further Science GCSEs.
• GCSE English Language grade 6/B.
• If applicants take Methods of Mathematics & Application of Mathematics both must have a grade 7/A. However, UEA will consider the subjects as a single grade 7/A for screening purposes, as they are equivalent to the full Mathematics GCSE.
• UEA willy only accept one of the following subjects: Learning for Life & Work, Expressive Arts, Catering, Child Development, Business & Communication Systems (ICAA), Health & Social Care, and Leisure & Tourism.

Please note that 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 GCSEs and predicted to achieve the required grade. This should be evident from their UCAS application.

For graduate applicants, the minimum GCSE requirements are listed separately under the section titled “Minimum Requirements for Graduates.”

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.

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.

UCAT/BMAT for UEA Medical School

Average UCAT score of applicants given an interview in 2022 was 2662. The lowest UCAT score to be invited to an interview was 2290 for home students and 1890 for international students.

UEA Medical School Ranking

Ranked 24^th on the Complete University Guide medical school league table.

Home Students and International Students

In 2022, 626 applicants were invited to interview. 385 applicants were given an offer.  209 home students and 13 international students got into the MBBS program.

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 £39,550 per annum. East Anglia University offers funding support such as bursaries and scholarships for eligible students.

Course Structure

Course Structure at East Anglia Medical School:

Year 1:

– Foundations of Medicine and the Musculoskeletal System (Rheumatology and Orthopaedics)

– Learn musculoskeletal examination principles for OSCEs

– Interpret basics of radiological imaging related to fractures

– Perform injections and gain exposure to theatre in secondary care

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, 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

Interview Process

MMI consisting of 7 stations, 5 minutes each.