University of Lancaster Medical School Guide

Lancaster University Medical School is a prominent institution known for its innovative approach to medical education. Established in 2006, it offers a comprehensive medical curriculum that integrates both clinical and preclinical training from the outset. The school emphasises a student-centred approach, with a focus on problem-based learning (PBL) and early clinical exposure. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, the medical school benefits from a supportive community and strong ties with local hospitals, providing students with a well-rounded and practical medical education.

Academic Entry Requirements of Lancaster Medical School

Academic Requirements

Qualification	Requirements
A Levels	AAA, including Chemistry and Biology. Mathematics is recommended but not mandatory.
GCSEs	At least 5 GCSEs at grades 7-9 (A-A*), including English Language and Mathematics.
IB	A total of 36 points, with higher level subjects in Chemistry and Biology.
Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers	Typically AAA or AAB, including Chemistry and Biology.
Bachelor’s Degree	For graduate entry, a relevant undergraduate degree is required.

Admissions test

For 2025 entry, which is the coming cycle, onwards, all applicants must take the UCAT to be eligible for consideration at Lancaster Medical School. Cut off scores and thresholds will be determined once the cycle as begun 

Work Experience

At Lancaster University Medical School, work experience is highly valued as it underscores your dedication to medicine and your understanding of the healthcare environment. The school specifically looks for diverse experiences that showcase your commitment and readiness for a medical career. Ideal work experiences include:

• Hospital Placements: Shadowing doctors and interacting with patients provide insight into day-to-day clinical practice and patient care, essential for understanding the realities of medical work.
• Volunteering: Engaging in volunteer roles within healthcare settings or related fields demonstrates your ability to contribute to and support patient care while developing crucial interpersonal skills.
• Research: Participation in medical research or related projects highlights your ability to engage with scientific inquiry and contributes to a deeper understanding of the medical field.

Lancaster values these experiences as they help you cultivate skills such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving.Experience in healthcare, whether paid or unpaid, might provide insight into what it’s like to work as a doctor nowadays. Reflect on your experiences to see if you have the necessary abilities, values, and attitudes for a career in healthcare.

Personal Statement

Lancaster is looking for a coherent, well-structured personal statement that conveys a real impression of you and demonstrates effective written communication skills. They do not use the personal statement, however, to rank their applicants.

You should demonstrate what you have done to establish that medicine is the right career path for you. For example, you should outline any relevant work and voluntary experiences and describe what you have learned about being a doctor, and about your own suitability, from these experiences.

You should also demonstrate an understanding of the NHS constitution and core values in your personal statement.

Interview

The Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) will usually be held in January and February and are currently held remotely via Microsoft Teams. The exact timing of the MMI days will vary from year to year.

Applicants are assessed at each station and given a score for their performance at that station. The station scores are summed and applicants ranked according to their overall MMI score. Those with the highest score will be made an offer of a place to study medicine.

Graduate Entry at Lancaster Medical School

Lancaster University offers graduate entry medicine programs for individuals with a relevant undergraduate degree. These programs typically last four years and require a strong academic record and relevant work experience. Specific requirements and details can be found on Lancaster’s website.

International Students Entry Requirements for Lancaster University Medical School

International students must meet additional entry requirements, including higher academic standards and English language proficiency. Exact requirements can vary, so consult Lancaster University’s international admissions page for detailed information.

Number of Home and International Student Places at Lancaster Medical School

Lancaster University takes 129 students every year with 125 home students and 4 overseas students. This makes it one of the least available medical schools, with few places for both home and international students. However, in 2021, there were only 614 home applicants. Therefore, the low number of places available does not directly correlate with how competitive Lancaster Medical School is.

Medical School Ranking

The Complete University Guide ranks Lancaster University as the 16th Medical School in the UK. For a different perspective, The Guardian ranks Lancaster Medical School as 28th in the UK.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that university rankings are subjective and based on differing criteria. Rankings may be a factor in deciding which medical schools to apply to however a holistic approach is essential. Crucially, when making decisions consider which universities you would thrive in the most.

Lancaster Medical School Fees

Tuition fees for medical programs at Lancaster University are approximately:

• Home Students: £9,250 per year.
• International Students: £45,315 per year.

Lancaster University Medical School Acceptance Rates

Lancaster University Medical School’s acceptance rate varies slightly from year to year, but it is generally competitive. As of recent data:

• Acceptance Rate for Home Students: Approximately 10-12%
• Acceptance Rate for International Students: Usually lower, around 5-7%

These figures reflect the competitive nature of the application process, highlighting the importance of strong academic performance, relevant work experience, and excellent interview skills.

Lancaster University Medicine Programmes

Lancaster University offers the following medicine programs:

• Undergraduate Medicine (MBBS): A 5-year program designed for school leavers.
• Medicine with a Gateway Yeat Course : 6 years
• Graduate Entry Medicine (MBBS): A 4-year accelerated program for those with a relevant undergraduate degree.

Course Structure at Lancaster Medical School

Year 1 of the course covers the Foundation of Medicine. In years 2, 3, and 4 the course focuses on teaching students to diagnose and manage illness. Year 5 of the course is apprenticeship-style where students gain intense clinical experience in preparation for working as a junior doctor.

The course integrates both academic and practical training to ensure comprehensive preparation for a medical career.

Lancaster Medical School Teaching Style

Lancaster University Medical School utilises an integrated teaching approach. The curriculum combines lectures with problem-based learning (PBL) and clinical placements from early in the course. This teaching style helps bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for real-world medical practice.

Life as a Medical Student in Lancaster

The medical school uses PBL (problem-based learning) predominantly, often completed in groups of 7-8 people. These sessions occur three times per module.

Once a week, for a two-hour session, students have clinical anatomy. Then, this is supplemented by non-compulsory lectures which aid with the PBL learning. As well at this, communication skills are also practiced once or twice a month. Although there are very few opportunities for clinical exposure in the first year this gradually increases with time.

The timetable for first years is less intense than some other medical schools. Despite some contact hours between 9 am – 5 pm, there is also time for self-study as well as free time for interests outside of Medicine.

Lancaster Medical School Term Dates

Lancaster University Medical School’s academic year typically follows a structured schedule, with term dates generally including:

• Autumn Term: Early September to mid-December
• Spring Term: Early January to late March
• Summer Term: Mid-April to early July

The exact term dates can vary each academic year. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to consult the Lancaster University Medical School’s academic calendar on their official website.

Lancaster University Medical School Hospitals

Lancaster University Medical School has several hospitals for clinical placements, including:

• Royal Lancaster Infirmary
• Westmorland General Hospital
• Blackpool Victoria Hospital

These hospitals provide a range of clinical experiences to support students’ medical education.

Lancaster Medical School Elective

Lancaster University Medical School offers elective placements in the final year. Electives allow students to explore different medical specialties or undertake placements in various locations, both within the UK and internationally, enhancing their practical experience and knowledge.

Lancaster Medical School Interview Format

The MMI consists of 12-15 different ‘stations’, most of which will be five minutes long. Some stations will consist of a short interview, where you may be asked questions about your career choice, work experience or suitability for a medical career. At others, you may be asked to read a short paragraph or watch a short video clip, take some notes and then discuss at a subsequent station. An additional 20 minute station will involve group work and will assess your suitability for our problem-based learning curriculum.

Applicants who are selected for interview will be sent detailed information prior to their interview. The applicant’s performance at each station is assessed by trained interviewers, against clearly defined criteria. Interviewers include members of University staff, NHS clinicians, local GPs, patients and public representatives, and medical students.

Lancaster Medical School Interview Questions

Some example questions for Medicine at Lancaster are below, with a brief answer guide underneath each.

Why have you chosen to study Medicine at Lancaster?

There are two sections to this question – why Medicine, and why Lancaster. Make sure to tackle both of these in your answer. This is a great opportunity to talk about work experience – what have you seen/done that has inspired you to pursue a career in Medicine? Lancaster’s website is the best resource to learn more about the university and course itself. If you have the opportunity to talk to a current or previous student at Lancaster, this can also be a great way to learn more about the university and why it may appeal to you.

What are three essential qualities of a doctor?

Understanding the essential qualities of a doctor is a key prerequisite for your medical school interview. Read the GMC’s Outcomes for Graduates and Good Medical Practice documents – these detail the core qualities and values that are looked for in medical students and doctors.

Is it safe and ethical for doctors to go on strike?

Industrial action in the NHS is a hugely important hot topic. In your answer to this question, ensure that you consider both sides of the argument before coming to your conclusion. This will help to strengthen your overall answer as you are demonstrating to the interviewer that you have an excellent understanding of the topic, and have weighed up multiple factors. You are not being assessed on your opinion of the topic, but on the way that you consider and justify multiple arguments and sides of the debate.

Life as a Medical Student at Lancaster University

Life as a medical student at Lancaster University is both demanding and rewarding. Students benefit from a supportive academic environment, access to modern facilities, and a close-knit community. The university’s location offers a mix of urban and rural experiences, contributing to a balanced and enriching student life.

Social Life at Lancaster University

Lancaster University boasts a vibrant social scene with numerous activities and events. Students can engage in various cultural, social, and recreational opportunities, enjoying a lively campus environment and a friendly local community.

Societies and Clubs at Lancaster University

Lancaster University offers a range of societies and clubs, including the Lancaster Medical Society, which provides support and networking opportunities for medical students. Other clubs cater to diverse interests, helping students balance their academic and personal lives.

Intercalated Degree at Lancaster University

Lancaster University Medical School offers the option of an intercalated degree, typically after the third year of the MBBS program. This allows students to pursue a one-year research or academic degree in a related field, offering an opportunity for specialisation or research involvement.

FAQs

Does Lancaster University Offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree?

No, Lancaster University Medical School does not offer a standalone Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. The focus is on the undergraduate and graduate medical programs.

How Much of the Lancaster Medicine Course is Clinical vs Preclinical?

The Lancaster medicine course integrates clinical and preclinical education from the start. The initial two years are predominantly preclinical, while the remaining years focus on clinical training.

Does Lancaster University Offer Medicine Scholarships?

Yes, Lancaster University offers various scholarships and financial aid options for medical students. Information on available scholarships and eligibility criteria can be found on Lancaster University’s website.

Is Lancaster University a Good Medical School?

Lancaster University Medical School is highly regarded for its integrated curriculum, strong research output, and student satisfaction. It depends on what your priorities are when selecting a medical school. It is best to visit the university on their Open Days to gain a realistic insight into the place and speak to the friendly staff!

Support with Getting Into Lancaster Medical School

UCAT Tutoring

MedicHut provides UCAT tutoring specifically tailored to Lancaster University’s entry requirements, helping you enhance your test performance and improve your application.

Medicine Personal Statement Tutoring

Our personal statement tutoring service helps you craft a compelling narrative that highlights your suitability for medicine and stands out in the application process.

Medicine Interview Tutoring

MedicHut offers interview tutoring to prepare you for Lancaster University’s interview format.