University of Nottingham Medical School Guide

For over 50 years, the University of Nottingham has been offering its Medicine degree in partnership with hospitals in Nottingham and Derby. Students have the unique opportunity to explore various research areas alongside renowned experts in fields such as MRI, cancer research, and mental health technology. The Medical School, located in Queen’s Medical Centre, is one of the UK’s largest hospitals. It provides state-of-the-art clinical skills facilities, including dissection suites and teaching laboratories. The hospital’s convenient proximity to the University Park Campus allows for easy access, with Nottingham city centre just a short journey away.

Nottingham Medical School Entry Requirements

Academic

Category	Requirement
GCSE	6 GCSEs at grade 7/A including Biology and Chemistry or Double Science Scoring System: – Grade 9 = 4 points – Grade 8 = 3 points – Grade 7 = 2 points – Grade 6 = 1 point
A-Level	AAA, with subject requirements in Biology and Chemistry A-Level Resit Policy: – A-Level resits considered if completed within the last 12 months – Minimum requirement of ABB with at least one A in Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry – AAA achievement required after resits
Scottish Highers	AAAAB, with subject requirements in English Language, Maths, and the Sciences Advanced Highers must also be offered
Scottish Advanced	AA, with subject requirements in Biology and Chemistry
	Scottish Highers must also be offered
IB	36 points, with subject requirements in Biology and Chemistry
	– 3 Higher Level subjects at grade 6
Bachelor’s Degree	2:1 Honours degree in any discipline
(Graduates Only)	Additional Requirement: – Must meet standard minimum A-level requirements unless achieved first-class honours in a degree with sufficient Biology and Chemistry – GCSE grade C/4 in English Language and Mathematics

Note: The GCSEs are scored for interview shortlisting using the mentioned scoring system, which assigns points based on the grades achieved.

Admissions Test

All applicants must sit the UCAT exam and Nottingham operates based on a points system that combines your academic and UCAT scores to get a points value out of 152. They do not accept Band 4 in the SJT section of the UCAT and double the points you receive for the Verbal Reasoning Section and the average UCAT score given an offer for 2023 entry was 2858

Work Experience

Nottingham Medical School generally expects applicants to have relevant work experience. While specific requirements can change, they typically look for experience that demonstrates your commitment to a career in medicine, such as:

1. Clinical Experience: This could be through shadowing doctors or working in a healthcare setting. It’s meant to give you insight into the medical profession and patient care.
2. Volunteering: Experience in roles that involve caring for others or working in a team, which could include volunteering in hospitals, care homes, or other community services.
3. Paid Employment: Any paid work in a healthcare or related field can also be valuable.

Personal Statement

After your interview, Nottingham Medical School will check any further information you supply, such as your Personal Statement and school references, to ensure that your commitment to the medical field really comes through! However, like many other universities, they do not score this. 

Some topics that you should include are:

• Motivation: Clear reasons for wanting to study medicine.
• Experience: Relevant work and volunteering experience in healthcare.
• Personal Qualities: Evidence of empathy, resilience, and communication skills.
• Reflection: Insight into what you’ve learned from your experiences.

Interviews

Your GCSE and UCAT scores will be added together. There is no fixed threshold score when selecting for an interview.

If you have not taken GCSE, IGCSE or equivalents (e.g. for international students), you will have only your UCAT score. Your application will not be disadvantaged if they only use your UCAT results.

If you meet the minimum entry requirements and have completed any of the following:

• Nottingham Pathways to Medicine Programme
• Nottingham Sutton Trust Summer School
• Lincoln Medical School Summer School

You’ll be considered for an interview without having to go through the UCAT/GCSE scoring stage of the selection process.

You must:

• have met the minimum entry requirements and achieved a Band 1, 2 or 3 on the Situational Judgement Test in your UCAT
• have not studied at a University before

Graduate Entry at Nottingham Medical School

Nottingham Medical School offers a Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) program. This is a four-year course specifically designed for graduates who already hold a degree. The program is structured to accelerate the medical training process for those who have completed a prior degree, allowing them to transition into a medical career more quickly.

The University of Nottingham utilises the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT), which must be completed within 2 years before applying to the programme, as part of its graduate selection process. Notably, applicants are not penalised or viewed less favourably for having multiple GAMSAT results.

Interviews usually take place between February and April and offers are made around typically March and May.

International Students Entry Requirements at Nottingham Medical School

For international students applying to the medicine program at Nottingham Medical School, the requirements generally follow those for home students.

Academic Qualifications:

• Equivalent to A-levels in the UK. This typically means having high academic achievements in relevant subjects (such as Biology, Chemistry, and often Mathematics or Physics).
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Equivalent high scores are required, with specific subjects and grades.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.5, with no sub-test below 7.0, is commonly required. Alternatively, other accepted English proficiency tests may be considered.

Please see the Nottingham Medical School website for a more detailed description of the qualifications needed for your country.

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

Over the past few years, the BMBS (A100) course has had about 200 places for home students and about 20 places for international students

University of Nottingham Medical School Ranking

The Complete University Guide ranks Nottingham at the 32nd place and the Guardian ranks Nottingham at 34th.

Nottingham Medical School Fees

The current fee status for home students at Nottingham Medical School is £9,250 per annum. International student fees for Nottingham Medical School are £28,700 per annum. Nottingham University offers funding support such as bursaries and scholarships for eligible students.

Nottingham Medical School Acceptance Rates

Over the past few years, the BMBS (A100) course has:

• interviewed 823 to 1219 home applicants
• interviewed 60 to 96 international applicants
• made 267 to 642 home offers
• about 200 places for home students
• made 28 to 60 international offers
• about 20 places for international students

Nottingham Medical School Medicine Programmes

• There are 2 courses offered:
• A100 Standard-Entry Medicine – 5 years
• Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) – 4 years

Nottingham Medical School Course Structure

In the first year, students establish a strong foundation in medical sciences and professionalism. They begin by learning the fundamentals of medicine, including the basics of anatomy and physiology for systems like the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

The second year builds upon the foundational knowledge and focuses on theme-based teaching. Students delve deeper into subjects such as pharmacology and gain a comprehensive understanding of anatomical aspects related to the endocrine and gastrointestinal systems.

The third year comprises two significant components. It starts with a supervised research project, which culminates in the award of the BmedSci degree. Following this, students enter the clinical phase, where they spend a compulsory week in primary care, developing essential skills for patient assessment.

In the final two years, students engage in rotations that span six-week periods in both primary and secondary care. These rotations aim to further enhance students’ professional knowledge, skills, and values. Additionally, students have the opportunity to pursue student-selected modules either abroad or within their home institution.

Nottingham Medical School Teaching Style

Nottingham Medical School offers a well-rounded medical education through an integrated curriculum that combines basic sciences, clinical skills, and early patient contact. Students engage in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) with case-based group work to apply their knowledge practically.

Clinical placements start early and cover various healthcare settings, providing extensive hands-on experience. Simulation labs and practical skills training further enhance their competencies.

The program includes traditional and interactive lectures, with a mix of formative and summative assessments to track progress. Students also have research opportunities and can pursue an intercalated year to deepen their expertise. This approach ensures comprehensive preparation for a medical career.

Nottingham Medical School Term Dates

Here are the term dates for the 2024-25 academic year:

1. Autumn Term:
   • Start: Monday, September 23, 2024
   • End: Friday, December 13, 2024
2. Spring Term:
   • Start: Monday, January 6, 2025
   • End: Friday, March 28, 2025
3. Summer Term:
   • Start: Monday, April 7, 2025
   • End: Friday, June 27, 2025

Note: Specific dates for clinical placements, exams, and holidays might vary. For precise and up-to-date information, consult Nottingham Medical School’s official website or contact their academic office

Nottingham Medical School Hospitals

Nottingham Medical School is associated with several hospitals and healthcare facilities for clinical placements and training. The primary hospitals and institutions include:

• Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC)
• Nottingham City Hospital
• Derby and Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Nottingham Medical School Elective

Yes, Nottingham Medical School offers elective placements. These electives typically occur in the final year of the MBBS program and allow students to choose a clinical placement or research opportunity that aligns with their interests.

Electives provide students with the chance to gain experience in a specific area of medicine, explore different specialties, or undertake research projects.

Nottingham Medicine Interview Format

For 2025 entry, they are expecting all interviews will be online using Microsoft Teams in an MMI format with 6 stations

The interview is designed to assess the personal qualities usually considered important for the practice of medicine. You’ll be expected to have:

• good communication and listening skills,
• an understanding of professional issues such as teamwork
• respect for patients and the contribution of those working in professions allied to medicine. 

These qualities are based on the Medical School Council’s guidelines.

The interview will consist of six scenarios which will include at least one role play. The interview will last up to one hour. 

Interview Questions for Nottingham Medical School

Some example questions for Nottingham Medical School are below, with a brief answer guide underneath each. The guide focuses on structuring your answers to demonstrate the qualities valued by Nottingham Medical School, such as effective teamwork, professionalism, time management, and empathy.

Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team. What role did you play, and how did you handle any conflicts that arose?

When answering this question, highlight your role in the team and the specific contributions you made toward achieving the team’s goals. Discuss any conflicts or challenges that occurred and describe how you addressed them, emphasizing your communication skills and approach to resolving issues. Conclude with the outcome of the situation and what you learned about effective teamwork.

How would you handle a situation where you witness a colleague making a mistake that could affect patient care?

In your response, focus on your commitment to patient safety and outline how you would address the mistake professionally and respectfully. Describe your approach to communicating with the colleague about the issue, ensuring that the conversation is constructive. Mention when and how you would escalate the matter to a supervisor if necessary to ensure patient care is not compromised.

Tell us about a time when you had to manage your time effectively. How did you prioritise tasks and what was the outcome?

For this question, explain a specific situation where you successfully managed multiple responsibilities. Detail how you planned and organized your tasks, including any prioritization techniques you used. Highlight the results of your time management and what you learned from the experience, focusing on your ability to meet deadlines and handle competing demands.

Discuss a situation where you had to show empathy towards someone in a challenging situation. How did you approach the situation?

In your answer, describe a scenario where you demonstrated empathy to someone facing difficulties. Focus on how you communicated with the person to understand their feelings and provide support. Explain the steps you took to help them feel more comfortable or reassured, and reflect on the impact of your actions on the individual and any personal insights gained.

Life as a University of Nottingham Medical Student

Social Life at Nottingham Medical School

Social life at Nottingham Medical School is vibrant and engaging, set against the backdrop of the lively city of Nottingham. Students enjoy a rich array of activities, including numerous social events organised by the medical school’s societies and clubs. The city itself offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and social opportunities, from bustling markets and historic landmarks to lively nightlife and extensive green spaces. Students often participate in sports, join student-led groups, and explore the city’s cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable experience alongside their academic commitments.

Societies and Clubs at Nottingham Medical School

Nottingham Medical School offers a range of societies and clubs that enhance student life, including the Nottingham Medical Society, which organizes social and professional events, and MedSoc, which focuses on academic and social support. Other popular groups include Nottingham University Medical Students’ Charity, which engages in fundraising activities, and various sports teams and interest-based clubs!

Intercalation at Nottingham Medical School

With Nottingham, they don’t have an official intercalation programme, so to say, as students already graduate with 2 degrees – BMedSci and BMBS!

FAQ’s

Does Nottingham Medical School offer a BSc?

No, Nottingham Medical School does not offer a standalone BSc degree. Instead, it offers an integrated intercalated BMedSci (Bachelor of Medical Sciences) during the Medicine program for students.

How much of the Nottingham Medical Course is Clinical vs Preclinical?

The Nottingham Medical School’s MBBS course integrates clinical and preclinical learning throughout the program. Clinical placements begin early in the course, with a significant portion of the curriculum dedicated to hands-on clinical experience alongside preclinical education, particularly in the first three years.

Does Nottingham Medical School offer Medicine Scholarships?

Yes, Nottingham Medical School offers a variety of scholarships and financial support options for medical students. These may include merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and specific awards for students from underrepresented backgrounds or those excelling in particular areas.

Is Nottingham Medical School a Good Medical School?

Nottingham Medical School is highly regarded for its innovative teaching methods, comprehensive clinical placements, and research opportunities. It consistently ranks well in national surveys and is known for producing competent and well-rounded medical professionals and although rankings may vary it is important to take into account which University best suits your needs and requirements.

Support with Getting Into Nottingham Medical School

UCAT Tutoring

The UCAT forms an important part of the application to Nottingham- especially that Verbal Reasoning section! MedicHut offers support with UCAT preparation, which is important to submit a strong and competitive application.

Medicine Personal Statement Tutoring

Nottingham, like most universities, does not score the Personal Statement, but they do look at it! 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

Nottingham 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.