Medicine and Allied Professions Access to Higher Education Level 3

Medicine and Allied Professions Access to Higher Education Level 3

Quick Facts
Course Code
AS2232A09
Start
07/09/2009
Course Level
Level 3
Days/Time
DAY
Course Length
1 year

Where is the course? Centre for Applied Sciences (The Angel, 311-321 Goswell Road, London ECIV 7DD)

What is this course about? A highly popular programme for adults who lack the standard entry qualifications to apply directly to medical, paramedical and human science degrees. You must be 19 or over at the start of the course. You do not need any formal science qualifications - we assess your level of English. Maths is required only for some pathways, such as optometry. Past students have been very successful in getting into all medical professions. The Paramedical pathway leads to degrees in physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, radiography, biomedical sciences, podiatry, osteopathy and herbal medicine. The Human Science pathway leads to sports science, psychology and biological sciences such as genetics. Students can apply to the University of London School of Pharmacy, the City University Schools of Optometry and Radiography.

Who is this course for? Mature students who have benefited from life experience and lack the necessary qualifications to progress onto degree courses in the area of medical and medical bioscience subjects and professions allied to medicine. The course follows a single pathway of modules with Medicine (including Dentistry) and some Pharmacy students doing an additional AS level in Chemistry.

What do I need to get on the course? You must be a mature applicant at the start of the course. Applicants do not need any formal qualifications in science but should have an interest in scientific content and methodology. Communication skills are of importance in all medical fields, so applicants will be given a simple diagnostic assessment in communications on interview. Students wishing to study Medicine or Pharmacy will be given further diagnostic testing in September to assess their suitability.
Students accepted for the course are advised to gain work experience by finding relevant work placements in clinics, surgeries or residential homes etc before starting the course.

Medicine and Pharmacy students only
University degree courses in Medicine and Pharmacy are very intensive and over subscribed. Only candidates demonstrating a suitable ability and aptitude will be allowed to apply. Only students of the appropriate high calibre will be able to apply for these challenging subject areas and applicants should be prepared to consider other rewarding career areas within the allied health professions. Medical (including Dental) students and some Pharmacy applicants will need to sit AS in Chemistry at the Centre for Applied Sciences in addition to the Access modules., Applicants for Medicine (and Dentistry) should enquire about the biomedical admissions test (BMAT) and clinical aptitude test (UKCAT). If you are offered a place on our Medical Access course you are not automatically allowed or supported to apply for Medicine (or Dentistry) through UCAS. You must arrange to take a clinical aptitude test (UKCAT) at another centre before starting the Access course. When you begin the Medical Access course in September you must bring with you evidence of your UKCAT score. The course team will decide if your score is appropriate. By accepting a place on the Medical Access course you are agreeing that the decision of the course team is final and not negotiable on

What will I study? All students follow the same modules based on the Rules of Combination allowed by the awarding body. Some of the units are Mandatory. Optional units (subject to staffing and timetabling) are located in Modules which include Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Study Skills, Maths and Statistics, IT, Medical Sciences and Psychology. Assessment is mainly continuous and geared to the needs of mature learners. Students wishing to study Medicine (including Dentistry) and some Pharmacy applicants will complete an additional AS level in Chemistry.
Students accepted for the course are advised to gain work experience by finding relevant work placements in clinics, surgeries or residential homes etc before starting the course.

What qualification will I get? After external moderation has been completed, the Diploma is awarded, normally in August of each year. It will read 'Access to H.E. Medicine and Medical Biosciences' and will indicate how many `credits¿ were achieved.
The course is `kite marked¿ and awarded by OCNLR (Open College Network London Region). The course is fully approved by OCNLR and follows their rules and guidelines,

What can I do after the course? The course provides a pathway onto a variety of Higher Education degree courses at Universities around the country. These include Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy. Common subjects taken up at University after completion of the Access course include Optometry (it is desirable for applicants to have a GCSE in maths), Physiotherapy, diagnostic and therapeutic Radiography, Podiatry, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Science and Biomedical Science. Other subject areas progressed into include Forensic Science, Veterinary Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Herbal Medicine, Osteopathy, Psychology, Sports Science, Biological Science, Biochemistry, Genetics, Nursing, Mid-wifery and Paramedical Science.
Applicants have been very successful at progressing onto heavily over-subscribed degree courses. Physiotherapy students have gone to high profile college¿s such as St George¿s Medical School, Pharmacy students have gone to the University of London, School of Pharmacy, and to Kings College, London. At least five medical schools have taken our Access students. We have special links with City University Schools of Optometry and Radiography, Queen Mary College (London) in Biomedical Science, and the schools of Physiotherapy and Podiatry at the University of East London.,

How do I get on the course?for an application form. Fill in the form giving as much information as possible and return it. Applications and interviews begin every January 09 and applicants are advised to complete the application process as soon as possible. The course is heavily over-subscribed and when full a waiting list operates. Applicants will be invited to college for an informal interview and diagnostic test provided places are still available.

How much does the course cost? Home students fee for September 2008 will be £1,180 per year. Concessionary students pay a £40 annual registration charge which covers any courses where concessions are available.

Home Students:
£ 1293

International students:
£ 5400