School of Medicine

Admissions Overview

Application routes

All applications must be submitted via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The deadline for submissions is 15th October 2012 for entry in September 2013 or deferred entry in September 2014.

There are two programmes at Keele leading to the award of the MBChB degree. Your application should include the institution code for Keele University (K12) plus the appropriate course code:

•    A100 – the standard 5-year programme; there were over 2,000 applications for 130 places on this programme in 2012
•    A104 – the 6-year programme with health foundation year (HFY); there were over 170 applications for up to 10 places on this programme in 2012

All applications will be assessed on the basis of academic record and UCAS personal statement/reference. For guidance on the use of admissions/aptitude tests please see tabs on Entry requirements and A100 / A104.

We reserve the right to reject applications that are incomplete. Any application submitted without a completed reference will be automatically rejected. Applicants are reminded that they are required to declare all qualifications that have been completed and certificated, including those that were failed, in their UCAS application. If you are found to have deliberately withheld information on qualifications we will cancel your application and inform UCAS.

Your application will be assessed only on the information provided in the UCAS application. We will not accept any additional supporting material (e.g. CVs, work portfolios, letters of recommendation) unless we have specifically requested it from the individual applicant. We will not alter decisions on the basis of telephone calls, e-mails or letters providing details that were not included in the original application. We will not discuss individual applications with anybody other than the applicant unless we have express written authorisation from the applicant to do so (see Feedback after application).

Admissions policy for applications submitted in 2012 for entry in 2013

Introduction

The Director for Undergraduate Medical Admissions is responsible for supervising the admissions process to ensure that it is free from discrimination of any kind. The policy is reviewed annually by the Admissions Committee.

Selection for Medical School implies selection for the medical profession. All medical school admissions teams are tasked with selecting those applicants with the potential to be the best doctors. We are guided by current thinking on what makes a good doctor, for example The Role of the Doctor Consensus Statement, agreed in 2008, outlines the unique combination of attributes and abilities doctors require. Keele University School of Medicine recognises the importance of a transparent and valid selection process and agrees with the Medical Schools Council’s Guiding Principles for the Admission of Medical Students, revised in 2010.

When taking the decision to embark on a career in medicine it is advisable to consider the range of different careers within the medical profession and the education and training these involve. The majority of UK graduates will go on to work as hospital doctors or in primary care for the NHS. Significantly, up to 50% of all UK graduates become general practitioners, providing comprehensive health care for the local community. There is a broad spectrum of careers across medical, surgical and other specialties, and it should be noted that whilst many of these specialties have historically been hospital based, healthcare is moving towards a more community centred model of delivery and consequently doctors will increasingly be expecting to deliver healthcare in a range of settings.

All applications meeting the minimum academic requirements (including UKCAT assessment) will be assessed in detail by both the Admissions Tutors and the Admissions Office. Applicants will then be short-listed for interview; no applicant will be offered a place without attending for interview.

Please note that entry to the degree programme does not guarantee graduation. Furthermore, graduation is only the first stage in acquiring the right to practise as a doctor in the UK. The following statement was issued by the Medical Schools Council in July 2012:

"At the end of the undergraduate course you will receive your MB ChB (or equivalent ) degree, which is a primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a PMQ entitles you to provisional registration with the General Medical Council, subject only to its acceptance that there are no Fitness to Practise concerns that need consideration. Provisionally registered doctors can only practise in approved Foundation Year 1 posts: the law does not allow provisionally registered doctors to undertake any other type of work.

To obtain a Foundation Year 1 post you will need to apply during the final year of your undergraduate course through the UK Foundation Programme Office selection scheme, which allocates these posts to graduates on a competitive basis. So far, all suitably qualified UK graduates have found a place on the Foundation Year 1 programme, but this cannot be guaranteed, for instance if there were to be an increased number of competitive applications from non-UK graduates.

Successful completion of the Foundation Year 1 programme is normally achieved within 12 months and is marked by the award of a Certificate of Experience. You will then be eligible to apply for full registration with the General Medical Council. You need full registration with a licence to practise for unsupervised medical practice in the NHS or private practice in the UK.

Although this information is currently correct, students need to be aware that regulations in this area may change from time to time."

Criminal Record Checks

Medicine, along with some other university courses, is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1986. You should declare any criminal convictions on your UCAS application, regardless of whether they are "spent" under the terms of the Act. As detailed below, all those obtaining a place will be required to obtain an enhanced level Criminal Records Bureau disclosure. As any conviction, caution, reprimand or warning will show up at this stage, you are advised to make us aware of these as early as possible.

If you apply and are offered a place on this degree programme, you will also be required to apply, through the university, for an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau. Students must bring photographic identification to interview. Failure to supply photographic evidence on the day of the interview may result in you being required to revisit the university at a later date.

The university follows the CRB code of practice in these issues (see http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/crb/) and can provide a copy of this code on request. The University also has a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, which will be made available to you should you wish to apply. Please note that having a criminal record is not necessarily a bar to obtaining a place on this course. However, deliberately withholding relevant details is likely to result in withdrawal of the offer of a place.

The school reserves the right to ask for further information about any criminal conviction. It may not be appropriate for the school to adopt a blanket position refusing to consider an applicant outright; that is potentially unfair and discriminatory. However, once detailed circumstances are known, an application can be judged against faculty-wide student fitness to practise criteria that would apply once a student is admitted to the school. These have recently been formulated and are thought to be fully compliant with the law and with professional regulatory standards. They include public interest arguments (e.g., relating to child protection and sex offences) whereby a student could be considered a risk to patients and/or the public (including students and staff). This policy document stands as a university-wide position.

More information about fitness to practise can be found on the GMCs website, where you can view the page on Medical Students – Professional Values and Fitness to Practise

Students with Disabilities Applying for Medicine

If you have a disability and are thinking of applying to Keele School of Medicine, please contact the Admissions Manager for further advice prior to submitting your UCAS application, so that individual circumstances may be considered and support can be given. Applicants are advised to declare any special needs on the UCAS application form. Applications will then be considered in the usual way.

Keele University welcomes applications from disabled students and strives to provide an appropriate level of support to meet known individual needs. The University is committed to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (1995), the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act (2001) and any guidance issued by the Council of Heads of Medical Schools (Guiding Principles for the Admission of Medical Students, 2009) and the General Medical Council (GMC). We consider applications against the usual academic criteria. However we also take into account any limitations in accordance with the General Medical Council Fitness to practice requirement that students must meet the standards of competence, care and conduct as laid out in the GMC Good Medical Practice guide (2006). Anyone with a disability wishing to enter medical school is advised to read and reflect on this document.

All applicants holding an offer to study medicine must satisfactorily complete a health questionnaire as part of the condition of their offer to study medicine at Keele University. Applicants must declare a history of mental ill health, but this will not jeopardise a career in medicine unless the condition impinges on professional fitness to practise and is ongoing or likely to recur.

Applicants indicating dyslexia on their UCAS form who wish to register for extra time in written assessments should note that they will be expected to supply the University with a copy of their assessment by an educational psychologist and undergo a needs assessment.

If an application is of a sufficiently good standard, applicants will be invited to attend for interview. No candidate will be offered a place without interview. Following this, all successful applicants are sent a health questionnaire and the Occupational Health Unit may invite them to discuss how they manage their disability or condition and what coping strategies they have developed, so that a judgement can be reached regarding their fitness to practise.

Applicants should be aware that whilst appropriate measures can be taken to accommodate particular needs to enable them to study effectively in the theoretical and classroom components of the course, clinical practice placements may require alternative arrangements.

The School of Medicine reviews all students' general progress regularly and will discuss with them any support issues related to their disability or condition. We operate a health and conduct committee.If it appears that their condition compromises safety in a clinical setting or that it is unlikely that they will be able to meet the fitness to practise requirements for registration with the GMC, then this will be discussed with them as soon as possible and appropriate guidance and support will be offered. This may result in a referral to the University's Fitness to Practise Committee, and possibly to them being unable to remain on their current programme.

The School of Medicine has an excellent Student Support Service which offers advice and support to students with disabilities. The Disability Liaison Officer of the School is happy to discuss individual queries via the Admissions Office.

General Entry Requirements

Please note the following points regarding 2013 entry:

• The standard offer for school-leavers will be 3 A-levels at grades AAA or A*AB, (with no grade below B), plus a minimum of grade B in the fourth AS. Requirements for other level-3 qualifications are indicated under the appropriate course headings.
• GCSE requirements should be met before applying.
• AS level grades should be declared in the application.
• We will not normally consider applications from anybody who is currently re-sitting A-levels or other qualifications required for entry. If you are re-sitting your A-levels – or have taken three years to complete them - you must wait until you have your final grades before applying, i.e. you will not be eligible to apply before the 2014 entry round.
• We will not consider any applicant who is currently studying at university and is not due to graduate with an honours degree before August 2013.
• We will not consider any applicant who has been excluded from another medical course on academic, disciplinary or fitness to practise grounds, or who is in breach of financial or other obligations to another university.

The website details the minimum academic entry requirements for each programme. Any offer of a place will be conditional on fulfilment of these requirements. Please note, however, that fulfilment of the academic requirements alone is not sufficient to qualify for selection for interview. All applicants must submit full personal statements and references.

Admissions/aptitude tests

UKCAT

All applicants for courses A100 and A104 must take the United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) in the year of application (i.e. in 2012 for 2013 entry). Details of the test, along with fully timed practice tests, are available at http://www.ukcat.ac.uk. Please note the test dates and ensure that you are able to complete the test within the range of dates. No allowance will be made for inability to take the test (or poor performance) owing to illness, family circumstances, etc. We recommend that you book a test date early in the season, as this will allow you to cancel and arrange a later date if you feel unwell or distressed on the first date. Please note that you cannot take the test more than once in a single calendar year.

If you require extra time for the test owing to a specific disability (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dysorthographia or working memory deficit) you should register for the special educational needs test (UKCATSEN). If you have taken this version of the test you must provide us with a report from a licensed medical practitioner or registered educational psychologist, signed and dated within the last three years, that shows your eligibility for the extra time provision. This will be requested if you are invited for interview.

If you are eligible for exemption from UKCAT on the grounds that you are normally resident in a country with no test centres, you must obtain an official exemption number from UKCAT. Details of the procedure for obtaining an exemption number are available on the UKCAT web site.

UKCAT is not a test of knowledge. It is a test of cognitive abilities in the areas of verbal, numerical, abstract and interpretative reasoning. For this reason, it is not possible to prepare specifically for the questions that will come up in the test. Neither UKCAT nor Keele University endorse or recommend any commercially available test preparation materials or courses. We would however encourage candidates to take both of the timed practice tests on the UKCAT website to get used to the style of questions and to prepare for the time pressure of the test.

Keele uses UKCAT results only in borderline cases. Those applicants who narrowly miss achieving the required score for their UCAS application will receive further consideration (usually in the form of second-marking) if they have a total UKCAT score in the top 50% nationally. Applicants holding offers who narrowly miss achieving the required grades in their A-levels (or equivalent level-3 qualification) may receive further consideration if there are places available. In these circumstances, the factors taken into consideration in allocating remaining places will include interview score and UKCAT score.

Applicants receiving offers for 2012 entry had UKCAT total scores ranging from 2020 to 3070.

English Language Requirements

EEA and other overseas applicants not offering GCSE English Language at the required grade must have one of the following:
•    Grade B or above in the Certificate of Proficiency or Advanced Certificate in English offered by the University of Cambridge under the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programme
•    International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with a minimum average score of 7, with not less than 7 in any one component taken at the same sitting
•    Grade B or above in International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

We do not normally accept Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) qualification, except in very unusual circumstances.

A100

A100 – Standard 5-year programme

This programme is open to home/European Economic Area (EEA) and overseas students with appropriate school-leaving qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels. It is also open to graduates with honours degrees in subjects related to molecular bioscience and chemistry; graduates in other subjects may be considered under certain circumstances (see Honours Degrees, below). Students undertaking a recognised Access to Medicine diploma may also apply: please see Access to Medicine Diplomas, below, for details of the access programmes we recognise. All applicants to A100 must take the United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) during the year in which they apply.

GCSE

Please note all GCSE requirements must be met prior to application, with the exception of applicants undertaking Access courses and GCSEs simultaneously.

We require a minimum of four GCSE subjects at grade A, not including short-course GCSEs. Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics must be passed at a minimum of grade B. GCSE Science/Core Science (including AQA Science A or Science B) plus Additional Science is acceptable as an alternative to Biology, Chemistry and Physics; Applied Science is not an acceptable GCSE. IGCSE double-award Science is also acceptable.

Applicants who have taken Scottish Standard Grade/Intermediate Level 2 qualifications must have passed a broad range of subjects with a minimum of 4 subjects at grade A/1. English Language and Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics must be passed with a minimum of grade B/2. Any science subject not being offered at Higher or Advanced Higher level must have been passed at Standard/Intermediate Level 2.

All students from schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must have completed appropriate Level 2 science qualifications as defined by the Key Stage 4 National Curriculum. Combinations of subjects that do not fulfil these requirements (e.g. Science, Biology and Chemistry) will not be accepted, even if these were the only combinations offered by the school. Students whose school has entered them for multiple qualifications in the same subjects (e.g. Science and/or Additional Science as well as Biology, Chemistry and Physics) will only have the minimum required subjects taken into account; the grades for the additional GCSEs will be ignored.

GNVQ Intermediate (Level 2) Science may be acceptable in lieu of science GCSEs if these are the only science qualifications offered by the school and the optional units include adequate coverage of subjects not taken at AS-level. Please contact the Admissions Manager with details of the units taken and grades achieved before applying. A minimum of merit must be achieved in all six units. An overall distinction will be counted as equivalent to two A grades at GCSE, so at least two GCSEs must also be passed at grade A. An overall merit will be counted as equivalent to two B grades at GCSE. GNVQ Intermediate ICT is acceptable in lieu of two GCSEs but this does not substitute for Mathematics or any science subjects. A minimum of merit must be achieved overall. Applicants who have taken other non-GCSE level-2 qualifications in ICT – e.g. OCR National, BTEC Level 2 Diploma or Certificate/Diploma in Digital Applications (CiDA/DiDA) – should contact the Admissions Office before applying to confirm that they fulfil the academic requirements. We will not usually accept DiDA Unit 5 (Games Authoring). Other level-2 diplomas and certificates will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Please contact the Admissions Office before applying if you have these qualifications.

The specific science requirements, as well as the 4 A-grade minimum, may be waived for applicants who have already achieved higher qualifications (A-level or degree) at the discretion of the Director of Admissions. However, all entrants to the course must have a minimum of grade B in GCSE English Language and Mathematics.

AS Level and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Chemistry AS-level must be passed at a minimum of grade B if not taken at A2. If three A-levels have been achieved, a fourth AS is required at a minimum of grade B. If four A-levels have been achieved at the required grades, no further AS requirements will apply. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will be accepted at grade B in place of the fourth AS.

A Level

Three A-levels at grades of AAA or A*AB are required, including Biology or Chemistry plus another designated science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths/Further Maths) and a third rigorous academic subject. There is no requirement for an A* or A grade to be achieved in a specific subject. Only one subject from a combination of Maths with Further Maths or Biology/Human Biology with Physical Education will be considered within the three A Levels, although the other subject may be offered as a fourth AS level. If only two sciences are offered, the science subjects not offered at AS/A-level are required at GCSE grade B or above.

We require a minimum of three A-levels plus a fourth AS to be completed within two years. Applicants who have required more than two years to complete three A-levels must apply after completion of these qualifications. We will not consider applications from students currently in their third year of A-level study unless they have already achieved the required grades and are taking additional subjects. For example, an applicant with achieved grades of AAA but with only one science would be considered if currently taking an additional science A-level. Anyone who has not achieved the required A-levels within three years will not be considered.

The following subjects are not accepted at A-level for A100: General Studies; Critical Thinking; any AQA Applied A-level (Applied Art & Design; Applied Business; Applied ICT; Applied Science; Science in Society; Use of Mathematics); any Edexcel Applied A-Level (Applied Art & Design; Applied Business; Applied ICT; Engineering; Health & Social Care; Leisure Studies; Media; Performing Arts; Travel & Tourism); any OCR Applied A-Level (Applied Art & Design; Applied Business; Applied Health & Social Care; Applied ICT; Applied Leisure Studies; Applied Performing Arts; Applied Science; Applied Travel & Tourism); any WJEC Applied A-Level (Applied Business; Applied ICT; Applied Science). Key skills qualifications will not be taken into account in assessing academic ability.

Cambridge Pre-U

Candidates taking the Cambridge Pre-U diploma will be required to perform to a minimum of P1 standard in all components, including Global Perspectives and Independent Research (GPR). Principal subjects should be offered at grades of D3 M1 M1 or D2 M1 M2, with Chemistry required at a minimum of M2. A second science (Biology, Mathematics or Physics) and a third subject should also be offered, with no grades below M2. Scores for Pre-U short courses in modern languages will not be taken into consideration.

Up to two A levels may be substituted for Pre-U principal subjects. A levels must be achieved at a minimum of grade B and the overall principal grades should be equivalent to D2 A B. The usual subject and combination exclusions apply to A-level components.

The following combinations of subjects are not accepted: Biology and Sports Science; Mathematics and Further Mathematics.

Scottish Qualifications

Applicants who have taken Scottish Standard Grade/Intermediate Level 2 qualifications must have passed a broad range of subjects with a minimum of 4 subjects at grade A/1. English Language and Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics must be passed with a minimum of grade B/2. Any science subject not being offered at Higher or Advanced Higher level must have been passed at Standard/Intermediate Level 2.

Four subjects at Higher / Advanced Higher required at AAAB, to include two Science Advanced Highers (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths). Chemistry must be offered at Higher grade B as a minimum.

Welsh Baccalaureate

We require a Pass in the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma and two full science A-levels at grade A taken at a single sitting. A third AS must also be offered at grade B. Chemistry or Biology is essential plus one subject from Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths. If Chemistry is not taken at A-level, it must be offered at AS-level, grade B minimum.

European Baccalaureate

Applicants must offer Maths ("5 hours" or "8 hours") plus at least one science option. The subjects must include Chemistry. Overall we require a final result of 78%.

Please see General Entry Requirements if you do not have GCSE English grade B or above.

International Baccalaureate

Students undertaking the International Baccalaureate will be asked to achieve the IB Diploma with a score of at least 35 points from six academic subjects. Three grade 6 passes at IB Higher Level and grades of 6, 6, 5 at Standard Level are normally required. Higher Level subjects should include Chemistry or Biology, plus one from Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths and a third rigorous subject. Any science not taken at the Higher Level must be offered at Standard Level grade 5 or GCSE grade B (or equivalent). Points awarded for the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge are not taken into account.

English Language at Grade 6 is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English Language. Please see English Language Requirements under General Requirements if you do not have either of these.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Students should offer at least five A1 or A2 grades at higher level, to include Biology and Chemistry, plus a sixth at a minimum of B1. Chemistry and one other science are required at grade A. English, Maths and Physics should be offered at junior certificate level grade B as a minimum.

Honours Degrees

For application to course A100, graduates must have an upper second-class (2i) honours degree or better in a discipline that includes a substantial molecular bioscience and/or chemistry content. Graduates are advised to submit a degree transcript including modules taken and grades awarded to the Admissions Office. Postgraduate qualifications (masters degrees, doctorates) will not be taken into consideration in lieu of a 2i. Graduates must have GCSE English Language and Maths at grade B or higher, together with GCSE grade B or higher in any science not studied to a higher level. Allowances will be made for graduates whose A-level grades do not meet the usual criteria. We reserve the right to request details from applicants about the content of their degree course if we have concerns about the A-level grades obtained in specific sciences (e.g. Chemistry).

Graduates with a 1^st/2i honours degree in a discipline without a substantial molecular bioscience and/or chemistry content may also be considered on the basis of their science A-levels and would need to meet the standard A-level criteria. Graduates must have GCSE English Language and Maths at grade B or better, together with GCSE grade B or better in any science not studied to a higher level. Those applicants requesting consideration of qualifications equivalent to the sciences at A-level should note that they must provide this information to the Admissions Office at the same time they submit their UCAS application.

Applicants with a 1^st/2i honours degree in a non-science subject may be considered for the A100 course if they have taken the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) and achieved a good score in section III; these applicants must also take the UKCAT. Allowances will be made for graduates whose A-level grades do not meet the usual criteria, as long as sufficient evidence of academic ability in the sciences is demonstrated.

Access to Medicine Diplomas

The Access to Medicine courses we recognise are those from:
- College of West Anglia (Distinction in all units)
- Manchester College (Distinction in all subjects)
- Stafford College/New College Telford (Distinction in all subjects) and
- Sussex Downs College (Distinction in all units).

Please note that Access to Medicine diplomas only provide evidence of the required academic ability: they are not a substitute for evidence of the non-academic attributes that we look for in the personal statement and interview. Students undertaking an Access to Medicine course should seek advice on how to maximise their chances of making a successful application.

We will not accept applications from those who have done an Access to Medicine course after achieving below 2i in a previous degree. We will not consider applications from candidates who have undertaken an Access to Medicine diploma less than five years after completing A Levels, other level 3 qualifications or a degree with grades below our usual requirements. Access programmes provide an opportunity for people who have not previously had the chance to take the required academic qualifications. They are not a “back door” for people with poor A-level grades or degree class, and we will not consider applicants who treat them as such. People with qualifications at an appropriate level but in the wrong subjects should apply for our health foundation year. For details see the A104 tab.

A104

A104 – 6-year programme with health foundation year

This programme is open to home/European Economic Area (EEA) and overseas students with appropriate school-leaving qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels but without significant post-GCSE study of science. It is also open to graduates with honours degrees in subjects with no significant bioscience or chemistry content. Students with other Level 3 qualifications or undertaking a recognised Access to HE diploma may also apply. Please note that all applicants to A104 must take the United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) during the year in which they apply. See UKCAT for details.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a good level of achievement at GCSE and/or equivalent Level 2 qualifications. We normally require a minimum of four subjects at grade A, not including short-course GCSEs, although this can be waived at the discretion of the Director of Admissions for students who have taken Level 3 qualifications other than A-levels. Mathematics and English Language must be passed at a minimum of grade C.

Other Level 2 qualifications may be considered. Please contact the Admissions Office before applying to confirm that your qualifications are acceptable.

The 4 A-grade minimum, may be waived for applicants who have already achieved higher qualifications (A-level or degree). However, all entrants to the course must have a minimum of grade C in GCSE English Language and Mathematics.

AS Level and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If three A-levels have been taken, a fourth AS is required at a minimum of grade B. If four A-levels have been achieved at the required grades, no further AS requirements will apply. Chemistry must not be offered. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will be accepted at grade B in place of the fourth AS.

A Level

Three A-levels at grades of AAA or A*AB are required. A-level combinations should not include Chemistry. A-level Biology is acceptable if combined with non-science A-levels. If Biology is offered at AS or A2-level, it must be at grade B or above. The combination of Maths and Physics is acceptable with another non-science subject. Applied Sciences is accepted.

We require a minimum of three A-levels plus a fourth AS to be scheduled to be completed within two years. Applicants who have required more than two years to complete three A-levels must apply after completion of these qualifications. We will not consider applications from students currently in their third year of A-level study unless they have already achieved our academic requirements. Anyone who has not achieved the required A-levels within three years will not be considered.

The following subjects are not accepted at A-level for A104: General Studies; Critical Thinking. Key Skills qualifications will not be taken into account in assessing academic ability.

Cambridge Pre-U

Candidates taking the Cambridge Pre-U diploma will be required to perform to a minimum of P1 standard in all components, including Global Perspectives and Independent Research (GPR). Principal subjects should be offered at a minimum grades of D3 M1 M1 or D2 M1 M2. Chemistry must not have been taken. Scores for Pre-U short courses in modern languages will not be taken into consideration.

Up to two A levels may be substituted for Pre-U principal subjects. A levels must be achieved at a minimum of grade B and the overall principal subject tariff should be greater than or equivalent to D2 A B. The usual subject and combination exclusions apply to A-level components.

The following combinations of subjects are not accepted:Biology and any other science, including Sports Science; the combination of Mathematics and Further Mathematics; Physics and Mathematics with any other science, including Sports Science.

Scottish Qualifications

Applicants who have taken Scottish Standard Grade/Intermediate Level 2 qualifications must have passed a broad range of subjects with a minimum of 4 subjects at grade A/1. English Language and Mathematics minimum grade C/3.

Four subjects at Higher / Advanced Higher required at AAAB, with a minimum of two Advanced Highers. Chemistry must not have been taken. Biology is acceptable with three non-science subjects. Physics and Mathematics are acceptable with two non-science subjects.

Welsh Baccalaureate

We require a Pass in the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma and two full A-levels at grade A taken at a single sitting, Chemistry must not have been taken. A third AS must also be offered at grade B. Biology, Physics or Mathematics is acceptable along with a non-science subject.

International Baccalaureate

Students undertaking the International Baccalaureate will be asked to achieve the IB Diploma with a score of at least 35 points from six academic subjects. Subjects must not include Chemistry at Higher Level. Three grade 6 passes at IB Higher Level and grades of 6, 6, 5 at Standard Level are normally required. Points awarded for the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge are not taken into account.

English Language at Grade 6 is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English Language. Please see English Language Requirements in our General Entry Requirements if you do not have either of these.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Students should offer at least five A1 or A2 grades at higher level, plus a sixth at a minimum of B1. Biology and Chemistry in combination are not accepted. However Biology will be accepted in combination with non science subjects at grade A. English and Maths should be offered at junior certificate level grade C as a minimum.

Advanced Diploma

The advanced diploma is acceptable for entry to A104. The Progression Diploma must be grade A or A* and Additional Specialist Learning must be an A-level in any subject except Chemistry. The A-level must be passed at grade A or A*.

Access to HE Diploma

A science or non-science Access to HE diploma is acceptable, plus substantial work experience. We will not accept applications from those who have done an Access course after achieving below 2i in a previous degree. We will not consider applications from candidates who have undertaken an Access diploma soon (less than five years) after completing A Levels or other level 3 qualifications with grades below our usual requirements. Access programmes provide an opportunity for people who have not previously had the chance to take the required academic qualifications. They are not a “back door” for people with poor A-level grades or degree class, and we will not consider applicants who treat them as such. Eligibility is subject to satisfactory grades (i.e. Distinctions) or transcripts of marks of greater than 70% in all modules. All Access to HE courses must be 60 credits at level 3.

BTEC Extended and BTEC National Diploma

The BTEC National Diploma in any subject is acceptable. Three Distinctions must be achieved.

BTEC National Certificate

The BTEC National Certificate is acceptable in lieu of two A-levels. Two Distinctions must be achieved plus one A-level at a minimum of grade A.

BTEC National Award

The BTEC National Certificate is acceptable in lieu of one A-level. A Distinction must be achieved plus two A-levels at a minimum of grade A.

Higher National Diploma (HND)/Higher National Certificate (HNC)

These qualifications will be considered subject to achievement of marks greater than 70%.

Diploma in HE

A Diploma in HE is acceptable if achieved after two years’ full-time study (or a proportionate period of part-time study), subject to a transcript of marks above 70%.

Foundation Degree

A Foundation Degree is acceptable, subject to average module marks of at least 70%.

Ordinary (non-Honours) Degree

Graduates who entered an Ordinary Degree programme will be considered, subject to marks greater than 70%. Graduates who failed to graduate with honours from an Honours Degree programme will not be considered.

Honours Degrees

Graduates with at least a 2.1 honours degree in a non-science subject can be considered for the Health Foundation Year provided they did not take sciences to A-level standard or higher. Students with Health Degrees such as Physiotherapy or Nursing, without Chemistry at A or AS level, should apply for this entry route. Allowances will be made for graduates whose A-level grades do not meet the usual entry criteria.However, all entrants must have a minimum of GCSE grade C in English Language and Mathematics.

For students offering qualifications other than those listed above, please send a full academic history to the Admissions Office.

International

Applications to the A100 and A104 programmes from students resident outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland for tuition fees purposes are welcomed. However, you should be aware that we have a strict quota for numbers of overseas students.

Please see the sections on A100 and A104 for specific subject requirements.

All applicants to the 5-year medicine degree (A100) or the Health Foundation Year (A104) must sit the UKCAT test in the year of application.

We advise you to contact the Admissions Office before applying giving as much detail as you can about exams that you have taken and are due to take overseas to ensure that they are acceptable.

Please note, however, that fulfilment of the academic requirements is not sufficient to qualify for selection for interview. All applicants will be assessed on their personal statements and references. Even the very highest level of academic achievement will not compensate for a poor personal statement. See section on 'The UCAS application'

English Language Requirements

EEA and other overseas applicants not offering GCSE English Language at the required grade must have one of the following:
•    Grade B or above in the Certificate of Proficiency or Advanced Certificate in English offered by the University of Cambridge under the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programme
•    International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with a minimum average score of 7, with not less than 7 in any one component taken at the same sitting
•    Grade B in International GCSE (IGCSE) First Language English, with a minimum of grade 2 in Paper 5 (optional Speaking & Listening component). IGCSE English will not be accepted without the Speaking & Listening component.
Students with other English language qualifications may be required to undertake IELTS to fulfil the requirements of both the School of Medicine and the UK Borders Agency (UKBA).

We do not normally accept Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) qualification, except in very unusual circumstances.

Details on the international recognistion of medical schools is available from http://www.faimer.org/resources/imed.html and http://avicenna.ku.dk/database/medicine

More details on life for  international and IMU students at Keele is available from http://www.keele.ac.uk/health/schoolofmedicine/undergraduatemedicalcourse/internationalimustudents/

The UCAS application

The UCAS application

All applications are first read by our Admissions Team to ensure that you meet the minimum academic requirements. If you do not meet these your application will be rejected at this initial stage. If academic requirements are met, applications will be given an academic score and passed to our Admissions Tutors. They will pay particular attention to your personal statement and to the reference from your school/college. The purpose of this assessment is to identify candidates for interview. It is not possible to be offered a place without interview. Please don't send in extra information or portfolios of work unless we contact you directly to request it. In the interests of fairness to all candidates, we will only assess what is included in your UCAS application form.

Admissions Tutors assess your UCAS application for information on the following areas:

•  Understanding of the role of a doctor
•  Examples of regular hands-on caring work experience
•  Depth of experience in a role involving personal interaction
•  Reflection on what was learnt from these experiences
•  Initiative/enterprise
•  Work/life balance
•  Working in teams
•  Communication (particularly outside your peer group)
•  Quality of written application

If you have a very low score for any aspect of your application, you are unlikely to be called for interview. The threshold score above which students are called for interview varies from year to year depending upon the quality and quantity of applications that year.

You should ensure that this information is given to the person who will complete your reference. Both you and your referee should address each aspect outlined above. Referees should be aware that we expect to see more than a record of academic achievement. References indicating your strengths in the areas listed above are much more valuable than simple “school report”-style references.

Personal statement

Understanding of the role of a doctor

Your personal statement should make clear what you understand the role of a doctor to be and why this is the role you wish to undertake as a career. The remainder of your statement should provide evidence that you possess the attributes (values, characteristics and skills) to make you a successful doctor. It is vital that you tell us why you want to be a doctor; you cannot do this without demonstrating a clear understanding of what doctors do.

Work and voluntary experience

We believe that it is helpful to undertake long-term, hands-on work experience in a caring role, so that you are aware of what a career in caring for people may involve. Work experience can take many forms, from helping elderly members of the community with shopping, through to volunteering in a hospice, or working with disadvantaged children. You'll need to tell us how long and how regularly you have been involved in the activity, why you chose to undertake it, what your responsibilities were/are and, most importantly, what you have gained from it. We are not looking for medically related work experience, such as shadowing a GP or consultant, although this type of experience may be useful for finding out what being a doctor involves. It is direct, hands-on experience of working with with ill, disabled, sensorily or cognitively impaired, distressed or disadvantaged people that is most valuable. In addition, you should consider other experience you have had that involved handling challenging people or situations: this might have been gained in paid employment (e.g. in retail or catering) as well as in caring. In all cases, it is vital that you provide examples from your work and voluntary experience that demonstrate the values, characteristics and skills required by a good doctor. Claiming to possess these attributes without providing evidence will not impress the Admissions Tutor. You should be aware that we may request confirmation from the host organisation of any work experience detailed on your application.

Interests and extracurricular activities

Medicine can be a rewarding career, but it can also be challenging, frustrating and distressing. Success depends upon the doctor's ability to keep up to date with developments, cope with uncertainty and respond rapidly to change. At the same time, it is important that a doctor's work does not dominate her/his life to the exclusion of everything else. You should provide evidence of your ability to interact with the wider world and make your own choices and decisions. This may include examples of leadership, responsibility, enterprise and/or initiative, which might involve activities in the community, workplace or school/college/university. You should also provide evidence of a healthy work-life balance to demonstrate your ability to cope with multiple - and possibly conflicting - demands on your time. Extracurricular activities within community organisations, churches, sports clubs, bands, etc., are all equally valuable but there should be some demonstration of how you relax and find time to do things you enjoy, rather than a long list of worthy causes and achievements.

Communication and team-working

Doctors must be able to communicate effectively on a variety of levels. Experience in communicating with different groups, including those with significant communication barriers, is highly valuable. Some evidence of ability to communicate with people outside your peer group is essential. Medicine involves working within teams and it is vital that potential doctors understand how teams work, and how their own role would contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team. Examples of team-working may be taken from a wide variety of experiences both in and out of school/college/university. You should provide examples of contributions you have made to a team.

Presentation and style

Applications will be assessed for the quality of the writing. Careless errors of spelling, grammar and punctuation will affect your overall score, so please consider carefully how you have presented your personal statement.

Reference

Your reference is likely to be written by your head teacher, college principal, head of year or form tutor. Applicants who are not currently in school or college should approach an academic supervisor whenever possible: a "character reference" is not sufficient. We do, however, want to know what the writer of the reference thinks about you as a whole person, not merely about your academic achievements and potential. Please ensure that whoever is writing the reference sees a copy of these guidelines.

The areas in which we require information are:

Commitment to medicine

While the length of time that you have been committed to a medical career may be relevant here, it is not the only factor. Equally important are the steps that you have taken to confirm this commitment (e.g. work experience in a caring role). Work experience in other areas which has convinced you that those areas are not the right careers for you could even be mentioned here. Some insight into your awareness of the realities, advantages and disadvantages of a medical career would be useful.

Staying power/perseverance

While we are obviously interested in whether you work at an appropriate level of intensity, complete work on time and are reliable, some insight into your interest and enthusiasm for the subject would also be useful. Late developers should not be disadvantaged by this process. We are keen to hear about students who have blossomed in their interest and commitment relatively late in their school career or as a graduate or other later applicant.

Communication skills

The ability to communicate is essential to the practice of medicine. However, communication is not merely about articulation and vocabulary but is also about listening. Thus whilst we are interested in students' contributions to class discussion and extracurricular activity, we would be very pleased to hear about how you relate to others, in particular the less gifted students or younger students, and how well you accept criticism.

Humanity, humility and responsibility

There is clearly some overlap here with communication but information in this section should primarily deal with how the referee feels about your ability to care and empathise (is there practical evidence of this?), and how you see yourself in the school and wider community or in the case of later applicants in the workplace or in higher education. Direct evidence of caring is likely to come from the personal statement, but the reference might add details of activities through which you have raised money for - or awareness of the plight of - less advantaged individuals or groups. It is an advantage if your referee can provide examples of your willingness to take on responsibility and ability to deal with it.

Intellectual potential

This is not only evidenced by your GCSE grades and achieved or predicted A-level grades or degrees. It is important for the referee to tell us about late academic developers, e.g. the student who achieves the bare minimum GCSE grade A passes but is likely to blossom at A-level and beyond. Other evidence of intellectual potential beyond merely the ability to pass exams is important here.

Teamwork

These skills may be demonstrated either within or outside school. We recognise that not all students have sporting aptitudes but participating in sport is not the only way in which students can excel in this area. Social and charity involvement would be relevant here as would membership of choirs, orchestras etc. The ability to work as a member of a team in class practices, field trips, hikes, expeditions etc. will also be important. Once again we recognise that not all schools and colleges will have equal opportunity to assess teamwork skills and therefore where such opportunities do not exist within school, we strongly encourage the referee to obtain independent information from other sources. Examples that involve leadership skills are particularly valuable, although part of successful teamworking is the recognition that everyone can't be the leader.

Mitigating Circumstances

We strongly recommend that in addition to all the above sections, any mitigating circumstances which may affect not only academic performance but any aspect of the information contained within the UCAS form should be included in the referee's report. If you experience any extenuating circumstances at the time of your examinations, your school or college should report this immediately to the relevant examination boards so that any allowances can be made. If we consider that extenuating circumstances brought up in the reference should be taken into account formally in the assessment of your application, we shall write to your referee to request further details. Please do not send such details unsolicited.

The Admissions Process

The Admissions Process

The admissions process involves three phases - academic screen, shortlisting, and interviews.

Phase 1 - Academic Screen and Score

All applications are checked to ensure that they meet the minimum academic requirement and given an overall academic score.

Phase 2 – Shortlisting

Shortlisting for interview is based mainly on the UCAS personal statement and reference. However, applicants with exceptionally high levels of academic achievement are also selected for interview.

Academic performance is assessed on the basis of achieved qualifications. If you have already completed your A levels, International Baccalaureate or Advanced Highers, this assessment will be based primarily on your final grades. If you are currently studying for these qualifications, the assessment will be based on qualifications already completed (GCSEs, AS levels, Standards and Highers, etc.) Please note that if you are an A level student currently in year 13 and have not aggregated ("cashed in") your AS level units at the end of year 12 you will not be allocated an academic achievement score. If this applies to you, you will be assessed only on your personal statement and reference. You are reminded that you must declare all certificated qualifications in your UCAS application.

Admissions Tutors assess your UCAS application for information on the following areas:

•  Understanding of the role of a doctor
•  Examples of regular hands-on caring work experience
•  Depth of experience in a role involving personal interaction
•  Reflection on what was learnt from these experiences
•  Initiative/enterprise
•  Work/life balance
•  Working in teams
•  Communication (particularly outside your peer group)
•  Quality of written application

Up to 100 applicants with the highest levels of academic achievement are invited for interview. The remaining 400+ interview invitations are made on the basis of the personal statement and reference.

Phase 3 – Interviews

It is our policy to interview approximately 500 applicants for entry to the 5-year course. Numbers for the health foundation year will be in proportion to the number of places.

• Applicants are called for interview on the basis of the standard scoring systems used to shortlist applications by the Admissions Tutors.
• Interviews are usually held at the School of Medicine building on the University Campus. Each candidate will have a similar structured multiple mini-interview. The interviewers are drawn from the university, hospital and local (lay) environments and they have undergone specific training for interviewing medical school applicants.
• Please note that some interviews in February/March 2013 will be held in other buildings on the university campus. Please pay close attention to the details of the interview venue in your invitation letter.
• Interviews are likely to take place in blocks during the period December, February and March.
• After the interview, applicants will receive the University's decision via UCAS. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a Visit Day.

Feedback after application

Decisions on invitation to interview and offer of places are final. Unsuccessful applicants will inevitably be disappointed at not being offered a place. We will provide written general feedback on the basis of decisions at the time of notification that an application has been unsuccessful. However, owing to the high volume of applications received, we only able to provide more detailed feedback after the admissions process is complete (after Easter). There is no obligation on members of the admissions staff to provide reasons why an application was unsuccessful, other than to indicate whether it was on the grounds of submitting an incomplete application, failing to fulfil the minimum academic entry criteria or achieving an application/interview score below the required threshold. Queries regarding admissions procedures must be submitted in writing by the applicant via post, not e-mail. We will not discuss applications with anybody other than the applicant (e.g. parents, teachers, members of parliament, etc.) without signed, written authorisation from the applicant.

The Interview

The interview

Our selection process requires candidates to be interviewed before any offer can be made. Approximately 500 applicants will meet the criteria for an interview. Interview decisions will be communicated via UCAS track.

We are changing the format of our interviews to multiple mini interviews (MMIs), where candidates undertake a series of short interview stations. The stations will examine a range of skills and aptitudes.  The format of stations may vary from a 1:1 traditional interview through to a role play. Interviews are scheduled to take place in late December, February and March. More detailed information will be available to candidates invited for interview.

Post Interview

As we are moving to a new interview system we expect that there will be a delay before we can confirm the outcome of your interview. We anticipate that the earliest date we will be able to confirm a decision is February. A small number of candidates may be placed on a waiting/hold list as their performance at interview was close to our offer threshold. However, all final decisions will be submitted by the 31^st March UCAS deadline. 

Successful candidates will be sent a letter confirming their offer of a place, together with a health questionnaire. All offers made are conditional and may include both academic conditions and health and CRB clearances. In February and March we offer a number of Visit Days for those holding offers. This enables candidates to view all the university facilities and talk to staff and students before making their final UCAS decisions.

Widening Participation

Widening Participation

Keele University School of Medicine is committed to widening participation. Widening participation schemes are designed to increase the numbers of successful applications to medical school from students with educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, e.g. those attending a school that has a below average performance level, or those whose parents or carers did not attend university. For students considering an application to Keele there are a number of initiatives designed to help them at different stages in their school life. Most of these initiatives are available through the students’ school, particularly if the school is a member of Keelelink.

At key stage 4 (Year 10 & 11) students can benefit from Study Support from an e-mentor.

At key stage 5 (Years 12 & 13) prospective medical students can benefit from Access to the Professions (A2P) and/or Access to Keele (A2K). Both of these initiatives offer the support of an e-mentor to help students through the application process.

A2P provides young people with direct mentoring by people who work in the professions, although there may also be opportunities for work shadowing and career related visits. It also provides HE information, experience and contact with students currently undertaking the courses. Information on making successful university applications and interviews is also included.

A2K involves a more formal course of study to support entry to Keele University, through the completion of a portfolio of work demonstrating specific knowledge and skills. As part of A2K there is a session delivered by the Medical School which provides an opportunity for university level learning in both classroom and laboratory settings.  Students completing A2K successfully will be awarded one grade reduction in each of two A-level subjects, with no grade below a B in any subject. A student offered the standard offer of AAA or A*AB will be admitted with ABB on completing A2K successfully.

 
 To provide candidates with an insight into medicine and valuable advice regarding the application, the Medical School runs a Royal Society of Medicine Careers Day entitled “So you want to be a doctor”, and a Medical Summer School in conjunction with the Healthcare Careers and Skills Academy at University Hospital of North Staffordshire. The academy can also help organise work experience.

This year will see the first delivery of the student- led initiative, Keele MedPath. This project aims to promote medicine in the local young community, raise aspirations in under represented groups, and giving prospective students the tools and support they needed to apply to medicine.

The medical school also participates in four university open days per year.

FAQs

Gap Years

The School of Medicine is happy to consider applications from those who want to defer their entry. If applying for deferred entry, we would expect applicants to show on their UCAS form how they intend to spend the year. If applicants decide that they wish to defer entry after they have already submitted their UCAS form, they must write to us to tell us of their change of intention, and at that stage they can outline their plans for the year. We would not usually consider requests to defer entry once examination results have been published.

Mature Applicants

Whilst we encourage applications from mature applicants; please note that that you should have experience of recent academic study (usually within the last 5 years). Those who have been out of education for a substantial period are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office for further advice. Please see entry criteria below.

Equal Opportunities

Keele University has adopted an equal opportunities policy which states that no student will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, gender (including gender realignment), marital status, sexuality, disability, religion, political belief, socio-economic background, parental status, age or trades union membership. The University is committed to a programme of action to ensure that this policy is fully effective.

How do I contact you?

Please get in touch with our admissions team
Our address is: Keele University, School of Medicine, Admissions Office, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG. Telephone 01782 733632.

What courses are available?

5 Year MBChB degree (Course Code A100)
We offer a five year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programme (MBChB) which is awarded by Keele University.

Graduate applicants may apply for the A100 programme or for the Health Foundation Year for Medicine (A104) depending upon their qualifications. Applicants with a non-science degree and an acceptable GAMSAT score may also apply for the A100 course, but should note that this route also requires the UKCAT test.

Health Foundation Year for Medicine (6 Year MBChB - Course Code A104)
The Health Foundation Year for Medicine is a transfer course that offers an opportunity for progression to the Medicine principal programme upon successful completion. It is designed for those who have not studied the requisite science subjects to A level. The modules studied include Chemistry, Human Biology, Communication Skills, Mathematics and Information & Communications Technology (ICT).

Applications will not be considered from those who have applied for direct entry into medicine and have been unsuccessful.

For further information, please contact the Foundation Year Office: http://www.keele.ac.uk/foundationyear

What are the entry requirements?

Further information can be found on the 'General Entry Requirements', 'A100' and 'A104' Tabs.

Do you use AS-level grades when assessing applications?

From 2012, achieved AS grades will be taken into account when assessing applicants' academic performance. In addition, chemistry AS-level must be passed at a minimum of grade B if not taken at A2. If three A-levels have been achieved, a fourth AS is required at a minimum of grade B. If four A-levels have been achieved at the required grades, no further AS requirements will apply. An EPQ will be considered in place of the fourth AS.

Applicants are reminded that all qualifications that have been completed must be declared in the UCAS application. If we find that an applicant has deliberately withheld AS grades, her/his application will be cancelled and she/he will be reported to UCAS.

Do you consider the new A* at A-level?

We are not yet taking A* grades into account when marking applications.

Is it a requirement that I have Chemistry A-level at grade A?

At Advanced Level we require grades AAA/A*AB including biology or chemistry plus another science subject and a third rigorous subject, with no less than a grade B in any subject. A fourth AS Level at grade B or above is also required. Chemistry as a minimum must be offered at As Level grade B.

Can I re-apply?

If you were unsuccessful at interview we would not encourage you to re-apply the following year. However, those applicants who did not reach the interview threshold may submit a further application. We would suggest that those re-applying review their personal statement beforehand.

Can I transfer from another Medical School?

Transfers from other medical schools are not considered under any circumstances. Students who have failed assessments in medical degree programmes elsewhere or been excluded on fitness to practise grounds will not be considered: no extenuating circumstances will be taken into account and we will not enter into discussion with candidates about the grounds for their exclusion.

We also do not consider applications from students on degree courses in other subjects who wish to transfer before completing their degree.

Will extenuating circumstances for lower exam grades/degree classifications be taken into consideration?

We do not make allowances for this as applicants should report all extenuating circumstances to the relevant examination board at the time of the examinations.

What are the age restrictions?

Because of the clinical work which students will be involved in from an early stage in the course, applicants need to be at least 18 by the end of October in the year in which they join Year 1 of the MBChB programme. Occasionally a deferred entry place for the following year may be offered to students who will not be old enough at that time. There are no upper age limits. Students at the School of Medicine come from a wide age range and have a variety of previous work and study experiences. We feel that having such a variety of students benefits everyone at the School.