Do you require any Admissions Tests?
Many Medical Schools now require applicants to sit admissions tests for example UKCAT, BMAT or GAMSAT. However, Bristol do not currently require any of these tests. We select applicants on the basis of the UCAS form and then interview approximately the top 10% of applicants.
Back to top
What grades do you require from graduate applicants?
We require as a minimum a completed 2.1 degree. For A100 the class of degree overrules the A level grades, but usually we would still require grades of BBB/ABC or equivalent to include two laboratory based sciences. Grade B in Chemistry at A2 level is normally essential for A100 and A101 unless there is enough Chemistry/Biochemistry in the degree programme.
Back to top
What degree courses are acceptable for the A101 programme?
For Bioscience courses, you would be considered provided a substantial part of the programme studied covered cell biology and physiology of mammalian systems.
Acceptable completed degree programmes include: Anatomy, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Pathology, Dentistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Osteopathy, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physiology and Physiotherapy.
Nursing, Radiography and Sports Science are generally not acceptable. Applicants can apply instead for the 5 year programme (A100).
Back to top
What if the degree I am studying is not mentioned?
If you are studying a degree which has not been mentioned it is unlikely that you will be eligible for entry to the A101 programme. However, you can apply for the A100 programme if you have a 2:1 science degree and BBB/ABC at A2 level.
If you have studied an Arts degree and have two laboratory based science subjects (including B in Chemistry) at A2 level, you can apply for A100. Or, if you have studied an Arts degree and Arts A2 Level subjects, you can apply for the A104 programme. You would still need a 2.1 degree and BBB/ABC at A2 level. If you are still unsure if your degree will make you eligible, please contact us.
Back to top
Can I apply for the A101 programme if I am an overseas graduate?
Whilst we accept many overseas degrees as equivalent to UK degrees for the A100 five year programme, the nature of the A101 programme is such that it is based on exemptions from part of the formal course in the first two years. It is very difficult to evaluate overseas degree programmes, thus we only consider a UK completed degree for those applying to the fast track programme. Overseas fee payers are not eligible.
Back to top
I am interested in Maxilo Facial Surgery, what should I do?
Qualified dentists who wish to train as maxilo facial surgeons must also study Medicine. You can apply for the A101 programme, we usually expect Parts A, B and C of the MFDS qualification.
Back to top
When are Interviews held and what can I expect?
Interviews are usually held from November until the end of March each year. We interviewed around 850 applicants in the 2008/9 cycle of which about 10% were for the A101 programme. The interviews last for 15 to 20 minutes, and are conducted by two interviewers. You will be asked questions such as why you want to study Medicine, what you know about the course and career and what recent developments in Medicine you have read about. There is usually a tour of the Medical School and the University precinct included during the day. No offers are made without an interview and all candidates are expected to be available throughout the interview period.
Back to top
How do I apply?
All applications must be made online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the deadline of 15th October each year. No more than four choices can be selected for Medicine. The UCAS code name and number for Bristol is BRISL B78.
Back to top
What if I have a disability or health problems?
Full information available at this link.
Back to top
Will I need to have any immunisations to join the programme?
You will be required to have had two Hepatitis B immunisations prior to arrival at your own expense. You will be screened in the first week by Occupational Health for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis and HIV in accordance with Department of Health guidelines. Medical students are required to complete a health questionnaire. All offers are subject to obtaining Occupational Health Clearance.
Back to top
Is the course at Bristol, Problem Based Learning (PBL)?
There is no formal problem based learning ar Bristol. The course is traditional with the first teaching being a series of lectures, tutorials and practical's. It is arguable that all clinical based teaching around a patient is effectively a PBL exercise.
Back to top
Will I get accommodation if I come to Bristol?
Accommodation is guaranteed for first years in halls of residence (unless they are local students) if they firmly accept the offer of a place at Bristol. For more information go to the Accommodation Office webpages. Accommodation is provided when students are placed on clinical attachments at more distant Academies.
Back to top
What clinical experience will I get on the course?
There is clinical contact from early on in the five year course with those in Year One going on placement to GPs. This is a mixture of consultations with patients in the GP clinic and visits to the patients own homes. During Year Two there are five weeks of hospital based activities which begin immediately at the start of the year. From Year Three onwards all activities are clinically based. For A101 students both the GP attachment and the five weeks in hospital take place in the first year of study.
Back to top
Can I study abroad as part of the course?
Bristol has links with other medical schools in Europe and exchanges are possible under the Erasmus Scheme dependant on your academic record for half of Year Three and also during the elective period in Year Five. Applicants must be confident in the language of their intended destination due to the need for taking clinical histories from patients. It is possible to study a European language as a student selected component (SSC) during the second year of the programme.
Back to top
What evidence do I need to show my motivation for Medicine?
You need to show that you have an idea of what is involved in the career and be motivated to the demands of the career and long periods of study. You should try to gain as wide voluntary experience as possible in a caring or health environment. Graduates applying to A101 who are not currently working in the health service, are usually expected to have gained at least four months' experience as a health care assistant, or similar.
Back to top
Will I be considered for A100 if I am unsuccessful for the A101 programme?
You will not be considered automatically for both programmes. If you wish to be considered for both, you must apply for A100 and A101 on your UCAS application, but it will count as two of your four choices.
Back to top
What about fees and living costs?
Full and up to date information on these can be found on the Student Funding Office website. An NHS bursary is available to eligible students. Further information can be found on the NHS Bursaries section of the Finance website or you can email specific questions to Allison Maggs.
Back to top
Can I transfer onto the Medicine programme at Bristol?
Unfortunately, due to the integrated nature of all the Medicine programmes at Bristol, it is not possible to transfer from another course at Bristol or another University. However, in exceptional circumstances (family or health problems) we may consider transfers, but this could entail having to repeat a year of study.
Back to top
What if I have previously been required to withdraw from another Medical School?
It is very unlikely that the Medical Admissions Committee would consider you suitable for the programme in view of the previous decision.
Back to top
When can I visit the Medical School?
It is not possible to arrange individual visits to the Medical School for security reasons. However, the Medical School is open on the University Open Days generally held in June and September each year. If you are invited for an interview there will be the opportunity to tour the facilities.
Back to top
Can I apply before I have completed my undergraduate degree?
As competition for places on the A101 programme is high, it is very unlikely that you will be offered a place on the programme prior to completion. It is recommended that you take a year out and maximise your experience of working in the health service. For the other programmes you may be considered provided that work experience is being gained, but you will not be allowed to start the programme until your previous degree has been awarded.
Back to top
Can I apply before I have completed my higher degree?
We will not consider applications for any of our programmes if the candidate is still studying or writing up their thesis for a higher degree. We recommend that whilst waiting for the higher degree to be awarded that the applicant maximises their experience of working in the health service.
Back to top
Frequently Asked Questions for Graduates