Program Overview

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Introduction to the Gateway to Medical Studies Programme

The University of Glasgow's Undergraduate Medical School offers a one-year Gateway to Medical Studies programme, designed to provide a bespoke pre-medical experience. This programme aims to equip students with the necessary skills in basic science, communication, and professionalism, along with immersive experiential opportunities in a clinical context.

Aims of the Gateway to Medical Studies Programme

The programme has several key objectives:

• To equip students with fundamental knowledge in science and competence in relevant methods of scientific investigation.
• To provide students with a basic introduction to the study of Medicine.
• To introduce students to the use of virtual learning environments, online scientific research, word processing, and presentation skills.
• To develop transferable, intellectual, interpersonal, and practical skills that may be advantageous for further study or in a wide range of employment.
• To develop in students the flexibility to adapt to change throughout their working lives.

Programme Structure

The Gateway to Medical Studies programme is designed as a whole-rounded pre-medical experience with several essential components:

Theoretical and Practical Components

The programme focuses on credit-bearing courses in Level 1 Biology and Science Fundamentals, with daily lectures and weekly laboratory sessions, and an additional bespoke Fundamental Skills in Medicine module. This module is designed to develop academic skills required to study medicine at a university level, including independent lifelong learning skills, teamwork, and communication skills within a clinical context.

Resources and Facilities

Students have access to:

• Simulated clinical facilities for an introduction to clinical skills.
• A licensed anatomy teaching facility and the Museum of Anatomy, containing world-famous specimens used in teaching.
• Online resources, including recorded lectures, e-textbooks, exercises, and Moodle quizzes, to enhance self-directed learning.
• An electronic tablet to support studies and access to all university-provided resources.

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

• Recall central facts and concepts in basic sciences through written and spoken work.
• Use subject-specific skills to carry out laboratory-based tasks under supervision.
• Solve problems of a numeric or logical nature in the context of studying basic sciences.
• Reproduce knowledge and understanding of basic sciences to allow future study in Medicine and/or medical sciences.
• Produce acceptable written work reflecting effective lecture note-taking and illustrating an acceptable level of subject-specific knowledge.
• Discuss topics in basic sciences with confidence.
• Appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses in terms of communication and develop an understanding of basic communication skills.

Skills and Other Attributes

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

Subject-specific/Practical Skills

• Carry out laboratory-based tasks under supervision.
• Produce acceptable written work.
• Speak with confidence on topics in the life sciences.
• Conduct clinical conversations with patients using knowledge of communication skills.

Intellectual Skills

• Analyse and interpret scientific data.
• Demonstrate an understanding of their studies from reading.
• Manage time and prioritise tasks, working autonomously when necessary and appropriate.
• Build team capacity and positive working relationships, undertaking various team roles, including leadership, and accepting leadership by others.
• Work with colleagues, passing on information, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and a problem-solving approach.
• Continually and systematically reflect on practice, translating reflection into action using improvement techniques.
• Establish the foundations for lifelong learning and continuing professional development, including a professional development portfolio containing reflections, achievements, and learning needs.

Progression to Medicine

Progression to the MBChB programme will be automatic for students who satisfactorily complete the Gateway to Medical Studies Programme and achieve the necessary grades from summative assessment, subject to meeting all academic and professional requirements throughout the year.

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being resident in Scotland in an area with a postcode that falls within the lowest 20% of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD0-20), or meeting other widening participation criteria such as being care-experienced, estranged from family, having refugee status, or being a young carer.

Academic Requirements

• Minimum requirement of four Scottish Highers at AABB, achieved in one calendar year, with three of these Highers being sciences, including Biology and any two of Chemistry, Physics, or Maths.
• Alternatively, completion of the SWAP Access to Medical Sciences or Access to Medical Studies course with a minimum result of a 'Merit'.

English Language Requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level, which can be met through various tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Pearson PTE Academic, among others.

Fees and Funding

Students are sponsored by the Scottish Government for this one-year course. The University also offers scholarships and travel bursaries to support undergraduate students who may face financial difficulties.

How to Apply

Full-time students must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the specified deadline.