HNC Applied Sciences Pathway to Medicine - Perth College - UHI

HNC Applied Sciences
"Pathway to Medicine"
Perth College UHI and the Medical School,
University of St Andrews
Also available in large print (16pt)
and electronic format.
Ask Student Services for details.
www.perth.uhi.ac.uk
Perth College is a registered Scottish charity, number SC021209.
Application Guidance

HNC Applied Sciences "Pathway to Medicine"
Perth College UHI and the Medical School, University of
St Andrews
There are up to 5 places reserved on the MB ChB course at the Medical School of the
University of St. Andrews. Candidates who complete the Pathway to Medicine will be
presented to the University of St. Andrews for progression. Successful entry to the Medical
School will be based on the criteria outlined in the section below on Progression.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be UK or EU citizens
Have normally left school four or more years prior to application
As a minimum for consideration, have a Higher pass (A, B or C) in one of the
following scientific subjects; Biology, Human Biology, Biotechnology, Mathematics,
Physics or Chemistry (desirable).
or
Have achieved an A Pass on an Access to Science programme that includes a
Higher pass (A, B or C) in a Science subject.
Applications will be considered from those who have already studied at post-school
level on HNC or HND courses, or up to Level SCQF 7.
Demonstrate a clear interest and commitment to pursuing a career in Medicine.
Satisfy the Medical Fitness to Practise regulations (see Medical School website at
end of document).
Application Procedure
Applicants should apply for the HNC Applied Sciences at Perth by submitting an application
form and the supplementary information detailed below to the Admissions Office at Perth
College (refer to information at end of this document). Please note your application will
not be considered unless you provide all information requested below.
The following supplementary information is required:
A comprehensive personal statement which demonstrates, with clear examples and
evidence, an interest and commitment to pursuing a Medical career. Included
should be details of work experience obtained, preferably in a medically related
environment. This would include 'shadowing' in a medical environment or working
with ill, disabled or disadvantaged people.
Full curriculum vitae, covering all academic studies, with qualifications, subjects,
dates and grades, as well as employment history (Reasons should be given for any
'gaps' in education or employment).
Name and contact details of two referees.
(One of whom should, should comment on your academic performance and if
employed, from your current or most recent employer).
Declaration of any criminal convictions.
(Before entry to the Medical School, applicants will be required to undertake
satisfactory completion of a Criminal Records Disclosure).
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Selection: The Interview
Suitable applicants will be interviewed by staff from both Perth College and the University of
St Andrews. Areas to be assessed are detailed in the table below.
Selection: Some of the areas for assessment include the following:
Essential skills, experience and knowledge – how they will be assessed:
Application Interview Reference
Personal Qualities
Empathy Yes Yes
Communication skills Yes Yes Yes
Listening skills Yes Yes
Leadership skills Yes Yes Yes
Team working skills Yes Yes Yes
Commitment and perseverance Yes Yes
Commitment to academic study
Other Achievements/Experience
Relevant to Achieving Success in
the "Pathway to Medicine"
Yes Yes
Positions of responsibility Yes Yes Yes
Organisational ability Yes Yes Yes
Interests, hobbies, sporting activities Yes Yes
Work experience, community
involvement or other relevant
experience
Yes Yes Yes
Knowledge of the "Pathway"
Programme
Yes
Insight into what a Medical Career
will Involve
Yes Yes
It is important that the choice to enter medicine is made with insight into where it might lead,
the expectations of others, the role of life-long learning, and with awareness that the course
is a preparation for professional practice. In considering the commitment involved in
becoming a doctor, please see web pages provided at the end of this document.
Other Conditions
UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UK CAT)
Applicants will be required to sit the UK CAT by 28 September in the year in which they
begin the HNC. Bursaries are available (see website at end of document).
Immunisation
All entrants to the Medical programme at St Andrews will be seen by the Occupational
Health and Safety Advisory Services (OHSAS) following admission. During this process
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each entrant will be screened for tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV infection
and any necessary immunisations and antibody tests will be performed. All entrants are
required to complete a course of immunisation against Hepatitis B virus. There will be no
financial change for students.
Infection with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV does not mean that you cannot train to be a
doctor but it is important to consider at this stage whether or not this is the career option
that you wish to pursue. Any entrant student who is found to be a carrier of Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis C or HIV will require special counselling; as such a situation will place restrictions
on the student's clinical training and limit his or her medical practice following qualification.
Progression
Those applicants who are accepted onto the HNC Applied Sciences 'Pathway to Medicine'
will be competing for one of five places in the Medical School.
Only those who have passed the HNC at the level prescribed will be considered and the
following will be taken into account when deciding which students should progress:
Academic performance in the HNC.
Reference from the HNC Course Team.
UKCAT score.
2nd interview carried out by Medical School staff from St Andrews.
Progression to the MB ChB Medical Programme (3 years at the Medical School followed by
3 years at either Manchester Medical School or a Scottish Medical School).
Useful websites:
Perth College: www.perth.uhi.ac.uk
Medical School: http://medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk
(Particularly Admissions page including 'Non-academic Requirements' 'Course Overview'
and 'Fitness to Practise')
UK Clinical Aptitude Test: www.ukcat.ac.uk
Tomorrows Doctor's: http://www.gmc-uk.org/standards
Council of Heads of Medical Schools: http://www.chms.ac.uk
Scottish Doctor: http://www.scottishdoctor.org
General Medical Council: http://www.gmc-uk.org
For more information about the application process please contact:
Perth College Admissions:
Telephone: 0845 270 1177
E-mail: pc.admissions@perth.uhi.ac.uk
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