Degree Pathway for Medicine

Pathway to Medicine

Our Degree Pathway Programme for Medicine is designed for international students who want a specialised pathway to university in the UK.

It leads directly to degree courses in Medicine at UK and international universities.

Is this Degree Pathway Programme for me?

If you answer yes to one or more of the statements below, this is the perfect programme for you:

1. You are an international student looking for a fast, direct preparation programme for university entry.
2. The education system in your home country is shorter than in the UK, so you need an additional year of study before you can study at a UK university.
3. You need additional English language development before you reach the required level for undergraduate study in the UK.
4. You may not have the grades you need for direct entry to a UK university.
5. You are looking for the support of a “bridge” programme between finishing you high school at home and joining a UK university.

The programme

The Degree Pathway Programme comprises four components:

A. English language development (including specialist IELTS preparation)

B. Core skills modules

C. Subject-focused modules

D. Academic enhancement activities

Together, they provide a complete learning experience that expertly prepares international students for the rigours of university study in the UK.

A. English language development

A Medical degree taught in English will typically require a 7.0 IELTS score or equivalent.

The fully integrated tuition system develops your learning and study skills as well as language skills. You will:

• become familiar with the conventions and expectations of the UK education system
• become familiar with the style of language used in academic texts
• increase your speed in reading and writing
• enlarge your vocabulary, especially in relation to academic subjects
• learn to identify key facts and information from a wide range of texts
• learn to organise and set out factual information clearly and coherently, orally and in writing
• learn to identify and analyse the main argument in a text or presentation
• learn to express ideas and opinions logically and confidently using appropriate language
• learn to challenge the ideas of others and present contrasting views

B. Core skills

These form the basis of all one-year university Degree Pathway Programmes at Kings.

They give you the vital platform you need to acquire subject specific knowledge.

• Communications and Study Skills
• Data Handling and Information Technology (slightly different for Humanities modules and for Maths and Science modules)

C. Subject-focused modules

1. Mathematics

At the end of this module students will:

• have a general understanding of maths and mathematical processes ƒƒ
• be able to reason logically and to generalise ƒƒ
• have developed mathematical skills and techniques, and be able to use them in increasingly difficult or unstructured problems ƒƒ
• recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically ƒƒ
• know how to use mathematics as an effective means of communication ƒƒ
• be able to read and comprehend mathematical arguments and narrative concerning applications of mathematics
• be able to use calculating aids effectively and be aware of their limitations.

2. Biology

At the end of this module students will:

• be able to apply the structure of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids to the roles they play in living organisms
• be familiar with different organs and their functions in living organisms, the effect of diseases on such systems
• be familiar with the ultrastructure and function of cells, how they divide and the mechanisms of transport across membranes
• understand genetic variation and diversity of organisms and the influence of the environment upon them
• understand recombinant DNA technology in agriculture, industry and medicine.the processes involved in the development of a country’s infrastructure and economy

3. Chemistry

At the end of this module students will:

• have a theoretical understanding of chemistry and how important it is in everyday life
• be able to use appropriate methodology, including information and communication technology (ICT), to answer scientific questions and solve scientific problems
• be able to communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways
• have an appreciation of applications and implications of science and evaluate their associated benefits and risks
• have an appreciation of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

D. Academic Enhancement

A fundamental part of the programme, enhancement takes students outside of the classroom and makes them live the subject as well as providing them with useful life skills.

Students on our Medicine Degree Pathway Programme have the opportunity during their time at Kings to add to their profile by completing a period of work experience.

We have various agreements with local hospitals and doctor surgeries, as well as nursing homes.

Students have opportunities to shadow doctors in their practice, as well as work as volunteers in care homes.

In each of our four locations we run clubs and societies like the Science in the News Club, the Maths Society and many more. More detail about the specific clubs offered can be found on our location pages.

Medical School Preparation

There are around 8,000 applicants for medical places each year — but only about 600 places available for international applicants. We have developed a carefully planned programme to support our exceptional students with ambitions to be accepted to medical school.

The Kings 10-point Medical School Preparation Programme:

• Academic development
• Senior mentor to lead you through the application process
• Language skills
• Assistance in researching the most suitable medical school for you
• Medical School visits
• Ability test practice (UCAT)
• Work experience
• Extracurricular and enrichment
• Personal statement
• Interview practice