Cardiff University School of Medicine - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/medic
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Cardiff University School of Medicine Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/medic our
Our five-year MBBCh Programme
Q Cardiff has a fantastic, modern Q Award-winning teachers deliver high Q You’ll have loads of opportunities to
course with excellent facilities and a quality teaching in partnership with tailor your course towards your own
great library the Schools of Biosciences, interests
Psychology and Social Sciences,
Q Everything you learn prepares you for using state-of-the-art facilities and Q We’ll encourage you to travel abroad
the challenges ahead. We’re cutting edge techniques as part of your studies (although it’s
particularly proud of our Case Based not compulsory)
Learning, Spiral Curriculum and Q Clinical placements across Wales in
Harmonisation Year hospitals, community medical centres Q Typical Offer: AAAc
and general practices. You’ll get to
Q Frequent Open Days throughout
learn first-hand about Medicine in tiny
the year
villages, deprived inner cities and
everything in between
For more info go to: www.medicine.cf.ac.uk/medical-education/undergraduate/
Can’t find your answer in this brochure? Email: medamissions@cardiff.ac.uk
Want to know more about being a Cardiff student?
Come and take a look . . .
As well as frequent University Open Days
we have Medicine-specific Open Days
with extensive programmes for both
students and parents: meet admissions
staff, chat to current students and see for
yourself what Cardiff has to offer.
A Cardiff University Open Day allows you
to take a look at the University (eg
residences, Students’ Union) as well as
the School of Medicine, while a MEDIC-
only Open Day lets you try out your
clinical skills under supervision and
explore our facilities and programme in
greater depth.
Keep an eye on www.cardiff.ac.uk
for University Open Day dates and on Everyone was very friendly and it felt as though the students would
www.medicine.cf.ac.uk/medical- be well supported. The course sounded very exciting and the hands on
education/undergraduate/admissions/ approach was excellent. My daughter and I both left feeling Cardiff
for Medicine-specific Open Days. would be a great place to study medicine.
Parent of a prospective student, 2013
Welcome 1
Welcome Contents
I Cardiff: the University 2
I Cardiff: the City 3
I Cardiff University School
of Medicine 4
I The MBBCh Programme 5
I What Will I Learn? 6
I Support network 7
I Learning and Teaching Methods 8
I Our facilities 9
I Elective 10
I Beyond the Curriculum 12
I MBBCh Admissions 13
I Medical Programmes offered 14
I Entry Requirements 16
I Meet the . . . 17
Welcome to Cardiff University I Life Outside Medicine 18
School of Medicine I Research 20
Our students tell us our course delivers what I Further Information 20
you want in a medical school: I FAQs 21
Q You will be working with patients right from
the start in an advanced curriculum full of
challenge and reward.
Q We provide outstanding teaching by
award-winning teachers who are practising
clinicians, researchers and scientists.
You can also take the opportunity to be Important information.
involved in their cutting edge science and Please read carefully.
research. The University offers the information
Q Excellent facilities - there's a new
contained in this brochure as a guide only.
It does not constitute a contract and is not
£12 million library with a clinical skills binding on prospective students, students
centre to hone your hands-on skills. or the University. While the University
makes every effort to check the accuracy of
Cardiff extends you the chance to live life to
the factual content at the time of
the full and make friends in a great place, publication, some changes will inevitably
with great people. Professor John Bligh occur in the interval between publication
We look forward to meeting you at one of our and the academic year in which you apply.
Good degree programmes will change in
Open Days soon.
line with market and student demand, as
well as research development, and years 3
and 4 of our MB BCh programme as
Professor John Bligh described in this brochure are subject to
Dean of Medical Education, University validation in 2014. You should
Cardiff University School of Medicine not therefore rely solely on this brochure
and should visit the School of Medicine
website (www.cardiff.ac.uk/medic) for
up-to-date information concerning course
content, accreditation and entry
requirements for the relevant academic
General Enquiries year when considering applying to the
Cardiff University School of Medicine University. We are also happy to answer
Cardiff University any questions you may ask by post,
Cochrane Building telephone or email, or when you come to
Cardiff CF14 4YU Cardiff for an Open Day.
UK
Tel: +44 (0)29 2068 8113
4000MEDIC10/13
Email: medadmissions@cardiff.ac.uk
2 Cardiff: the University
Cardiff: the University
Cardiff University has an international reputation for excellence
in teaching and research, built on a history of service and
achievement since 1883, and recognised by our membership
of the Russell Group of leading research-led universities.
We celebrate our heritage but are focussed Home to over 28,000 students, with more
on the future. Our state-of-the-art facilities than 3,000 from outside the EU, we are an Cardiff is exciting and vibrant,
represent £200 million of recent investment inclusive university, with a good record for and now with the Wales Medical
across the university, including our Cathays widening access, increasing participation and Undergraduate Conference it is
Park campus, Heath Park campus, Maindy welcoming applications irrespective of the best known international
campus, refurbishment of the libraries and background.
centre for medical students –
renovation of the Students’ Union. We have a With an impressive array of resources, I can't wait to get back there in
beautiful central campus, modern facilities supportive student environment, tradition of November 2013.
spread across the city, excellent academic excellence and extensive selection
Cserháti Zolati, Medical Student,
accommodation, Wi-Fi enabled libraries and of degree programmes, Cardiff is widely
University of Debrecen, Hungary
one of the best Student Unions in the UK. acknowledged as Wales’ foremost university.
Cardiff: the City 3
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk
www.visitcardiff.com
Cardiff: the City www.cardiff.gov.uk
Cardiff, one of Europe’s youngest capital cities, is vibrant and
friendly, making it an exciting place to live and study.
Cardiff’s attractive, compact nature allows Cardiff has the buzz and energy of a Capital
students, who make up 10% of Cardiff’s City and is in a fantastic location. With a
The cost of living for a student
population, to enjoy unique attractions, short bus ride you can be eating fish and
fantastic entertainment and quality shopping, chips at Penarth’s pier while a car journey will in Cardiff is generally lower than
all within easy walking distance. As a Cardiff have you in the wild and beautiful Brecon elsewhere in the UK.
student, you have easy access to amazing Beacons or, if you like to surf or sunbathe, Source: The Independent, June 2013
sports facilities and entertainment to suit all on the stunning beaches of the Gower www.independent.co.uk/student/
tastes – from international cricket at Sophia Peninsula. into-university/az-uni-colleges/ cardiff-
Gardens and rugby at the Millennium university-458890
Stadium to Welsh National Opera
performances, listening to local bands on
Cardiff has all the perks Your money will go further.
St Mary Street or a night out in the Students’ of a capital city – nightlife, Student budget least expensive:
Union. theatre, sports, – but with Cardiff University
the Great Outdoors right on Lowest cost of student
your doorstep. accommodation: Cardiff University
Source: moneysupermarket.com:
The true cost of going to university
2012
“Cardiff is a young, vibrant city. A blend of beautiful
old architecture and new, cutting-edge developments.
Cosmopolitan with a large student population.” I thoroughly enjoyed the time
I spent at the university and in
Daily Telegraph Guide to UK Universities
the city. The atmosphere was
great and everyone was so
friendly and helpful particularly
the med students I talked to. And
for such a small capital there was
plenty going on. I really have a
massive soft spot for Cardiff now;
it’s going to take a lot to beat it!
Prospective medical student, 2013
Overall a brilliant city to study in
and a top med school; I’ve had a
great time here.
Final year student,
National Student Survey 2013
Cardiff is one of the UK’s most successful retail centres
4 Cardiff University School of Medicine
Cardiff University
School of Medicine
The New Cochrane Building is
a fantastic addition to the
medical school campus.
Final year student,
National Student Survey 2013
We are proud of Cardiff’s long tradition of medical education.
Since 1893 we have trained the very best doctors and today
we focus on providing a 21st century education to our students.
We combine progressive healthcare The Heath Park campus is a fantastic site
education and patient care with world class with great facilities. You will learn in our
research and outstanding teaching facilities spacious new lecture theatres and state-of-
in order to help you to become the very best the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Centres,
The Heath is a great place to
doctor you can be. study in our well-equipped interprofessional study; there is a brilliant
library and socialise at the Student Union community atmosphere here. You
Hub (dubbed The IV Lounge by our students). can access everything the union
offers through the Heath hub,
such as booking a house viewing
with Cardiff student lettings,
making an appointment to see
the advice and representation
centre or simply just getting
tickets for a union night out.
Hannah Pask
Heath Park Officer 2012-2013
The MBBCh Programme 5
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medic
The MBBCh Programme
What programmes are there to study Medicine?
Q 5 year undergraduate programme Q 6 year programme Q 4 year graduate entry programme
UCAS A100, requiring the appropriate UCAS A104, up to 16 places for UCAS A101, for dental graduates and
science A-Levels or equivalent. There applicants with limited or no science up to 10 graduates of each of our
are around 284 places for Home and background, where we’ll bring you up to recognised feeder courses only: BSc in
EU students including graduate/mature speed with a Foundation Year Medical Pharmacology; Biomedical
applicants and approximately 25 for Science (Cardiff University) and Medical
overseas students. Sciences (University of South Wales &
Bangor University). You will skip Year 1
and join Year 2 of the A100 programme.
What will I learn?
Foundation Programme Year
(UCAS A104)
In your preliminary year you will study in a
university environment, with some of the
same staff who teach on the medical course,
and you can also join in many of the activities
run by medical student societies.
Specially-designed modules tailored to your
personal academic background will introduce
you to the world of Medicine - all students
will take chemistry, biosciences and an
introduction to medical sciences module,
with maths modules for those who don't have
What’s case based
it at A level, so that you join Year 1 on an learning (CBL)?
equal footing with other medical students.
You can also choose from a range of science, The first thing you need to know is that CBL
language and humanities options. is a far more structured and supportive
learning style than Problem Based Learning.
CBL is designed to give all students equal
learning opportunities and the very best
teaching. Everything you learn will be useful
and relevant, taught at the most
appropriate points in your programme,
using the most appropriate facilities.
You'll be presented with a case, around
which your teaching for the following week
or so will be based. So, for example, let’s
say the case involved a patient with a
sporting injury to his knee: in lectures you
will learn about mechanisms of
inflammation and anti-inflammatory
medications; in the dissection room you'll
be dissecting the relevant area; on
placement you may be in a physiotherapy
clinic dealing with sporting injuries and in
the clinical skills labs you’ll learn how to
examine a knee.
We have a spiral curriculum, which means
each year you will revisit common clinical
problems and build on what you have
learned already. This means that the new
information is easier to remember and to
apply in a clinical context when you see
patients.
6 What Will I Learn?
What Will I Learn on the
5 Year MBBCh Curriculum?
PHASE 1: Core Science and Clinical Practice - Year 1 & 2
What is it all about? What will I do? Where will I be learning?
In Years 1 & 2 you will learn basic and Q Basic clinical sciences such as anatomy, Q You will study in the most appropriate
clinical science via the theme of ‘the biochemistry, physiology and facility for the type of learning required,
Chronological Life Course’. You will explore immunology are taught in series of meaning that your time will be split
the normal workings of the human body seminars, lectures, lab and dissection between the Clinical Heath Park campus
and start to recognise disease, combining sessions and the Science laboratories in Cathays
Q Communication skills, learning how to Q You will also have NHS placements for a
what you learn in our in-depth basic
science teaching sessions with what you
take focussed histories and explain day most weeks. These clinical
see on clinical placements. You will use
diseases and treatment experience days will allow you will see
cases from the CBL (see p5) discussed in
Q Clinical skills, learning a range of
patients with conditions that you are
small groups to study common clinical
exploring in your case based learning
conditions that affect patients of physical examinations, basic life support
groups
different ages. and practical skills
Q Professionalism and Personal
Development seminars - doctors have
important roles as leaders and
respected members of society and we
help you to develop your professional
side
PHASE 2: Learning to Care - Year 3 & 4
What is it all about? What will I do? Where will I be learning?
This part of your course concentrates on Q You will learn the fundamentals of Q Most of your time will be spent on NHS
patient experiences of illness and excellent clinical care such as clinical and GP clinical placements across
healthcare. It is designed to give you an assessment, diagnosis, management Wales
Q You will be in hospitals, GP practices
excellent learning experience in clinical and treatment of common diseases
Q Year 3 focuses on common diseases in
settings, to make you the best doctor you
and community clinics
can be.
Q Your teaching block weeks are in
acute and chronic settings
Q Year 4’s emphasis is on specialties and University, preparing you for your clinical
you will spend time with a range of placement at the start and consolidating
specialists such as obstetricians, your learning at the end
Q Through the Erasmus scheme, some
paediatricians, geriatricians and
psychiatrists
Year 4 students spend time on clinical
Q You will have teaching blocks at the placement at one of our partner
start and finish of each clinical institutions in Europe
placement, where the fundamentals of
good medical practice are covered as
well as the pathology, therapeutics,
social sciences and ethics relevant to
your placement
Q As part of your Student Selected options
programme, you will also be able to
pursue a non-core topic that interests
you in greater detail
What Will I Learn? 7
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medic
HARMONISATION: Consolidated Preparation for Practice - Year 5
What is it all about? What will I do? Where will I be learning?
Your final year as a medical student is Q Preparing for Practice addresses those Q Your Junior Student Assistantship and
designed to help you to make a smooth practical aspects of medicine that are Primary Care Attachment placements
transition into your foundation programme. necessary to become a great doctor, are in Wales
Q Your elective can be in the UK or abroad
Harmonisation has four 7-8 week clinical e.g. communication, medical
placements separated by four 3 week study documentation and emergency patient
- it is your choice
blocks, all designed to build your management
confidence and enhance your ability to
Q Your Junior Student Assistantship is a Q Your Senior Student Assistantship
work as part of a team. placement will usually be in the hospital
secondary care clinical placement where
you’ll work with a junior doctor as part where you will start your career as a
of a Consultant’s team to assess and doctor. If this is outside Wales and your
manage acutely ill patients future employer is unable to
Q The Changing Practice study block
accommodate you, we will fit you in to a
suitable placement in Wales
enables you to be someone that effects
changes in patient care when you are a Q Your study blocks will be at the Heath
doctor Park campus
Q Your Primary Care Attachment is a
placement working closely with a GP as
you learn more about managing chronic
diseases in the community
Q Patient care is continually improved by
breakthroughs in science; the final
Science in Practice module has you
analysing and writing about the work of
scientists at the forefront of medical
research
Q Your 8 week elective lets you explore a
subject of choice in depth and
experience Medicine in different cultural
The variety of clinical
situations anywhere in the world
experience available is fantastic,
especially in hospitals in North Q In your Practise to Practice module
you’ll explore the uncertainties of
Wales. I feel Cardiff provides very medicine and hone skills required to
varied placements throughout deal with more difficult situations than
Wales which allows you to feel you have previously encountered
Q Your Senior Student Assistantship
prepared for working as an F1.
Student comment, placement has you shadowing the F1
National Student Survey 2013 whose job you will do once you
graduate. This means that you'll already
be comfortable with the people and
environment when you start your very
first day as a Foundation Doctor, making
that daunting transition from student to
doctor both safer and more enjoyable
Support Network
Medicine can sometimes be As a medical student you will not only have of our services which you may need. We
demanding physically, mentally access to the university Student Support also ensure you are well looked after when
Centre but there is also specific support by you are away on placement. Year directors
and emotionally and we want the School of Medicine. You will be allocated are assigned to manage and support each
to be there to help you through an academic mentor who will be a great year group, and honorary senior lecturers
these moments. We will source of knowledge and support; they will and support staff are based for you at each
support you both academically be able to put you in touch with personal district general hospital in Wales.
mentors, arrange your annual academic
and pastorally. feedback sessions, and refer you on to any
8 Learning and Teaching Methods
Learning and Teaching Methods
Cardiff students are encouraged to interact, participate, ask
questions and reflect because we believe that doctors who
are inquisitive and curious problem-solvers give their patients
the highest standard of care.
Our case based learning approach keeps the
patient at the centre of your studies. Through
small group learning, co-ordinated lectures,
clinical placements, clinical skills training and
self-directed study we combine a variety of
disciplines in order to integrate science,
social science and clinical practice. Our focus
is on you and your learning: we will support
you as you take increasing responsibility for
your own learning and encourage you as you
use your own initiative to seize opportunities
and experiences that will be available to you
as a student and, later, as a doctor.
Communication skills are at the heart of
good medical practice and are one of the first
things patients notice. Our highly-rated
workshops will help you to gather information,
explain diseases and treatments, provide
support when patients are distressed and
deal with more complex skills like breaking
bad news. You will attend workshops
throughout the course, consulting with actors
trained to behave as patients, receiving
feedback and sometimes being filmed in How will I be assessed?
order to review your own performance. We are “It has been shown time after time that
encouraging patients to be your teachers too. the best teaching programmes have
assessments that test what medical
PAL (Peer-Assisted Learning) is a highly
students can do and how they use what
successful initiative which trains Yr 5 medical
they know, rather than just testing
students to peer-tutor junior years in clinical
memories.”
procedural skills. The PAL Scheme has been
a great success, helping seniors to gain Prof John Bligh
experience in the teaching environment while Dean of Medical Education.
juniors develop their skills and knowledge Assessments at Cardiff are designed to be
from more experienced colleagues who fair and to support you as you learn. We'll
still recall what it feels like to be tackling Where will I go and assess you at the most appropriate time, in
new skills.
what will I do? the most relevant place, using actual clinical
examples. Our ‘single best answer’ multiple
Wales offers you a breathtaking variety of choice-style question papers will test your
clinical experiences that adds value to your knowledge and our Objective Structured
medical career. You’ll be on clinical Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) will test your
placement in hospitals, GP practices and clinical skills, using real patients with real
community clinics from your first year, physical signs, as well as role players to
gradually going further afield for longer assess your ability to communicate with
placements with increasing responsibility as patients.
part of a medical team. By your final year you
will be spending more time with your patients Throughout your course we will award prizes
than your books and will have experienced, and Certificates of Excellence for the best
first-hand, what it means to provide medical academic performance and, at the end, you
care across the spectrum – from GP practices will be awarded the final degree of MB BCh
in farming communities to small hospitals in (with Honours or Commendation for high
popular seaside resorts and post-industrial achievers).
towns, through to tertiary specialities in large,
urban teaching hospitals.Our Facilities 9
Our Facilities
Clinical Skills Centre
Our Clinical Skills Centre, full of ultra modern,
specialist equipment, provides a safe facility
for you to develop practical skills and gain
valuable experience.
Our teaching centres on mastering the
32 key practical skills set out by the GMC
and a range of physical examination skills so
that you are ready for that first day as a
junior doctor.
Q We have a variety of versatile teaching practise a wide range of procedural Q In our fully-equipped Self Directed
rooms, with audiovisual and computerised clinical skills Learning area you can practise what you
Q Our staff have developed E-learning
facilities that allow us to deliver everything have learned, gaining experience and
from communication skills to basic life confidence in your abilities in a safe,
modules to provide you with helpful
support, using realistic, anatomically- protected environment.
theoretical knowledge prior to a clinical
correct models to enable you to learn and
skills session
Simulation Centre
Assessing an acutely unwell patient,
monitoring vital signs, making and
implementing management decisions; this is
all part of life as a junior doctor. The
Simulation Centre provides a safe, supported
environment to enact out clinical scenarios.
We want you to feel prepared for your first
day as a junior doctor and to know how to
safely and calmly handle situations that arise.
Our state-of-the-art facility has four
simulation rooms and four teaching rooms.
Simulation rooms contain adult patient small group teaching is a key aspect of practice. There is time to discuss how
manikins in what looks, and feels, like a real teaching at the Centre. You and your group individuals can improve their performance
clinical setting. Strategically-placed cameras will come together at the end of a scenario next time and potential alternative
allow live play and video playback, enabling and a Tutor will facilitate a debriefing session. approaches, all of which will help you to be a
you and your peers to learn as both We apply a structured approach which better doctor.
participants and observers. Peer learning in highlights each performer’s good clinical
Anatomy Centre
Ask around and you'll discover that anatomy
is a widely popular subject amongst our
students, often one of the highlights of their
medical school career. As a Cardiff student,
you will be studying anatomy in our
impressive Cathays Campus Anatomy Centre,
laying the foundation for an exciting and
successful future in Medicine.
Anatomy is a key part of our Phase 1 medical
Biosciences curriculum and we specialise in small group
The School of Biosciences, close to the teaching led by clinical anatomists,
Students’ Union and city centre, provides a academics and clinical demonstrators from
welcoming environment for students. the School of Biosciences. Our range of
A recent £4m extension gives it its distinctive teaching methods, including dissection,
coloured hexagonal glass-front and, inside, prosection, body painting, e learning and
high quality teaching facilities. It also houses video tutorials, is designed to ensure that
the Learning and Teaching Resource Centre, your anatomy learning complements each
which stocks multiple copies of core text case or system as you explore it in your
books, numerous study rooms and a café. lectures and tutorials.10 Elective
Elective
Your final year Elective is often the highlight of a medical
student’s time at university. Develop a topic that interests you
and arrange your own project or work with one of Cardiff’s
partner institutions at home or abroad. We have links with
universities in Europe and Asia, although you may prefer to
arrange your own elective anywhere from Australia to Zambia.
To help you, we also have dedicated management teams, well
organised programmes and financial bursaries.
“Ca n y ou d o a n a ppe n dix?” ital,
ted with at the Juba Teaching hosp
One of the first comments I was gree
South Sudan.
lem.
with enthusiastic nods. “Ok no prob
My shake of the head was greeted nate ly the next one didn’t
the next one. ” Fortu
I show you this one and you do
ery team.
arrive until I had departed the surg
country,
of an elective in the world’s newest
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect Nee dles s to say, cond itions
famine and war.
only recently torn apart by years of ledg e acqu ired at
to use all the skills and know
were challenging and I was forced
of patients.
Cardiff in managing a wide variety
a unique
esting and demanding. I have had
My time at Juba was enjoyable, inter the expe rienc e I have gained
flict natio n and
insight into healthcare in a post-con
ing life in the UK.
I’m sure will be invaluable for my work
Richard Tho masElective 11
I wa s alway s int ere sted in pa ediat rics . . .
. . . and always wanted to visit Aust
ralia so an elective in Sydney was
My experience in the children's hosp ideal for me.
ital gave me the opportunity to beco
confident in dealing with common me more
paediatric presentations. This help
for my F1 rotation in paediatrics and ed prepare me
also reaffirmed my belief that I wou
career in paediatrics fulfilling. Bein ld find a
g in Australia also meant I was luck
have amazing adventures such as y enough to
climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge and
Cairns. Overall, it was a fantastic expe skydiving in
rience.
Rachel Debono
W hy di d I go on ele ctive in Chin a ?
elective programme with the Chinese
Cardiff has an excellent partnership
ives there so I could save on food
University of Hong Kong, I have relat
of all this the university offered me a
and accommodation and on top
bursary to go.
to
healthcare system? Patients have
What did you learn about China’s een gove rnme nt and
m is split betw
pay for their healthcare and the syste h caus es
“doc tor shop ” whic
private healthcare. The patients
made me appreciate how fortunate
inconsistency in their care. It really
we are to have the NHS.
dly
struggle as the staff were very frien
Placement was great, and I didn’t ent doct or
I got stuck into life as stud
and willing to translate. This meant twid dling my thum bs.
the backgrou nd
there and didn’t get left standing in re; Hon g Kong is a
rienc ing the cultu
No elective is complete without expe
culture, from visiting temples to
vibrant city packed full of Chinese
tseeing and sampling local foods,
attending the Bun Fight Festival, sigh !
e it all. I worked hard and played hard
I had the opportunity to experienc
Jess Law12 Beyond the Curriculum
Beyond the Curriculum
Expand your careers prospects and explore an area that
intrigues you . . .
Intercalated degrees Erasmus Student Selected
Q Spend a year on an academic course The Socrates Erasmus programme was set Components (SSCs)
before returning to Medicine up to encourage students to learn in different
Q Study something a bit different in a
SSCs are short projects which enable you to
countries and enjoy different cultures and
explore an area of Medicine in depth, and
medically-related field you enjoy languages. We have Erasmus agreements
from a different angle. We offer SSCs across
Q Expand your career prospects through
with medical schools across Europe and Asia,
all years of our MBBCh programme and there
meaning that you can choose to undertake a
additional qualifications are hundreds of SSCs from which to choose
12 week placement as part of your core
Q Choose from a selection of degrees studies and immerse yourself in the host
– previous projects have ranged from clinical
Q Approximately 100 students a year
research to forensic archaeology to
country’s culture at the same time.
connections between the Arts and health.
intercalate between years 3 and 4 or 4
Choose from an existing list of SSCs or or
and 5
Q Wide range of BScs offered within Cardiff
design your own – this is your chance to be
The opportunity to experience as creative or as focused as you like in your
University (pharmacology/genetics/ medical training and practice in studies, tailoring your degree to your own
psychology/medical education and many France will undoubtedly be one of particular interests and career aspirations.
more) the highlights of my time in
Q MRes in Biomedical Research also offered Cardiff. Exposure to the varying
Q Option to transfer to other universities in practices and approaches seen As well as a fantastic learning
the UK to undertake an intercalated across countries is essential in opportunity and experience to
degree
our ever-shrinking world and is work with talented individuals, I
Q Opportunity to research a subject in depth hugely valuable in informing and was able to present my project at
and develop the intellectual and practical
improving our practice with our several conferences and submit it
tools that every successful researcher
needs
own patients at home. All this into competitions. Cumulatively,
Q Enhances skills in evidence-based
goes without mentioning the widening access to opportunities
practice. varied and multiple opportunities and giving me a better insight
to enjoy the culture, language into Gynaecology as a career.
To find out more please contact Dr Hollie and cheap Muscadet! Catherine Morgan
Thomas, Director of the Intercalated Degree
Vive la France!
Programme: thomashv@cardiff.ac.uk
Rhiannon Watson,
Nantes
I thoroughly enjoyed my
intercalated year in Psychology.
I enjoyed doing something
My 3 months in Lisbon was
different for a year.
an unforgettable time. We got a
Final year student,
fascinating slice into being a
National Student Survey
medical student in Portugal. You
get to see a whole lot more,
although it is not as hands-on.
Not only do you get to stretch
your language skills (some
knowledge of Portuguese or
advanced Spanish is a must), but
also exercise your taste buds and
enjoy many day trips to the hot
beach. If you get the chance to
partake in this experience, take
it! Até já!
Thomas Gupta Jessop,
LisbonMBBCh Admissions 13
MBBCh Admissions
For full details please visit: www.cardiff.ac.uk/Medic
To be considered for entry onto the course
you should apply online via the UCAS website
using the UCAS Apply facility. To use this
facility you need to log on to:
www.ucas.ac.uk/apply The website will
provide you with information on how to apply
and explain the procedure. Applications must
be made by October 15th.
The aim of our selection process is to identify
those applicants who are best suited to
follow our medical programme successfully,
and who have the greatest potential to
embark on a productive career in the medical
profession. All applicants are assessed in two
broad areas: academic ability and potential;
and personal qualities appropriate for a
career in Medicine.
Underpinning these principles is a
commitment to ensuring that the selection
policy and its operation is open, equitable,
and applied fairly to all applicants.
Academic Requirements
To establish an applicant’s potential to cope
with the academic demands of the
programme, the initial assessment consists
of scoring applicants who have met the
specified minimum requirements according to Interviews Use of Contextual Data
their overall profile of academic performance
Applicants successful in both academic and Cardiff University School of Medicine is
in a breadth of subjects. Resit applications
non-academic assessments are invited for committed to widening access and welcomes
will only be considered in exceptional
interview. No offers are made without an applications from students of all
circumstances.
interview. Interviews, which will last backgrounds. The academic and non-
All applicants (other than those resident in approximately twenty minutes, take place academic attainment of a candidate will be
exempt countries) are required to take the during the period November – March, and no reviewed against school performance data
national UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) significance should be attached to whether and socioeconomic background to provide
during July – October in the year of the interview date is early or late within this admissions tutors with a more complete
application. There is no minimum UKCAT time frame. overview of an applicant’s attainment and
threshold; your UKCAT score will only be used potential. The School will consider this
When possible all attempts will be made to
in borderline cases. information in deciding whether or not to call
accommodate those whose first language is
a candidate for interview. It will not use this
Welsh by providing a Welsh speaking
information to make lower or differential
Non-Academic interview panel.
offers to any particular group of students. For
Requirements Interview panels typically comprise of three further information about contextual data and
Applicants successful at the first stage will be members and usually include a medical its use please see our web pages:
assessed, looking at their personal statement student from the senior years of the course. www.cardiff.ac.uk/applyingtocardiff
and reference. You should demonstrate: The purpose of the interview is to assess:
evidence of an understanding of medical Q Motivation and interest in studying
training and practice; a caring attitude Medicine and understanding the demands
towards people; the ability to communicate of medical training Had a fantastic six years at
Q A caring ethos and sense of social
effectively; a willingness to accept Cardiff University. I feel the
responsibility; evidence of team working; and quality of its teaching will enable
awareness and responsibility
broad interests. Please disclose anything that
Q Evidence of a balanced approach to life
me to not only be a proficient
may be problematic before you apply.
Q Interpersonal and communication skills
doctor but also a well-rounded
individual.
Student comment,
National Student Survey 201314 Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
A100 A101 A104
5 year Medicine programme 4 year Medicine programme (entry Foundation Year + 5 year Medicine
only for graduates of our recognised programme
feeder courses and dentists)
GCSEs B in Mathematics, B in English B in Mathematics, B in English B in Mathematics, B in English
Language, AA in Science and Additional Language. Language, AA in Science and Additional
Science, or AAB in three separate You must have at least a B in your Science, or AAB in three separate
sciences. Please note these are the English Language GCSE but we will sciences. Please note these are the
minimum and not the standard accept a higher grade in Welsh First minimum and not the standard
requirements. Language if you have one. requirements.
You must have at least a B in your (You still need at least a B in English You must have at least a B in your
English Language GCSE but we will Language though.) English Language GCSE but we will
accept a higher grade in Welsh First accept a higher grade in Welsh First
Language if you have one. Language if you have one.
(You still need at least a B in English (You still need at least a B in English
Language though.) Language though.)
A-Level/AS-Level AAA grades at A-Level. A-Levels must BBB grades at A-Level in any subjects If you haven’t taken enough Science to
include two subjects from Biology, acceptable to the feeder course you plan get into A100, you can be considered for
Chemistry, Physics and either to do first. General Studies is not the A104 course regardless of your
Mathematics or Statistics (but not both). accepted. subject combination.
One of these must be Biology or
Chemistry with A grade. If you take both
Biology and Chemistry you must get A’s
in both subjects. General Studies is not
accepted.
In addition to AAA at A2-Level, you
must also have a minimum of C grade
at AS-Level in an additional subject not
offered at A-Level.
Biology or Chemistry must be offered at
AS-Level with a grade A if not offered at
A-Level. Critical Thinking is only accepted
as a fourth AS-Level. Key Skills Level 3
in three subjects is an alternative to an
AS-Level.
Welsh Bacc This is worth an A at A2 equivalent but This is worth an A at A2 equivalent but
please look on our website for full details. please look on our website for full details.
International Bacc Please look on our website for details. Please look on our website for details.
Graduate entry You must have, or expect to achieve, a Offers are dependent on academic You must have, or expect to achieve, a
1st or 2(i) Hons Degree and in addition performance and subsequent non- 1st or 2(i) Hons Degree and in addition
have achieved a minimum of BBB at academic assessment for entry in to the have achieved a minimum of BBB at
A-Level and B in English/Welsh Language 4 year graduate entry programme from A-Level and B in English Language and
and B in Mathematics at GCSE. each of Cardiff University BSc Medical B in Mathematics at GCSE.
As a graduate, you should have either Pharmacology (UCAS Code B210), BSc You are required to sit the GAMSAT test
Chemistry and Biology at A2-Level or Biomedical Science (UCAS code BC97), not the UKCAT.
have studied a degree course that Bangor University’s Medical Sciences
provides a sufficient base in these BMedSci (UCAS code B100) and
sciences. University of South Wales BSc Medical
Sciences (UCAS Code B901).
You are required to sit the GAMSAT test
not the UKCAT. You are required to sit the GAMSAT test
not the UKCAT.
UKCAT You must sit the UKCAT test (unless you You do not need to sit the UKCAT test. You must sit the UKCAT test (unless you
are applying from a UKCAT-exempt are applying from a UKCAT-exempt
country). We do not have a minimum or country). We do not have a minimum or
cut off score. Your score will be looked cut off score. Your score will be looked
at only in the event of a ’tiebreak’ at only in the event of a ‘tiebreak’
situation, i.e. where we need to decide situation, i.e. where we need to decide
between two otherwise equal applicants. between two otherwise equal applicants.
continued on page 15Entry Requirements 15
A100 A101 A104
5 year Medicine programme 4 year Medicine programme (entry Foundation Year + 5 year Medicine
only for graduates of our recognised programme
feeder courses and dentists
Additional All applicants selected for interview All applicants selected for interview All applicants selected for interview
requirements must satisfy the requirements with must satisfy the requirements with must satisfy the requirements with
regard to health and be registered with regard to health and be registered with regard to health and be registered with
the National Disclosure and Barring the National Disclosure and Barring the National Disclosure and Barring
Service (Previously CRB). Service (Previously CRB). Service (Previously CRB).
Applicants who do not quite meet some Applicants who do not quite meet some Applicants who do not quite meet some
of the academic criteria may be invited of the academic criteria may be invited of the academic criteria may be invited
if their Personal Statement is of a if their Personal Statement is of a if their Personal Statement is of a
sufficiently high quality or there are sufficiently high quality or there are sufficiently high quality or there are
extenuating circumstances. extenuating circumstances. extenuating circumstances.
Other info You must be 18 on or before the first You must be 17 on or before the first
day of the course. Applications from day of the course. Entry is restricted to
those offering alternative/vocational/ applicants who cannot meet the
overseas qualifications (e.g. Access, requirements for entry to the 5-year
Vocational A-Level) are welcome, as are programme due to subject combinations
those who have combinations of or insufficient depth of learning.
qualifications or other relevant work/life
experience. Please visit our website for
further details.
Please see the admissions policy on our website if you require more details.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my
time at Cardiff. The level of
It's a career I'm incredibly I love the new facilities at
teaching has been of the highest
passionate about pursuing, so a Cardiff. It really looks like a top
standard and I have loved the
solid medical degree is a vital notch place to study. Cardiff is
course. Cardiff is a great place to
part of that - something I feel I'd as passionate about medicine as
study. Wales is a great place to
definitely obtain from Cardiff. I am.
have clinical experience.
Prospective medical student, 2013 Prospective medical student, 2013
Final year student,
National Student Survey 201316 The Medical Pharmacology BSc Programme
The Medical Pharmacology
BSc Programme (UCAS B210)
Medicines: How are they discovered & developed?
Why do we need them? What do they do & how do they work?
With medicines underpinning healthcare, our BSc programme aims to encourage and develop
your natural curiosity about how they work. As a student you will embark on a high quality, in
depth exploration of modern Medical Pharmacology, with specialised training in internationally-
recognised research laboratories. You will be taught by experts from a team of pharmacologists
and clinical pharmacologists. Throughout the course there is emphasis on providing you with
transferable skills such as data analysis and organisational and problem solving skills, making
your degree highly attractive to future employers.
Programme structure & content
B210 Programme
YEAR 1 YEAR 3 Entry Requirements
Module taken in common with the School Research-led specialist pharmacology
A-Level: Typical A2 offer: AAB to include
of Biosciences, where you will spend most topics including:
Chemistry and at least one other science
of your time, includes: Q Pharmacogenetics subject (preferably Biology but Physics,
Q Introduction to pharmacology Q Cardiovascular pharmacology Mathematics or Statistics are also
Q Drug therapeutics, toxicology & abuse Q Immunopharmacology appropriate). General Studies or Critical
Q Neuropharmacology
Thinking are not accepted. For
applicants offering two or more
YEAR 2 Q Plus an intensive medical research Mathematics and/or Statistic subjects at
Basic & clinical coverage of drugs in a laboratory-based research project A2 Level, only one will count towards
range of contexts, plus: You will be based fully on the Heath Park meeting the conditions of the offer.
Q Pharmacology-specific practical applied campus, working with active researchers WBQ: Typical offer to include Pass
skills Advanced Diploma plus grade A in
Q Pharmacology research techniques Chemistry and grade A in a second
Q You will be based mostly on the Heath science subject (preferably Biology, but
campus Physics, Mathematics or Statistics are
also appropriate).
INT BACC: Please look on our website
for details.
Other: Applications from those offering
alternative equivalent qualifications are
welcome.
A BSc degree in Medical Pharmacology from Cardiff University opens doors. As a graduate from
a leading Russell Group research institution, your skills and experience will mean that you are English and Maths must be at least
well placed for rewarding and challenging careers in the pharmaceutical industry, academia (for grade B if not offered at A Level.
research and teaching), governmental regulatory bodies, the healthcare sector and a range of For more information contact;
other professional career pathways. Dr Derek Lang, Admissions Tutor
Up to 10 BSc graduates of this programme a year may go on to become doctors by joining our email: langd@cardiff.ac.uk
4 year Graduate-Entry Medicine (UCAS: A101) programme following their BSc degree.
For 2014, pharmacology, together Studying BSc Medical Pharmacology was truly an unforgettable
with pharmacy (delivered by the experience. The programme is delivered by the highest quality teachers,
Pharmacy School in Cardiff), was ensuring you reach your potential to become the best you can be,
ranked number 1 in the UK in the providing you with the skills to understand (and for some, to help develop)
Guardian League Tables, with a
the medicines of the future. It sets a perfect foundation for any aspiring
Guardian score of 100 out of 100.
research scientist or a career in clinical medicine. Now, as a medical
Source: student, I apply my pharmacological knowledge on a daily basis to improve
www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/ my understanding of patient care.
2013/jun/04/university-guide- Thomas Mercer,
pharmacy-pharmacology Year 3 Medical Student (graduated with 1st Class Medical Pharmacology BSc in 2011)Meet the . . . 17
Meet the . . .
Teacher: Teacher: Graduate:
Dr Joseph Dr Lisa Bnar
Anderson Wallace Talabani
I am a specialist My name is Lisa I am recent graduate
registrar and Wallace and I’m a from Cardiff
honorary clinical Lecturer in the University. I loved
teacher in Neurology at the Department of Pharmacology. every moment at Cardiff so
University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. For many years I was a researcher, studying much that I decided to stay in Wales and
the molecular mechanisms that make drugs work as a junior doctor at Royal Glamorgan
Cardiff students . . . of abuse, like alcohol and cannabis, Hospital.
Rewarding, varied, challenging, innovative, addictive.
inspiring. Cardiff students . . .
Why do you teach undergraduates? are incredibly hard working, but also know
What do you enjoy the most about I loved investigating how these drugs exploit how to have a good time when exams are
teaching? the brains survival mechanisms, but I not in the way.
The most exciting thing about teaching is realised what I really enjoyed was explaining
watching students come to understand to students the theories behind how it all School of Medicine, what was it
something new, and become fascinated by happens. When I came to Cardiff from the really like?
it, wanting to know more, seeing things USA, I decided to make the switch from It’s a great place to train, which is why I
‘click’ in the student’s mind. Seeing basic science research to full-time teaching. chose to stay so close for my foundation
individual students improving over time is I now teach neuropharmacology to a pretty jobs. My placements have helped me to
rewarding, especially bumping into them on varied group that includes MBBCh students, prepare for the real world of being a doctor.
the wards as fully grown doctors! Medical Pharmacology and Biosciences My early years helped me to learn the
BSc Students. science behind medicine as well as the art
What do you like to see in your students? of interacting with patients, their families
I speak for all my colleagues when I say we What can your students expect from you? and other colleagues, which are things you
like to see students who are genuinely I think good teaching is the ability to continue to learn. The later years have
excited by a subject, and motivated to lead translate complex concepts into a series of helped me to prepare for my role as a junior
their own learning. This attitude in students simple, logical steps . . . with enthusiasm! doctor by getting me involved in the teams I
is what drives good teachers to go the I love it when students really begin to think have been attached to and provided with
extra mile. critically about a subject. They stop passively responsibility.
How have the new Heath Park campus absorbing facts and start seeking the
evidence for themselves, which makes their All Wales placements?
facilities changed /enhanced the way you One of my favourites has got to be the
teach? learning far more meaningful. I think this is
the advantage of the new C21 programme. Psychiatry placement I had up in Wrexham.
The size and number of rooms in the new When I first found out I was going to have
Cochrane Building on the Heath Park site What makes Cardiff stand out? my placement away from Cardiff I was
have made things possible that we could I think our students really benefit from being excited because I had heard from other
never do previously. We make use of the in Cardiff. It is an international city with all students how good they are, but I did not
clinical skills and simulations areas and the the trimmings, but with the local feel and expect it to be quite so good. The staff I was
video-conferencing facilities to deliver proud spirit of being in a small country. placed with were incredibly welcoming and
teaching across Wales and to carry out our As an immigrant, the Welsh people have made me feel part of the team. The team I
Neuroscience formative assessments, which warmly welcomed me and I am proud to call was attached to spent a lot of time teaching
are very popular with our students. We have Wales home. That said, Wales and, by me, which helped me develop a real
recently been trialling the use of the new extension, Cardiff University are by no appreciation for the specialty. I also loved
computer suites to deliver online means provincial. The new Heath Park living away, in accommodation provided by
examinations, reducing the heavy use of facilities are state-of-the-art. The Cochrane the hospital with other med students; it was
paper in examinations. Building is especially beautiful; I just wish like being back in Halls! I also really loved
Why do you like working for Cardiff my office was there! my neurology placement in the main
University? teaching hospital in Cardiff. We’re lucky to
What do you most enjoy about be sent all over Wales for placements (with
I enjoy working for Cardiff University and teaching here?
within the NHS in Wales because I am accommodation provided free of charge),
It may sound a cliché, but I love working at which means that in our spare time we can
surrounded by large teams of dedicated, Cardiff University because of its staff and
highly-skilled people who are friends as well explore the Welsh countryside, eg climbing
students. Their dedication and energy Mt Snowdon.
as colleagues. We have the facilities and combine to make the University intellectually
freedom to continually improve our teaching dynamic and rewarding; students are not What will you take away into working life?
programme and we are constantly delighted seen as empty vessels into which knowledge The experiences that I have had during my
by the stream of high quality students. is poured by all-knowing staff. time here will shape the kind of doctor I
Can you complete the following sentence: hope to be: seeing clinicians break bad
Can you complete the following sentence: news to patients and their relatives in an
‘I feel really proud . . .’ ‘I feel really proud . . .’
I felt really proud to have been awarded the honest but compassionate way; being
I am proud that the intelligence and taught by really busy clinicians who took the
Cardiff University School of Medicine experience of our students is acknowledged
Student Recommended Clinical Teacher time to explain a topic I was struggling to
and respected. This fosters a student- understand and having an academic
Award and the BMA Wales ‘Rising Star’ centred culture that produces confident
Award for my teaching contributions in clinician explain the results of their latest
learners. Our role as staff is to support you research and how it will impact on patient
2011-12. on the way, while acknowledging that the care.
journey is your own.18 Life Outside Medicine
Life Outside Medicine
First Responders
Cardiff Medics’ First Responders recruits
medical students in their 3rd Year or above to
train as Welsh Ambulance Service First
Responders, responding to ‘Category A’ 999
calls. Working as part of the Welsh
Ambulance Service, our aims are to deliver a
quality service to our local communities and
provide invaluable experience in Emergency
Medicine to our members. As a First
Responder, you will attend the most critical of
emergencies, from patients who have
collapsed in the street to those who are
having a heart attack in their home. Using
your training will provide the vital pre-hospital
care that could save someone’s life.
Teddy Bear Hospital
Teddy Bear Hospital Cardiff is a society that
Student life is not simply aims to reduce children’s fears of hospitals
dominated by university work and through play. We also offer medical students
socialising, I also discovered a fantastic opportunity to develop their
societies and of course the communication skills and interact with
university sports teams. Literally children aged 3-11 years old - helping
everyone to find the cuddly side of Medicine.
whatever interest a student has,
Working with local schools, after school clubs
there is a society to match it: and other groups we also aim to teach
from religious and political, to children about the body and their health,
cultural and performance. It’s using the fun medium of toys, small
amazing and a once in a life bandages, dressing up scrubs, and copious
time opportunity. amounts of glitter. Teddy Bear Hospital Cardiff
also supports our local hospital Noah’s Ark
Adam Curtis,
Children’s Hospital Charity, raising money by
Societies Officer 2012-2013
holding events such as cake sales, pub
quizzes and a Teddy Bear’s Picnic.
The Wilderness and
Expedition Society (WEMS)
Are you a bit of an adventurer? Like the great
outdoors? Or just want to take Medicine one
step further?
This is the ethos of WEMS – we aim to equip
our members with hands on, practical
teaching in the treatment of medical
emergencies in a remote setting, taught by
older medical students, doctors and guest
speakers, WEMS makes sitting in lecture
theatres a whole lot more interesting! Not
forgetting to put everything in context – we
regularly go on expeditions and treks.Life Outside Medicine 19
Medics Sport
Sport is available to all Cardiff students,
through University or Medics teams. This
gives students the opportunity to play sport at
university by fitting training sessions and
matches around hectic timetables and having
a more forgiving attitude when course
commitments clash. Medics teams also allow
students on healthcare subjects to “network”
with each other, and provide a stable pastoral
role, as older students have been there
already.
However, don’t underestimate us – we are
a competitive bunch by nature and we
make sure this is shown on the pitch, court
and field!
Heath RAG Cardiff University
Heath RAG raises money every year for Research Society
Cardiff’s healthcare-related charities – CUReS is a student-led society which aims to
Heath RAG 2013 hosted a whopping 15 foster and develop a passion for research among
fundraising events over two weeks, raising Cardiff medical students. Together with the
an incredible £4600 for two great causes, Academy of Medical Sciences’ INSPIRE programme and Cardiff
SKIP and Marrow. Events included Anaphylaxis Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CUROP) programme,
(the notorious and not-to-be missed medics review) and its CUReS coordinates a range of events and schemes to help
enjoyably messy after-party, the Big Gig, an students of all years develop and undertake an extended research
8 hour cyclothon in the University Hospital of project in an area of their interest. Cardiff students have an
Wales, the Three Peaks Stair Challenge (we excellent reputation for their achievements in research, with many
climbed a fairly ridiculous total of 110,880 attaining peer reviewed publications and national prizes in
steps) and numerous cake sales. Heath recognition of their work prior to graduation. You might not think
RAG is a great chance for everyone, research is for you, but this may change as your experience
whatever their talent, to get involved, raise broadens and you identify problems you’d like to solve while
some money and have an amazing time studying or on clinical placements. As a Cardiff student, you can
doing it. rest assured that support is available to help you seek the solution.
IHI Open School
Cardiff medical students are making a real
MedSoc difference to the NHS thanks to a simple
MedSoc is Cardiff’s student-led medical initiative developed through the Institute of
society. From supporting students and Healthcare Improvement Open School.
appraising the course curriculum to planning Co-ordinated through the IHI Open School’s
the best social events for student medics, chapter, students have been asking patients
MedSoc aims to provide you with the best “What can I do to improve your stay today?”
University experience, tailored to meet your and acting on their responses, which has
evolving needs. identified issues from adverse drug reactions
MedSoc represents students across all years to doctor-patient communication breakdown.
of the course, working closely with the School This idea has been so successful that the
of Medicine and organising activities to help School of Medicine sent three medical
you make some of those important decisions students to Orlando, Florida to present the
you face as a prospective doctor. work at the IHI National Forum in December
For more information, like “Cardiff MedSoc” 2012.
on Facebook.
This is just a taster of our student societies. For more go to: www.cardiffstudents.com/activities/You can also read
