Undergraduate School of Medicine - Entry 2020 www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine - Cardiff University
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Keep an eye on:
www.cardiff.ac.uk
Our Five-year MBBCh Programme
Q Cardiff has a fantastic, modern Q Award-winning teachers deliver high Q You’ll have plenty of opportunities
course with excellent facilities quality teaching in partnership with to tailor your course towards your
and patient contact from your the Schools of Biosciences, own interests
very first year Psychology and Social Sciences,
using state-of-the-art facilities and Q We’ll encourage you to travel abroad
Q Everything you learn prepares you cutting-edge techniques as part of your studies (although it’s
for the challenges ahead. We’re not compulsory)
particularly proud of our Case Based Q Clinical placements are across Wales
Learning, spiral curriculum and in hospitals, community medical Q Typical Offer: AAA at A-level
Harmonisation Year centres and general practices. You’ll
Q Frequent Open Days throughout
get to learn first-hand about medicine
the year.
in tiny villages, deprived inner cities
and everything in between
For more info go to: www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine/courses/undergraduate
Can’t find your answer in this brochure? Email: medadmissions@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 Taster 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
(e.g. residences, Students’ Union) as
well as the School of Medicine, while
a Medicine Taster 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
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine/courses/
The community spirit in Wales is like no other and you really get a
undergraduate/open-days
for Medicine Taster Days. feel for that on placement.
Rachel Price, medical studentWelcome 1
Welcome Contents
■ Cardiff: the University 3
■ Cardiff: the City 5
■ Cardiff University School
of Medicine 6
■ The MBBCh Programme 7
■ What Will I Learn? 8
■ Support Network 9
■ Learning and Teaching Methods 10
■ Our Facilities 11
■ Elective 12
■ A Flexible Curriculum 15
■ MBBCh Admissions 16
■ FAQs 18
■ What our students say . . . 19
■ Medical Pharmacology 20
■ Meet the . . . 21
■ Life Outside Medicine 22
Welcome to the School of Medicine, ■ Research 25
Cardiff University ■ Further Information 25
Our students tell us that our course delivers
what you want in a medical school: Important information.
Please read carefully.
◗ You have early patient contact, working
The University offers the information
with patients from Year One.
contained in this brochure as a guide only.
◗ Experience the challenges and rewards It does not constitute a contract and is not
of practising medicine in both urban binding on prospective students, students
and rural communities. Our unparalleled or the University. While the University makes
range of clinical opportunities and every effort to check the accuracy of the
placements will help you to make the factual content at the time of publication,
very best choice when you apply for some changes will inevitably occur in
your first job as a junior doctor. the interval between publication and
the academic year in which you apply.
◗ Up to 15% of your course can be tailored Good degree programmes will change in
to your interests. line with professional body requirements
◗ Your final (Harmonisation) year prepares and student demand, as well as research
you for a smooth transition to junior development. You should not therefore
doctor and our graduates report feeling rely solely on this brochure and should
visit the School of Medicine website
well-prepared for practice. Professor Stephen Riley (www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine) for up-to-date
Wales provides a rare balance between information concerning course content,
the fun of vibrant city living and accessible, accreditation and entry requirements for the
beautiful countryside. It is a great place relevant academic year when considering
to study and you can live life to the full applying to the University. We are also happy
with all that Cardiff University has to offer. to answer any questions you may ask by
post, telephone or email, or when you come
We look forward to meeting with you to Cardiff for an Open Day.
at one of our Open Days soon. Admissions Enquiries
School of Medicine If you are not able to access information
Professor Stephen Riley Cardiff University online please contact us:
Dean of Medical Education Neuadd Meirionnydd Email: enquiry@cardiff.ac.uk
Cardiff CF14 4YS
Tel: 029 2087 4455
UK
Your degree: Students admitted to Cardiff
Tel: +44 (0)29 2068 8113
University study for a Cardiff University degree.
+44 (0)29 2068 8073
Email: medadmissions@cardiff.ac.uk MEDIC/1018/11000Cardiff: the University 3
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk
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 look to the Home to over 30,000 students, with more
future. Our state-of-the-art facilities include than 5,000 from outside the EU, we are an Cardiff is a lovely and easy-
£200 million of investment across the inclusive university, with a good record for going city. The School of
University, including our Cathays Park widening access, increasing participation and Medicine gives all international
Campus, Heath Park Campus and Maindy welcoming applications irrespective of students great opportunities.
Campus, refurbishment of the libraries and background.
Giuseppe Masciopinto, medical student,
renovation of the Students’ Union. We have With an impressive array of resources, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore,
a beautiful central campus, modern facilities supportive student environment, tradition of Sede di Roma.
spread across the city, excellent academic excellence and extensive selection
accommodation, Wifi enabled libraries and of degree programmes, Cardiff is widely
one of the best Students’ Unions in the UK. acknowledged as Wales’ foremost university.Cardiff: the City 5
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk
www.visitcardiff.com
Cardiff: the City
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
students, who make up 10% of Cardiff’s The city centre is known for
population, to enjoy unique attractions, its nightlife and nothing beats
fantastic entertainment and quality shopping, the atmosphere when Wales are Cardiff is the UK’s second
all within easy walking distance. As a Cardiff playing rugby at home in the most affordable student city.
student, you have easy access to amazing
Principality Stadium. However,
sports facilities and entertainment to suit all Of the 35 cities surveyed,
tastes - from international cricket at Sophia
within little more than an hour
the average cost of living
Gardens and rugby at the Principality Stadium, you could be hiking in the Brecon
was lowest in Cardiff.
to Welsh National Opera performances, Beacons, surfing in the Gower or
listening to local bands on St Mary Street meeting friends in other cities Source:
or a night out in the Students’ Union. like Bristol or Swansea. NatWest Student Living Index 2018
Cardiff has the buzz and energy of a Dr Simon Thebault, Cardiff graduate
capital city and is in a fantastic location.
What I appreciate most
“Cardiff is a young, vibrant city. A blend of beautiful about Cardiff city, compared to
old architecture and new, cutting-edge developments. other student cities, is how
Cosmopolitan with a large student population.” affordable it is. Great housing is
located close to the campuses,
Daily Telegraph Guide to UK Universities
as well as the centre of the city.
Having the opportunity to live in
student-predominant areas
means that we have the
opportunity to eat out in student-
priced restaurants and go to
bars with fair prices!
Berenice Cunningham-Walker,
medical student
Walking along the River Taff
I often forget I’m in a city.
Tom Liddell-Lowe, medical student
Cardiff is one of the UK’s most successful retail centres6 Cardiff University School of Medicine
Cardiff University
School of Medicine
The course has a large
practical element so you get to
learn the really cool stuff from
the very beginning. It also allows
you to perfect your skills
throughout the course and be
confident on the job once you
graduate as a doctor.
Dr Julimar Abreu, Cardiff graduate
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, located at the The Students’ Union at the
education and patient care with world-class University Hospital of Wales, is well-resourced
Heath Park campus is here to
research and outstanding teaching facilities, with a lot to offer students. You will learn in our
in order to help you to become the very best purpose built teaching facilities and state-of- engage and support you during
doctor you can be. the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Centres, your journey through university.
study in our well-equipped interprofessional They provide Student Advice
library and socialise at the Student Union Hub Services regarding anything from
(dubbed The IV Lounge by our students). housing queries to academic
issues; over 250 societies and
sports clubs to be a part of; and
offer a wide range of social
spaces and events throughout
the year. There are specific
healthcare societies and sports
teams to cater for the busy
lifestyle of a Health Student as
well as all the activities and
opportunities that every student is
welcome to. Your time at Cardiff
and at the Heath will stay with
you long after you leave University
so let’s make it incredible!
Jennifer Kent – Vice President
Heath Park 2018-19,
Cardiff University Students’ UnionThe MBBCh Programme 7
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine
The MBBCh Programme
What programmes are there to study Medicine?
◗ 5 year undergraduate programme ◗ 6 year programme ◗ 4 year graduate entry programme
UCAS A100, requiring the appropriate UCAS A104, up to 16 places for UCAS A101, for up to 10 graduates of
science A-levels or equivalent. There are applicants with limited or no science each of our recognised feeder courses
approximately 270 places for Home and background, where we’ll bring you up only: BSc in Medical Pharmacology;
EU students and around 25 for to speed with a preliminary year. Biomedical Science (Cardiff University)
Overseas students. and Medical Sciences (University of
South Wales & Bangor University).
You can apply to join Year Two of the
A100 programme.
What will I learn?
Preliminary Programme
(UCAS A104)
In your preliminary year you will study in
a university environment and you can join
in many of the activities run by medical
student societies.
All students will take core chemistry and
biosciences modules and, additionally, an What’s Case Based
Introduction to Medical Sciences module to
help introduce you to the world of medicine. Learning (CBL)?
You will also be required to take mathematics
The first thing you need to know is that
modules if you do not have this subject at
CBL is a far more structured and supportive
A-level. These modules will ensure that you
learning style than Problem Based Learning.
can join Year One on an equal footing with
CBL is designed to give all students equal
other medical students. You will also have
learning opportunities and the very best
some optional choices and you can choose
teaching. Everything you learn will be what
from a range of science, language and
we see as useful and relevant, taught at the
humanities modules.
most appropriate points in your programme,
using the most appropriate facilities.
This learning is facilitated best in small
group teaching.
You’ll be presented with a case, around
which your teaching for the following week
or so will be based. For example, let’s say
the case involved a patient with a sporting
injury to his knee: in lectures you will learn
about the mechanisms of inflammation
and anti-inflammatory medications; in the
anatomy centre you’ll be examining 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.
What’s a spiral
curriculum?
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.8 What Will I Learn?
What Will I Learn on the
5 Year MBBCh Curriculum?
PHASE One: Core Science and Clinical Practice - Years One and Two
What is it all about? What will I do? Where will I be learning?
Your first semester in Year One, our ◗ Basic clinical sciences, such as ◗ You will study in the most appropriate
Platform for Clinical Sciences, orientates anatomy, biochemistry, physiology and facility for the type of learning required,
you to the basic sciences and aids your immunology are learnt in a range of meaning that your time will be split
transition to Higher Education. Following formats including workshops, lectures, between the clinically-focussed Heath
this, in Years One and Two you will learn practicals and cadaveric dissection. Park Campus and Bioscience facilities
basic and clinical science via the theme of ◗ Communication skills, learning how at Cathays Campus.
‘the Chronological Life Course.’ You will to take focused histories and explain
◗ You will also have regular NHS
explore the normal workings of the human diseases and treatment
placements. These clinical experience
body and start to recognise disease, ◗ Clinical skills, learning a range of days will allow you to see patients with
combining what you learn in our in-depth physical examinations, basic life conditions that you are exploring in your
basic science teaching sessions with what support and practical skills Case Based Learning groups, as well as
you see on clinical placements. You will use
◗ Behavioural and Social Sciences, meeting staff in a multidisciplinary
cases discussed in small groups (‘Case
such as Psychology and Sociology, environment.
Based Learning’ – see Page 7) to study
are areas that you will learn throughout
common clinical conditions that affect the programme
patients of different ages.
◗ Professionalism and Personal
Development workshops - doctors have
important roles as leaders and
respected members of society, and we
help you to learn about professionalism
in practice and develop as an individual.
Case Based Learning, with
its clinical placements, really
prepares you for the daily reality
of life on the wards.
Sarah Morgan, medical student
PHASE 2: Learning to Care - Years Three and Four
What is it all about? What will I do? Where will I be learning?
This part of your course concentrates ◗ You will learn the fundamentals of ◗ Most of your time will be spent on
on patient experiences of illness and excellent clinical care, such as clinical NHS and GP clinical placements
healthcare. It is designed to give you assessment, diagnosis, management across Wales
an excellent learning experience in and treatment of common diseases
◗ You will be in hospitals, GP practices
clinical settings, to make you the best
◗ Year Three focuses on common and community clinics
doctor you can be.
diseases in acute and chronic settings
◗ Your teaching block weeks are in
◗ Year Four's emphasis is on specialties University, preparing you for your
and you will spend time with a range clinical placement at the start and
of specialists such as obstetricians, consolidating your learning at the end
paediatricians, geriatricians and
◗ In Year Three you may have the option
psychiatrists
of following a Rural Education Route
◗ You will have teaching alongside based mostly in primary care in
your clinical placements, where the North and West Wales
fundamentals of good medical practice
Being on ‘away’ placements are covered, as well as the pathology,
◗ Through the Erasmus scheme, some
means you make friends you Year Four students spend time on
therapeutics, social sciences and ethics
otherwise might not have come clinical placement at one of our partner
relevant to your placement
institutions in Europe.
into contact with, so by the end
◗ As part of your Student Selected options
of the course everyone knows programme, you will also be able to
everyone, which makes it a really pursue a non-core topic that interests
friendly environment to be in. you in greater detail.
Dr Zoe Candlish, Cardiff graduateWhat will I learn? 9
Support
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine
HARMONISATION: Preparing for Practice - Year Five
What is it all about? What will I do? Where will I be learning?
Your final year as a Cardiff University ◗ Preparing for Practice addresses those ◗ Your Junior Student Assistantship and
medical student is designed to help you practical aspects of medicine that are Primary Care Attachment placements
to make a smooth transition into your role necessary to become a great doctor, e.g. are in Wales
as a Foundation Doctor (F1). Harmonisation communication, medical documentation ◗ Your elective can be in the UK or abroad
has four 7-8 week clinical placements and emergency patient management - it is your choice
separated by three shorter study blocks,
You will also undertake the following: ◗ Your Senior Student Assistantship
all designed to build your confidence,
◗ Junior Student Assistantship placement will usually be in the hospital
to allow you to practise clinical and
(clinical placement with a Consultant) where you will start your career as a
prescribing skills and to enhance your
doctor. If this is outside Wales we will
ability to work as part of a team. During ◗ Changing Practice (study block)
fit you in to a suitable placement in
this time you will use the My Progress ◗ Primary Care Attachment Wales and encourage you to spend
ePortfolio to record your learning. (clinical placement with a GP) time shadowing the outgoing F1 over
As the year progresses you will learn ◗ Your elective lets you experience the summer
to assume increasing responsibility for medicine in different cultural situations ◗ Your study blocks will be at the Heath
patient care. around the world Park Campus in Cardiff.
◗ In your Science and Practice module
you'll revisit some of the basic science
that underpins clinical medicine. You will
explore the uncertainties of medicine,
learn how to deal with stress and learn
more about what being a Foundation
Doctor involves
◗ Your Senior Student Assistantship
placement has you shadowing the
F1 whose shoes you will fill after
graduation, if you choose to stay in
Wales for your first job. This helps you
become comfortable with the people
and environment before you even start
your first day as a Foundation Doctor
here in Wales. This will help make that
daunting transition from student to
doctor both safer and more enjoyable.
Placement locations across Wales:
Red – Hospital Hubs
Green – General Practices
The Senior Student
Assistantship alleviated many of
the anxieties and fears that a new I am having a great time as
graduate faces. It isn’t always our an F1. It’s very busy but I am
medical knowledge but rather enjoying doing what I always
ward ‘know-how’ that matters. wanted to do.
Dr Yousef Ibrahim, Cardiff graduate Mustafa Abdimalik, Cardiff graduate
Support Network available through the School of Medicine.
You will be allocated a personal tutor who
you are well looked after when you are away
on placement, with support staff based at
Medicine can sometimes be demanding will be a great source of knowledge and each district general hospital in Wales. We
physically, mentally and emotionally and support to help you with your learning. try to ensure you have access to support and
we want to be there to help you through They will meet you regularly and be able to advice whenever you feel you might need it.
these moments. We will support you signpost you to specific support if you should
both academically and pastorally need it. Support for more personal issues is
throughout your training at Cardiff. provided through our medic support service. Medic Support kept everything
confidential and they tailored the
As a medical student you will not only have This provides support for those with personal
and health concerns and links with the wider
support to suit my needs.
access to the University Student Support
Centre but there is also specific support University support services. We also ensure Dr Jamie Plumb, Cardiff graduate10 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, Where will I go and How will I be assessed?
explain diseases and treatments, provide
support when patients are distressed and deal what will I do? Assessments at Cardiff are designed to be
fair and to support you as you learn. We'll
with more complex skills like breaking bad Wales offers you a breathtaking variety of
assess you at the most appropriate time,
news. You will attend workshops throughout clinical experiences that adds value to your
in the most relevant place, using actual
the course, consulting with actors trained to medical career. You’ll be on clinical
clinical examples. Our ‘single best answer’
behave as patients, receiving feedback and placement in hospitals, GP practices and
multiple choice-style question papers will
sometimes being filmed in order to review community clinics from your first year,
test your knowledge and our Integrated
your own performance. We are encouraging gradually going further afield for longer
Structured Clinical Examinations (ISCEs)
patients to be your teachers too. placements, with increasing responsibility as
will test your clinical skills, using real
PAL (Peer-Assisted Learning) is a highly part of a medical team. By your final year you
patients with real physical signs, as well
successful initiative which trains Year Five will be spending more time with your patients
as role players to assess your ability to
medical students to peer-tutor junior years than your books and will have experienced,
communicate with patients.
in clinical procedural skills. The PAL Scheme first-hand, what it means to provide medical
care across the spectrum - from GP practices Throughout your course we will award prizes
has been a great success, helping seniors
in farming communities or small hospitals in for the best academic performance and,
to gain experience in the teaching
popular seaside resorts and post-industrial at the end, you will be awarded the final
environment, while juniors develop their
towns, through to tertiary specialties in large, degree of MBBCh (with Honours or
skills and knowledge from more experienced
urban teaching hospitals. Commendation for high achievers).
colleagues who still recall what it feels like
to be tackling new skills.
CARER Rural Health Day
The School of Medicine is continually looking Rural Health Day gives all Year Two students
to enhance the student experience. The the opportunity to experience the excitement
Community and Rural Education Route and unique challenges rural practitioners
(CARER) gives some Year Three students the face on a daily basis. The Welsh Ambulance
opportunity to spend a whole year embedded Service simulates a serious road traffic
in a more rural community in Aberystwyth or accident in an isolated area, providing
Bangor. This will facilitate learning within a students with valuable experience in the
clinical team fully supported by Cardiff challenges emergency services face in rural
University and a local clinical educational communities. A variety of clinical and
supervisor. In addition we will be looking to communication skills are practised during
place some students for a whole year in the stimulating day. This taster provides a
North Wales in Year Three, Four or Five. rewarding glimpse into yet another option
Students studying within the Betsi Cadwaladr available for you in clinical practice.
University Health Board in North Wales
consistently report an excellent student
experience and this programme will seek to
build on this.Our Facilities 11
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine
Our Facilities
Clinical Skills Centre
Full of specialist equipment and models, ◗ Our staff have developed e-learning
the Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre modules to provide you with helpful
provides a safe facility for you to learn theoretical knowledge prior to a clinical
clinical skills and gain valuable experience. skills session
Our teaching centres on mastering the 32 key ◗ After timetabled sessions are over, you
practical skills set out by the GMC and a range can practise the skills in our fully-equipped
of physical examination skills so that you are Self Directed Learning area, gaining
ready for that first day as a junior doctor. experience and confidence in your abilities
in a safe, protected environment.
◗ We have a variety of versatile teaching
rooms, with audiovisual and computerised ◗ Most Wednesdays, during term time,
facilities that allow us to deliver everything one of the Clinical Skills Teaching team is
from communication skills to basic life available in the Self Directed Learning
support, using realistic, anatomically- Room. They are there to assist you with
correct models to enable you to learn the procedural skills that can take a little
and practise a wide range of procedural bit longer to master.
clinical skills
Simulation Centre
Assessing an acutely unwell patient, contain adult patient manikins in what looks,
monitoring vital signs, making and and feels, like a real clinical setting.
implementing management decisions;
Strategically-placed cameras allow live play
this is all part of life as a junior doctor.
and video playback, enabling you and your
The Simulation Centre provides a safe,
peers to learn as both participants and
supported environment to enact out clinical
observers. Peer learning in small group
scenarios. The hospital sites throughout
teaching is a key aspect of teaching at the
Wales also have simulation facilities which
Centre. Participants and observers will come
enables simulation teaching to occur
together at the end of a scenario and a Tutor
wherever you are based for your final year
facilitates a debriefing session. We apply a
clinical placements. We want you to feel
structured approach which highlights each
prepared for your first day as a junior doctor
performer’s good clinical practice. We take
and to know how to safely and calmly handle
time to discuss how individuals can improve
situations that arise.
their performance next time and potential
Our facility has four simulation rooms and alternative approaches, all of which will help
four teaching rooms. Simulation rooms you to be a better doctor.
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.
Biosciences Anatomy is a key part of our Phase 1 medical
The School of Biosciences, close to the curriculum and we specialise in small group
Students’ Union and the city centre, provides teaching led by clinical anatomists,
a welcoming environment for students. academics and clinical demonstrators from
Inside the modern building, with its distinctive the School of Biosciences. Our range of
coloured hexagonal glass-front, there teaching methods, including dissection,
has been a large investment into the prosection, body painting, e-learning and
refurbishment of facilities. This refurbishment video tutorials are designed to ensure that
includes numerous teaching areas, as well your anatomy learning complements each
as physiology and AV equipment. There is case or system as you explore it in your
also ample study space and a café. lectures, tutorials and placements.12 Elective
Elective
The final year elective is often a highlight of a medical
student’s time at university. You design an experience that
focuses on a topic area that interests you at a location
almost anywhere from Australia to Vietnam. We have links
with universities in Asia that can help to ensure a unique
experience. You will fund your own trip but we have staff to
help, 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
next one. ” Fortu
I show you this one and you do the
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 e acqu ired at
to use all the skills and knowledg
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
Dr Richard Tho mas, Cardiff grad uat eElective 13
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine
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.
Dr Rachel Debono, Cardiff graduate
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 stud ent
I got stuck into life as a
and willing to translate. This meant
didn’t get left stan ding in the background twiddling my
doctor there and
out experiencing the culture; Hong
thumbs. No elective is complete with les
Chinese culture, from visiting temp
Kong is a vibrant city packed full of sam pling loca l food s,
sightsee ing and
to attending the Bun Fight Festival, hard and play ed hard!
e it all. I work ed
I had the opportunity to experienc
Dr Jess Law, Cardiff gradu ate14
A Flexible Curriculum 15
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine
A Flexible Curriculum
Expand your career prospects and explore an area that
intrigues you . . . .
Intercalated degrees Erasmus
◗ Spend a year on an academic course The Socrates Erasmus programme was set My 3 months in Lisbon was
before returning to Medicine up to encourage students to learn in different an unforgettable time. We got a
◗ Study something a bit different in a countries and enjoy different cultures and fascinating slice into being a
medically-related field you enjoy languages. We currently have Erasmus medical student in Portugal.
agreements with medical schools across You get to see a whole lot more,
◗ Expand your career prospects through
Europe, meaning that you can choose to
additional qualifications although it is not as hands-on.
undertake a placement as part of your core
◗ Choose from a selection of degrees studies and immerse yourself in the host Not only do you get to stretch
◗ Approximately 100 students a year country’s culture at the same time. We hope your language skills (some
intercalate between Years Three and to be able to continue with the Erasmus knowledge of Portuguese or
Four, or Four and Five, subject to agreements after Brexit. advanced Spanish is a must),
academic performance but also exercise your taste buds
All students who participate in the Erasmus+
◗ Wide range of BScs offered within Programme are currently eligible to receive and enjoy many day trips to the
Cardiff University (Pharmacology/ an Erasmus+ grant. The grant is provided hot beach. If you get the chance
Emergency, Pre-hospital and by the British Council to help offset the to partake in this experience,
Immediate Care/Psychology/ additional costs of living and studying abroad. take it! Até já!
Medical Education and many more) Language doesn’t have to be a barrier as
Thomas Gupta Jessop,
◗ Option to transfer to other universities we organise intensive courses and language
medical student, Lisbon
in the UK to undertake an intercalated advisors who can help you learn or improve
degree upon existing languages.
◗ Opportunity to research a subject in The Global Opportunity Centre provides
depth and develop the intellectual and opportunities for you to study, work and
practical tools that every successful volunteer abroad during the summer holiday.
Gyda phwyslais cynnar ar
researcher needs These short-term placements last a minimum brofiadau clinigol mae C21 yn
◗ Enhances skills in evidence-based of three weeks and take place in a variety of gosod cleifion yn ganolog i’n
practice. locations around the world. Bursaries are haddysg Feddygol.
To find out more about eligibility provided to students to help cover the costs With an early emphasis on
and what you can do, please contact: of going abroad.
clinical experiences, C21 places
IntercalatedBSc@cardiff.ac.uk the patient at the centre of our
Student Selected medical education.
Intercalating in Physiology Components (SSCs) Gwenllian Rhys, medical student
was great fun and I loved the SSCs account for approximately 15% of
the medical curriculum and offer a range
extra challenge.
of project opportunities that enable you to
David Goulding, medical student explore an area of medicine in depth. The opportunity to experience
We offer SSCs across all five years of MBBCh medical training and practice in
and there are a range of projects, from clinical
France will undoubtedly be one of
research through to basic science plus
connections between the arts and health.
the highlights of my time in
You will have an opportunity to choose from Cardiff. Exposure to the varying
tutor-proposed SSCs or design your own practices and approaches seen
bespoke project – this is your chance to be across countries is essential in
extra creative and focused in your own our ever-shrinking world and is
studies, tailoring your degree to your own hugely valuable in informing and
particular interests and career aspirations.
improving our practice with our
own patients at home. All this
goes without mentioning the
varied and multiple opportunities
to enjoy the culture, language
and cheap Muscadet!
Vive la France!
Rhiannon Watson,
medical student, Nantes16 MBBCh Admissions
MBBCh Admissions
Applications Academic Entry Graduates
Requirements If you are applying for the A100 programme
with a degree you will need to have achieved
UCAS Codes To establish your potential to cope with
the minimum GCSE requirements outlined
the academic demands of our programme,
MBBCh Medicine the initial assessment consists of scoring
above. You will also need to have the
(Five year programme) A100 appropriate science qualifications at
performance in a range of subjects.
A-level with grades BBB/ABC. Offers will
MBBCh Medicine The minimum requirements at GCSE are be conditional on achieving at least a first
(with a preliminary year) A104 English Language 6 (B), Mathematics 6 (B), or upper second class honours degree.
either Double Award Science 66 (BB) or 66 Graduates who do not offer the appropriate
MBBCh Medicine
(BB) in Chemistry and Biology. science qualifications at A-level or beyond
(Four year Graduate Entry may be eligible to apply for the A104
Scheme via feeder streams) A101 Applicants receive a score based on their
programme. Applicants who have completed
best nine GCSE (or equivalent level) results.
a PhD, the minimum A-level requirement
This score will include the subjects
To be considered for entry onto one of our is BBC.
mentioned above. Post A-level applicants
degree programmes you should apply online receive additional credit for achieved A-levels.
via the UCAS website using the ‘UCAS Apply’ International Baccalaureate
facility. To use this facility you need to log on Welsh applicants are under-represented and
You will be expected to achieve 36 points
to www.ucas.ac.uk/apply. with qualification reform, it is recognised that
(excluding Theory of Knowledge and the
the selection process may disadvantage
Extended Essay). A minimum of 19 points
The website will provide you with information applicants from Secondary Schools in
must be achieved in the Higher Level
on how to apply and explains the UCAS Wales, so these applicants will be given
subjects made up of a score of 7, 6, 6
procedure. additional consideration.
points. Two sciences (from Chemistry,
The closing date for all applications each year For more detail about our GCSE scoring Biology, Physics and either Mathematics or
is 15th October. process please visit our website: Statistics, but not Mathematical Studies)
www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/ must be offered at Higher Level with the
The aim of our selection process is to identify
courses/2019/medicine-mbbch. score of 6 points being achieved in either
students who are best suited to follow our
Chemistry or Biology. Chemistry or Biology
medical programme successfully and who
have the greatest potential to embark on a A-level must be offered at Standard Level with a
score of 7 points, if not at Higher Level.
productive career in the medical profession. The typical A-level offer for the A100 course
We will assess you in two broad areas: is AAA grades which should include Chemistry
academic ability and potential; and personal and Biology. We also accept the Welsh Other
qualities appropriate for a career in medicine. Baccalaureate qualification in lieu of a Applications from those offering alternative
third A-level. General Studies and Critical equivalent/overseas qualifications are
The School of Medicine is committed to
Thinking are not acceptable. If your welcome. Information regarding such
ensuring that the selection process is open,
qualifications do not include both Chemistry requirements can be found on our website:
equitable and applied fairly to all applicants.
and Biology you may apply for the A104 www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/
We have a detailed Admissions Policy which
course. The requirements for A104 are applying/admissions-criteria/medicine.
can be viewed on our website at:
AAA at A-level.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine/courses/
undergraduate.MBBCh Admissions 17
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine
We do not have a minimum threshold score Additional Requirements
for the UKCAT, however the score may be
used as part of the assessment process. If you are successful in receiving an offer
you will be required to complete a health
Graduate Australian questionnaire and complete the Disclosure
and Barring Service process at the
Medical School Admissions ‘enhanced’ level.
Test (GAMSAT)
If you have completed or are committed Use of Contextual Data
to a degree you must sit the Graduate Cardiff University School of Medicine is
Australian Medical School Admissions Test committed to widening access and
(GAMSAT) for applications to A100 and welcomes applications from students of
A101 and your score must be available all backgrounds. The academic and
prior to an offer of interview. Your GAMSAT non-academic attainment of an applicant
score will contribute to the decision to will be reviewed against national educational
shortlist for interview. performance data and socio-economic
A101 Four year Graduate background, to provide admissions tutors with
Entry Scheme via feeder Non-Academic Entry a more complete overview of an applicant’s
attainment and potential. The School may
streams Requirements include Welsh Culture, Society and Welsh
There is a specific four year programme If you are successful at the first scoring stage Language qualifications as part of the
(A101) for applicants who are currently your personal statement and reference will assessment criteria. The School will consider
enrolled on to an official Feeder Stream then be assessed. The following attributes this information when deciding whether to
course within one of the following should be demonstrated: call a candidate for interview. It will not use
programmes: ◗ Insight into a career in Medicine this information to make lower or differential
◗ Evidence of experience and reflection offers to any particular group of students.
◗ BSc (Hons) Medical Pharmacology
in a caring environment For further information about contextual data
degree, School of Medicine,
and its use please visit the web pages:
Cardiff University (B210) ◗ Evidence and reflection of personal
www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/
responsibility
◗ BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences applying/contextual-data
degree, School of Biosciences, ◗ Evidence of a balanced approach to life
The School of Medicine welcomes
Cardiff University (BC97) ◗ Evidence of self-directed learning.
applications from the Step Up to University
◗ BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences degree, scheme. Applicants are required to let the
University of South Wales (B901)
Interviews scheme co-ordinators know that they will be
If you are successful in both academic and applying to study Medicine. They must meet
◗ BMedSci Medical Sciences degree, non-academic assessment then you will be the minimum entry requirements to receive
University of Bangor (B100) invited to attend a multiple mini interview. a guaranteed interview. These requirements
Applicants for the A101 graduate entry This will involve rotating around 9 stations are listed on our website:
scheme should have achieved the minimum in turn where each station will last 8 minutes. www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/
GCSE requirements outlined above, BBB or The interviews focus on exploring the applying/admissions-criteria
ABC at A-level and be on track to achieve personal qualities and attributes important
in developing good doctors. The interviews Applicants on the Step Up scheme will not
at least a first or upper second class be made lower or differential offers.
honours degree. will take place over a three week period
during December/January. No offers are
Applications Information
made without interview. If invited to interview, Admissions Contacts
Welsh-speaking applicants can request a For information on applying please contact
The number of applications per place is bilingual interview. a member of the Admissions Team:
normally around 10:1
Tel: 029 2068 8113
Email: medadmissions@cardiff.ac.uk
UK Clinical Aptitude Test www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine
(UKCAT)
For A100, A104 you will be required to
sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) Cardiff will always be in my
from July to October in the same year as heart. It's the school that opened University faculty and staff
application unless you have completed or its doors for me and I am proud are dynamic, engaging and
are committed to a degree. Some countries to be an alumnus of this enthusiastic about their
are exempt and you should speak to prestigious School. educational and pastoral roles.
UKCAT regarding this. Find out more
about the UKCAT by visiting the website Dr Agamemnon Pericleous, Dr Ronak Ved, Cardiff graduate
www.ukcat.ac.uk. Graduate applicants Cardiff graduate
for A104 must offer the UKCAT.18
FAQs
Does Cardiff accept transfers onto the I applied to Cardiff for Medicine last year
course? and didn’t get in. Can I reapply this time?
Transfers may be considered for Medical Yes, you can reapply as long as you meet
Pharmacology. Please contact the Admissions our minimum entry requirements for the
Tutor, Dr Derek Lang (LangD@cardiff.ac.uk) year you are applying. You will need a
for advice. current UKCAT/GAMSAT score. Your previous
application will not influence our decision
Transfers from outside of the UK will not be
on your current application.
considered. Transfers within the UK will be
considered on a case by case basis.
Please see the Admissions Policy
What is the minimum score required in on our website for more details.
an IELTS exam? www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine/
All medical programmes require an average courses/undergraduate
score of 7.0 or above (with a minimum of
7.0 in speaking, 6.5 in listening, 6.5 in
Do you accept resits? reading and 6.5 in writing).
For Medical Pharmacology, Yes.
For Medicine, we will consider Certified
GCSE resit results but only if they are
completed within 12 months of the first
Postgraduate foundation training graduates on a competitive basis.
sitting. Resits for those whose A-levels
and beyond All suitably qualified UK graduates have
have been completed, and the grades
At the end of the undergraduate found a place on the Foundation Year
awarded, will only be considered in
programme you will receive your MBBCH One programme, but this cannot be
exceptional circumstances. All extenuating
(or equivalent) degree, which is a primary guaranteed, for instance if there were to
circumstances are viewed on a case by
medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a be an increased number of competitive
case basis by the Admissions Group.
PMQ entitles you to provisional registration applications from non-UK graduates.
Does Cardiff University School of with the General Medical Council, subject Successful completion of the Foundation
Medicine accept applications for to its acceptance that there are no Year One programme is normally achieved
deferred entry? Fitness to Practise concerns that need within 12 months and is marked by the
Yes, and please make this clear on your consideration. The GMC has decided to award of a Certificate of Experience.
application form when you submit it. introduce a Medical Licensing Assessment You will then be eligible to apply for full
We cannot guarantee to accept later decisions – the MLA - from 2022 to demonstrate registration with the General Medical
to defer once an offer has been made. that those who obtain registration with a Council. You need full registration with
licence to practise medicine in the UK a licence to practise for unsupervised
What does Cardiff University School meet a common threshold for safe medical practice in the NHS or private
of Medicine think of a gap year? practice. Applicants should be aware practice in the UK.
that to obtain registration with a licence
We welcome a constructive gap year as it Although this information is currently
to practise, medical students will need
gives you an opportunity to travel, gain work correct, students need to be aware
to pass both parts of the MLA, pass
experience or carry out charity work etc. that regulations in this area may change
We recognise that a gap year can broaden university finals and demonstrate their
from time to time.
your skills and experience. A gap year is fitness to practise.
There is some discussion about whether
not compulsory. The MLA will be in two parts: there will be
to remove provisional registration for newly
a knowledge test, which will be set and run
I can’t find the answers to my questions qualified doctors. If this happens then UK
by the GMC, and an assessment, delivered
in this brochure where should I look now? graduates will receive full registration as
by medical schools, that will evaluate
soon as they have successfully completed
Our Admissions Policy is a good place to students’ clinical and professional skills.
an MBBCH (or equivalent) degree. It
start as it is much more detailed than this Provisional registration is time limited to should be noted that it is very likely that
brochure in relation to the policies and a maximum of three years and 30 days UK graduates will still need to apply for a
procedures around applying. The Admissions (1125 days in total). After this time period training programme similar to the current
Policy can be found easily on our website: your provisional registration will normally Foundation Programme and that places
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine/ expire. Provisionally registered doctors on this programme may not be guaranteed
courses/undergraduate can only practise in approved Foundation for every UK graduate.
Year One posts: the law does not allow
provisionally registered doctors to
I have always felt welcome undertake any other type of work. To
among staff, who value me for obtain a Foundation Year One post you will
who I am. I cannot recommend need to apply during the final year of your
undergraduate programme through the UK
Cardiff highly enough.
Foundation Programme Office selection
Dr Helen Iliff, Cardiff graduate scheme, which allocates these posts toWhat our students say . . . 19
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine
What our students say . . .
Rucira Ooi Luke Morgan
Year Five medical student Year Three medical student
What do you think of C21? Is CBL an effective and supportive
I’m really glad I came here. C21 has a learning style?
holistic, practical approach, with CBL CBL is the perfect balance of facilitated
covering the anatomy, physiology, learning and being given the responsibility to
pharmacology, plan of management, learn in-depth areas of particular personal
sociology and treatment of your patient. We also had early clinical interest. Having a safe environment to get a range of views
exposure right from 1st Year, with ample time to practise, so we on a case and be able to question preconceptions is hugely
aren’t thrown into the deep end in our later years. beneficial to creating a well-rounded doctor. Bringing the theory
back to a patient keeps the learning grounded in a patient
Do you have any advice for future medical students? centred, integrated approach to medicine.
Be bold and confident. With the medical school’s outstanding
What’s the best thing about living in Cardiff?
support, approachable staff and endless opportunities, I can
Cardiff is idyllic! It has the many perks of a capital city, such as
assure you that you have all you need to achieve your greatest
world-class sport and fantastic cultural facilities, while still being
potential. When I started I would blend into the background,
small enough to walk pretty much anywhere. Having Bute Park so
but in my 3rd year alone, I completed a closed-loop audit and close to the university and the city centre is perfect for both BBQs
three audits, presented at four conferences and spearheaded and sport on warm summer days or mass snowball fights during
the Surgical Society’s Biennial Undergraduate Surgical Exchange the winter!
Conference, with the help of my committee members. I was also a
part of MedDay 2016/17, fundraising for Bobath, a charity aiding What are the benefits to having a MedSoc family?
children with cerebral palsy. MedSoc families provide fantastic opportunities to get to know
students from other years and get involved in a variety of projects.
What’s the best thing about living here? As well as being there for a great night out, families support each
Welsh culture is so welcoming - people here are friendly and other when the going gets tough as they are very easy to talk to
always smiling. Cardiff is one of the more student-friendly cities and are able to give some of the best inside tips.
and good accommodation can be under £300 a month.
Thomas Grother Tilly Ellis
Year Four medical student Year Five medical student
Why Intercalate? What’s the best thing about living here?
Cardiff provide a number of Intercalation I love Cardiff being a small capital city. It has
options for third and fourth year students, everything you could possibly want, so much
it gives you the opportunity to study a topic variety and everything in walking distance.
you find interesting, in greater depth. I Beautiful parks provide the perfect excuse to
applied for the Medical Education course because the modules escape into nature. A little further afield are gorgeous beaches,
were applicable to my future ambitions. I was successful in my Brecon Beacons National Park and lots more. I can’t imagine
application, and I am excited to start in the autumn. going to university anywhere else and hope to stay in Wales after
I graduate.
What do you think of CBL?
I find CBL to be a perfect mix of PBL and traditional learning. How beneficial is a spiral curriculum?
Each fortnight a case group of roughly 12 discuss a ‘patient’ and Remembering everything is impossible so revisiting a topic
explore topics around the case. A case facilitator supports the multiple times during your studies is invaluable. As well as
group and helps keep you on track to ensure you achieve all consolidating your memory, you can build on your knowledge in
learning outcomes within the fortnight. These fortnight blocks also that area, adding detail you may not have understood earlier.
include plenaries, anatomy centre sessions and placements.
Is CBL an effective & supportive learning style?
Many groups rename CBL to ‘Cake’ based learning, as they have
I would definitely not know as much as I do now if I’d had 9-5
a rota for someone to bring in cake each session.
lectures. I cannot praise CBL enough and absolutely love this style
What are the benefits to having a Cardiff MedSoc family? of learning. Practicals, small groups, lectures and placements
When you arrive at Cardiff, you will be paired with another first support the cases perfectly and so much clinical experience,
year medical student, and two second year medical students to so early on, is amazing. I don’t think there is any better way to
form a ‘Medic Family’. During the first week of studies, your remember and consolidate information than teaching someone
parents take you on a tour of the University and provide a great else what you have learnt - CBL is perfect for this.
opportunity to answer any questions you have. Many Medic
families stay in touch during their time in Cardiff, I’m looking
forward to meeting my great-grandchildren in September!20 The Medical Pharmacology BSc Programme
The Medical Pharmacology
BSc Programme (UCAS B210)
3 year (or 4 years, to include the Professional Placement) undergraduate course
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.
Each year up to 10 places are available on the 4 year Graduate Entry Medicine (UCAS
A101) scheme, allowing graduates of this BSc programme to go on to become doctors. B210 Programme
Entry Requirements
Programme structure & content A-level: Typical offer: AAB to include
Chemistry and at least one other science
YEAR ONE YEAR THREE – Optional subject (preferably Biology but Physics,
Mathematics or Statistics are also
Underpinning modules taken in common Professional Placement Year (PPY) appropriate). General Studies or Critical
with the School of Biosciences, where you An extended period in a working Thinking are not accepted. Only one
will spend most of your time, provide industrial/academic environment gaining Mathematics or Statistics subject may
knowledge of physiology, anatomy and invaluable employability skills. Entry to be included in meeting the conditions of
biochemistry. A flagship module provides the PPY is offered once on the BSc the offer. Applicants undertaking science
specific information on: course and not directly via UCAS. A-levels where a separate practical
◗ Foundations & Principles of assessment is reported, will require a
Pharmacology. FINAL YEAR pass in this element.
Research-led specialist pharmacology
YEAR TWO WBA: Typical offer: AAB to include
topics including:
A-level Chemistry plus another Science
Basic & clinical coverage of drugs and their ◗ Pharmacogenetics subject* and the Welsh Baccalaureate
actions in a wide range of contexts, plus: ◗ Cardiovascular pharmacology Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate
◗ Pharmacology-specific practical ◗ Immunopharmacology (WBA).
applied skills ◗ Neuropharmacology
* from Biology, Physics, Mathematics or
◗ Pharmacology research techniques ◗ Cancer Biology Statistics.
◗ Clinical Anatomy ◗ Drug Development and Therapeutics
You will be based almost entirely on the ◗ Plus an intensive medical research IB: Please look on our website for details.
Heath campus. laboratory-based research project. Other: Applications from those offering
You will be based fully on the Heath Park alternative equivalent qualifications are
campus, working with active researchers. welcome.
English Language and Maths GCSE
A BSc degree in Medical Pharmacology from Cardiff University is a valuable commodity. As a must be at least grade B if not offered
graduate from a leading Russell Group research institution, your skills and experience will mean at A-level.
that you are well placed for rewarding and challenging careers in the pharmaceutical industry, For more information contact;
academia (for research and teaching), governmental regulatory bodies, the healthcare sector Dr Derek Lang, Admissions Tutor
and a range of other professional career pathways e.g. patent law. email: langd@cardiff.ac.uk
Studying pharmacology at Cardiff has been a fantastic experience
Medical Pharmacology for me. I have found the teaching and pastoral support to be excellent
ranked 10th in the and the course has provided me with all the necessary skills that are
needed to pursue a career in research or in a medical field. The course
UK in the Complete entails a mixture of hands-on practical classes, lectures and group work
University Guide 2019 seminars that help to build a really cohesive learning environment. I have
with an overall score thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Cardiff University and definitely
recommend the course!
of 97.
Zoe Boreham, Medical Pharmacology graduateYou can also read