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Studying at Anglia Ruskin Medical School

Overview

Anglia Ruskin University opened their medical school’s doors in September 2018. As one of the newer medical schools you’ll benefit from modern, cutting edge facilities including a full cadaveric dissection suite. The course is based in Chelmsford, Essex with access to five acute care providers and tertiary units, including the St Andrew’s Centre for Plastic Surgery and Burns and the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre.

Table of Contents

ARU use just the UCAT to shortlist candidates for interview, providing you have met the minimum academic requirements. This makes it an ideal choice for students who have lower GCSEs or prior academic performance but perform well in the UCAT. Their previous cut-off scores sit around the mid-2400s so if you exceed this score there is a good chance you’ll receive an interview invite!

For more information on the UCAT, check out our guide on What is UCAT.

Key Points

  • New Medical School
  • Campus University
  • Optional Intercalation
  • Integrated Teaching Style

Insider’s Guide to Anglia Ruskin Medical School from Fatimah Khan, Anglia Ruskin Medical Student

What makes ARU unique to other medical schools?

There’s a real sense of community and supportiveness at ARU, as they only have 100 students in each year, which is significantly less compared to other universities. Hence, you will get to know everybody on your course very well and you will be able to get more individual time and support with your teachers. Additionally, they are one of very few universities to offer Thiel embalmed full body dissections.

Course Structure at Anglia Ruskin Medical School

Year 1 at Anglia Ruskin Medical School

The course structure at ARU is systems based for the first 3 years. In year 1 you will cover the basic principles of medicine, the Cardiovascular system, the Respiratory system and the Gastrointestinal system. You will cover the anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, embryology etc for each system.

There is also a student selected component, which involves researching a topic of your choice and writing a literature review about it. As well as, writing a few reflective pieces and carrying out tasks such as clerking patients.

In terms of clinical exposure you will have weekly hospital placements from the end of November. You will have 1 week of GP placement in total. Just before summer you will have a 2 week hospital placement in a variety of specialities.

Year 2 at Anglia Ruskin Medical School

Year 2 follows a similar structure to year 1, but instead you will cover the Renal, Endocrine, MSK, Child & Family, Otolaryngology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology systems. Again, this will be mainly lecture based learning with the addition of dissections, lab work and clinical skills.

There is a student selected component, as well as a 5 week hospital placement which will take place in February.

Year 3 at Anglia Ruskin Medical School

The first half of year 3 follows a similar structure to the previous years, and you will cover the Reproductive and sexual health, Psychiatry, Haematology and Neurology systems.

The second half of year 3 is when you begin clinical placements. You will undergo four 12-week rotations which finish at the end of year 4. Here, the focus is on the spiral curriculum which focuses on consolidating and adding to your knowledge from previous years with information you’re learning from clinical settings.

Year 4 at Anglia Ruskin Medical School

The final two years are strongly focused on practical experience and preparing you to work as a junior doctor. The learning approach in year 4 is mainly case based so that you can consolidate all the knowledge and skills you have learnt in previous years. There is also a student selected component.

Year 5 at Anglia Ruskin Medical School

The focus in year 5 is mainly on holistic care and undifferentiated presentations. You will gain further experience in preparing for the role of a junior doctor by undertaking foundation assistantship teaching blocks such as general practice, medicine and surgery.

Teaching Style at Anglia Ruskin Medical School

What is the general teaching style at ARU? E.g. is it PBL/Traditional? etc.

ARU uses an integrated teaching style. It is predominantly lecture based, but also includes tutorials, placements and clinical skills sessions. They follow a spiral curriculum – so you are always building on previous knowledge, and you revisit topics in later years to consolidate your learning.

Does ARU offer dissection?

Yes, full-body dissections are done from Years 1-3. Based on the system you are currently learning you will dissect the relevant areas/organs. These are carried out in small groups of around 6 students every week. You work through a PowerPoint and follow the instructions, and there is staff present who help and teach you whilst you’re doing it. In addition to the anatomy lectures, demonstrational videos are available beforehand as pre-reading work so you will have a good idea of what the session entails.

Does ARU offer a BSc? If so, how is the BSc year?

Yes, a BSc is offered between years 3 and 4 of the course and it is optional. You could do this at ARU or at a different university. A BSc gives you the opportunity to research an area of your interest in depth, whilst broadening your skills and knowledge. It does involve a considerable amount of independent studying.

What is the pre-clinical / clinical split like? Do you get early clinical exposure?

As it is an integrated course, there is not a distinct pre-clinical / clinical split. Instead, you will be learning both the theory and its clinical applications from Year 1. For example, you will learn about the Respiratory system and all of the scientific theory (anatomy, biochemistry, pathology etc.) as well as the clinical presentations and management for respiratory conditions. You will also cover respiratory examinations and histories in clinical skills. From the end of year 3 onwards there is a greater focus on the clinical side of medicine, and you will consolidate your learning mainly through placements.

There is very early clinical exposure from November of Year 1, where you will start weekly hospital placements. These will be in the area you are currently studying e.g. respiratory ward when you’re studying the respiratory system. This is a great way to visualise and put into practise what you have been learning. It also prepares you very well for OSCE examinations as you will practise lots of histories and exams with patients. In year 2 there is a 5-week block placement, and from the middle of third year till year 5 you will be on placement full time.

You will also get some exposure with GP placements throughout the course. Additionally, every week there are clinical skills sessions where you learn to take histories, do examinations and learn procedures such as taking bloods etc.

Social Life at Anglia Ruskin Medical School

What are the clubs and societies like?

ARU has 4 separate campuses – for medicine you will be studying on the Chelmsford campus in Essex. Due to this the social life is slightly limited as there aren’t many people. However, there are many clubs and societies available, and there are lots of events which are held throughout the year so there’s plenty to get involved in. New societies are constantly being created – so if you feel that there is something missing there is the opportunity to make your own.

What is the social life like?

Chelmsford is quite a small and quiet city so there is not much to do. However, London is only 30 minutes away by train so you can always enjoy the social life there.

FAQs

→What courses does Anglia Ruskin Medical School offer?

Anglia Ruskin Medical School offers a variety of courses including Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Physician Associate Studies, and Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Education.

→How long is the MBBS course at Anglia Ruskin Medical School?

The MBBS course at Anglia Ruskin Medical School is five years long, including a foundation year.

→What are the entry requirements for the MBBS course at Anglia Ruskin Medical School?

The entry requirements for the MBBS course at Anglia Ruskin Medical School include a minimum of three A-levels at grades AAA or above, including Biology and Chemistry, or equivalent qualifications. Candidates also need to pass the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT).

→What is the student experience like at Anglia Ruskin Medical School?

The student experience at Anglia Ruskin Medical School is highly rated, with small class sizes and a supportive community of staff and students. Students have opportunities to engage in research and clinical placements, as well as extracurricular activities.

→What career opportunities are available to graduates of Anglia Ruskin Medical School?

Graduates of Anglia Ruskin Medical School have a range of career opportunities available to them, including working as a doctor or physician associate in the NHS or private healthcare sector, pursuing academic or research careers, or working in related fields such as public health or medical education.

Frequently Asked Question

→What courses does Anglia Ruskin Medical School offer?

Anglia Ruskin Medical School offers a variety of courses including Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Physician Associate Studies, and Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Education.

→How long is the MBBS course at Anglia Ruskin Medical School?

The MBBS course at Anglia Ruskin Medical School is five years long, including a foundation year.

→What are the entry requirements for the MBBS course at Anglia Ruskin Medical School?

The entry requirements for the MBBS course at Anglia Ruskin Medical School include a minimum of three A-levels at grades AAA or above, including Biology and Chemistry, or equivalent qualifications. Candidates also need to pass the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT).

→What is the student experience like at Anglia Ruskin Medical School?

The student experience at Anglia Ruskin Medical School is highly rated, with small class sizes and a supportive community of staff and students. Students have opportunities to engage in research and clinical placements, as well as extracurricular activities.

→What career opportunities are available to graduates of Anglia Ruskin Medical School?

Graduates of Anglia Ruskin Medical School have a range of career opportunities available to them, including working as a doctor or physician associate in the NHS or private healthcare sector, pursuing academic or research careers, or working in related fields such as public health or medical education.

About the university

Key Information
Email [email protected]
Phone number 01245 686868
Course Information
Teaching style Integrated
There are several phases to the curriculum:
Phase 1 (year 1) focuses on pre-clinical science and relating this to clinical work in a systems-based approach. You'll also have the chance to do full body dissection as part of anatomy teaching.
Phase 2 (years 2+3) has a further 10 systems blocks plus the start of the transition to clinical work.
Phase 3 (years 4+5) take case-base learning approaches during your clinical years.
Course length 5 years
Courses offered 1 course offered:
A100 Standard-Entry Medicine - 5 years
Graduate entry No
Foundation or access No
However, students studying BSc Medical Science, Biomedical Science or Optometry at ARU can apply through an internal transfer scheme.
University Life
Local area Chelmsford, Essex
The medical school is based at ARU's Chelmsford campus. The modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter. Chelmsford is a relatively small city but there is still plenty to do. London is only 40 minutes away by train, so you can easily access everything the capital has to offer as well.
Social life Most first year students live in the Student Village - a great place to make new friends! It's also ideally located so you're only ever a few minutes away from your lectures, libraries, clubs and the Student Union. The centre of Chelmsford is also only a short walk away. Despite being such a new medical school ARU have a number of societies (including medicine specific ones) to get involved in.
Interview
Interview style MMI
6 stations each lasting 6 minutes
Interview dates Dec-Jan
Admissions Tests
UCAT UCAT Required
Students who meet the minimum academic entry requirements will be ranked on their UCAT score, with additional shortlisting points for living or studying in the East of England region, with further points for being in Essex.
Anglia Ruskin don't have a formal cut-off but do rank applicants by UCAT when deciding the interview shortlist. Candidates with a Band 4 in SJT will not be invited to interview.
GAMSAT N/A
Academic Requirements
GCSE GCSEs
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A*-B (9-6) required including English Language, Maths and two science subjects.
A-level AAA
AAA at A Level taken within two academic years prior to the time of application, to include Chemistry or Biology and one of either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. For the third A Level*, please note that we do not accept General Studies and Critical Thinking. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element. Applicants who meet the criteria of our Widening Access to Medicine Scheme are eligible for a lower entry requirement of ABB.
Scottish Advanced/Highers AAAAA
AAAAA at Higher Grade including Biology and/or Chemistry and another science subject. We also require National 5 Grade B or above or GCSE grade B (5) or above in English Language, two science subjects and Maths.
IB 36 points
A minimum of 36 points is accepted. 666 at Higher Level in Biology and/or Chemistry plus one other science and including Mathematics or English.
Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) 2:1 Honours degree
Minimum 2:1 honours degree awarded within the last five years. The degree must be in a biological, biomedical, chemistry or health science subject.
Statistics
Number of applicants per interview Home: 3
Number of applicants per place Home: 15
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366 Comments

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

5 September 2021

Hello
Im a graduate in biomedical degree and received a 2.1, I wanted to ask if I meet the minimum entry requirements for an offer for medicine.
I have 2.1 in biomedical sciences degree, with 5 or 8 gcses at B including maths and sciences however my english gcses(literature and language) stand at a grade C.
My question, is would I be considered with these grades.

Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor

7 September 2021

Graduates are required to meet the same GCSE requirements as other applicants (5 GCSEs at A*-B), if you meet these requirements your application should be considered. Any specific questions about your circumstances should be directed directly to the medical school admissions team as they’ll be best placed to help.

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

6 September 2021

Thank you very much! Very helpful.

MikeMedic Mind Tutor

22 September 2021

“For 2021 entry the lowest interviewed score was 2410.”, so does this mean anyone with a score above 2410 who applied got an interview?

Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor

24 September 2021

Hi Mike, Anglia Ruskin don’t have a formal cut-off so this doesn’t mean everyone with a score >2410 was interviewed. All interviewed applicants will have met the minimum academic requirement and additional points were added to those living in the local area. However, the data does show us that based on their shortlisting processes scores below that rough mark have smaller chances of receiving an interview. Although please do exercise caution as the data obviously changes year-on-year and the scores will change each cycle.

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

22 September 2021

Hello, I revived BBC at A level In maths,biology and chemistry. I am studying nursing and would like to apply to medicine at aru. I understand the criteria is BBB minimum for a levels under the widening participation however if I had a good UKCAT would I be accepted to interview? Or because of my A level grades would I be rejected.

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

14 October 2021

The requirements are ABB I believe. If you’re retaking a levels that’s fine. If you’re not your gonna have to complete your degree and get a 2:1 (from my memory)

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

27 September 2021

Hi! I’m planning on applying to Anglia Ruskin as a graduate with a 1st in Biomedial Sciences. Would I meet the cut off with a UCAT score of 2630 B2? I heard the cut off for graduates was 2610 last year so wanted to ask if it would increase/decrease? Thank you

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

30 September 2021

Hi, I am a graduate with a 2.1 in Chemistry. I meet the GCSE requirements but I only got BBC at a-level. would my application still be considered?

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

5 December 2021

i’m so scared for gcses, im reasearching med school requirements and im freaking out

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

11 December 2021

Hi
Once interviews are given out, are offers made purely based on interview performance? Or do you look at ucat/gcses/predicted grades as well when deciding who to give offers to? I’m asking because I heard some unis like norwich give out offers based on 50% interview performance and 50% ucat score.

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

21 June 2023

Do Graduates have to meet the same A-Level Requirements as the other applicants?

Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor

26 June 2023

As far as I know, no. However grads do need to meet minimum GCSE requirements.