University of Bristol (Gateway to Medicine)
Bristol Medical School dates back to 1737, where training was given to those working at Bristol Infirmary. Today, the course combines a traditional setting with the benefits of modern teaching techniques. You’ll experience early clinical exposure with a blended learning style including case-based learning, lectures and the use of cadaveric anatomy prosections. A unique advantage of the Bristol course is that medical students share some teaching with other healthcare students such as student nurses and pharmacists, mimicking the interdisciplinary nature of medicine that occurs on hospital wards.
The Gateway to Medicine course has an additional year, aiming to deepen core science knowledge and introduce clinical skills before starting Y1 of the medicine course. Please note this application route is only open to UK applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
Key points
- Foundation Year Entry
- UCAT
- Integrated Course
- Automatic Progression to Y1 Medicine
FAQs
The Gateway to Medicine program at the University of Bristol is a one-year course designed for students who have the potential to become excellent medical students but do not meet the entry requirements for the five-year Medicine course. Upon successful completion of the program, students progress onto the five-year Medicine course.
The entry requirements for the Gateway to Medicine program at the University of Bristol are a minimum of BBB at A-Level (or equivalent), including at least two science subjects (one of which must be Biology), and GCSE grades of 6 (B) in Mathematics, English Language, and at least one science subject.
The Gateway to Medicine program at the University of Bristol involves a combination of academic study, practical sessions, and clinical placements. The program covers subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Ethics, and Medical Sociology, and includes practical sessions in clinical skills and communication. Additionally, students undertake clinical placements in local hospitals and community healthcare settings.
Applications for the Gateway to Medicine program at the University of Bristol are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants must select the Gateway to Medicine program as their first choice, meet the entry requirements, and successfully pass an interview process.
The Gateway to Medicine program at the University of Bristol is highly competitive, with a limited number of places available each year. However, the program provides an opportunity for students who may not meet the entry requirements for the five-year Medicine course to pursue their ambitions of becoming a doctor. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants who are passionate about medicine and who meet the entry requirements should apply.
The Gateway to Medicine program at the University of Bristol offers several benefits, including a guaranteed place on the five-year Medicine course upon successful completion of the program. Additionally, the program provides students with valuable experience and skills in clinical settings, helping them to develop their understanding of healthcare and to make informed decisions about their future career.
About the university
| Key Information | |
| Website | Website |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone number | 0117 3941649 |
| Course Information | |
| Teaching style | Integrated The Gateway year focuses on basic sciences and clinical skills, being taught in classroom based style with other health disciplines. Successful completion of this year guarantees progression to Y1 A100 Medicine. The first two years of the medical course are designed to help you get to grips with the basic medical sciences. This is taught through a combination of case-based learning, traditional lectures and anatomy demonstrations. From Year 3 onwards you'll spend the majority of your time on clinical placements including hospital and primary care settings. |
| Course length | 6 years |
| Courses offered | 2 courses offered: A100 Medicine Standard Entry - 5 years A108 Gateway to Medicine - 6 years |
| Graduate entry | No |
| Foundation or access | Yes |
| University Life | |
| Local area | Bristol Bristol is a city university with practically everything you need right on your doorstep. Bristol harbourside is a very popular spot on a sunny afternoon with plenty of bars and cafes making it ideal for picnics - you might even spot a floating nightclub! The main campus is spread across the city, with the medical school centrally located near the Clifton Down area. |
| Social life | Bristol is a vibrant city with a large student population, meaning there is plenty of events and some pretty great nightlife out there. There are halls of residence located both in the city centre and slightly further out. This means you'll be spoilt for choice in terms of first year accommodation! The medical society at Bristol is called Galenicals with various other societies ranging from medical specialties like NeuroSoc and medic sports teams. |
| Interview | |
| Interview style | MMI Multiple mini-interviews (online) |
| Interview dates | Jan-Feb |
| Admissions Tests | |
| UCAT | UCAT Required UCAT scores are used to decide which applicants to invite to interview. Applicants who meet academic criteria are ranked solely according to UCAT score. The situational judgement subtest is not used as part of the process. In 2021 the lowest UCAT of an applicant invited to interview was 1870. |
| GAMSAT | N/A |
| Academic Requirements | |
| GCSE | GCSEs not used for shortlisting past minimum requirements 4 (C) in GCSE Maths or equivalent and 4 (C) in GCSE English or equivalent. |
| A-level | BBC A levels: BBC including B in Biology or Chemistry. Applicants with predicted or achieved grades of AAB or above, or with A in Chemistry, are not eligible for this course. |
| Scottish Advanced/Highers | BBBBC |
| IB | 29 points 29 points overall, including 5 at Higher Level in Biology or Chemistry. Applicants with predicted or achieved grades of 33 points overall including 16 at Higher Level, or with 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry, are not eligible for this course. |
| Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) | |
| Statistics | |
| Number of applicants per interview | Home: 4.76 |
| Number of applicants per place | Home: 19.04 |
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
9 February 2021
Is the 20 places a continuous thing or is it variable to change?
Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor
7 April 2021
There hasn’t been a confirmed increase or decrease in number of places available for next year so I’d expect there to be 20 places for 2021 too. Last year 45 offers were made in total. Hope that helps 🙂
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
5 September 2021
If I meet all their requirements, does that mean i will definetly get an interview? Also, do they favor their local students?
Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor
7 September 2021
Applicants who meet all the academic requirements will be ranked by UCAT score and this will be used to decide who to shortlist for interview.
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
27 December 2023
Do they offer January admission?