Compare (0)

Central Lancashire Medical School

The medical degree programme at UCLan is one of the newer medical degrees offered in the UK. As part of this integrated course, you will benefit from early patient contact and clinical placements in the NHS from your first year. Patient interaction occurs from Year 1 in a range of diverse urban and rural clinical placements.

Table of Contents

Please note that UK applicants for 2023 must ordinarily live in the North West of England. For more information, visit the UCLan website.

Key Points

  • No Entrance Exam
  • Integrated Course
  • Majority International Intake

Insider’s Guide to UCLan Medical School from Anisha Bahl, UCLan Medical Student

What makes UCLan unique to other medical schools?

UCLan is unique to other medical schools in the way that their student body is predominantly international students, meaning that there is a lot of diversity and cultures, creating a friendly and accepting atmosphere within the school. In addition, they’re a fairly new medical school, having just been accredited by the GMC. All of the medical school is in a new building, and there are several clinical suites, state-of-the-art anatomy models, and technologically advanced robotic patients and labs, all of which aren’t offered in other medical schools.

Course Structure at UCLan Medical School

Year 1 at UCLan Medical School

Y1 is mainly campus-based with lectures and teaching every day. There are three modules: ISCM (sciences and teaching of core medical topics), EIPOM (learning about evidence-based medicine, psychology, sociology), and MSQC (clinical skills, communication skills, portfolio, professionalism, equality, and diversity, etc., practical topics) 

One placement in GP practice and one in community clinics in Y1 

Students undertake a research paper on a topic of their choosing in this year

Year 2 at UCLan Medical School

Y2 is also mainly campus-based with lectures and teaching every day. There are the same three modules as Y1, which all build on the knowledge of Y1 material

12 days of clinical placements in Y2 to prepare students for Y3 

Students undertake a research paper on a topic of their choosing in this year

Year 3 at UCLan Medical School

The majority of learning in Years 3, 4 and 5 will be work-based learning undertaking supervised clinical placements at our partner clinical providers in both primary and secondary care. Examples include East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and GP practices in East Lancashire, Blackpool Hospital NHS Trust, Northwest Boroughs NHS Foundation Trust and others.

Examples of placement settings include general practice, general medicine, hospitals, surgery, A&E, and health and society 

Campus teaching occurs once a week every week, and once a week every block of the year syllabus 

Students undertake an audit and write a paper (2 projects) in this year

Year 4 at UCLan Medical School

The majority of learning in Years 3, 4 and 5 will be work-based learning undertaking supervised clinical placements at our partner clinical providers in both primary and secondary care. Examples include East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and GP practices in East Lancashire, Blackpool Hospital NHS Trust, Northwest Boroughs NHS Foundation Trust and others.

Examples of placement include hospitals, surgery, mental health, obstetrics and gynecology, and general practice 

Campus teaching occurs once a week every week, and once a week every block of the year syllabus 

Final MBBS exams take place in this year 

Students undertake an audit and write a paper (2 projects) in this year

Year 5 at UCLan Medical School

At the start of Year 5 you will have the opportunity to take an elective period of study, which will help prepare you for your future career. You may use this opportunity to sample medical practice in the country which you hope to undertake postgraduate training or use the time to sample a particular medical specialty.

SJT and prescribing exams take place in this year

Teaching Style at UCLan Medical School

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

In the pre-clinical years (year 1 and 2), teaching is quite traditional, as UCLan offers an integrated course where the school teaches scientific knowledge alongside clinical training. Teaching is by topic, so lectures are separated by body system, and further divided by topics like physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology, radiology etc.

In the clinical years (years 3, 4 and 5), teaching involves a lot of case-based learning as well as problem-based learning. Lectures on campus utilize cases and small groups to allow for a student-directed teaching style. Placements have a lot of problem-based learning because students are assigned patients and have to use their resources to provide a diagnosis and management plan.

Does UCLan offer dissection?

UCLan itself doesn’t offer dissection. Instead, they have a 3D anatomy and virtual dissection platform present in all anatomy rooms of the medical school called an anatomage table. The table allows users the visualize anatomy on a 3D cadaver, classing as the most technologically advanced anatomy visualization system. In addition, several societies within the UCLan student’s union host events for medical and science students that offer opportunities to dissect on cadavers outside of the course.

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

Yes, UCLan offers a BSc (honors) in the third year of medicine. Students in year three are found to be on clinical placement for majority of the year, with selective campus days for teaching once a week on average. Teaching is very practical, and students are tested on their knowledge of core clinical conditions and presentations at the end of the year.

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

The pre-clinical to clinical split can be quite smooth at UCLan. Students get early clinical exposure from the first year, and within the first months of starting their degree. In the first two years, students have to attend campus teaching and lectures every day in the work, with a couple weeks around the year dedicated solely to placement. From year three, students are immediately put in the full clinical environment after the first day and expected to attend every day from schedules of 8am-5pm. At the beginning of the clinical phase, it can be a lot to get used to. However, majority of students voice that it’s very enjoyable and some say it’s easier than the subsequent year because the knowledge that was being taught prior can now be applied in practice through placement. Students also have the opportunity to attend rural placements in the UCLan campus at the lake district of UK.

Social Life at UCLan Medical School

What are the clubs and societies like?

The Students’ Union is at the heart of student life at UCLan. The SU organises loads of events throughout the year, and also provides support to students who need it. It’s easy to enjoy a night out without the need to drink alcohol. Many bars and pubs including our UCLan’s Source bar serve non-alcoholic ‘mocktails’ as well as many other delicious drinks.

What is the social life like?

If it’s sports and activities you’re looking for, then there is plenty of choice. You may want to take advantage of the free sports membership for access to the state-of-the-art Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, or hire out sports facilities at the fantastic UCLan Sports Arena.

FAQs

→What is the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)?

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a public research university located in Preston, Lancashire, England. It was founded in 1828 as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge and became a university in 1992.

→What programs does UCLan offer?

UCLan offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, science, social science, and the arts. The university also offers foundation courses, international courses, and professional courses.

→What are the entry requirements for UCLan?

The entry requirements for UCLan vary depending on the program and level of study. Generally, undergraduate applicants are required to have completed A-levels or equivalent qualifications, while postgraduate applicants are required to have a relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.

→What scholarships and funding opportunities are available at UCLan?

UCLan offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for both domestic and international students. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and country-specific scholarships. Make sure to check the UCLan website for more information and eligibility criteria.

→What is the campus like at UCLan?

UCLan has a modern and vibrant campus located in the heart of Preston, Lancashire. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, as well as green spaces and recreational areas. The university is also in close proximity to the city center, which offers a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

→What facilities and support services are available at UCLan?

UCLan offers a range of facilities and support services to enhance the student experience, including modern lecture halls, labs, and libraries, as well as a range of sports and recreational facilities. The university also provides academic support services such as academic advisors, career services, and writing centers, as well as personal support services such as counseling, health services, and disability services.

About the university

Key Information
Email [email protected]
Phone number
Course Information
Teaching style Integrated
UCLan has an integrated, spiral curriculum with an emphasis on small group work. The first two years are focused around the basic clinical sciences underpinning medicine.
Course length 5 years
Courses offered 2 courses offered:
A100 Medicine Standard Entry - 5 years
Graduate entry No
Foundation or access Yes
University Life
Local area Preston, Lancashire
The main Preston Campus is right at the heart of the city, just minutes away from its vibrant shopping centre, attractions and nightlife. Everything you need on campus is within easy reach - from the Library (open 24/7 during term time) to lecture theatres, cafes and Students’ Union. And all University accommodation is located within a short walk of the campus - so you’ll never have to worry about being late for lectures.
Social life The Students’ Union is at the heart of student life at UCLan. The SU organises loads of events throughout the year, and also provides support to students who need it. It’s easy to enjoy a night out without the need to drink alcohol. Many bars and pubs including the UCLan's Source bar serve non-alcoholic ‘mocktails’ as well as many other delicious drinks. If it’s sports and activities you’re looking for, then there is plenty of choice. You may want to take advantage of the free sports membership for access to the state-of-the-art Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, or hire out sports facilities at the fantastic UCLan Sports Arena.
Interview
Interview style MMI
Interview dates Dec-Jun
Admissions Tests
UCAT UCAT
GAMSAT N/A
Academic Requirements
GCSE GCSEs considered during selection
Evidence of sustained academic achievement with a broad study of Science English and Maths up to 16.
A-level AAA
AAA (including Chemistry and one other science subject).
Scottish Advanced/Highers N/A - UK applicants must reside in NW England
IB 36 points
Diploma 36 points overall (to include Chemistry and another science subject at Higher Level H6, plus one other at H6.
Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) 2:1 Honours degree
2:1 degree (or above) from a relevant health or science based subject.
Additional requirement: at least one year’s professional work experience
Statistics
Number of applicants per interview no data available
Number of applicants per place no data available
Was this article helpful?
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
(13 votes, average: 3.69 out of 5)
Loading...
Still got a question? Leave a comment
Leave a comment

Post as “Anonymous”
366 Comments

Regina IslamMedic Mind Tutor

29 September 2021

Is a foundation course really help to secure a medical seat in uni of center Lancashire?
TO apply for foundation course interview is needed?

Sarah GreenwoodMedic Mind Tutor

1 December 2021

We offer a 6 year MBBS with foundation entry for international students only. Full details at our website. https://www.uclan.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/bachelor-of-medicine-and-bachelor-of-surgery-foundation-entry-mbbs Applicants must meet all entry requirements including interview

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

19 March 2022

The 6 year MBBS requires you to pass the interview. A minimum of 70% is needed to pass the foundation year and progress to the regular 5 year MBBS.

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

2 October 2021

do you take btecs for the medicine course ?

Sarah GreenwoodMedic Mind Tutor

1 December 2021

UCLan do not accept BTECs for the MBBS, full entry requirements on our website

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

24 November 2021

Someone who went to school in Scotland but now residing in Northwest England , can they apply?

Sarah GreenwoodMedic Mind Tutor

1 December 2021

If you now live in the NW of England as your permenant home, then you may be able to apply