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Studying at Exeter Medical School

Overview

The University of Exeter offers a five year medical degree across the picturesque backdrop of Devon and Cornwall giving students opportunities to experience diverse placements in both city and rural areas. The curriculum is patient-centered with very early clinical exposure, with students meeting their very first patients within the first weeks of the course. The course takes an innovative approach to learning, utilising modern teaching styles including both traditional lectures and problem based learning.

Table of Contents

Exeter place a very heavy emphasis on predicted (or achieved) A-Level grades when deciding which candidates to shortlist for interview. Therefore, despite having an AAA typical offer, Exeter is an ideal choice for candidates with very high predicted grades.

Read our UCAT guide for more information on What is UCAT.

Key Points

  • Integrated Course
  • UCAT
  • Optional Intercalation
  • Small Group Learning

Insider’s Guide to Exeter Medical School from Elizabeth & Skylar, Exeter Medical Students

What makes Exeter unique to other medical schools?

The five-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS) programme at Exeter develops skills for lifelong learning and the professional attitudes that students will need throughout their medical career.
The Medicine curriculum at Exeter provides a clinical focus that is patient-centred, forward-thinking and meets the needs of students who want to work as doctors in an increasingly integrated, internationalised health environment. It also includes the whole health community, not just hospitals.
Exeter is rated amongst the top 10 medical schools in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2022). Students here have clinical experience from the first month of the programme in a variety of locations; hospitals, General Practice, and the wider health community, and study in a world-leading, internationally-recognised, research-rich environment.

Exeter offers such early clinical exposure from week 2 you could be on placement in a GP or on a psychiatry ward for example. Exeter also offers such varied teaching methods from small groups sessions of 8-10 students to full year group lectures. You also cover such a variety of aspects from year 1, you cover the biomedical, anatomical, psychological, and sociological aspects as well as starting your clinical skills training such as how you carry out a newborn examination or how to take blood. It also offers an intercalation year where you can really expand your learning and get either a bachelors or masters. There is so many different courses that is sure to be something for everyone. Finally, Exeter uses PBL which is so useful not only to help learn content but also improves teamwork and communication skills.

Course Structure at Exeter Medical School

Year 1 at Exeter Medical School

For the first year, students are based at the St Luke’s Campus, Exeter and experience university life to the full. They learn core biomedical and psychosocial concepts within clinical context, alongside clinical placement experiences and clinical skills training.

Year 1 consists of a mixture of PBL (small group session once a week looking at 3 different cases, for which you create questions to answer over the 3-week block). LSRC (2hours of biomed and 2hours of anatomy, these occur in groups of around 40-60. Here it is more hands-on learning with different anatomy models available and plenty of quizzes to test the knowledge they are teaching. There is even a brain anatomy dissection. We also have 5 lectures a week. Then on a rotational basis (once every 3 weeks) we have either placement (community or GP), clinical skills and PDG (this is small group sessions discussing placements and key themes in medicine e.g. health beliefs). Each block is split into 3 weeks – you have 8 themes to cover from musculoskeletal to renal system. Within this year you also have 3 units called Special Study Units. This is an essay-based unit where you can pick topics to write about in more detail that you wouldn’t normally get to cover otherwise.

Year 2 at Exeter Medical School

In the second year, students further develop their core biomedical, psychological, sociological and population health knowledge in a more integrated and further contextualised manner, increasing their range of clinical skills and placements.

Year 2 course structure is virtually the same as year 1 in the way the information is delivered. However, you have 9 different themes and only 2 special study units. Exeter runs a spiral curriculum so some of the core concepts are revisited but in more depth.

Year 3 at Exeter Medical School

In the third year, students commence on Clinical Pathways 1 at one of Exeter’s secondary care NHS Trust sites. Students’ learning is patient-centred and they rotate through a series of hospital and community placements across either Devon or Cornwall.

Year 3 is when the course becomes lot more placement-based although you still have one “academic day” a week. You still have two essays to write.

Year 4 at Exeter Medical School

Clinical Pathways 2 is undertaken in the fourth year and provides extensive experience of a wide range of clinical settings throughout either Devon or Cornwall, further increasing our clinical knowledge and skills, particularly through an increasing range of clinical specialities.

You continue to expand your medical knowledge and clinical practice. You still complete one “academic day” a week, and the rest as placement. There are still two essays to write, this year they focus on Medical Humanities and Doctor as Teacher.

Year 5 at Exeter Medical School

In the final year, we learn the job of medicine and start to develop our own clinical practice in preparation for graduation. We undertake a series of apprenticeship attachments in NHS hospitals across the South-West and, also take a Student-Selected Elective which may involve clinical or research placements, or a combination of both.

This final year is all about preparing your clinical skills and practice in anticipation of becoming a junior doctor. This also when you get the opportunity to complete a student-selected elective, where you get to see medicine practiced in another part of the world.

Teaching Style at Exeter Medical School

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

The general teaching style at Exeter is PBL. During the PBL sessions, students in groups of 7-9 learn about a topic by working through case scenarios with a tutor. Students create questions that must be answered over a three-week period. This allows them to be autonomous with their learning and investigate the core concepts within the topic in more depth.

The teaching style at Exeter is more of a problem based learning. Every week you have small group sessions of around 7-9 students with one tutor. You get 2/3 cases relating to the topic, the students then have the task of setting questions to answer over the next 3 weeks. This allows students to be more in control of their learning and means they can look in more detail into core concepts as well as areas you may struggle with or are interested in.

Does Exeter offer dissection?

No, the BMBS Medicine programme at Exeter does not include a dissection.

No Exeter does not offer a dissection, however there are some dissection-based activities e.g. a brain dissection.

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

Yes – students have the opportunity to obtain an intercalated degree at either Bachelor’s or Masters level. The intercalated degree provides the opportunity to explore another discipline at degree level, bringing added breadth and depth to our study. We have the opportunity to intercalate and study 120 credits from another Bachelor’s degree (usually the final year) or a one-year Masters degree between years 3 and 4 from a wide range of options available at the University.

Yes, Exeter does offer intercalation. This means that between year 3 and 4 you can take a year to gain a bachelor or even a master’s degree. This can range from sports science to clinical education.

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

Students get clinical exposure from the second week of the first year of the BMBS programme.

Exeter university offers early clinical exposure, in only my second week in medicine I was already on a GP placement. In years 1 and 2 you get a placement once every 3 weeks but the further on you get through medical school the more placements you will have. So, by 5th year you will be on placement almost every day. This is great as it means you really can put all of your learning into context. In years 3/4/5 you spend so much time in hospitals that by the time you are an F1 doctor you are very much accustomed to the medical setting.

Social Life at Exeter Medical School

What are the clubs and societies like?

In Exeter, thousands of students sign up to over 180 different Guild-affiliated societies. These societies cover a wide range of activities enabling us to get fully involved with university life. Societies range from the conventional (such as English Soc, Ski Club, Photo Soc and Jazz Orchestra), to the more esoteric (such as the Chocolate Society and Hide and Seek Society). If prospective students are sports enthusiasts, our active Athletic Union at Exeter runs 50 sports clubs, covering activities from American Football to surfing.

There is such wide variety of clubs and societies in Exeter and even as a medic you should have time and are encouraged to join them. From sports societies such as netball and football to the weird and wonderful societies such as hide and seek there is something for everyone. There are also lots of medicine-based societies from pediatrics to dermatology but also medic netball, hockey and much more. We get Wednesday afternoons off in order to participate in societies which is a great break to do something different.

What is the social life like?

The South-West is renowned for its contribution to the UK’s rich food and drink culture. Exeter is at the heart of the South-West food scene with a vast array of outstanding restaurants, coffee shops, delicatessens, and markets. Exeter has one of the longest and most distinguished histories of any British city and students here are never more than a few steps away from a reminder of its diverse and exciting past. One of the most attractive areas of the city, Exeter’s historic quayside, is popular with locals, students, and visitors alike. A 10-minute walk from the city centre, it has a fascinating history, beautiful architecture, lively pubs and restaurants, and a cluster of antique shops. The city is home to a diverse and dynamic arts and culture scene that sets it firmly on the map as the cultural centre of the South-West; it’s what makes Exeter a vibrant place to live and study. The high proportion of students in Exeter makes for a buzzing nightlife despite the relatively small size of the city’s population.

Exeter has a great social life and I found it very easy to settle in to. Exeter also provides the perfect location, whilst the city itself is rather small it is stunning and, it is only a 20-minute train journey to the beach.

FAQs

→What programs does Exeter Medical School offer?

Exeter Medical School offers undergraduate degrees in Medicine and Medical Sciences, as well as postgraduate degrees in various medical fields, such as Genomic Medicine, Clinical Education, and Medical Imaging.

→How can I apply to Exeter Medical School?

You can submit your application online through UCAS (for undergraduate programs) or through the Exeter Medical School website (for postgraduate programs). Make sure to provide all the required information and supporting documents.

→What is the interview process like at Exeter Medical School?

If you are shortlisted, you may be invited to attend an interview at Exeter Medical School. This is an opportunity for the admissions team to get to know you better and assess your suitability for the program. The interview may include questions about your motivation for studying medicine, your academic achievements, and your personal qualities.

→What are the career prospects for graduates of Exeter Medical School?

Graduates of Exeter Medical School are highly sought-after in the medical field, with many going on to successful careers as doctors, researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals. The school has a strong track record of producing graduates who are well-prepared for the challenges of the medical profession.

→How hard is it to get into Exeter Medical School?

Exeter Medical School is a highly respected institution, and admission to its programs can be competitive. However, the difficulty of getting into the school can vary depending on the specific program and the applicant pool for that year.

For example, the Medicine program at Exeter Medical School requires high academic achievement and relevant work experience, and the competition for places can be intense. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, particularly in science subjects, as well as relevant work experience and commitment to the medical profession.
However, other programs offered by Exeter Medical School may have less intense competition for places. Additionally, meeting the entry requirements and submitting a strong application can increase the chances of being offered a place.

Overall, while getting into Exeter Medical School can be challenging, it is not impossible with a strong academic record, relevant experience, and a compelling application. It is important to research the specific program and entry requirements thoroughly and to seek guidance from academic advisors and admissions staff throughout the application process.

→How long does Exeter take to give offers?

The time it takes for Exeter Medical School to make an offer can vary depending on the program and the number of applications received. Generally, applicants can expect to receive a decision within a few weeks to a few months after submitting their application.

For undergraduate programs, Exeter Medical School follows the UCAS application timeline. This means that applicants can expect to receive a decision within 40 days of submitting their application if they applied before the January deadline. If they applied after the January deadline, the decision may take longer, as the school will need to review all applications received before making a decision.
For postgraduate programs, the decision timeline can vary depending on the program and the number of applications received. Applicants can check the program webpage or contact the admissions office for more information on the decision timeline for the specific program they are interested in.

Overall, applicants should be patient and allow sufficient time for the school to review their application. If they have not received a decision within the expected timeframe, they can contact the admissions office for an update on their application status.

Frequently Asked Question

→What programs does Exeter Medical School offer?

Exeter Medical School offers undergraduate degrees in Medicine and Medical Sciences, as well as postgraduate degrees in various medical fields, such as Genomic Medicine, Clinical Education, and Medical Imaging.

→How can I apply to Exeter Medical School?

You can submit your application online through UCAS (for undergraduate programs) or through the Exeter Medical School website (for postgraduate programs). Make sure to provide all the required information and supporting documents.

→What is the interview process like at Exeter Medical School?

If you are shortlisted, you may be invited to attend an interview at Exeter Medical School. This is an opportunity for the admissions team to get to know you better and assess your suitability for the program. The interview may include questions about your motivation for studying medicine, your academic achievements, and your personal qualities.

→What are the career prospects for graduates of Exeter Medical School?

Graduates of Exeter Medical School are highly sought-after in the medical field, with many going on to successful careers as doctors, researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals. The school has a strong track record of producing graduates who are well-prepared for the challenges of the medical profession.

→How hard is it to get into Exeter Medical School?

Exeter Medical School is a highly respected institution, and admission to its programs can be competitive. However, the difficulty of getting into the school can vary depending on the specific program and the applicant pool for that year.

For example, the Medicine program at Exeter Medical School requires high academic achievement and relevant work experience, and the competition for places can be intense. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, particularly in science subjects, as well as relevant work experience and commitment to the medical profession.

However, other programs offered by Exeter Medical School may have less intense competition for places. Additionally, meeting the entry requirements and submitting a strong application can increase the chances of being offered a place.

Overall, while getting into Exeter Medical School can be challenging, it is not impossible with a strong academic record, relevant experience, and a compelling application. It is important to research the specific program and entry requirements thoroughly and to seek guidance from academic advisors and admissions staff throughout the application process.

→How long does Exeter take to give offers?

The time it takes for Exeter Medical School to make an offer can vary depending on the program and the number of applications received. Generally, applicants can expect to receive a decision within a few weeks to a few months after submitting their application.

For undergraduate programs, Exeter Medical School follows the UCAS application timeline. This means that applicants can expect to receive a decision within 40 days of submitting their application if they applied before the January deadline. If they applied after the January deadline, the decision may take longer, as the school will need to review all applications received before making a decision.

For postgraduate programs, the decision timeline can vary depending on the program and the number of applications received. Applicants can check the program webpage or contact the admissions office for more information on the decision timeline for the specific program they are interested in.

Overall, applicants should be patient and allow sufficient time for the school to review their application. If they have not received a decision within the expected timeframe, they can contact the admissions office for an update on their application status.

About the university

Key Information
Email [email protected]
Phone number 0300 555 60 60
Course Information
Teaching style Integrated
The course is integrated, meaning you have clinical experiences throughout the course with this beginning early on in your course. The first two years are pre-clinical, focused on learning the basic medical sciences through the use of lectures and problem based learning. This is followed by three clinical years spent on full-time placements across Devon and Cornwall.
Course length 5 years
Courses offered 1 course offered:
A100 Standard entry - 5 years
Graduate entry No
Foundation or access No
University Life
Local area Exeter
Exeter is a small historic city located in the costal county of Devon. In the first year you will be based at St Luke’s Campus with other medically-related courses, located across the city from the main campus. However as the city is relatively small, it is pretty easy to travel between the two. Despite being a smaller campus, St Luke's has all the facilities you need including a newly refurbished library, gym and even a swimming pool! During clinical years placements take place across Devon and Cornwall.
Social life During your first year you have the option of living in accommodation close to St Luke's medical campus (Rowancroft) or the main campus if you would prefer to be closer to the centre of student life. There is a free shuttle bus running between both campuses so either option works really well. There are plenty of societies and sports teams at Exeter so even if you decide to live out of the main campus there is plenty of opportunity to mix with non-medics.
Interview
Interview style MMI
Interview dates Dec-Mar
Admissions Tests
UCAT UCAT required
Students will be shortlisted for interview according to their academic profile and UCAT score. UCAT test for direct school leavers.
GAMSAT Required for graduates
Graduates or students who are applying more than two full academic years since completion of A-levels or equivalent must sit the GAMSAT.
Only the GAMSAT overall score will be considered in the interview shortlist procedure for students who are required to sit the GAMSAT. Scores of 55 in S2 and no less than 50 and 55 in the other two sections must be met. GAMSAT for non-direct school leavers.
The exact cut-off will vary year on year. For 2019 entry, the cutoff was a total score of 60.
Applicants who achieve less than 59 overall are unlikely to be invited to attend an interview.
Academic Requirements
GCSE GCSE
All applicants are required to have achieved a minimum of Grade B or 6 in GCSE English Language.
A-level AAA
A Levels: A*AA to include grade A in Biology and Chemistry
Scottish Advanced/Highers AAAA
Scottish Highers: AAAAA to include grade A in Biology and Chemistry.
IB IB
IB: 38/766 to include HL6 in Biology and Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) 2:1 Honours degree
Where applicants have been out of Level 3 studies for more than 2 years they would be required to have taken the GAMSAT.
Statistics
Number of applicants per interview Home: 2.7, International: 9.3
Number of applicants per place Home: 6.4, International: 31
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