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Studying at Liverpool Medical School

Overview

The original redbrick university, the University of Liverpool, offer an exciting 5-year medical degree in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. Students at Liverpool have easy access to some of the most specialist hospitals in the country including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and The Walton Centre, the UK’s only specialist hospital trust dedicated to neurological services. Students are taught using a body systems approach in a variety of formats including lectures, clinical skills and anatomy sessions, and case-based learning by a range of academic and clinical experts.

Table of Contents

For 2023-entry, Liverpool are using UCAT score as the sole factor to rank candidates for interview shortlisting. This is a change to previous admissions cycles where the UCAT accounted for just 25% of pre-interview score. This means Liverpool is now a great choice for those with a good UCAT score, regardless of GCSE performance. All offers are still made on the basis of interview performance, meaning UCAT will not be considered past the interview stage.

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

Key Points

  • UCAT
  • Integrated course
  • Intercalation optional

Insider’s Guide to Liverpool Medical School from Olivia Charlton, Liverpool Medical Student

What makes Liverpool unique to other medical schools?

Our ‘Good Doctor’ supratheme throughout years 1-5 at Liverpool is entirely unique to us. We have teaching on epidemiology and significant health issues across the globe which are taught by leaders in the field and affiliated with the first tropical school of medicine in the world, LSTM, psychology teaching to understand health beliefs in society and how these may alter between different locations, age groups, ethnicities etc, and how to conduct ourselves as professionals. In my opinion, this really gives Liverpool graduates a somewhat polished edge to them. Furthermore, the vast range of specialist hospitals within the Merseyside region is second to none. I can say from experience, that I’ve had the opportunity to work with some absolutely incredibly healthcare professionals thus far, who are so keen to teach Liverpool student doctors and really do let you get stuck in!

Course Structure at Liverpool Medical School

Year 1 at Liverpool Medical School

A mixture of CBL teaching (case-based learning, where you get given a number of cases to work through individually and then come together with fellow students and a tutor (often a specialist consultant in the area you are learning about) to discuss them in detail. You also have a wide variety of lectures on normal physiology to understand the core principles of how the body systems work in a healthy individual. You have clinical skills teaching, and excellent teaching on cadavers at HARC (human anatomy resource centre).

Year 2 at Liverpool Medical School

Year 2 follows a similar structure to year 1, but lectures now focus on the pathophysiology of the human body and diseases. It is quite an extensive learning year with a lot of information to absorb, but further supported with additional clinical skills sessions, and anatomy teaching on cadavers again. We also have weeks throughout the year where we attend our first placements, equating to roughly 8 weeks throughout the year. Here, you get to experience a hospital environment, take histories and communicate with a wide variety of patients, and begin to put the clinical skills and knowledge taught to you into practise! As a graduate student myself, I entered directly into Year 2 which was excellent as I got immediate clinical exposure upon starting the course.

Year 3 at Liverpool Medical School

This is the start of the clinical years and my current year of study. You embark on a 4-week long rotation at a clinical site, followed by a 1-week long academic week where we have a number of lectures, teaching sessions and clinical skills sessions taught to us at university. The huge amount of clinical exposure is excellent, and I already feel I have developed an enormous amount in just a few months of starting this year! You have fundamental rotations during year 3, for example 8 weeks on medicine blocks (cardiology, respiratory, dermatology, endocrine and diabetes), 8 weeks on surgical specialties (general surgery, breast surgery, urology, trauma and orthopedics) and then some specialist rotations, including paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, infectious diseases, GP, and dermatology.

Year 4 at Liverpool Medical School

A similar structure to year 3, you continue to develop your skills and begin to really put them into practise on placement by this point. You continue to rotate through various trusts within the Merseyside region, with a focus on some more specialist areas including ophthalmology, hematology, and oncology.

Year 5 at Liverpool Medical School

By this point, you’ve already gained extensive clinical experience on placement, and start to learn about how to manage acute emergencies. You rotate through specialties such as acute medicine, emergency medicine, A&E, HDU, ICU and so on. There is greater emphasis on placement experiences as you progress through the years, with more mandatory experiences and skills needing to be performed and signed off. You continue to have supplementary lectures and clinical skills sessions accompanied with extensive support to transition you into becoming a junior doctor.

Teaching Style at Liverpool Medical School

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

You learn by CBL – case-based learning. In years 1-2, this is less frequent in between lectures, anatomy etc. By years 3 (clinical years), you do one CBL a week which is relevant to the placement rotation you’re on. For example, I am currently on my cardiology block at Countess of Chester Hospital, where I have had a number of cases related to respiratory conditions and presentations to work through, before meeting with a respiratory physician to discuss them in detail. I think it is an excellent way of learning as it promotes individual forward thinking, subsequent learning off others when you meet for the sessions, and supplementary specialist teaching from the consultant leading the session. This is supplemented by ongoing lectures which are done by again, specialist consultants within the respective field, clinical skills skills sessions throughout the year, and the ‘Good Doctor’ themed sessions.

Does Liverpool offer dissection?

You get very early exposure to cadavers at our Human Anatomy Resource Centre which allows for some excellent and extensive anatomy teaching. They offer pro-section, which is where we will get given a part of the body related to what we are learning that week. This may include simply the brain or a head, or there may be bigger pro-sections, including the head, torso and tops of the thighs. The benefits to pro-section over full body dissection in my opinion are significant, as it means the cadavers are already fully prepared for you to learn from. For example, all the layers of the skin, underlying muscle and ribs may be prepared in a torso which allows you to explore them each in turn and not waste time in the session dissecting it yourself. It’s also highly valuable for seeing finer structures, such as underlying vessels and nerves, which otherwise you may miss.

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

Yes, Liverpool offers an intercalation year both following either your 3rd year or 4th year, depending on preferences. During this time, you can spend a year studying in an area that you might have interests in. I studied my Master’s of Research degree in neurology the year before I entered medical school, where I was accompanied by a number of intercalated medical students who absolutely loved it.

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

You get very early clinical exposure at Liverpool, but at a point where you feel sufficiently prepared and knowledgeable. As a graduate student, we get 8 weeks of placement time spread throughout the year in second year, where you can start to put skills and knowledge into practise. By third year, you are on placement almost every single day, meaning by the end of medical school at Liverpool you really have had extensive clinical exposure. Moving from pre-clinical in year 2 to the clinical years in year 3, there is a step up, but it is not hugely noticeable. You spend most of your time on placement by third year, however it is still accompanied by lectures and supportive learning like in second year. I think the divide is very good.

Social Life at Liverpool Medical School

What are the clubs and societies like? What is the social life like?

It goes without saying, the nightlife in Liverpool is incredible! It is a great city for a night out, with so many quirky, individual bars, restaurants and clubs throughout the city for everyone’s taste. Not to mention, we have a strong musical heritage with the Beatles! If that isn’t your thing, there are plenty of lovely green parks to stroll in (my personal favorites being Calderstones park and Sefton Park), independent cafes and coffee shops to study and catch up with friends in, and our own medical society, LMSS. The society organises excellent social events for all year groups including bar crawls, dinners and balls, and there are plenty of medic-only societies including sports teams, orchestra’s, choir, and medicine-related societies! There really is something for everyone in Liverpool.

FAQs

→What is Liverpool Medical School?

Liverpool Medical School is a medical school located in Liverpool, UK. It is one of the oldest medical schools in the country, with a history dating back to 1834.

→What courses are available at Liverpool Medical School?

Liverpool Medical School offers a variety of courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science. These include Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), as well as several postgraduate courses in medicine, including the Master of Research (MRes), Doctor of Medicine (MD), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

→What are the entry requirements for Liverpool Medical School?

The entry requirements for Liverpool Medical School vary depending on the course. Generally, applicants are required to have good grades in their previous academic qualifications, meet the English language proficiency requirements, and pass an interview and aptitude test.

→How do I apply to study at Liverpool Medical School?

To apply to study at Liverpool Medical School, you must first visit the UCAS website and complete an application form. You will need to provide your academic qualifications, personal statement, and reference. You may also be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.

→What is the teaching style at Liverpool Medical School?

Liverpool Medical School uses a range of teaching styles, including lectures, seminars, practicals, and clinical placements. The school also places a strong emphasis on self-directed learning, allowing students to take ownership of their education and tailor their learning experience to their individual needs.

→What facilities are available to students at Liverpool Medical School?

Liverpool Medical School has state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to enhance the learning experience for students. These include a clinical skills laboratory, anatomy suite, dental clinic, and veterinary hospital. The school also has a well-stocked library, study areas, and a range of social and recreational facilities.

→What are the research opportunities available at Liverpool Medical School?

Liverpool Medical School is a leading research institution, and offers numerous research opportunities for students and faculty across various areas of medicine and healthcare.

→Why study at Liverpool Medical School?

Liverpool Medical School is unique in the way it treats its Medical Students. Its main priority is the health and well-being of its students whether that be mentally, physically or financially.

Frequently Asked Question

→Why study at Liverpool Medical School?

Liverpool Medical School is unique in the way it treats its Medical Students. Its main priority is the health and well-being of its students whether that be mentally, physically or financially.

→What courses are available at Liverpool Medical School?

Liverpool Medical School offers a variety of courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science. These include Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), as well as several postgraduate courses in medicine, including the Master of Research (MRes), Doctor of Medicine (MD), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

→How do I apply to study at Liverpool Medical School?

To apply to study at Liverpool Medical School, you must first visit the UCAS website and complete an application form. You will need to provide your academic qualifications, personal statement, and reference. You may also be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.

→What is the teaching style at Liverpool Medical School?

Liverpool Medical School uses a range of teaching styles, including lectures, seminars, practicals, and clinical placements. The school also places a strong emphasis on self-directed learning, allowing students to take ownership of their education and tailor their learning experience to their individual needs.

→What facilities are available to students at Liverpool Medical School?

Liverpool Medical School has state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to enhance the learning experience for students. These include a clinical skills laboratory, anatomy suite, dental clinic, and veterinary hospital. The school also has a well-stocked library, study areas, and a range of social and recreational facilities.

About the university

Key Information
Email [email protected]
Phone number 0151 795 4362
Course Information
Teaching style Integrated
Two pre-clinical years with clinical skills sessions included. The first year will mostly consist of lectures, workshops and seminars. Teaching takes an integrated systems approach.
From year 2 onwards students will undertake clinical placements at local NHS Trusts, GP practices, hospices, specialist services and community services.
Course length 5 years
Courses offered 2 courses offered:
A100 Medicine Standard Entry - 5 years
Graduate entry Yes
Foundation or access Foundation to Health and Veterinary Studies is available for adult learners. It is specifically targeted at Home mature and non-traditional students who typically have taken a break from studies. Please see their website for more information.
University Life
Local area Liverpool
Warm and welcoming, characterful and full of characters, there’s nowhere quite like Liverpool. It’s home to 445,000 people and one unique spirit. Liverpool’s influence shapes the world - art, music, sport and culture, and with more galleries and museums than any other UK city apart from London. The university main campus is located within the heart of the city so you'll never be far from the action.
Social life With a total of 4 universities Liverpool is truly a student city. The Liverpool Guild unites students from universities across Liverpool giving you ample opportunities to meet new people from diverse backgrounds and make new friends.
Interview
Interview style MMI
Personal statement will not be used in making the decision to invite to interview but will be assessed at interview.
Interview dates Jan-Feb
Admissions Tests
UCAT Required for non-graduate applicants
UCAT for non-graduate applicants( mainly school leavers or some mature applicants) applying to the A100 programme. Any home applicant scoring SJT band 4 will be automatically rejected. The remaining applicants will be ranked according to UCAT score and then academic requirements. The top applicants will then be invited to interview.
GAMSAT Required for graduate applicants
GAMSAT for graduate applicants applying to the A100 programme. A graduate applicant is one who applies with a degree award pending /or achieved. Applicants meeting minimum academic criteria are ranked according to GAMSAT score, with the top applicants being shortlisted for interview. The cut-off score needed to receive an interview invitation changes year-on-year depending on each cohort's performance.
In 2020, the minimum GAMSAT score needed for an interview was 54 overall with 50 in each section.
Academic Requirements
GCSE GCSEs
GCSEs in nine subjects attained by the end of Year 11 which must include: English Language, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry at a minimum of score 6 ( grade B). Core & Additional Science is an acceptable alternative to the three individual sciences. No more than two Level 2 BTEC qualifications or OCR awards will be considered as part of the 9 GCSEs/equivalents. These cannot be used as replacements for English Language, Maths and Science subjects. i.e. a minimum of 7 full GCSEs required. Scottish
A-level AAA
A-levels in three subjects taken at one sitting after 2 years of study. Grades AAA, to include Chemistry together with Biology, Physics or Maths, and a third academic subject. The Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate is accepted in lieu of a third academic subject. Alternatively, A*AB is also accepted, but the A*A grades must include Chemistry together with either Biology, Physics or Maths.
Scottish Advanced/Highers AAAAB
Minimum of SCQF level National 5 (Intermediate 2) in Biology, Chemistry, English Language, Mathematics, and at least three others attained by the end of S4.
IB 36 points
36 points overall (at first sitting): Higher level (HL) a minimum of 6,6,6 to include Chemistry together with either Biology, Physics or Mathematics and a third academic subject. 5,5,5 at standard level (subjects not offered at HL). • Alternatively, 36 points overall (at first sitting): Higher level (HL) a minimum of 7,6,5 but the 7 and 6 grades must include Chemistry together with either Biology, Physics or Mathematics in any order and 5 in a third academic subject. 5,5,5 at standard level (subjects not offered at HL).
Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) 2:1 Honours degree
Usually a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree, in any discipline, for graduates or a 2:2 degree plus a pass in a higher qualification such as a Masters or PhD. International graduates can apply to A100. Most home graduates would apply to A101. All graduate applicants can however apply to A100 if they have sat the GAMSAT admissions test.
Statistics
Number of applicants per interview Home: 10, International: 19.03
Number of applicants per place Home: 6.8, International: 3.7
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