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Studying at Plymouth Medical School

Overview

The University of Plymouth is home to Peninsula Medical School. Students at Peninsula benefit from state of the art facilities from the very latest electronic patient simulators and 3D human anatomy models. Teaching takes a layering, spiral-based approach whereby you revisit, and build upon earlier knowledge and skills as you progress through the programme. So once you’ve grasped the core elements, you’ll continually deepen your understanding with new levels of insight, analysis, critical thinking and practical experience. A key feature of this course is early clinical contact, with students meeting their very first patients within the first weeks of the course.

Table of Contents

Plymouth place emphasis on UCAT when selecting candidates to shortlist for interview. Applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements and also have a good UCAT score make ideal candidates.

Key Points

  • UCAT
  • Problem-Based Learning
  • Early Clinical Contact
  • Optional Intercalation

Insider’s Guide to Plymouth Medical School from Lakhan S.V.A Ajmeria, Plymouth 5th Year Medical Student

What makes Plymouth unique to other medical schools?

Being given the opportunity to learn anatomy via the use of the Anatomage table which is the only fully segmented real human 1:1 3D anatomy system. This can allow learning anatomy and physiology without the use of a cadaver and beyond traditional learning methods.

The location is one of the biggest attractions to this medical school. With Plymouth being a port city there plenty of opportunities to head to the sea and immerse yourself into the local sports. Cornwall being in close proximity allows the chance to explore the plentiful beautiful beaches. The importance of achieving a good work-life balance is congruent in being successful in medical school.

Course Structure at Plymouth Medical School

Year 1 at Plymouth Medical School

You will learn the core scientific foundations of medicine within a clinical context. The curriculum is structured around the human life cycle. The first year starts off with the study of human physical and psychological development from conception to old age. This will be supplemented by EBL sessions based on real-life clinical case studies and a mix of lectures.

Clinical and communication skills will be developed throughout the year with added community placements as early as the second week of the academic year. Personal and professional development including team working, reflection, and ethical practice is strengthened during Jigsaw sessions. You will have the chance to complete three student-selected components that will teach you the essential research skills.

Year 2 at Plymouth Medical School

In the second year, you’ll revisit the human life cycle, this time with an emphasis on disease, pathological processes, and the human and social impact of illness and disease. You’ll do a series of placements in a single general practice, enabling you to learn about long-term health issues and see teamwork in action. This is supplemented by the development of the. Integrated Structured. Clinical Examination (ISCE) at the end of year 2.

Year 3 at Plymouth Medical School

In your third and fourth years, you’ll learn more about clinical practice and spend more time in a patient-centered learning environment. Completing a series of hospital and general practice-based community placements, you’ll gain valuable experience in a wide range of clinical settings and see first-hand how the NHS works as a team to deliver patient care. Year three focuses on three ‘Pathways of Care’: Acute Care, Ward Care, and Integrated Ambulatory Care.

Year 4 at Plymouth Medical School

You’ll continue working and learning in hospital and general practice settings, further developing your communication, clinical, problem-solving and analytical skills. The three ‘Pathways of Care’ continue in year four with a focus on: Acute Care, Palliative Care/ Oncology and Continuing Care. Ending the year with another Integrated Structured Clinical Examination (ISCE).

Year 5 at Plymouth Medical School

You’ll now be all set to apply the knowledge, skills and confidence you’ve acquired over the first four years by working ‘on the job’, as part of a healthcare team in action, based in either Derriford or Torbay hospital. You’ll become more assured when dealing with clinical situations and develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of practice in the NHS. Supplementing your independent learning with a portfolio of indicative presentations, you’ll also have the opportunity to do an elective in a different social or cultural context.

Teaching Style at Plymouth Medical School

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

The general teaching style at Plymouth is integrated with something known as a spiral-based curriculum, which means many concepts taught over medical school are revisited throughout your time at medical school, this is taught over a mix of EBL and lectures. The weighting is more towards EBL, which provides the opportunity to take on various roles within each session refined my abilities in the capacity of a chair, scribe, and teacher. Development in these areas is essential for any working doctor. The plenaries (lectures) provided are max 1-hour and only 7/8 lectures every two weeks, so the learning is self-directed and more suited for individuals who don’t prefer the traditional style of learning.

Does Plymouth offer dissection?

No Plymouth does not offer dissection, but anatomy is learnt over LSRC sessions where students learn with real-life models, anatomical models, and the Anatomage table which is the only fully segmented real human 1:1 3D anatomy system. This can allow learning anatomy and physiology without the use of a cadaver and beyond traditional learning methods. Additionally, this can be booked by the student to supplement their self-directed learning.

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

Plymouth offers some students the opportunity to carry out an intercalated year between their fourth and fifth year. This can include history of medicine to music to statistics with management. Also offer a BSc Emergency care which has been developed with the local emergency department which gives students the chance to work and gain further experience within emergency care.

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

Pre-clinical years would include stage 1 and 2, whereas clinical years would include stage 3-5 and would be based within Derriford, Torbay, or Taunton. Pre-clinical years still include early patient contact from as early as two weeks of starting the academic year, this would be community placements that give the students an appreciation of the services that are offered to patients within Plymouth. Within the second year, this is replaced with placement within general practice enabling you to learn about long-term health issues and see teamwork in action. 

Stage 3-5 is majority placement led within the hospital where you will cycle between the different specialties each week, giving you a chance to understand clinical practice within a variety of clinical environment. The learning is patient-centered that is supported by the multi-disciplinary team present within each department. By stage 5 you will be prepared to apply the knowledge, skills, and confidence built since stage 1 and receive ‘on-the-job’ training preparing you for your role as a foundation doctor.

Social Life at Plymouth Medical School

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

Plymouth is a smaller compared to other universities, however the city lends itself to students and is pretty much a student-focused city that is busy during term-time and a ghost town during term-breaks. The MedSoc within Plymouth is large and hosts many events and socials throughout the year including yoga, rugby, football, choir etc. There is also teaches supplemented by the society that is focused learning material to aid you pass the stage 1 and 2.

There is also many opportunities to get involved within the annual Medsoc show, which is a play written, directed, and produced by the members. There is so much to do within Plymouth from exploring the sandy beaches of Devon, and Cornwall being in close proximity you can kick back and take in the view or jump in and experience the sea sports. Dartmoor is a national park that is nearby which has beautiful scenery and makes a great day out. My personal favorite is the Plymouth Hoe which is the staple of city and within walking distance from campus, it boasts an expanse of green grass alongside the historic Smeaton tower, overlooking the sea.

FAQs

→What is Plymouth Medical School?

Plymouth Medical School is a medical school in the United Kingdom, part of Plymouth University, which offers a range of medical programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

→What courses are available at Plymouth Medical School?

Plymouth Medical School offers several courses, including Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS), Physician Associate Studies, and a range of postgraduate courses.

→What are the entry requirements for Plymouth Medical School?

The entry requirements for Plymouth Medical School vary depending on the course. Generally, applicants are expected to have achieved good grades in their A-levels (or equivalent) and have a strong interest in medicine. Some courses may also require applicants to take an admissions test, such as the UCAT or BMAT.

→What is the student experience like at Plymouth Medical School?

The student experience at Plymouth Medical School is highly rated, with students enjoying a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including societies and sports clubs, and students have access to a range of support services, including academic and pastoral support.

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

Graduates of Plymouth Medical School are highly sought after, with many going on to pursue successful careers in medicine, healthcare, research, and academia. The school provides students with a strong foundation in medical knowledge and skills, preparing them for a range of careers in the field.

→How can I apply to Plymouth Medical School?

To apply to Plymouth Medical School, you need to submit an application through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). You should also check the entry requirements for your chosen course and ensure that you have taken any necessary admissions tests.

→Is it hard to get into Plymouth University?

Admission to Plymouth University can be competitive, but the difficulty of getting accepted depends on the program you are applying for, your academic qualifications, and other factors. Some programs at Plymouth University may have higher entry requirements and be more competitive than others.

For example, admission to the medical program at Plymouth University is highly competitive, with many more applicants than available places. The program has high academic entry requirements and requires applicants to take the UCAT or BMAT admissions tests.

In general, it’s essential to research the entry requirements for your chosen program and ensure that you meet the qualifications before applying. It’s also important to apply as early as possible and submit a strong application, including a well-written personal statement and strong references.

About the university

Key Information
Email [email protected]
Phone number 01752 437333
Course Information
Teaching style Problem Based Learning
Plymouth used an enquiry based learning approach, with small structured groups to discuss clinical case studies. You get early clinical exposure, and will see your very first patients within the first two weeks of the course!
Course length 5 years
Courses offered 2 courses offered:
A100 Standard-Entry Medicine - 5 years
A102 Medicine with a Foundation Year - 6 years
Graduate entry No
Foundation or access Yes
University Life
Local area Plymouth, Devon
The University of Plymouth is one of the largest universities in the South West, with a main campus located at the centre of ‘Britain’s ocean city’. The city of Plymouth, characterised by its lively community of students, lies within an area of rich geographical and ecological diversity. From the nearby Dartmoor National Park, to the Devon and Cornwall coast – you are never too far away from serenity or adventure.
Social life With excellent national transport links, great shopping and culture, top sporting opportunities, pristine seas and south-coast sunshine, at the University of Plymouth you can live the lifestyle that only the South West peninsula can offer.
Interview
Interview style MMI
5 stations
Interview dates Nov-Jan
Admissions Tests
UCAT UCAT Required for non-graduates
The University of Plymouth use a threshold score that applicants must achieve in order to be invited to interview.
The threshold moves year-on-year based on the number of applicants, the quality of applications and the number of places available.
GAMSAT GAMSAT Required for graduates
The University of Plymouth use a threshold score that applicants must achieve in order to be invited to interview. There is an overall threshold as well as thresholds for each section. You must meet all thresholds to be invited to interview.
Academic Requirements
GCSE GCSEs
Applicants need to achieve 7 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects: - English Language - Mathematics - Two Science subjects - either GCSE Double Award Science or two from single award Chemistry, Biology, or Physics We are unable to consider functional skills in lieu of GCSEs.
A-level A*AA
A Level The typical offer is AAA - AAB at GCE A level which must include the following: - Grade A in Biology - Grade A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology - Your third A level can be from any subject area and does not need to be science based. General Studies is not accepted. For applicants from widening access backgrounds, we will accept AAB at GCE A Level with the same subject requirements as above plus meeting contextual markers. For applicants who are part of the UK WPMED scheme, we will accept ABB at GCE A Level, which must include the following: - Grade A in Biology - Grade B in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Scottish Advanced/Highers Scottish Highers
Scottish National 5 in English, Maths and 2 science subjects. Up to 7 subjects depending on the school and local authority.
IB IB
36-38 points overall to include the following: - Higher Level 6 in Biology - Higher Level 6 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) No specific requirements
Peninsula Medical School uses the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) as an alternative entry route to A levels. We are unable to consider previous degree study for this programme unless applicants graduate or are predicted with a first from any of the University of Plymouth School of Biomedical Science degrees. This route is valid for two years post graduation and all applications must be made via UCAS.
Statistics
Number of applicants per interview no data available
Number of applicants per place no data available
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366 Comments

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

28 August 2021

When will they release the threshold for 2022 entry? Thank you

Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor

7 September 2021

Thresholds aren’t released until after the cycle is concluded. They are calculated based on the scores of applicants in each cycle so it isn’t possible to know before you submit your application.

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

7 September 2021

I think they do it after they collect all the applications so you won’t know before you apply. It won’t be too different from previous years though

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

22 September 2021

Hi, do you have to achieve an A* for your actual a levels or is it just necessary for predicted grades?

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

11 January 2024

Would this information still apply for 2024?