Studying at Sunderland Medical School
Overview
The University of Sunderland is home to one of the newest medical schools in the UK. In partnership with Keele University, Sunderland opened its doors to its first cohort of medical students in September 2019. Boasting brand new and state-of-the-art facilities, Sunderland offers a curriculum based on Problem Based Learning in a spiral curriculum that builds complexity year-on-year. Students are taught mainly in small class sizes and learning groups but will also experience a range of other learning methods including lectures, seminars and self-directed learning.
Key Points
- UCAT
- Integrated Course
- New Medical School
Insider’s Guide to Sunderland Medical School from Ellen O’Brien, Sunderland Medical Student
What makes Sunderland unique to other medical schools?
The early patient exposure is absolutely amazing! I love to go on placement and practice my consultation skills on real patients- I also find it really helpful to my learning as I get to see the conditions I am learning about in real life!
Also, Sunderland is a relatively small medical school which is lovely as we have all become a family! We have medic families, so there are people in the year above who become your ‘parents’ which is excellent as it really gives you an opportunity to ask questions to people who have been through what you are experiencing.
Course Structure at Sunderland Medical School
Year 1 at Sunderland Medical School
The Sunderland course is PBL based, with a spiral curriculum. In Year 1 we cover biomedical, behavioural, and social science including subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology- we also have lots of clinical skills and exposure to patients through placement.
Year 2 at Sunderland Medical School
We carry on with our PBL, spiral curriculum but we go much more in depth into pathology and clinical teaching including examinations and more complex communication skills. We also continue to learn biomedical, behavioural, and social science including more in depth anatomy, physiology and other subjects. We have further clinical exposure with GP placements and hospital placement.
Year 3 at Sunderland Medical School
In 3rd year, there is an increased emphasis on pathology of disease and disease processes. We are immersed in clinical placement in specific trusts around the North East where we rotate around different specialties and learn in the hospitals. We also begin CBL (case based learning) which is slightly different to the PBL structure we have used for the first 2 years.
Year 4 at Sunderland Medical School
Full time clinical placements continue into the fourth year with rotations in many specialties. This helps build on the clinical skills knowledge that has already been built over the previous years. We rotate through units such as Medicine, Surgery, Women’s health, Mental health, Paediatrics, Neurology, General Practice
Year 5 at Sunderland Medical School
Continue in full time clinical placements with learning through integrated units such as medicine, surgery, elderly care, mental health, paediatrics, general practice and more. This year is primarily an assistantship and has an elective as well. Fifth year is all about preparing for practice as a Foundation Year 1 Doctor.
Teaching Style at Sunderland Medical School
What is the general teaching style at Sunderland? E.g., is it PBL/Traditional? etc.
Sunderland is an integrated course—merging medical science with clinical teaching.
We use PBL which I find incredibly useful as it means that I am learning and researching independently so I can go into more detail with certain subjects that I find really interesting. PBL also gives us the opportunity to work as a group which I also find extremely useful!
Does Sunderland offer dissection?
As of January 2022, Sunderland will be offering prosections (which are anatomical dissections prepared by experts) in the new amazing Cadaveric Lab
Does Sunderland offer a BSc? If so, how is the BSc year?
Intercalation is available as an option after Y2 as a BSc or Y4 as an MSc- This is a great opportunity to do some more research into topics you find interesting and also gives you the opportunity to have something extra to go on your CV.
What is the pre-clinical / clinical split like? Do you get early clinical exposure?
At Sunderland, we start with excellent communication skills sessions delivered by our GP team, helping teach us about history taking and approaching patients in a clinical role. We get clinical exposure from Y1- we go on 6 GP placements in the first year which means that we get to practice all of the communication skills and clinical skills we have learnt.
Social Life at Sunderland Medical School
What are the clubs and societies like?
We have lots of brilliant societies and clubs on offer- with lots to come!
We have many medical societies including, MedSoc, MedEd society, GP Society, Paediatric Society, and the emergency medicine society. There are also many wider University societies which you can join, so there is a social club/event for everyone.
What is the social life like?
The Social life is great- the North East is known for amazing social life- with Sunderland only being a short ride from Newcastle we all have great fun!
For more information on applying to Sunderland, you can call one of our expert admissions tutors who can support you in your application.
FAQs
Sunderland Medical School is a medical school located in the United Kingdom, which is part of the University of Sunderland. The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields, including Medicine, Biomedical Science, and Healthcare Sciences.
Sunderland Medical School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields, including Medicine, Biomedical Science, Healthcare Sciences, and more.
The admission process for Sunderland Medical School varies depending on the course and level of study. Generally, applicants are required to meet specific academic requirements and submit an application form, transcripts, personal statement, and reference letters. Some courses may also require interviews or entrance exams.
Some common Sunderland Medical School interview questions may include:
Why do you want to study medicine?
What qualities do you think are important for a doctor?
How have you prepared for a career in medicine?
Can you give an example of a time when you demonstrated empathy or teamwork?
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing healthcare today?
To prepare for a Sunderland Medical School interview, it is important to research the school and its programs, as well as the healthcare industry and current issues and challenges. Practice answering common interview questions, and think about examples from your own experiences that demonstrate your skills and qualities as a future healthcare professional. Dress professionally and arrive early to the interview to reduce stress and show that you are organized and reliable.
The admission requirements for Sunderland Medical School are competitive, so it can be considered challenging to get into the program. Applicants are required to meet specific academic requirements, submit a strong application form, personal statement, and reference letters. Some courses may also require interviews or entrance exams. However, the difficulty of getting into the program depends on several factors, including the number of applicants, the specific course, and the level of study. It is important to note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance, as admission decisions are based on a holistic assessment of the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and potential.
Sunderland Medical School, part of the University of Sunderland, is a reputable institution that offers quality medical education. The school has a modern facility and a range of resources and support services to help students succeed in their studies. Sunderland Medical School also has partnerships with several healthcare providers, allowing students to gain practical experience and develop their clinical skills. In addition, the school is committed to research and innovation, which helps to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date and relevant to the changing healthcare industry. While it is important to research and consider different factors when choosing a university for medicine, Sunderland Medical School can be considered a good option for students looking for a quality medical education.
About the university
| Key Information | |
| Website | Website |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone number | 0191 515 2000 |
| Course Information | |
| Teaching style | Integrated The course has been designed to be clinically realistic, with teaching activities in the anatomy lab, the use of PBL and CBL (problem-based learning and case-based learning), as well as extensive clinical placements in hospital and community settings. |
| Course length | 5 years |
| Courses offered | 1 course offered: A100 Medicine Standard Entry - 5 years |
| Graduate entry | No |
| Foundation or access | No |
| University Life | |
| Local area | Sunderland Sunderland has a rich history and has one of the UK’s lowest costs of living. City Campus is at the centre of the modern city, and is home to main administration and support services, library, lecture halls, and excellent sport facilities. Sunderland has a relatively small student intake, a city-centre campus by the sea and a supportive community with enthusiastic and committed staff. By studying in Sunderland, you’ll be based in a fantastic city by the sea. There’s a shortage of doctors here in the North East, which means you’ll be helping to address a national imbalance, plus the chances of you securing a job after you graduate should be pretty good too! |
| Social life | First year medical students tend to all live in the same accommodation (Scotia Quay) making it really easy to meet people from your course and make new friends. |
| Interview | |
| Interview style | MMI Including pass/fail numerical test. Our interviews take the form of multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) and a numeracy test. |
| Interview dates | Dec-Jan |
| Admissions Tests | |
| UCAT | UCAT Required Shortlisting for interview is based on academic requirements alongside UCAT score. However, your UCAT score must be in the top 8 deciles to be considered. Candidates who have scored Band 4 on the SJT will not be considered. |
| GAMSAT | N/A |
| Academic Requirements | |
| GCSE | GCSEs not used for shortlisting beyond minimum requirements GCSE requirements: 5 subjects at grade A (7) with a minimum of grade B (6) in Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. |
| A-level | AAA A-levels - A Levels in three subjects at grades of AAA are required, including Biology or Chemistry plus another designated science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths/Further Maths/Statistics) and a third academic subject. Any science A Level (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) completed in England from 2017 must include a pass in the practical endorsement; without this the qualification will be judged to have been failed, regardless of the headline grade. Only one subject from a combination of Maths or Further Maths or Statistics will be considered within the three A Levels. A Level grades must be achieved in one sitting. Your application will not be affected if you have taken A Level Maths a year early. A-level Subjects not included: The following subjects are not accepted at A Level for A100: Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies, any AQA Applied A Level (Applied Art and Design, Applied Business, Applied ICT, Applied Leisure Studies, Applied Science, Applied Travel and Tourism, Science in Society, Use of Mathematics), any Edexcel Applied A Level (Applied Art and Design, Applied Business, Applied ICT, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Leisure Studies, Media; Performing Arts, Travel and Tourism), any OCR Applied A Level (Applied Art and Design, Applied Business, Applied Health and Social Care, Applied ICT, Applied Leisure Studies, Applied Performing Arts, Applied Science, Applied Travel and Tourism), any WJEC Applied A Level (Applied Business, Applied ICT, Applied Science). Key skills qualifications will not be taken into account in assessing academic ability. |
| Scottish Advanced/Highers | AAAAB AAAAA at Scottish National 5, with a minimum grade B in English Language, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Scottish - National 5: a minimum of 5 subjects at grade A with a minimum of grade B in Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics Higher: minimum of AAAAB, including Chemistry/Biology plus a second science both at A, to be achieved by the end of S5 (i.e. before applying) |
| IB | IB 35 points including three grade 6 passes at IB Higher Level and grades of 6, 6, 5 at Standard Level are required. Higher Level subjects must include Chemistry or Biology, plus one from Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths and a third rigorous subject. Any science not taken at the Higher Level must be offered at Standard Level grade 5 or GCSE grade B (or equivalent). Points awarded for the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge are not taken into account but these components must have been completed. English Language (Language A) at Grade 6 is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English Language. Please see English Language Requirements under General Requirements if you do not have either of these. |
| Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) | 2:1 Honours degree Degree - Degree 2:1 in any subject, to be gained within 5 years of application; masters' degrees/doctorates not accepted in compensation for bachelor's degree below 2:1 (we are interested in ability to succeed at undergraduate study). The degree will have been completed within 5 years of application and gained at point of entry onto the course. |
| Statistics | |
| Number of applicants per interview | Home: 2.03, International: N/A |
| Number of applicants per place | Home: 10.27, International: N/A |
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
14 November 2021
is there an opportunity to take an elective at University of Sunderland studying medicine?
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
15 January 2022
What happens if in as level i get AAA and a levels i get A*AA but do not meet the gcse requirements
Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor
12 February 2022
If you’re not sure about your specific circumstances it’s best to email the admissions department to get some advice. However usually if you don’t meet their strict requirements then your application will not be considered.