Can I transfer Between Medical Courses?

Transferring from a bioscience or related degree to medicine is a common question for students who are interested in pursuing a medical career. While it is possible to transfer, the process can be quite challenging, and it’s important to do your research before making any decisions. In this article, we will discuss the requirements and options for transferring to medicine from biosciences or a similar degree in the UK.

Requirements for transferring to medicine

Before considering transferring to medicine, it’s important to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements. The entry requirements for medicine in the UK are very competitive, and each medical school has its own specific requirements. 

In general, you will need to have a strong academic record and demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

To be considered for a transfer, you will usually need to have completed at least one year of your degree and have achieved high grades. Medical schools may also require you to have completed specific modules, such as human anatomy and physiology.

It’s also important to note that transferring to medicine is not the same as applying through the standard UCAS process. As a transfer student, you will be required to demonstrate why you are interested in medicine and why you are a suitable candidate for the programme.

Universities in the UK that accept transfers to medicine.

While not all medical schools in the UK accept transfer students, some do offer this option. Here are a few universities that accept transfer students to medicine:

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Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University, located in the East of England, is one of the few universities in the UK that offers an internal transfer scheme for students who complete the first year of BSc Medical Science, BSc Biomedical Science, or BOptom Optometry to an exceptionally high standard. 

Here are some important points to note about this transfer scheme:

• Competitive route: The transfer scheme offered by Anglia Ruskin is highly competitive, and only a limited number of places are available. For the 2022/23 entry, 59 applicants applied to transfer, and only 5 were offered places on the Medicine course.
• UCAS application: To be considered for this transfer scheme, students are required to apply through UCAS. Students must also provide evidence of a current UCAT score and meet the GCSE requirements for Medicine.
• Academic requirements: To be eligible for the transfer scheme, students must have a minimum average mark of 75% across the first year of their degree course. Additionally, no individual module can have a mark of less than 65%. 
• Personal Statement: As with any UCAS application, students must submit a Personal Statement outlining their reasons for applying to transfer. This is an important opportunity for students to explain their motivation for pursuing a career in Medicine and to demonstrate their suitability for the programme.

Overall, the transfer scheme offered by Anglia Ruskin University provides a valuable opportunity for students who have excelled in their first year of a related degree to pursue a career in Medicine. 

Bradford University

Bradford University, located in West Yorkshire, offers a unique widening participation scheme that allows students to transfer to Medicine at Sheffield University after completing a one-year Foundation in Clinical Sciences/Medicine course at Bradford or after completing Year 1 of BSc Clinical Sciences at Bradford. 

Here are some important points to note about this transfer scheme:

• UCAS application: To be considered for this transfer scheme, students must apply through UCAS once they have their end-of-year results.
• Academic requirements: Applicants must have an average of at least 70% for the year (including 70% in Chemistry) and no failed assessments. They must also achieve the Sheffield UCAT threshold and meet at least two of their widening participation criteria.
• Widening participation criteria: Sheffield University’s widening participation criteria include factors such as being the first in the family to attend university, coming from a low-income household, and attending a school with a low progression rate to higher education.

Overall, the widening participation scheme offered by Bradford University provides an excellent opportunity for students who may face barriers to accessing Medicine to achieve their goals. 

Brighton University

Brighton University, located in the South of England, offers a guaranteed interview scheme for high-performing Biomedical, Biological, and Pharmacy students who wish to transfer to Medicine at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS). 

Here are some important points to note about this transfer scheme:

• Guaranteed interview scheme: The scheme offered by BSMS guarantees an interview to students who have performed well in their Biomedical, Biological, or Pharmacy degree programs at Brighton University.
• Two versions available: There are two versions of the scheme available for students to apply to transfer after their first year or after their third year. The eligibility criteria for each version may differ.
• Students must have a minimum of 60% average in the earlier years of their degree program. They must also have a strong performance in modules related to their chosen degree program.
• Chance to interview for a place at BSMS: Successful applicants will have the opportunity to interview for a place at BSMS and start from the first year of the Medicine degree.

Overall, the guaranteed interview scheme offered by BSMS provides an excellent opportunity for high-performing Biomedical, Biological, and Pharmacy students at Brighton University to transfer to Medicine.

Cardiff University

Cardiff University offers a Medicine transfer scheme that allows students to transfer to Year 2 of the five-year Undergraduate Medicine course after completing a three-year degree from a recognised feeder stream. 

Here are some key points to note about this transfer scheme:

• Reserved places for feeder stream students: Cardiff University reserves a number of Medicine places specifically for students who have completed a three-year degree from a recognised feeder stream.
• Eligible degrees: The Medicine transfer scheme is open to students who have graduated with one of the following degrees:
  • BSc (Hons) Medical Pharmacology degree, Cardiff University
  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences degree, Cardiff University
  • BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences degree, University of South Wales
  • BMedSci (Hons) Medical Sciences degree, Bangor University
• Competitive scheme: The Medicine transfer scheme at Cardiff University is highly competitive, and students are required to meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered for a place.
• Requirements: To be eligible for the Medicine transfer scheme, students must have achieved a minimum grade of 2:1 in their degree, as well as a minimum grade of BBB in their A-levels (or equivalent qualifications). They must also have passed the UCAT test.
• Application process: Students must apply for the Medicine transfer scheme through UCAS, and will be required to submit a personal statement, academic transcript, and evidence of their UCAT results.

Overall, the Medicine transfer scheme at Cardiff University provides a great opportunity for students who have completed a three-year degree in a recognised feeder stream to pursue a career in Medicine

Exeter University:

Students who are studying BSc Medical Sciences or BSc Neuroscience at Exeter University can apply for Medicine in the final year of their degree.

• Eligibility criteria: To be considered for the Medicine transfer scheme at Exeter, you must be predicted to achieve a 2:1 or 1st, and must not have had any significant issues during your degree.
• Interview process: If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be shortlisted for the interview.

Leicester University:

Leicester University offers a competitive Medicine transfer scheme for students who have completed the first year of Biological Science, any of the Medical Science degrees, Chemistry, Natural Sciences or Psychology. There is also a competitive transfer route from Clinical Sciences to Year 2 of Medicine.

• Eligibility criteria: To be considered for the Medicine transfer scheme at Leicester, you must have achieved a high level of academic achievement in your first year, as well as meeting certain A-Level or equivalent qualifications and achieving a good UCAT score.
• Application process: To apply for the Medicine transfer scheme at Leicester, you will need to submit a personal statement and provide evidence of your ongoing commitment to Medicine. You will also need to provide references.

Newcastle University

Newcastle University‘s Biomedical Sciences to Medicine transfer scheme is a competitive route to transfer into Medicine. Here are the key details:

• Newcastle University considers applications from students who have completed Stage 1 of an undergraduate Bioscience degree programme offered by the Faculty of Medical Sciences. However, certain programmes are not eligible.
• The competition is high, with only up to 7 places available each year.
• To be eligible for the scheme, you must have a minimum average mark of 75% across Stage 1 – Semester 1 modules, with no less than 65% for any one module. You must also have a minimum average mark of 75% across all Stage 1 modules.
• Applicants must provide evidence of a current UCAT score.

It’s important to note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place on the Medicine course. The university will also take into account other factors, such as references and personal statement.

Plymouth University

Plymouth University offers a unique opportunity for students enrolled in Biomedical Science or Human Biosciences to transfer to Medicine and Dentistry after their first year of study. However, securing a spot in the competitive program requires meeting A-Level requirements and achieving a minimum of 70% average across all Year 1 degree modules.

According to the university, only 20 candidates are selected for an interview, and only 10 individuals are offered a place in the Medicine and Dentistry programs. As such, acceptance into the program is not guaranteed and is highly competitive.

Queen Mary, University of London

Queen Mary, University of London provides a unique opportunity for exceptional students enrolled in Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology & Innovative Therapeutics programs. The top 19 students in these programs are guaranteed an interview for the five-year A100 Medicine MBBS at Barts.

Selection for the interview is based on a combination of academic ranking (50%) and UCAT score (50%) at the end of the second year. Additionally, the top 5 students are considered for the highly competitive four-year A101 MBBS Graduate Entry program. This program provides an accelerated pathway to a medical degree, but is only available to the very best students.

University of Sussex

Lastly, the University of Sussex offers a unique guaranteed interview scheme for students enrolled in Biomedical Science or Medical Neuroscience programs who wish to pursue Medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. 

Eligible students can apply for the scheme either in their first or third year, with specific eligibility criteria for each option. This scheme provides an excellent opportunity for students to accelerate their medical career and gain valuable experience.

FAQs

→ Q: Is it possible to transfer to Medicine from a degree in a completely unrelated field?

A: It is highly unlikely. Medical schools usually require specific prerequisites, such as Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics. However, some schools may consider applicants from other fields if they have taken relevant courses and have strong academic backgrounds.

→ Q: Can international students transfer to Medicine in the UK?

A: Yes, international students can transfer to Medicine in the UK. However, they will need to meet the same academic and admission requirements as domestic students. They may also need to provide additional documentation, such as English proficiency test scores.

→ Q: Can I transfer to Medicine at any point during my degree?

A: No, transfer schemes typically have specific eligibility criteria and application timelines. Most schemes are only available after the first year of study, and some may have restrictions on the degree programmes that are eligible. It is important to research each school’s transfer policies carefully.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, transferring between medical courses can be complicated, but it is possible for students who meet the requirements and qualifications. However, each university has its own specific criteria and limitations, which can vary from year to year. 

Students should carefully research their options before deciding to transfer and seek advice from academic advisors or university officials if necessary. With the right preparation, determination, and hard work, transferring between medical courses can provide a unique and rewarding experience for students looking to pursue a career in the medical field.