One of the biggest concerns for a mature student considering medical school, can be their lack of academic qualifications.
With the majority of medical schools requiring a minimum of GCSE Maths and English at pass level or above (some even stipulating that they will not consider anything less than four As at GCSE), with many more also asking for at least Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English (Remember that GCSE double science will usually substitute for Physics, Chemistry and Biology but not Maths).
Then, there is AS and A2 levels! Most medical schools will require your A2 level grades to have a minimum of AAB, with the essential subject usually being Chemistry to A2 level (due to physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and molecular pathology being highly dependant on a good knowledge of chemistry). However, there are some schools which put more weight on Biology than Chemistry, so it’s important to look into each individual schools prospectus and requirements.
I’m assuming at this point you’ve already given-up? Well, don’t give-up just yet because as mature students we have a trick up our sleeves and it’s called ‘access to medicine’. Access to medicine courses are developed specifically for those wishing to train as healthcare professionals and undertake a medical degree. You will be expected to have some work experience outside of the course, preferably in a healthcare setting. The course is designed for those who have achieved in other areas (not necessarily academically) and wish to re-train as doctors. The main subjects studied include biology, chemistry, psychology and maths for medicine, which provide a sound science education to underpin any future medical training. Assessment is through exams, coursework, presentations and research projects.
With that said, there might some of you out there who still wish to re-take a GSCE or A level or two (I am re-taking GCSE Maths before entering access to medicine). You have a couple of choices, one is to ring around your local schools and colleges and see if they’re offering evening courses, or, you can use one of the many distance learning providers (I have included a couple at the bottom of this article). The benefit of distance learning for me, was I was able to study in my own time, use the resources I had available at home, and I didn’t have to feel uncomfortable sitting in a class room full of students half my age! For some of you however, this might not work as well, you might prefer the tutor being present in the class room if you have any questions or perhaps you work better surrounded by people all working to achieve the same goal … it’s whatever works best for you!
Here are a couple of distance learning providers that I recommend.
http://www.icslearn.co.uk/ (I used them to re-take my Maths GCSE)
http://www.oxfordcollege.ac/ (Currently offers A Level in Biology (AS) where as ICS does not)
