Birkbeck: University of London

It is not associated with any medical schools, and mainly prepares students for studying subjects allied to medicine, for example Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Osteopathy etc.

However, very able students who already possess a good honours degree or higher in another subject have previously managed to be accepted by medical schools such as King's College, Brighton or St. George's.

2 Subjects (usually Biology and Chemistry) are taught over 30 weeks (3 hours each per week) from September to May. Classes are usually in the evening (6-9pm), and there is one afternoon option (1-4pm).

The 30 weeks of study for Biology are divided into three sequential ten week modules, Parts I, II and III, which will give you a lively and interesting introduction to the major themes in biology including the chemical and cellular basis of life, diversity, structure and function of bacteria, plants and animals, plant and animal physiology, genetics and evolution ecology. You will also develop essential skills such as observation, microscope and drawing techniques as well as data handling.

The 30 weeks of study for Chemistry are also divided into three sequential ten week modules and give an intensive but very absorbing introduction to the various branches of the subject. You will concentrate on the physical basis of chemistry, which is essential to the understanding of the chemical behaviour of both organic and inorganic matter. You are thus provided with an excellent background for the study of the chemical basis of life.

Places this year
(2006 entry):

288

Competition Last Year (2005 entry):

Total Places:

252

Total Applicants:

340

Applications per Place:

1.3

GCSE requirements:

Not necessary but preferred. A good level of numeracy and a good command of English are required.

A-Level Requirements:

If you already hold A-levels in Science, you might not be accepted, but we accept students who have "rusty" A-levels and want to polish their knowledge for access to degree studies.

Entry requirements for graduates:

Graduates with a science degree are not eligible. Graduates with a non-science degree must have at least a 2.2.

Age Limits:

Minimum age is 18.

When to apply:

March-September

How to apply:

Simply by booking an interview with the Executive Officer (020 7631 6623) from March onwards.

Duration of course:

1 year

Course fees:

Each 30-week Certificate subject: £270 each.

Certificate award (two subjects): £540. Concessionary fees: £100 each subject and £200 for the full award.

Number of students starting the course in Sept / Oct 2004:

247

Number of people who passed the year:

141

Number of people who dropped out:

85

Number of people who failed the course:

21

Number of people receiving offers to study medicine from the 2004 cohort.

I have heard from 5, but most students who completed received offers to study medical related degrees.

Website:

Course website

Admissions Tutor / contact name:

Andreas Schmidt, Programme Manager Science and MAthematics

Email Enquiries:

[email protected]

Telephone Enquiries:

020 7631 6623