The Aspiring Medics
3 min
Updated: Jan 11, 2023
Aston offers an innovative MBChB degree; fostering the skills, knowledge and critical thinking required for the evolving world of medicine.
Students receive first class support, teaching and clinical experience throughout the degree, ensuring that they reach their full potential and become leading doctors of the future.
Student feedback is prioritised by staff, allowing students’ voices to be heard, as well as making an impact on patient care of the future.
Make sure to read the GMC’s Good Medical Practice, as a topic relating to medical ethics is certain to appear at some stage.
When practising interview scenarios, it’s far more effective to do so with a friend. This is required to develop the vital skill of being able to think clearly and logically on your feet.
Ensure that you have completed The Aspiring Medics Experience bank beforehand. Don’t rush into questions, it’s better to pause and logically consider an answer, rather than going off on a tangent that will gain little points.
Most importantly, approach the interview with confidence!
Dress code is formal.
Aston places a strong emphasis on clinical exposure from the beginning, with placement beginning as early as six weeks into first year. Also in fifth year, students get to choose their final six week elective placement from a suitable location anywhere in the world. Students are given the opportunity to conduct research with the Research Institute. Aston also allows students to carry out dissections. Integrated problem based learning in groups takes place on a daily basis making it far easier to address any difficulties people have with subjects early on, as well as reinforcing topics.
Aston Medical School is located right in the heart of Birmingham City; a bustling, diverse and vibrant city. Most students live on campus, which boasts modern apartments with state of the art facilities. On campus accommodation is guaranteed in advance for those who if accepted, firm their medical school offers. There are many societies and clubs to get involved in, meaning that whether you are a drinker or non-drinker, introverted or extroverted, you will have a wide range of socials to enjoy. The proximity to the city centre makes it easy to maintain a maintainable work-life balance. Students can easily experience fine dining, to amazing performances, to the world famous Bullring and Grand Central shopping centre, all just a five minutes’ walk from their room!
The atmosphere on campus at Aston is very welcoming, with over 3000 students living on the campus itself; and medics sharing accomodation with both medics and non-medics from first year. The friendly, community atmosphere at Aston makes it easy to settle in, especially for those living away from home. There are plenty of opportunities for students to mix with non-medics as well, thanks to the wide spectrum of clubs and societies that hold a large number of events each year. The Student Union building recently won a national award. It’s the perfect area to relax after a long day of lectures with friends, be it in the restaurant or games area, and integrate with the wider Aston community.
Medical events are known to be the best events you will attend. With all your colleagues and Barts family there, you feel an immense sense of community. Events to note include the Boat Ball in first year, the half-way ball in third year and the Rites of Passage where you graduate in St Pauls Cathedral. Others include the annual association dinner where you celebrate society and sports achievements with staff and students as well as regular shows by dance and drama in Laird Hall. Tradition is considered incredibly important at Barts and these events are at the heart of them.