Japsimar
3 min
Updated: Jan 25, 2023
The University of St Andrews combines a students passion for learning with the skills of time-management and adaptability.
From day-one, students are expected to be in the dissection lab, for full body dissection gaining hands-on experience with principles that where previously taught in the lecture theatre.
Continual feedback from mentors, staff and tutors provided at the university provides an additional layer of accountability for medical students, indicating the level of support that the university provides.
Check the University of St Andrews website, as the university has a unique curriculum that differs from most other universities.
Additionally, spend time going over your personal statement, and get comfortable with answering questions about your situational judgement and work experience.
Keep upto date with a few current events within the medical field as this is another important area that may come up throughout the interview.
There are certain features of each medical school in the UK which help it stand out from the rest so think about the motivation to become part of St Andrews medical school.
St. Andrews University provides dissection lessons that systemically follow anatomy lectures to allow consolidation of knowledge. The dissection lab is open for students to come and revise with prosection. Placements and patient partner sessions are in place to ensure students are equipped with professional communication and clinical skills. There is also a dissertation module in 3rd year to instil to research experience and skills, an important factor that makes for a great doctor. Finally, automatic progression to partner schools means you get to enjoy university life at 2 different universities – what could be better than that?
While there is no actual campuses, St. Andrews is a rather small town, so you can reach your destinations in 5-30 mins on foot depending on where you live. The medical school is located within walking distance, with the closest hall 5-minute walk away from it; and there are university libraries around town centre and the science buildings, so nothing is ever too far away. There are a wide range of societies and subcommittees to get involved in, e.g. Surgical Society, Bute MedSoc , sports clubs and many more – you are always welcome to start a new society! To help new students transition into university life, the Med School offers Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme that involves 2nd and 3rd-year volunteers to guide them into the modules.
Within St Andrews, due to it's small size and close proximity to one another, the students, no matter their degree, connect with one another within and outside of the lecture hall. Various facilities available, such as the athletic teams and fitness suites also allow for students to form connections with individuals that they otherwise may not get to meet. There is a strong tradition of hosting various ball's within the school's culture, allowing for all to celebrate constantly throughout the school year. The Bute Medical Society also does an amazing job at hosting events catering to the medical students throughout the school year, especially for first year medical students, to allow them to feel integrated into the university.
The Bute Medical Society (BMS) plays an integral role in many medical students social experience at the University of St Andrews. From hosting first year's "Hecklings" to various socials, research talks, pub quizzes, and balls, the society combines both education and fun throughout the year.