undergraduate medical degree m… · pharmacy and optometry within the school of life & health...

UNDERGRADUATEMEDICAL DEGREEBE PART OF THE NEW GENERATION

2019

WELCOMEAston Medical School was launched in 2014 to provide high quality accredited* medical education and ground-breaking research in translational medicine.

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Our mission is to empower and enable you to acquire the knowledge to become part of the new generation of doctors and scientists with a leadership and entrepreneurial mind-set.

You will study in a close-knit community designed to maximise your learning experience, giving you the opportunity to make lasting friendships and establish networks. Our course is designed for you to experience early patient contact from your first year of study, not just during your clinical years. You will also have the chance to be involved in translational medical research at Aston Medical Research Institute, guided by world leading researchers in preeclampsia, cardiovascular disease, mental health and regenerative medicine.

Here you will find a compassionate leadership team that pride themselves on supporting young minds to transform lives through discovery-led research, teamwork and the core competencies required to excel in medicine.

Key members of the teaching leadership team are:

Professor Helen Cameron, Dean of Medical Education

Dr Ray Carson, Medical Studies Coordinator and Phase 1 Lead

Mrs Shagaf Bakour, Director of Medical Education and Phase 2 Lead.

Upon successful completion of your course and post-degree Foundation Programme you will become a competent and safe doctor ready to meet the challenges of 21st century healthcare.

I look forward to welcoming you to our city campus in the centre of Birmingham - a vibrant, diverse and cosmopolitan city. A perfect setting for a fantastic student life!

CONTENTS01 Welcome from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor

and Executive Dean02 Research at Aston Medical School04 MBChB undergraduate medical degree:

course overview and curriculum08 Clinical placements09 Next steps10 Student life12 Entry requirements14 How to apply15 Fees and funding16 Important dates

Professor Asif AhmedExecutive Dean, Aston Medical School Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Health, Aston University

*We were given approval by the General Medical Council (GMC) to recruit to our MBChB course from 2018.

RESEARCH AT ASTON MEDICAL SCHOOL The Aston Medical Research Institute (AMRI) was established in 2014 and is the home of medical research at Aston University.

AMRI’s mission is to create a culture of discovery based exploitable research that transforms lives, addresses local health challenges, and delivers global impact. The institute hosts a group of researchers across different disciplines to support and promote interdisciplinary research in translational medicine. Scientific discovery demands grit in the pursuit of difficult questions to find innovative solutions. Like leadership, translational medical research requires bringing purpose, people and passion under a common vision and is a celebration of teamwork.

Since degree-awarding powers were granted to the School in 2015 the research institute have taken on a number of PhD students funded through a variety of sponsors including the British Heart Foundation.

They have secured research funding from organisations such as Diabetes UK, the Marie Curie Fellowship and British Heart Foundation, and published over 60 medical papers in leading journals.

As a medical student at Aston you will be taught by, and exposed to, the internationally renowned, passionate and insightful researchers within AMRI. Your clinical education will be combined with their cutting edge research in technologies and translational medicine (“from bench to bedside”). The specific research themes are: maternal health, cardiovascular medicine, mental health and regenerative medicine.

www.astonmedicalschool.com

Maternal health

Lead: Professor Asif Ahmed, Executive Dean and Professor of Translational Medicine

Significant breakthroughs in the field of pregnancy disorders, specifically preeclampsia – a high blood pressure disorder affecting 1 in 12 pregnancies, have been made within this research theme. The team have identified two major protective pathways, heme oxygenase-1 and cystathionine gamma lyase, in pregnancy. These discoveries have formed the basis for the world’s first randomised controlled clinical trial on the use of statins in pregnancy; the StAmP Trial. Their findings were published in the prestigious scientific journal Circulation and were highlighted as being “ground-breaking” both by Circulation and within the mainstream media.

Regenerative Medicine

Lead: Professor Yuchun Gu, Professor of Molecular Physiology

The research focus of this theme is to develop cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease using induced pluripotent stem cells, (iPSC) derived cells. Specifically, studies led by Professor Gu aim to enhance the efficiency and the functions of the iPSC-derived cells in tissue repair.

Cardiovascular medicine Lead: Professor Francisco Leyva, Professor of Cardiology This research theme focuses on three areas:

Cardiovascular photonics: to translate diagnostic laser technologies to clinical practice; Cardiac devices and electrophysiology: to maximise the benefit of cardiac resynchronisation therapy;

Cardiovascular outcomes: studies on comparisons between healthcare systems in England and the US and clinical outcome studies on device therapy and cardiovascular conditions. These studies form the basis for future expansion and partnership with Big Data.

Mental health

Lead: Professor George Tadros, Professor of Dementia and Liaison Psychiatry

Research and collaborations in this theme are based on Professor George Tadros’ work which focuses on innovation on the delivery of psychiatry and dementia services in the region, by building links and joint working with the digital technology industry and NHS. The study using ‘Rapid Assessment, Interface and Discharge (RAID)’ model to provide liaison psychiatry delivering rapid response 24/7 in an acute hospital shows it can lead to significant savings in health service provision. It is the preferred model of the National Commissioning Foundation for Liaison Psychiatry. RAID is being implemented in over 20 trusts across the country.

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MBChB COURSE OVERVIEW

Why Aston?

Learn in an environment dedicated to promoting social mobility, equality and diversity and to celebrating the international nature of our own student body.

Opportunity to enhance your leadership capabilities through a certificate in Health Leadership which is completed in conjunction with the triple accredited Aston Business School.

Experience early patient contact in year one with general practice placements and then increasing involvement in patient care through apprenticeship learning, across a variety of hospital, community and general practice settings and clinical specialities.

Study at a University with gold rated teaching; the highest award in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Develop a greater understanding of healthcare teams through interprofessional learning with the unique opportunity to interact with the highly ranked Schools of Pharmacy and Optometry within the School of Life & Health Sciences.

Develop knowledge and skills with our world-class researchers, lecturers and consultants, from the Aston Medical Research Institute, through a range of engaging interactive learning methods.

Our curriculum, developed by Leicester Medical School, is patient-centred. It will help you to develop the core competencies in medicine, gain key teamwork skills and understand the workings of the internationally admired NHS (National Health Service). It has been designed to equip you with the clinical expertise and confidence needed to embark on your first post after

graduation as a Foundation doctor, while encouraging you to develop into an independent life-long learner with critical thinking skills and a caring and compassionate attitude.

Throughout the course, teaching is informed by our research and encourages you to develop a questioning, evidence-informed approach to clinical practice.


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Student Selected Component including Health Leadership

CURRICULUM

Phase 1 Phase 1 runs through years 1 and 2 of your studies.

In a small, intimate community of students, your first weeks at Aston will be spent getting to know the University and Medical School, the curriculum, educational methods and most importantly, one another. This will help you settle in and work comfortably with fellow students and staff as the course progresses.

Throughout Phase 1 you will develop your clinical skills and knowledge in blocks such as Physiology & Pharmacology, Public & Global Health and the Musculoskeletal System. The Very Early Clinical Experience placement gives you an opportunity to develop understanding of what it’s like to be a patient and to gain real-world experience of the work of doctors and other members of the general practice team.

In the block Introduction to Clinical Practice, running throughout Phase 1, you will learn how to interact effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and other health professionals, develop consultation skills and be introduced to diagnostic reasoning. Phases 2-4 The Student Selected Components, delivered in years 3, 4 and 5, offer the chance to study an area of

particular interest including our Health Leadership module. This is delivered in conjunction with Aston Business School and successful completion of the module will lead to an additional certificate. In year 3 you will rotate around hospital medical and surgical specialties and spend approximately 12 weeks in general practice. Your workplace learning will be supported by lectures, workshops, simulations, computer-based learning and independent study. At the end of the year you will have developed a range of clinical consultation skills, and have mastered a significant body of knowledge to apply to patients’ problems. Throughout years 4 and 5 you will become increasingly involved in the care of patients through an apprenticeship model. In year 4 you will rotate through a range of specialties such as Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Child Health and Psychiatry. In year 5 the focus is on the acutely sick or deteriorating patient in the run-up to Finals which take place around February. This permits time after Finals, for an Elective and a 6-week Foundation Assistantship in which you will undertake the tasks of a Foundation doctor, under careful supervision, to prepare you for your first post after graduation and reduce the stress and anxiety associated with this transition.

Looking after you

Medicine is a demanding subject so it is important to look after yourself and have a good support network. Your Personal Tutor can offer advice on study-related or personal issues and we have a dedicated Student Support Lead to help you cope with the unique requirements of being a medical student. In addition, there is a wide range of university support services. You will have many opportunities to explore new interests, develop hobbies and make new friends: these form an important part of university life and provide a balance to the work.


Year 1 Year 2 Fundamentals of Medicine 1 Fundamentals of Medicine 2

Year 3 Year 4 Year 5Clinical Apprenticeships 1

Term 1 Term 1 Term 2 / 3 Term 2 / 3

Clinical Apprenticeships 2

Foundation Apprenticeships

Introduction to Physiology & Pharmacology

Pathological Processes

Fundamentals of Body Structure

Infection

Medical Cell Biology & Genetics

Cardiovascular

Introduction to Clinical Practice 1a

Introduction to Clinical Practice 1b

Public & Global Health

Metabolism, Endocrinology & Haematology

Sociological & Psychological Aspects of Health

Musculoskeletal

Head, Neck & Neuroanatomy

Urinary System Integration for Clinical Applications

Gastrointestinal / Immune System

Clinical Pharmacology & Prescribing

Introduction to Clinical Practice 2a

Introduction to Clinical Practice 2b

Respiratory System Nervous System & Neuropsychiatry

Reproductive System

Sociological & Psychological Aspects of Health

Cancer Care

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Senses: Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Dermatology

Child Health

Community Medicine

Psychiatry

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Nephrology & Neurology

Foundation Assistantship

Student Selected Component / Elective including Health Leadership

Emergency Medicine / Intensive Care Unit / Anaesthetics

General Practice

Acute Medicine / Medicine of the Elderly

Student Selected Component including Health Leadership

General Practice

Hospital specialties 2: such as Musculoskeletal, Urinary, Perioperative care

Hospital specialties 1: such as Cardiology, Respiratory, Rheumatology, Renal, Infection, Diabetes

Once you have completed your five year MBChB degree with us you will have a variety of training options available to you depending on what you want to achieve from your career.

Currently, upon successful completion of the MBChB course all of our students (UK and international fee paying) will have equal opportunity to apply for the UK Foundation Programme. This is a two year integrated training programme for newly qualified Foundation doctors who are eligible for provisional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).

When applying for your Foundation Programme you will have the opportunity to register your interest in a variety of rotations and settings. In line with our ethos to positively impact communities we will encourage our students to apply for rotations with a primary care focus.

If you require a visa to study in the UK our qualified visa team will be on hand to provide you with advice and support should you wish to take this career path.

The basic starting salary for a UK F1 doctor is currently set at £26,614*. Additional banding pay scales may apply. Visit www.bma.org.uk for further information.

Currently in the UK full registration with the GMC occurs on successful completion of Foundation Year 1. However, Foundation Year 2 must be completed before entering into specialist training. The length of this training varies according to specialty. For example, three years of specialist training is required for general practice, with three to seven years required for hospital specialties.

NEXT STEPS

Our partners

We are partnered with a number of carefully selected NHS trusts and primary care providers who serve an exceptionally diverse range of communities and settings such as inner city areas, towns and rural locations. This means you will encounter a wide range of patients and experiences, giving you an excellent foundation for your future medical career. Learning how to recognise and manage a broad spectrum of conditions as well as understanding the importance of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team will give you a wider perspective of clinical practice. For more information on our partners visit the website.

Your placements

During your time at Aston it is our aim to give you experience across primary, secondary and tertiary care in acute teaching hospitals, integrated care community hospitals and in a range of medical facilities with a particular focus on primary care and mental health services. In these authentic environments you will observe experts in healthcare at work and practise the competences required of a Foundation doctor including communicating and consulting empathically, making clinical decisions, prescribing and undertaking practical procedures. In addition you will learn to work within a multiprofessional team with patients as partners.

Year 1 Two one-week placements in a primary care setting. The first takes place early in Term 1 to give you insight to UK clinical practice and the experience of patients. In Term 3 you have an opportunity to practise some of your early clinical skills.

Year 2 A total of nine days are spent in primary care throughout Year 2. This experience focuses on developing your consultation skills to carefully explore medical problems while taking into consideration the needs and wishes of the patient.

Year 3 Three 12-week blocks are undertaken, with one in primary care and two across a range of medical and surgical specialties in hospitals, giving you an excellent experience of the general principles of clinical practice, and building on your theoretical learning in Phase 1.

Year 4 Spend five weeks in seven specialty placements such as obstetrics and gynaecology, child care and psychiatry to gain comprehensive experience in these specialist areas.

Year 5 Before your Finals you will complete three blocks of six weeks: one in primary care and two in hospital settings. After your Finals you will complete a 6-week Elective which may be undertaken anywhere suitable worldwide, and a 6-week Foundation Assistantship where you will undertake Foundation level work under very careful supervision. The focus on Year 5 is on developing your diagnostic and management skills in preparation for your Foundation training posts.


During your time at Aston much of your learning will take place in real life clinical environments designed to give you a broad range of first-hand experiences.

Career guidance Our careers lead works with the British Medical Association’s (BMA) careers advice and support, and working abroad teams to support you in deciding the best career path for you. We also work with the careers team for Health Education England in the West Midlands to provide you with a comprehensive structure around careers. This will include assistance with your UK Foundation Programme application.

All core career resources that will assist you with taking your next step, such as CV surgeries, application advice and interview practice will be available to you through Aston’s award winning careers service.

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* Correct at time of printing please note salary amounts within the UK may vary by country.

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS

STUDENT LIFE

A range of on campus accommodation options Dedicated facilities for

Medical School students including clinical skills room and a range of study spaces

Library: open seven days a week, (24 hour opening during exam periods) and extensive IT facilities

New £6.5 million Students’ Union building*

Sports centre with sports halls, a 110-station gym and swimming pool

A choice of cafés, restaurants, bars and shops.

As an Aston student you get the best of both worlds: a green, well-equipped, friendly campus in the centre of a vibrant city. With our entire social, support and academic facilities based on campus you’ll never have far to go.

Being based in the city centre means it’s just a 10 minute walk to reach all the facilities you would expect in a modern city such as excellent rail, bus and metro links, world class shopping centres and entertainment venues. Birmingham truly is a great city to live and study in.

Campus facilities include:

*Due to open in Spring 2019.


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All applicants must normally have*:

Minimum of five GCSEs/IGCSEs at grade B/6 which must include English language, mathematics, chemistry, biology or double science (or overseas equivalent).

In addition:

A Levels

Minimum of AAA - AAB, including chemistry, biology (including passing the practical elements) and any third subject, excluding general studies and critical thinking. Applicants who meet specified widening participation criteria, may be eligible for our lowered contextual offer of ABB**.

or

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Total of 35 points with grades of 6,6,5 in three subjects which must include chemistry and biology at Higher Level and the remaining points from Standard Level subjects and Diploma Programme Core.

or

Overseas equivalent

In addition to A Levels and IB grades we accept a range of equivalent overseas qualifications such as the Canadian High School Diploma or the Hong

Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). Visit the website for a full list of accepted qualifications.

Foundation programmes

We accept applications from a number of UK foundation courses, visit the website for more details.

Postgraduate applicants

An upper second class honours degree (2.1) or equivalent. In addition, students will normally be required to demonstrate adequate knowledge in chemistry and biology with grades B, at A-levels and GCSE or equivalent.

UKCAT

We require all applicants to take the UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) in 2018 for 2019 entry, this will be considered alongside the other required qualifications. For more information on this test please visit www.ukcat.ac.uk

Results of these will be sent to us from UKCAT, so you will not be required to send us your result.

English language

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate an excellent command of the language. Accepted tests and scores include:

IELTS (Academic test)

· 7.5 overall with a minimum of 7.0 in each section.

or

TOEFL

· 109 overall with a minimum of 26 in reading, 28 in writing, 26 in listening and 23 in speaking.

Please note we do not accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE).


ENTRY REQUIREMENTSInterview process

If you meet our academic and other requirements, you will be invited to the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) which are a compulsory part of the selection process. No Skype/remote interviews will be possible as we believe that face to face assessment of an applicant’s abilities is important.The MMIs will consist of a number of stations which will be mapped to the General Medical Council’s Promoting Excellence and the NHS Constitution.The stations will assess attributes including:

understanding of studying and practising medicine motivation verbal communication listening skills understanding of

compassion, respect and dignity problem solving.

Disabilities, additional needs and medical conditions

If you consider yourself to have a disability, additional needs (for example dyslexia) or any relevant medical conditions, you must declare this on your UCAS application form and inform our admissions team if any matters arise subsequent to submission of your application.

Academic assessment for all applicants will be independent of any declaration of disability. The Enabling Team at Aston will contact applicants who have declared a disability to assess support and need for reasonable adjustment. Applicants will also be assessed in view of the requirement to meet the competencies set by the General Medical Council.We encourage applicants with disabilities and will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all applicants are considered equally in the selection process including the MMIs and successfully complete their studies. We will contact all applicants with a disability who are invited for interview to discuss their requirements ahead of the interview date.

Post application and interview

If you are successful, and once you have been made an offer, you will be sent an email outlining the conditions you will need to meet for your offer to be made unconditional.

Conditions will include:

confirmation of your educational results

the submission of a health questionnaire and occupational health clearance

completion of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (UK Criminal Records Check)

if you have lived outside of the UK for longer than six months in the last five years then you will need to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct (for each country you have lived in).

If you require a visa to study in the UK we have a team of qualified immigration advisors to guide you through this process. Support at AstonOur priority is to ensure that you have access to a wide variety of support to suit your specific academic, pastoral, enabling and financial advice needs. This will be provided through dedicated school academic and support teams. Support for international students also includes access to visa experts and a dedicated International Student Officer. If you have any specific needs and would like to discuss these please contact: [email protected]

*Full details on all entry requirements are available on the website. **Further details are available on the website.

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Application process

All applications are made via the UCAS website and must be received by the deadline date of October 15, 2018 for equal consideration.

Our application processes employ fair, consistent and transparent procedures to recruit students with both the intellectual capacity and personal attributes to become safe, competent and caring doctors who are able to play a full role in whichever health system they choose. We are looking for applicants who are well rounded individuals with the ability to cope with an intensive course and a demanding career.

The design of our selection processes incorporates the values of equality and diversity, and minimises the risk of direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of the protected characteristics defined in the 2010 Equality Act.*

Student intake

For 2019 entry we will offer 100 places for UK/EU applicants. In keeping with our vision of being a socially inclusive medical school, we aim to offer a minimum of 40% of our places to students who meet specified widening participation criteria; preference will be given to our local students including those who are on the Sir Doug Ellis Pathway to Healthcare Programme. Full details of this programme and widening participation criteria can be found on the website.

In addition we will continue to offer places to international fee-paying students. We are happy to consider applications from graduates, but there is no accelerated graduate entry available at Aston.

Open days

We run regular open days to give you the opportunity to visit our campus and find out first-hand what studying at Aston is really like. For dates and to book your place visit: www.aston.ac.uk/opendays

If you are traveling from outside of the UK to attend your MMI you will be given the opportunity to take part in a campus tour during your time with us. In addition you can visit our international pages to find out when our next visit near you is at: www.aston.ac.uk /internationalvisits

Take the next step to start your Aston journey.

* Equality and Diversity in UK Medical Schools BMA, October 2009; Gateways to the Professions, GMC 2014.

Fees

For 2019 entry fee details, please see the website.

Fees for each year of study can either be paid in full at the start of each academic year or, in three termly instalments of 50% at the beginning of Term 1 (September), 25% in Term 2 (January) and 25% in Term 3 (May).

Funding

UK and EU students can apply for funding through the Student Loan Company England, details can be found at: www.slc.co.uk

In addition you may also be eligible for bursaries and/ or grants from the NHS to help assist with your fees and living costs while studying for your medical degree. Visit: www.gov.uk/nhs-busaries for more information.

If you are a fully funded student via a country scholarship or other source of external funding our admissions team will confirm your next steps upon receipt of an offer to study at Aston.

Prizes and financial awards

Each year we will have a range of small financial awards and prizes for the most talented students both entering their first year at Aston and in subsequent years of study. Financial awards covering all or the majority of tuition fees will not be available.

International students

International fee paying students who receive and accept their offer will need to pay a £10,000 deposit.

Studying medicine in the UK is a serious financial commitment. You will need to ensure that you have sufficient funds for your tuition and living expenses and you should have this funding secured before travelling to the UK and starting your course.

The UK Visa and Immigration Service requires that as well as the cost of your tuition fees you have sufficient funds to cover your living costs. Details of which will be sent to you during the application process.

Clinical placement costs

During your studies you will undertake various clinical placements and this could see you having to travel to distances within the wider Midlands area by rail, bus or car. Travel in Birmingham is both easily accessible and affordable with a range of travel options and discounted passes for students.

When on longer placements in your later years of study you may decide to obtain accommodation near your placement, both our student support team and clinical partners will work with you to secure suitable accommodation within your budget.

FEES AND FUNDING


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HOW TO APPLY

All information in this brochure is accurate at the time of printing. The provision of courses, admission requirements and all other arrangements described in this publication are regularly reviewed and therefore may be subject to change. Visit our website for the latest information.

KEEP IN TOUCH 2018

MAY

TUE 01

UKCAT open for registration

JULY

MON 02

UKCAT testing dates begin

FRI 06

Aston University open day

SEPTEMBER

WED 05

UCAS opens for applications

TUE 18

UKCAT registration closed

OCTOBER

TUE 02

UKCAT last testing dates

SAT 06


MON 15

UCAS equal consideration deadline for medicine applications

NOVEMBER

SAT 03


EARLY

UKCAT test results released to UK medical schools*

DECEMBER

... Aston Medical School MMIs*

JANUARY

... Student Finance England (SFE) student loan applications open (for UK/EU students only)


FEBRUARY


MAY

THU 02

Deadline for applicant UCAS decisions if all decisions received by 31 March

JULY

... IB results released*

AUGUST

THU 15

A Level results released*

On-campus *Dates subject to confirmation.

2019


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Medical School Admissions Aston Medical School Aston University Aston Triangle Birmingham B4 7ET UK

@AstonMedicine Aston Medical School


[email protected]+44 (0)121 204 3284

IMPORTANT DATES

BE PART OF THE NEW GENERATION

R E G I S T E R Y O U R I N T E R E S T O N L I N E AT

W W W. A S T O N M E D I C A L S C H O O L . C O M

undergraduate medical degree m… · pharmacy and optometry within the school of life & health...

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