Introduction
The University of Southampton offers a free three‑day taster course, including virtual work experience, for thirty Year 12 students. The programme is designed to deepen understanding of the medical profession and the training required to become a doctor.
Throughout the course, students will be able to strengthen their interpersonal skills, gain insight into the day‑to‑day experience of undergraduate medical students. They will receive guidance and support to help strengthen their future applications to study Medicine.
Once you have completed the course, additional resources will become available to you at the bottom of this page.
Course content
- one day live virtual work experience with the University Hospital Southampton experiencing ward rounds, outpatient clinics, talks with a variety of clinicians and medical students and more. This will be delivered through Microsoft Teams.
- in-person Q&A with clinicians.
- in-person practical workshops with medical students and staff.
- clinical skills and other topical sessions.
- interview techniques and application support.
- UCAT and completing your application session.
- student mentor support.
Eligibility
This course is for year 12 students wanting to study Medicine at university and intending to apply through a widening access programme.
To qualify for this course, you will need to be studying A Level Biology and one additional science, be under 18, and meet at least two of the following eligibility criteria:
- a first‑generation applicant to Higher Education (HE) whose parents or guardians did not attend university, either in the UK or abroad, and do not hold any higher‑education qualifications.
- parents, guardian, or self in receipt of a means-tested benefit.
- young people looked after by a Local Authority for a period of longer than 3 months.
- resident in an area with a postcode which falls within the lowest 20% of the IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation), or a member of a travelling family.
- in receipt of free school meals during GCSE years 10 to 11 for at least one term or two months, and/or 16-19 Bursary/EMA. (Gap year students may still select this criteria if they are on their first gap year directly after GCE A Levels). *
- in receipt of free school meals at any time during years 10 to 13, normally for a minimum period of at least one school term or two months.
- A current young carer **, either registered with the local council or with a reference from a teacher/tutor to confirm
* The bursary may cover:
- free school meals
- transport costs between home and college
- text books, stationery and printing
The bursary criteria does not include the UCAT bursary or a bursary to pay for private school fees.
** someone aged 25 and under who is the carer for a friend or family member, due to:
- illness
- disability
- a mental health problem
- addiction
This does not include looking after siblings because parents are at work for example.
The IMD score will be checked and verified by the programme leader.