Dr Austen SpruceMedical Careers Day
Health Care in Birmingham
Entry requirements for medicine: Selection for
interview
Medicine at Birmingham
Two different degree programmes 5-year (after A-levels) Graduate entry (4-year)
Biology-related degree first usually Able to relax A-level grades
Getting the numbers right
345 places; 2,250 applications National data: 8,000 places; 20,000 applications Conversion rate (percentage of applicants who
accept an offer) – 50% So, make 750 offers Interview >1,200 (an increase)
Means of selection for interview Using UCAS data ……. Predictors of success?
Best evidence for school-leaving qualifications Aptitude tests - (UKCAT NOT used) Personal statement / reference
Selection primarily based on academic results But, contextual information will be used to select
proportion of interview candidates
Academic Profile
GCSEs: Preference for A* in Science, Maths and English Relaxed for applicants who meet contextual threshold
International Baccalaureate – 36 pts Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level
Academic Profile – contd. AS-levels: used for selection
Final result at end of year 12 (not unit marks)
Threshold – AAAA (relaxed for candidates identified using contextual data)
A2-levels: Three subjects (no advantage with four)
Chemistry + Biology + other academic subject
Concern if additional two subjects are insufficiently academic (e.g. Drama and Art)
What else? Academic results do not identify best doctors No psychological testing – not useful anyway? But, looking for “well-rounded”, motivated
individuals Work experience and extra-curricular activities
Extent of “involvement” judged using personal statement – acceptable threshold?
Assessed formally at interview
The interview and getting the right work experience
Work experience Direct clinical observation not required
Not used to full advantage
Negative influence on in-depth research!?
Investigate the career Information from news reports
Evidence of commitment to a “public servant” role Health care experience: Long-term; caring for
vulnerable people
Incl. paid work
The interview – New mechanism Multiple Mini-Interviews Initially, only 4 stations – 5 min at each Assessed characteristics:
Interpersonal communication Motivation and understanding of medicine Ethical reasoning Logical reasoning Compassion
Format: 1-to-1 discussion; Interaction with actor; task to complete