This Year 11 access programme delivered jointly by the University of Lancashire and the University of Sunderland aims to inspire students who may have limited knowledge of medicine as a career. The activities will be designed to build knowledge, confidence, and social capital, supporting students through their journey to applying for medical school.
Applications are now open and will close on 30 November 2025.
The Year 11 Access to Medicine Programme, jointly delivered by the University of Lancashire and the University of Sunderland, has been designed to inspire, inform, and support students from the North West and North East regions from a widening participation background who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Many young people may not have direct access to role models within healthcare or an in-depth understanding of what a medical career involves. This programme seeks to bridge that gap by offering a series of structured, engaging sessions and a residential summer school that build knowledge, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the medical pathway.
The programme begins with a sequence of online activities in the spring and early summer, aimed at developing students’ critical thinking, teamwork, and awareness of the healthcare profession. The first session introduces problem-based learning (PBL), where students work collaboratively in small groups to analyse real-world medical case studies. This interactive format encourages independent research, teamwork, and analytical reasoning—skills that are essential for success in medical school and beyond.
Following this, students will take part in a session exploring the role of multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) in the NHS. Understanding how doctors work alongside nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff is crucial for any aspiring medic. This session highlights the importance of collaboration in healthcare and provides students with a broader perspective on patient care within the NHS.
A third online event focuses on skills and attributes development, equipping students with an understanding of the personal qualities valued by medical schools in their applicants. Topics such as resilience, communication, empathy, and leadership will be discussed, helping participants reflect on their own strengths and areas for growth as future applicants.
The highlight of the programme is a four-day residential summer school, held at the Westlakes campus in Whitehaven, with accommodation at Summergrove Halls. This immersive experience allows students to step into the world of medicine and gain hands-on exposure to medical training. The summer school begins with a welcome talk, icebreaker sessions, and a campus tour, followed by practical guidance on admissions, including UCAT preparation, personal statement writing, and interview techniques. Students will receive tailored feedback from admissions staff to support their medical school applications.
During the residential, students will take part in workshops on remote and rural medicine, as well as clinical skills sessions covering basic life support, blood pressure measurement, and infection control techniques. They will also hear first-hand accounts from current medical students about life at medical school and from clinicians about the varied career pathways in medicine. A dedicated portfolio session will help students understand how to showcase their experiences and reflections effectively.
In addition to academic and clinical activities, the programme offers enriching experiences such as a day trip to Keswick and a mountain rescue workshop, allowing students to explore the intersection of medicine, outdoor environments, and emergency care.
By the end of the programme, participants will have gained invaluable insights into the world of medicine, developed key skills for future applications, and built networks with peers, current medical students, and professionals. Above all, this programme aims to raise aspirations, support access, and encourage students from underrepresented areas to take their first confident steps towards a career in medicine.
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Date |
Start time/end time |
Session title/summer school |
|
Tuesday 3rd Feb (Online) |
17:00-18:00 |
Introduction to Medicine and Careers: What is a doctor: an introduction to medicine, who can be a doctor, and the variety of careers that are possible with a medicine degree as well as alternatives to medicine. |
|
Tuesday 3rd March (Online) |
17:00-19:00 |
Meet and Greet Sessions: A talk on portfolio careers followed by a meet and greet: online ‘speed networking’ with clinicians and academics, and current medical students to foster networking, build confidence, and increase awareness of medical careers. |
|
Tuesday 21st April (Online) |
17:00-19:00 |
Problem based learning: Students will work in small groups to solve real-world medical case studies, encouraging independent research, teamwork, and critical thinking. |
|
Tuesday 5th May (Online) |
17:00-18:00 |
Understanding MDTs in the NHS: Introduction to the multi-disciplinary nature of healthcare, highlighting the range of professions within the NHS. |
|
Tuesday 2nd June (Online) |
17:00-18:00 |
Skills and Attributes Development: Sessions that focus on the skills and personal attributes valued by medical schools in future applicants. |
|
Tuesday 21st July – Friday 24th July |
|
Residential Summer School Tuesday 21st July
Wednesday 22nd July
Thursday 23rd July
Friday 24th July
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MSC Summer School programmes are open to students in Year 11 in England from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those from areas with limited outreach to medical schools. Applications are now open and will close on 30 November 2025. Use the links below to check the eligibility criteria and submit your application.
Summer School Eligibility 2026Make a Summer School application