The School of Medicine
The University of Leicester’s recently revamped School of Medicine was ranked among the UK’s top ten medical schools in the 2008 Guardian University Guide. With special commendations from the Education Committee of the General Medical Council and a top-marked curriculum, the School is dedicated to cutting-edge teaching and training.
Undergraduate Medicine Courses
For the MBChB degree, the School of Medicine offers a standard 5-year programme and a 4-year fast track programme. To apply for the fast-track programme, students must be UK citizens, graduates in any field with an upper second honours degree or higher, and must have significant work experience in a caring role. An Intercalated Degree option is also available for students wishing to undertake an extra year of study for a BSc degree.
The programme’s integrated curriculum is grouped into two phases. Phase 1introduces clinical training very early in the course in combination with interdisciplinary medical science modules. Social and Behavioural Medicine modules and teaching at community centres allow students to understand the social and psychological aspects of illness and clinical practice. This part of the course also emphasises problem solving and group work to encourage self-directed learning.
Phase 2 largely consists of concentrated clinical learning in hospital and community placements. Hospital placements involve Teaching Partnerships with small groups of clinicians in different fields of expertise; community placements involve working with primary care teams. Students develop individual portfolios of patient studies during these placement periods. Phase 2 also includes an elective period for students to undertake a medical project of their own choosing and design, which may be carried out abroad. The course concludes with an Additional Clinical Practice period, wherein students shadow a practicing doctor as preparation for working in a medical setting.
Postgraduate Medicine Courses
The School of Medicine offers a range of Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research courses. Postgraduate Taught courses include the PhD in Biology, the MSc in Molecular Pathology, and the MSc in Molecular Toxicology.
Postgraduate Research degrees include MD and Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) degrees, as well as specialised courses such as the PhD in Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, and the MSc in Molecular Pathology and Toxicology.
The City of Leicester
Located in the East Midlands, the city of Leicester has a diverse population and a lively atmosphere both day and night. National and independent retailers meet a wide range of shopping needs, while the Curve Theatre and various museums and galleries provide artistic education and entertainment. Live music venues are everywhere in Leicester, and the Leicester Students’ Union frequently attracts top acts and artists.
Student Life
The Students’ Union organises events throughout the year and supervises numerous student societies as well as the Sports Association’s 40+ athletic clubs of all levels. Several indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including sports pitches, tennis courts, an activity room hosting classes, and a toning studio, are also available for student use.
Student Support
The Student Support and Development Service oversees several organisations and services dedicated to helping students, including the AccessAbility Centre, the Student Welfare Service, the Student Development Service and the Healthy Living Service.
The AccessAbility Centre provides support for students with disabilities and learning difficulties such as dyslexia. The Student Welfare Service connects students with pastoral care and resources regarding funding, and offers immigration, visa and work permit advice to international students. Career management and academic skills development resources can be accessed through the Student Development Service, which also runs events and workshops throughout the year and helps students to find work placements. The Healthy Living Service assists students with GP registration and selection and hosts a free weekly sexual health clinic.