Case Study

There were several reasons why I decided to pursue MBChB Medicine as a graduate rather than applying through the A-Level route.

After finishing my A-levels, I went straight to Newcastle University to study biomedical science. I didn’t fully commit to studying medicine until after I had finished my degree. I think deep down I had always been interested in it, but I lacked confidence in my academic ability and wasn’t sure I was capable of pursuing such a demanding career. Around the same time, I had close friends who were studying medicine, and hearing about their experiences really inspired me, and made me a little jealous!

By my third year of Biomedical Sciences, I had already set my sights on applying to medicine. Unfortunately, by the time I made that decision, I had missed the UCAT and application deadlines so I decided to take a year out to work and travel. During that year, I did explore other career paths, partly out of a fear of being rejected from medical school. I was drawn to the idea of working for an NGO and briefly considered teacher training as my mum is a teacher and so it’s a career I’m probably most familiar with. But despite looking into other options, nothing excited me as much as medicine. The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that it was the right path for me. 

I never applied to medicine as an undergraduate, so I don’t have a direct comparison for how it was different to applying as a graduate, but it definitely came with its own unique experience. I wasn’t waiting on any academic results as I’d completed my degree, which took pressure off, but it also meant that everything was riding on the interview. Sunderland was actually my first interview, so naturally I was very nervous but it ended up being my favourite interview. The positive experience I had that day played a big role in my decision to study here. 

Applying as a graduate can feel a bit like starting from scratch. But ultimately, I think my previous experiences gave me perspective, self-confidence, and a real sense of purpose, which helped me both in preparing for the application and in the interview itself. Ultimately, I know that 18-year-old me wouldn’t have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach the process the way I did as a graduate. 

I think it’s hard to say if my previous degree has provided me with specific advantages or perspectives compared to students who applied directly after their A-Levels. Some of my closest friends on the course came straight from A-levels, and they’ve all brought something valuable to the table. For me, having a previous degree helped me avoid getting too caught up in the comparison that can often come with studying medicine. It’s easy to look around and see others pulling all-nighters in the library or studying constantly, and feel like you need to do the same. But being a bit older helped me recognise what works best for me when it comes to revision and balance, which I think maybe allowed me to settle in a bit sooner. That said, when you start medical school, you’re all starting from the same point—regardless of your background. One of the nicest things about the course has been learning and growing together as a group, not just with fellow graduates, but with everyone! 

Funding my Medicine degree and managing financially was different to my first degree. In full transparency, I wouldn’t have been able to afford medical school without the support of my parents. As a postgraduate on the undergraduate course I did not get a tuition fee loan and so this is where my parents have helped me out. You do still get a maintenance loan which is means-tested on your parents income until you are 25. I have also funded my rent and living expenses, as well as transport to and from placement by working every summer holiday, including roles as a carer and university admin. If I could give three pieces of advice they would be:  

1. Work in the holidays, especially in pre-clinical years where the holidays are longer!  

1. Make a spreadsheet of everything you are entitled to including student finance, grants and bursaries and any additional earnings you may have. This will be especially helpful in 5th year where financing becomes a little more complicated.  

1. Look out for paid opportunities that will also enhance your CV. Royal Colleges often have monetary prizes for essay competitions. In my 4th year summer holiday I did a paid research project with a lecturer at Sunderland which was sponsored by the NIHR. This was a great opportunity!  

In my opinion, there are several key benefits of having work experience or further study before studying Medicine. These days, it can be incredibly difficult to get shadowing experience if you don’t already have connections in medicine. That’s why I found that having a bit more life experience (through my previous degree and a year of work) helped when it came to interview preparation and feeling confident speaking with people from all walks of life. Many universities also place a strong emphasis on first-hand experience gained through working or volunteering. I think the path I took into medicine gave me a solid foundation in those areas, which helped me demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills that are so important in this career. Exam results pending, I’ll be the first doctor in my family, which is something I’m really proud of.

There are definitely things I would advise other graduates to consider before choosing this route, as it’s a big decision. I remember often worrying that I’d fall behind my peers who were already progressing in their careers or buying houses. But now, as I near the end of the course, I can honestly say it’s been absolutely worth it. My biggest piece of advice would be to enjoy the journey and remind yourself that it’s not a race. Five years will pass anyway, and if you’re doing something you love, that time is well spent. Take every opportunity that comes your way, and make the most of the extra-long holidays while you have them! I remember feeling a bit apprehensive about moving back into student halls and worrying that I might feel out of place or struggle to make friends. But in reality, it’s a really inclusive environment. Get involved in societies or activities that interest you, and make a conscious effort to keep in touch with friends from your first degree, as it’s refreshing to have people to talk to about non-medicine things! 

Ultimately, I think taking a different path into medicine gave me a greater appreciation for the opportunity, and the confidence to make the most of it."

Published 27 August 2025