Why study Graduate Medicine at Cambridge?
Lucy Cavendish Student, Chris Launchbury, shares his experience of studying Graduate Medicine at Cambridge University.
Lucy Cavendish Student, Micah Mugge explains why studying Medicine at Cambridge is a fantastic opportunity.
Why did you decide to study Medicine?
In a nutshell, I chose Medicine because I love people, am awed by the complexities of the human body, and find fulfilment in challenges. I was born with a clubfoot and have personal experience of how healthcare can improve quality of life, and am excited to be a small part of that service for others.
And why Medicine at Cambridge?
One of the reasons I applied to Cambridge was because of the dissection, an incredible and uncommon opportunity. I remember standing in awe as I held my donor’s heart which had been beating for almost 100 years! The supervisions are also unique and exciting, providing a space to get support on things you don’t understand, and be stretched into new ways of thinking. One of my favourite quotes from a supervisor was him describing a protein being made on a ribosome as ‘making a pea on an orange’.
How have you found the college system?
The college system is fantastic! There’s such a community feel and it’s a lot easier to make friends. I love having a close medic family at Lucy Cavendish College to ask for advice from, study and relax with (we had a potluck dinner a few weeks ago!). It’s really nice to meet people as you go around college and stop for a quick chat. It also means that supervisions, the gym, library, café and food hall are all really close to each other!
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying Medicine?
My main piece of advice is to make sure that you really want to study medicine because it is a tough degree and a tough application process. Once you have decided, research what medical schools look for in applications and play to your strengths because it’s very competitive.
What are the course requirements?
- For A Levels: Chemistry, and at least one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics
- For IB: Higher Level Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Mathematics and Physics
- Most successful applicants have at least three science/mathematics A Levels at grade A or A* (or equivalent)
- Applicants holding qualifications they believe to be equivalent other than the International Baccalaureate and Scottish Highers will need to demonstrate, convincingly, that those qualifications involve a comparable level of scientific and mathematical understanding, and are advised to contact us for guidance.
- We strongly recommend obtaining medical/healthcare experience as a paid or volunteer worker, and the shadowing of medical professionals.
Affiliate students/mature students and those taking other qualifications are encouraged to contact our Admissions Office, to discuss the entry requirements for their qualifications.
Applicants to Cambridge for A100 Medicine must sit the BMAT prior to interview. Applicants are not typically asked to submit examples of written work. At Lucy Cavendish College, we aim to admit around eight students per year.