What are summer school programs?

The majority of universities offer summer school programs for year 12’s designed to equip students with skills that will either be useful in the application process and/or life at university. Whilst some are paid for, a large number of universities have widening participation programs that are free of cost. This post will outline some of the free opportunities available, as well as paid opportunities with scholarships available (these are clearly outlined). For some, applications for summer 2021 are still open, however, unfortunately, for others, applications have already closed. If you are in year 11 though, it is definitely worth keeping these in mind as most of the programs run every year so you will be able to apply for those with applications due earlier in the academic year.

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The programs vary in content and duration, however, I can guarantee that if you are able to secure a place on any of these programs you will benefit in some way. It must also be noted that normally these programs would run face-to-face however given the current circumstances, a few are taking place virtually this year.

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Why do a summer school program for your medical school application?

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Both medical and non-medical programs will allow you to develop a number of skills that are extremely valuable as a university student. These include organisation and communication skills, and the ability to work in a team but also independently. In addition to this, you will have the chance to meet a diverse range of individuals with whom you are likely to share common interests, and consequently build life-long friendships. Moreover, many of the universities running these courses will give you the opportunity to ask staff and current students any questions you have, and allow you to use the universities facilities, giving you a greater understanding of what life as a student is like. Completing a summer school program can be advantageous in your application if you can reflect on your experiences and appreciate the skills you gained.

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The programs that are specifically directed at prospective medical students are particularly useful for the medical school application process as many of them provide students with UCAT and BMAT advice, as well as tips on how to write a personal statement. This will strengthen your application as high scores in the admissions tests and a well written personal statement are crucial in securing an interview.

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Am I eligible for a FREE summer school program for Medicine?

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Most of the free summer programs have specific eligibility criteria. As this can vary between programs, it is important to check the individual requirements (usually clearly outlined on their respective websites).

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What summer school programs are available?

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Medicine Related:

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1. Lancaster Medicine Summer School: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/widening-participation/access/summer-schools/

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• Collaboration between Lancaster Medical School, University of Liverpool and Edge Hill University funded by the Medical Schools Council (MSC) and Health Education England (HEE).

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• Aims to provide students with a full insight into life as a medical student, focusing on skills development for undergraduate level study as well as social and leisure activities.

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• You will be given the chance to try problem-based learning (PBL) and also team and case-based learning (CBL). In addition to this, you will undertake research in medically related topics, receiving feedback from peers, and participate in clinical skills and clinical anatomy teaching sessions.This will allow you to experience  the variety of learning environments at three different medical schools.

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• Residential.

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Duration: 1 week.

Eligibility criteria: see website.

Application due date for 2021: not yet released.

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2. University of Leicester Year 12 Summer School: https://le.ac.uk/study/schools-and-colleges/post-16/access-leicester-medicine

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• More details to be released at a later date.

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• Last year it was held virtually however this may differ this year depending on what guidelines are in place.

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Duration: N/A

Eligibility criteria: see website.

Application due date for 2021: applications now closed. Applications will open again in Autumn 2021 for students starting year 12 in 2021.

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3. Southampton Widening Access to Medicine Residential: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/schools-colleges/widening-access-to-medicine-residential.page

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• Usually is residential however this year is being run as an online course.

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• Some of the activities included in the program this year are a Q&A session with clinicians, clinical skills and other topical sessions, interview technique and application support workshops, sessions on UCAT, student finance and completing your application, and the opportunity to speak to current medical students.

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Duration: 3 days.

Eligibility criteria: see website.

Application due date for 2021: 28th March.

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4. University of Sunderland Medicine Summer School: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/open-days/medicine-summer-school/

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• Opportunity to experience life as a medical student

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• Sessions will focus on PBL, anatomy, mock MMIs, clinical skills, UCAT preparation, professionalism & communication skills.

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• Students that meet certain criteria and also partake in the summer school will be guaranteed an interview.

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Duration: varies year on year but usually 2-4 days.

Eligibility criteria: see website.

Application due date for 2021: applications still open. No indication of a due date.

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5. Pathways to Medicine: https://www.suttontrust.com/our-programmes/pathways-to-medicine/

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• The Sutton Trust runs this program at various universities including the University of Newcastle, Hull York Medical School, The University of Nottingham & Imperial College London.

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• The due date for applications varies between universities so make sure to double check!

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• Usually residential however this year, depending on guidelines in place, may be transferred to online.

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• You are given the opportunity to meet medical students and network with professionals as well as develop skills that will be useful at university and beyond. Some of the scheduled activities include: skills workshops, career talks, admissions testing sessions and social activities.

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‍Duration: 1 week.

Eligibility criteria: see website.

Application due date for 2021: applications now closed.

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‍‍Note: although this program is run at Imperial College London, application is directly through their own website - https://www.imperial.ac.uk/be-inspired/student-recruitment-and-outreach/schools-and-colleges/students/on-campus-activities/programmes/pathways-to-medicine/.

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6. Newcastle Mini Medical School: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/engage-with-us/mini-medical-school/

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• Not strictly a summer school program but runs during the Autumn term.

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• Series of interactive lectures (and also some practical sessions) delivered once a week.

Duration: 6 weeks

Eligibility criteria: not exclusively Year 12 students - open to anyone aged 15+.

Application due date for 2021: no indication of due date.

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Non-Medical:

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1. Imperial College London Year 12 Work Experience Program: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/be-inspired/student-recruitment-and-outreach/schools-and-colleges/students/on-campus-activities/summer-schools/work-experience/

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• Can apply to various departments including Bioengineering, Earth Science and Engineering, Materials, Mathematics, National Heart and Lung Institute, or Physics.

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• Not aimed at aspiring medical students specifically, however may still be of interest and provide you with applicable skills.

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Duration: 5 days.

Eligibility criteria: differs between programs so see website.

Application due date for 2021: 3rd March.

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2. UCL Year 12 Summer School: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/widening-participation/learners/year-12-and-13/summer-schools/year-12-summer-school-online

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• Usually face-to-face but being run online this year.

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• Chance to gain vital skills such as time management, organisation, and teamwork.

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• Meet students from different backgrounds around the country.

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• Ask questions to student leaders about life at UCL.

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• Subjects you can apply for include: Architecture, Astrophysics, Biosciences, Chemical Engineering, Economics, Fine Art, Geography, History, Natural Sciences, Health and Wellbeing Data Science, Philosophy.

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Duration: 1 week.

Eligibility criteria: year 12 students attending a non-selective state school.

Application due date for 2021: 2nd March.

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3. Pre-University Summer School at KCL *PAID*: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/summer/pre-university/online-summer-school

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• 7 different course options covering subject areas such as Health and Science, Law, Business Management, Culture and Social Science.

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• ‍*PAID* but there are scholarships covering tuition costs are available. To receive the scholarship there are a number of tasks you have to complete in addition to your application (which can be found on the website) and if you are invited to join the program you will be expected to write a 300-word blog post on your experience, provide a short one-minute video testimonial and attend an ambassador event in the following academic year (online for 2021/22).

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Duration: 2 weeks.

Eligibility criteria: see website for eligibility details for scholarship.

Application due date for 2021: the scholarship application is due 30th April however if you are not applying for a scholarship it is due 31st May.

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Author & Editor: Allegra Wisking