Future Steps - Into Medicine

We understand that applications for medicine, dentistry and other related medical field courses at university are particularly competitive, and therefore in addition to our normal careers and UCAS support, we offer an extensive additional programme to support students thinking of applying for these subjects.

Staff from a wide range of areas work together to ensure there is an extensive and appropriate programme of support to help students develop. Staff in the science department work closely with the Post 16 team as well as careers, UCAS support and other colleagues to ensure students are well advised about their applications and receive all the support needed.

University Access Schemes

We connect with the following local university access schemes:

• Sheffield University – SOAMS
• York University – Next steps York

We help students apply for these programmes in specialist workshop sessions and ensure students are supported with references. Financial help with any travel may also be available if required.

University Visits

Throughout the first year we run trips to carefully selected universities to explore their medical courses and what they are looking for in applicants.

The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT)

This is used in the selection process by a consortium of UK university medical and dental schools. The test helps universities to make more informed choices from amongst the many highly-qualified applicants who apply for their medical and dental degree programmes. The UKCAT is designed to test aptitude rather than academic achievement. It assesses a wide range of mental abilities and behavioural attributes which are considered important for doctors and dentists to possess. Workshops focusing on the skills required for these tests take place in the summer term for first year students to prepare for taking these exams and are normally sat during the summer break.

The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)

This is a subject-specific admissions test taken by applicants to certain medicine, veterinary medicine and other related courses. The BMAT takes place in the autumn term of the second year.

Application Support


We go through a very thorough application process with students. Students are given support with writing personal statements, identifying any areas where they may need further experience, supporting the organisation of the entrance exams and mock interviews.