Tab Content: Who is it for?
Access to Medicine is for students in Year 12 who are interested in studying medicine at university. In order to be eligible to take part in the Access to Medicine programme, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have completed 8 GCSEs at Grade 6 or above (with at least one subject at Grade 7). This must include Maths, English Language and either triple (biology, chemistry, physics) or both core and additional science
- Be on track to achieve a minimum of BBB at A-Level in Chemistry and Biology, or ABB including Biology, Chemistry or Psychology
- Meet two or more of our widening participation criteria (see Am I eligible?)
- Be able to commit to attending all events (see What does it look like?)
Tab Content: Why take part?
The Access to Medicine programme will allow you to experience Problem-Based Learning, the way in which Lancaster Medical School teaches medicine. This learning includes clinical skills, anatomy and the wider determinants of health. You will also develop a range of transferrable skills beyond medicine such as teamwork, confidence and independent study skills.
By taking part, you will gain an excellent insight into what it is like to study medicine and learn to become a doctor. You will receive detailed information, advice and guidance that will help you understand the selection process for Lancaster Medical School, including advice about making the most of work experience placements, and preparing for the UCAT test and Multiple Mini Interviews.
If you successfully complete the Access to Medicine programme, you may be offered a guaranteed interview should you choose to apply for a degree in Medicine and Surgery at Lancaster Medical School in the future.
Activities will be offered via a mix of online and on-campus events throughout the year. The number and type of activities you need to take part in will be confirmed during the application process and when the programme begins.
Tab Content: Am I eligible?
We use a range of indicators to determine whether you are eligible for entry to our Access to Medicine programme. The criteria that we prioritise are:
- People from a low-income background (i.e. household income of £30,000 or less)
- People from lower socio-economic groups or from neighbourhoods where higher education participation is low (IMD Q1)
- People who are first in their family to progress to higher education (i.e. parents/guardians have not attended university. This does not include siblings or other close family relations.)
- People who are (or were) entitled to free school meals or Pupil Premium
- People from Asian, Black and mixed-ethnic groups
- People with a long-term illness, health condition and/or disability
- People with a mental health condition
- People who are neurodivergent (including Specific Learning Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Condition, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- People who are D/deaf, hard of hearing, B/blind or Deaf-Blind
- People who are living in, or have lived in, local authority care, and/or people who are care-experienced, a care leaver, or currently in care
- People with caring responsibilities, or Young Carers
- People estranged from their families
- People from Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Irish Traveller, Showman and Boater communities
- Refugees or asylum seekers
- Children from military families
- People from schools with a lower than national average attainment or progression to Higher Education scores.
We also ask that you are a UK student or are attending a UK school in order to take part in our widening participation activities.
Each application is considered on a case by case basis and space is provided for further information or circumstances you wish us to be aware of in your application.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, don’t hesitate to get in touch at lap@lancaster.ac.uk.
Tab Content: What does it look like?
Access to Medicine will run between January and September 2026. You may be asked to come onto campus for compulsory events a minimum of two times throughout the programme, with other compulsory events being offered online.
Please see the provisional schedule of compulsory events below:
January – Launch Event and Problem Based Learning Session One – in person, all day
February – Problem Based Learning Session Two – in person, all day
April –Applying to Medicine Session One and Work Experience Workshop – online, evening
July – Applying to Medicine Session Two and MMI Mock Interviews – online, evening
September – Celebration Event (optional) – in person, all day
In addition to the schedule above, you will be asked to submit a piece of reflective writing as part of your successful completion of the programme.
You will also have access to online wraparound guidance that is specific to studying Medicine, as well as an invitation to the full range of dedicated events and activities on offer as part of the Lancaster Access Programme. These activities are optional, and online content is available on demand.
Tab Content: How do I get involved?
Applications for Access to Medicine are currently closed and will reopen in September 2025.
If you’d like to express your interest in the programme, we will contact you to let you know when applications have opened for our next cohort.
Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by 20th December at the latest.
