Question 1

About The University

Accepted Answer

Based in the centre of London, partner teaching hospitals include the renowned Guy’s, St Thomas’s and King’s College Hospitals. The MBBS has three stages: stage one focuses on biomedical sciences and foundations of medicine, stage two covers the principles of clinical practice and takes place in both clinical and academic settings, and stage three focuses on vocational clinical training. The MBBS degree at King’s provides an innovative and integrated curriculum to support your training and development as a medical professional. This will equip you to become an outstanding doctor and also one of the next generations of medical leaders.   The key benefits of studying at King’s are: Integration of medical science with clinical teaching throughout Focus on learning in close contact with patients Partner hospitals include Guy’s, King’s College and St Thomas’ Hospitals – three of the most highly regarded and busiest teaching hospitals in London Ranked 17th in the world (Times Higher Education World University Ranking by subject 2019) In addition students benefit from clinical placements at district general hospitals located across the south-east of England and over 350 general practices Learn from some of the world’s most influential clinicians and scientists, who are global leaders in life sciences and medical research.   A multi-faculty university giving you access to a breadth of non-core subjects, including humanities and social sciences Twinned with leading medical schools around the world, providing opportunities for clinical exchanged during your elective module The healthcare landscape is changing rapidly; the MBBS Curriculum 2020 will see King’s College London nurture outstanding doctors who transform mental and physical healthcare through scientific and collaborative leadership. Assessment is split between that which is formative (where the primary role is to give feedback to the student but does not contribute towards the overall module/degree score) and summative (where the primary role is to demonstrate competence against course standards and learning outcomes). Formative assessment occurs throughout the years of the degree programme. There is also an early formative learning assessment in Stage 1 of the course, in order to identify those who need extra support. There are two external assessments in Stage 3 that are necessary to support your Foundation Year 1 training, but it is not essential to pass these in order to graduate from the MBBS course. Course structure: 5 years, Integrated with the opportunity to intercalate after the third year.

Question 2

Course Structure

Accepted Answer

MBBS Programme aims to train students to become: Critical scientific thinkers Collaborative leaders and innovators Outstanding patient-centred clinicians Excellent team-players Educators and life-long learners Resilient and adaptable professionals The course is divided into three ‘Stages’ with an intercalation year between Stages 2 and 3.   Although we offer four entry routes into Medicine, all our students follow the same core MBBS curriculum. Stage 1 provides you with a foundation in biomedical sciences and population sciences, along with the skills to begin to integrate them with clinical practice. Stage 2 brings together science and clinical practice in blocks organised around the human life-cycle and common pathological processes. It focuses on the care of patients with common conditions in a range of clinical settings. You will also follow patients for prolonged periods of time to learn how to deliver whole-person care. This stage is underpinned by study in biomedical and population sciences. Stage 3 is oriented towards future practice and includes the opportunity to undertake elective study abroad. You will also conduct quality improvement projects and develop skills to transform patient and population health at home and abroad. Inter-professional training and increasingly realistic simulation are important parts of the curriculum.   The intercalated degree is a one-year BSc course which gives you the opportunity to study the subjects of your choice in greater depth across King’s and the university’s clinical partners. As a multi-faculty institution, we offer an unrivalled range of intercalated degrees from clinical and biomedical sciences to humanities subjects. The intercalated BSc is a mandatory requirement however students can request to opt-out; the intercalated BSc is taken between Stages 2 and 3 of the course.   The outcome of the programme On successful completion of the course, you will receive your MBBS degree, which is a primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a PMQ entitles you to apply for provisional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), subject only to its acceptance that there is no Fitness to Practise concerns. Provisional registration is time-limited to a maximum of three years and 30 days (1125 days in total). After this time period, your provisional registration will normally expire. Provisionally registered doctors can only practise in approved Foundation Year 1 posts. To obtain a Foundation Year 1 post you will need to apply during the final year of your undergraduate course through the UK Foundation Programme Office selection scheme, which allocates these posts to graduates on a competitive basis. Generally, all suitably qualified UK graduates are allocated a place on Foundation Year 1. On successful completion of Foundation Year 1, you will be eligible to apply for full registration with the General Medical Council. You need full registration with a licence to practise for unsupervised medical practice in the NHS or private practice in the UK. Although this information is currently correct, you should be aware that regulations in this area may change from time to time.   Teaching We will provide you with high-level teaching from experts, which you will put into practice on your placements. Stage Lectures, seminars & similar Placement Self-study 1 33% including cadaveric dissection in anatomy - 67% 2 (years 2 & 3) 56% including small group and case-based teaching in clinical blocks 44% 0% 3 (years 4 & 5) 8% including small group and case-based teaching in clinical blocks 81% 11% Typically, one credit represents 10 notional hours of learning. Assessment Assessment is split between that which is formative (where the primary role is to give feedback to the student, this does not contribute towards the overall module/degree score) and summative (where the primary role is to demonstrate competence against course standards and learning outcomes). Formative assessment occurs throughout the years. Of note, there is an early formative learning assessment in Stage 1 to identify those who need extra support. Summative assessment includes Portfolio-based summative assessment which begins in Stage 1 and continues throughout the course in preparation for professional life. Written examinations at the end of Stage 1, becoming progress tests in Stage 2 and Stage 3 OSCEs (formative mid-stage, summative end-of-stage) in Stages 2 and 3 Project assessment in Stages 2 and 3, with prior formative experience in Stage 1 There are also two external assessments in Stage 3 that are necessary to support your Foundation Year 1 training, but it is not essential to pass these in order to graduate from the MBBS course.

Question 3

What Makes This University Unique?

Accepted Answer

Key Benefits Integration of medical science with clinical teaching throughout In addition students benefit from clinical placements at district general hospitals located across the south-east of England and over 350 general practices Learn from some of the world’s most influential clinicians and scientists, who are global leaders in life sciences and medical research​ A multi-faculty university giving you access to a breadth of non-core subjects including humanities and social sciences Twinned with leading medical schools around the world, providing opportunities for clinical exchanges during your elective module Focus on learning in close contact with patients. Partner hospitals include Guy’s, King’s College and St Thomas’ Hospitals – three of the most highly regarded and busiest teaching hospitals in London Ranked 17th in the world (Times Higher Education World University Ranking by subject 2019)

Question 4

Course Entry Requirements

Accepted Answer

Required grades A*AA NOTE: If you are taking linear A levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all science subjects. Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A-levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer. Additionally: All applicants must take the UCAT. Please see further details below. Required subjects: Chemistry and Biology Including GCSE grade 6/B in both English and Mathematics required Preferred subjects None Further information and other requirements A-level A*AA Including Chemistry and Biology. Additionally, GCSE grade 6/B in both English Language and Mathematics required. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer. Access to HE Diploma D: 39 credits M: 6 credits P: 0 credits QAA Access to Medicine/Dentistry HE Diploma taken at a UK Further Education College full time over one year may be considered. Of the 45 Level 3 credits, 39 credits must be from units at Distinction with the remaining Level 3 credits at Merit. Cambridge Pre-U D2 D3 D3 Including Chemistry & Biology. All applicants must take the UCAT. Please see further details below. Additionally, GCSE grade 6/B in both English Language and Mathematics required. Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels) considered. Please note that Global Perspectives is not accepted by King’s as one of your Pre-U Principal subjects. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF from 2010) Not acceptable for entrance to this programme. BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF from 2010) Not acceptable for entrance to this programme. BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF from 2010) Not acceptable for entrance to this programme. Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers AAA at Higher and AA at Advanced Higher AAA at Higher in one sitting and AA at Advanced Higher, including grade A in Advanced Higher Chemistry and Biology (we do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject). If only one of Chemistry or Biology is offered at Advanced Higher, the other must be offered at a Higher level at grade A. English and Mathematics required at N5/Standard Credit grade 1 or 2/ Intermediate 2, with grade B if not offered at Higher. International Baccalaureate 35 points Pass the IB Diploma with a total of at least 35 points, with three Higher Level subjects at 766 including Chemistry and Biology. Note the total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE. GCSE Grade 6/B in both English and Mathematics also required (if no GCSE, passes are required at SL in English and Maths if not offered at HL). Additionally: All applicants must take the UCAT. Please see further details below. Other International Qualifications Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements. English Language Requirements Band B

Question 5

Work Experience

Accepted Answer

King’s would normally expect that you will have undertaken some work experience in a caring environment and/or observation in a Medical clinical setting. If this is not possible, King’s look for evidence that you have worked in a setting where you can interact with the general public, eg in a pharmacy, check-out or restaurant. Paid or voluntary work (Very Desirable): Any voluntary contribution to your community is taken into account, e.g. volunteer in a care home. The Medical School look for evidence that you have worked in a setting where you can interact with the general public e.g. in a pharmacy, check-out or restaurant.

Question 6

UCAT & BMAT

Accepted Answer

Please note that all applicants are required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), previously known as UKCAT, prior to applying to this programme.   King’s does not have a threshold UCAT score in any particular year, but all candidates are still required to take the UCAT examination for this course. The overall UCAT score averaged across the four subtests is given more consideration than the individual subtest scores. The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is also taken into account when shortlisting.   When considering those students which will be shortlisted for interview the selectors consider the following; GCSE (or equivalent performance), predicted or achieved A-level grades (or equivalent), the personal statement, the reference and the score in the UCAT. These contribute to the shortlisting of candidates, and we do assess for this programme holistically, taking in to account all these factors and your performance in the context of your educational background. Examination results and the UCAT score are perhaps the most important factors when considering applications.   These are highlighted as they provide us with the fairest and most consistent method of assessing applicants.

Question 7

Personal Statement

Accepted Answer

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application. We are looking particularly for evidence of appropriate commitment to, and realistic appreciation of, the academic, physical and emotional demands of a medicine degree programme and career.   King’s would normally expect that you will have undertaken some work experience in a caring environment and/or observation in a medical clinical setting. If this is not possible, they look for evidence that you have worked in a setting where you can interact with the general public, eg in a pharmacy, check-out or restaurant.   Communication skills and the ability to work successfully in a team are of great importance. King’s look for applicants who have participated as fully as possible in school or college life, making the most of the opportunities available to them and also demonstrated some experience of society beyond their immediate environment. Your interests, achievements and contribution to your community are taken into account in addition to academic ability.   The Medical School aim to ensure that all of our students can cope with the heavy academic workload of the programme and display those professional qualities, skills and attitudes that help to make competent and caring medical professionals. King’s would expect your application to be strongly supported by your referee both in terms of academic achievements/potential and in terms of your character and suitability for medicine.

Question 8

Interview Process & Interview Questions Asked in Recent Years

Accepted Answer

No offers are made without an interview. Interviews are held between November and May and you must be available for interview in order to be considered for admission. A large number of applications are received for Medicine. Although King’s recognise that this is an anxious time for you, all applications are carefully considered, and therefore you should not expect a response until the cycle has been completed in early May.   All Medicine programmes at King’s now use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) for selection. During MMIs candidates are asked to respond to questions relating to a scenario at a ‘station’ and then move onto the next station in a timed circuit. One of these station scenarios is designed to assess values and personality based attributes for example: kindness, compassion and empathy, respect for the individual, privacy and dignity, advocacy, decision-making, team working and integrity. Some scenarios are scientifically based and designed to assess information handling and evaluation skills, whilst others will assess knowledge on topical medical issues. Another station will assess the candidates’ ability to deal with an ethical dilemma.   Communication skills will be assessed at EACH station. A standardised interviewer assessment score sheet accompanies each station. Interviewers have no prior knowledge of candidates before they meet them at each station. As they are seeking to identify your suitability for a clinical environment, King’s expects interviewees to adopt the dress code required of clinical medical students at King's. If you are made an offer for Medicine you will be invited to attend a post-offer Open Day. ​ Recent MMI Stations   Motivation and Insight into Medicine – this may include questions such as: Why did you apply to King’s college? Why study medicine and not another course? How has King’s College London contributed to modern medicine? What can you contribute to the atmosphere at King’s College London? What is the structure and function of the NHS? What are the bodies within the NHS? What interesting medical articles have you read recently? Personal statement/General Stations – These often examine your work experience. Here, you should highlight any volunteer work you have done, as well as any extracurricular activities which have allowed you to develop skills that you feel will be of use to you.   Can you tell me about some voluntary work that you have done? Talk about your extracurricular activities. What extracurricular activities have you done in the past years and what have you learned from them? Ethical dilemma/scenario ​These stations often have no clear right or wrong answer and instead test your ability to consider the situation at hand, before giving your opinion/stance on the issue. The four ethical principles and GMC handbook are likely to be of great use to you in this station. What would you do in this situation? How do ethical principles apply in this situation? A range of ethical scenarios with model answers can be found in the Online MMI Question Bank. Case Article Review - Your opinion on recent health news, which may include questions such as: What is your opinion of the ... case? What were the main issues raised in this case? Data Analysis ​Here, you may be given graphs, tables of data etc and asked to describe and explain the trends. Observation Tasks ​These tasks require an objective assessment of often non-medical photos (eg. A photo of a logo or a family). Roleplay Station ​This may involve interactions with a trained actor, or medical school student as well as an observer.

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