Access to Sheffield (Medicine)

The programme is for you if you're interested in becoming a doctor, and offers a range of activities which will benefit you when reflecting on your experiences, whether that’s on your UCAS application or at a medical school interview.

Throughout the programme you will work with current undergraduate medical students, gaining an understanding of what studying a medicine degree here at Sheffield is really like.

Programme structure

Year 12

Welcome event (virtual)

This is a chance for you and your parents and supporters to find out more about the Access to Sheffield programme and what we have planned for the next 18 months. You will also hear from previous programme participants who are now students at the UoS.

Intro Day

You’ll get to know students on the programme, take part in academic activities aligned with your chosen pathway, explore the campus, meet our ambassadors and find out about student life.

Integrated learning activity

Students will have the opportunity to experience the style of teaching offered at Sheffield Medical School through the Integrated Learning Activity (ILA). This activity allows students to conduct independent research and explore specific learning objectives based on a clinical case study. They will then work collaboratively to reach a diagnosis and present their findings to the rest of the group. 

First aid session

Students will have the opportunity to learn about and practise basic first aid skills in this fun, practical, and hands-on session, led by our medical students using our own equipment. They will rotate around a carousel of activities, learning how to respond to choking, perform CPR and use a defibrillator, move a patient safely, treat burns and scalds, manage bleeding and suspected fractures, and place someone in the recovery position. This interactive session will help students develop practical skills, build confidence, and gain valuable insight into basic emergency care. 

First-year Medical School lecture 

Students will have the opportunity to attend a first-year lecture and experience the style of teaching offered at Sheffield Medical School. Following the lecture, they will meet the lecturer for a Q&A session, where they can learn more about their career journey & current research. 

UCAT session

Students will have the opportunity to attend a session led by a guest speaker from UCAT, covering everything they need to know about the test, including the registration process, the different sections, and tips and strategies for effective preparation. They will also hear from current medical and dental students, who will share their personal experiences, advice, and insights into preparing for the UCAT and applying to university. 

Residential summer school

This three-day residential summer school will give you a taste of life as a University of Sheffield student. You’ll be staying in our student accommodation at our Endcliffe Student Village, with your own en-suite room with other Y12 students.  You will take part in a range of subject specific  sessions including practical & academic activities. In the evenings you will get involved in social activities, with a trip to Sheffield City centre for bowling, lasertag and crazy golf on one evening, and a DJ, disco, and karaoke on the second night.

Year 13

During Y13 you’ll be enrolled onto our Access to Sheffield (Y13 to Uni) programme. You’ll be able to access support with academic attainment and your university journey.

UCAS guidance and personal statements

We'll help you prepare a strong UCAS application, including focused work on personal statements. You can also get 1-2-1 personal statement help from our current students.

Mock interviews

Building on the mock interview session offered at the summer school, students will have another opportunity to practise their medical school interview skills.  They will work through a range of commonly asked medical school interview questions, helping them develop their confidence and prepare for the interview process. Students will also receive constructive feedback to help them identify areas for improvement, with plenty of time to ask questions and gain further advice on how to prepare for their medical school interviews. 

Mock interview workshop

Students will have the opportunity to spend time with current medical students, and access support and advice in preparation for their real medical school interview.  

Celebration evening

If you successfully complete both phases of Access to Sheffield you'll be invited to a celebration evening, along with your parents and supporters, to celebrate your involvement and success with other students from across all six programmes. There will be a meal, a DJ/disco, a photo booth, and much more.  There will also be tailored sessions for the parents/supporters to engage with.

Observe GP

As part of Access to Medicine you will have access to Observe GP, an online video platform hosted by the Royal College of General Practitioners, through which you will learn about the work of a GP doctor and the GP team. This includes a series of videos of consultations with GPs and videos of other practice staff and how their work contributes to the health of the patient. Each interactive video has key learning points introducing you to words and phrases that are commonly used in medicine and important medical concepts. 

The platform will help you understand the realities of being a doctor in a GP surgery, and the skills and behaviours required for this role. We will provide you with a reflective diary to help you get the most out of using the platform.

Benefits of taking part in an Access programme 

Contextual offer

Students who successfully complete the programme will be eligible for a contextual offer from the University of Sheffield, subject to conditions, including passing an interview (where required).

Access to Sheffield scholarship

If you choose to study with us, and meet our eligibility criteria, you will be guaranteed a bursary and an Access to Sheffield Scholarship worth £3,600. 

How to apply for the scholarship 

If you wanted to take a one year break before applying to the University of Sheffield, or need to resit A Levels to achieve a higher grade, the contextual offer would be made available in the following year only.

Read our access admissions policies for more information. 

Eligibility requirements

Access to Sheffield (Medicine) is for students from target groups who are currently underrepresented in Higher Education. 

Participants are expected to attend events on campus so must be living within commutable distance of the university, for a 9am arrival. 

Students must expect to be a home fee paying student unless identified as a forced migrant.

GCSE requirements

Achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-6, plus a minimum of grade 4 in English, Maths and Science subjects (if not already included).

A Level requirements 

You should be studying at least 3 A Levels including Chemistry OR Biology AND another science subject. The combination of Chemistry and Biology is acceptable.

• Other accepted science subjects are Physics, Maths and Psychology
• EPQ and General Studies A Level are not acceptable as stand-alone qualifications
• Further Maths (with Maths A Level) and Critical Thinking will not be counted by the Medical School as stand-alone A Levels

Students must meet one or more of the following criteria in addition to the academic requirements detailed above:

• are eligible for free school meals
• live in an area of disadvantage, measured by IMD
• care experienced
• a care leaver
• young carers
• experiencing estrangement
• a forced migrant

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. As this is a programme for 16-18 year olds we can only accept students starting Y12 in September who are no older than 17 years old as of 1 September in this application cycle.

How to apply

Applications open in September and close early November. 

You should talk to the head of your sixth form or course leader to find out more. They'll tell you if you're eligible based upon the criteria and information we have provided for them. Students and parents/carers will then need to complete the online application form, via the registered school/college coordinator.

Taking part in Access to Sheffield shows commitment and could enhance your university application. However, it does not guarantee you a place at university. Places are subject to availability and you can only be registered on one sustained Widening Access pathway at the University of Sheffield at any one time.

Contact us

Email: medicine.accesstosheffield@sheffield.ac.uk

Phone: +44 114 222 1027