Fast-track Medics Programme

For ambitious students looking seeking a fast route to a UK medical school.

CATS College Fast-track Medics Programme is a highly specialised 3 term programme of study for focused, high-achieving students looking for progression onto related degrees at leading universities.

• Four week Pre-Sessional medics preparation leading onto a three term Fast-track A level Medics Programme.
  - 06 Aug – 31 Aug for students progressing onto Fast-track A level at Cambridge campus.
  - 20 Aug – 14 Sept for students progressing onto Fast-track A level at London campus.
  Benefit from studying in two of the UK’s finest academic centres. Cambridge for the four week pre-sessional followed by Bloomsbury, London for the Fast-track A level programme.
• Full support in UCAS preparation and UKCAT/BMAT exams.
• Students undertake work experience both in the UK and in their home country. Past students have worked at Cambridge University Addenbrookes Hospital, and one of the world’s leading heart treatment hospitals Papworth.
• Excellent preparation for entry into a Top UK Medical School.

The programme takes place at CATS College London, with a four week pre-sessional programme taught at CATS College Cambridge.

Following academic subjects in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (or Maths), students will benefit from weekly two hour seminars in addition to their academic subjects. Seminars include information on medics degrees, the requirements for becoming a doctor, the NHS and other topical issues.

All students also benefit from weekly 2 hour seminar, designed to improve their chances of accessing a top UK medical school, covering subjects such as:

• information on medic degrees
• the requirements for becoming a doctor
• the NHS
• topical issues
• mock interviews.

Students are expected to lead presentations and seminars on specific topics to develop and encourage their confidence and critical thinking skills in preparation for university interviews.

Higher Education advice and guidance

The Medics Programme Leader oversees all students on the programme, providing complete support. University guidance and applications are tailored to each individual’s particular strengths and career goals giving them the best chance of success. UCAS applications, personal statements, University visits and careers fairs enhance CATS College Medic students applications.

Mock interviews

Students undergo extensive mock interviews in preparation for university applications during both AS and A2 years. These include:

• in-house interviews with a panel of academic tutors
• external interview with panel of experts
• group presentations.

Work Experience and Volunteering

All Medic students will undertake a series of work experience and volunteer placements to help enhance their academic studies. UK work experience is undertaken at institutes such as Cambridge University Addenbrookes Hospital and Papworth Hospital where students will shadow Doctor’s and Consultants. Volunteering and charity work during term time includes placements for Oxfam and the British Red Cross. International students will also be required to undertake work experience in their home countries during vacations which the Medics Programme Leader will assist with arranging.

Assessments

All students will study for the BMAT and UKCAT examinations alongside AS and A2 examinations and coursework.

Seminars

Students benefit from regular seminars from external specialists. These include topics such as:

• research on the genetic link in cardiovascular disease
• Schizophrenia

Sample timetable

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
08.45 - 09.00	PT	PT	PT	PT	PT
09.00 - 10.00	Physics	Biology	Chemistry	ESL	Independent study
10.00 - 11.00	Physics	Biology	Chemistry	ESL	Independent study
11.15 - 12.15	ESL	Physics	Maths	Biology	Maths
12.15 - 13.15	ESL	Physics	Independent study	Biology	Maths
13.15 - 14.15	Lunch	Lunch	Maths	Lunch	Lunch
14.15 - 15.15	Chemistry	Maths	Lunch	Physics	Biology
15.30 - 16.30	PSHE	Independent study	ESL Science	Chemistry	Independent study
16.30 - 17.30	Independent study	Independent study	ESL Medicine	Chemistry	Independent study