Preparing for Medicine

Preparing for Medicine is an 18-month free outreach programme run by the University of East Anglia in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University and the Medical Schools Council. It begins in Year 12/Level 3 Year 1 and continues through Year 13/Level 3 Year 2, providing mentoring from current medical students, subject-related events, UCAT workshops, interview support and a five-day summer school.

Participants who engage fully and meet UEA course entry requirements are guaranteed an interview for UEA MBBS Medicine courses (including MBBS with a Gateway Year).

The programme includes a mix of in-person and online activity: a welcome event (UEA), a medical ethics webinar, UCAT workshops, a careers and work experience webinar, an application and interview support session, and a five-day summer school (non-residential at UEA in May 2026; a residential option at Anglia Ruskin University in July 2026). Work experience opportunities during the summer school include GP shadowing placements or hospital observation.

Preparing for Medicine is targeted at students from underrepresented backgrounds and is open to Year 12 / Level 3 Year 1 students at state schools/colleges in England. The programme is free to join and further eligibility details are available in the FAQ on the UEA page.