Widening Access to Medicine Taster Course and Virtual Work Experience
University of Southampton
Curious about a career in medicine? Join Southampton’s free three-day hybrid taster: one campus day plus online workshops and live virtual work experience. Practise clinical skills, sharpen interview technique and boost your widening-access/contextual application with guidance from academics and clinicians.
The University of Southampton's Widening Access to Medicine Taster Course and Virtual Work Experience is a free, three-day hybrid programme for Year 12 students interested in studying Medicine and applying via widening access or contextual admissions. The programme combines one on-campus taster day at Highfield Campus with two days of online workshops and one day of live virtual work experience.
Activities include practicing clinical skills, interview preparation, interactive workshops with medical students and staff, sessions on medical ethics and specialties, UCAT and admissions guidance, and speed networking with doctors.
Day 1 on campus focuses on hands-on clinical skills and in-person workshops; days 2 and 3 are delivered online through Microsoft Teams and include a live virtual work experience with University Hospital Southampton covering outpatient clinics, live surgery and talks with clinicians and medical students. The programme aims to increase knowledge of the role and training of doctors, develop interpersonal skills, raise awareness of the undergraduate medical student experience, and support applications to study Medicine.
All attendees receive a certificate at the end of the programme.
Applications open 1 September 2025 and close 1 December 2025. Places are shortlisted after the closing date. Travel support is available to eligible students; accommodation is not provided. For queries contact talk2us@soton.ac.uk.
Certificate of Attendance
01 Sept 2025
01 Dec 2025
08 Apr 2026 – 10 Apr 2026
April 2026 event (3-day programme: 8, 9, 10 April 2026)
Location
- Must be in Year 12 (first year of A Levels).
- Must be studying A Level Biology and one additional science.
- Must meet at least two of the widening access criteria: first generation to Higher Education; parent/guardian/self in receipt of a means-tested benefit; looked after by a Local Authority; resident in an area within the lowest 20% IMD or member of a travelling family; in receipt of free school meals at any time during Years 10 to 13; or a young carer.
- Must be living in the UK (international students not eligible).
- Must confirm availability for all event dates to be considered.
- Must have an agreed reference from a teacher confirming eligibility and that they can be contacted.
- Intended to apply to study Medicine via a widening access programme or contextual admissions route.
Free of charge. Travel expenses can be claimed; support is available to cover travel costs. Accommodation is not provided. Food and drink provided on campus day 1.
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