How important is voluntary work / experience?

[CurlyRover]

I already have a first degree in science but I want to retrain into healthcare science. I currently work full time and trying to fit in voluntary work thusfar has been difficult. I'm due to start volunteering soon though as soon as my DBS comes back.

How important is voluntary work for my UCAS application? I was thinking of applying this year and if I don't get through reapply next year. Am I likely to be rejected until I get experience though?

[lljkk]

For all the health professions, work experience is pretty much essential.

[SluttyButty]

Dd is going to read law, she’s done a couple of work placements and a Sutton trust programme related to law and it’s really helped on her ucas application and the offers coming in.

[thesandwich]

Contact the admissions department at one of the unis you are thinking about. And look very carefully at the admission criteria.