Access to medicine courses

[angelpuffs]

I'm hoping to start a medicine degree in a few years time when both of my children are at school. I've contacted a few universities and they have told me that, as it's 18 years since I did A- levels and my first degree was not science based, is have to apply for the undergraduate medicine degree and would be best to complete an Access to Medicine course or the "Subjects allied to medicine" course at Birkbeck college as a first step? Once one of these is completed I can take the UKCAT or BMAT and apply from there.
Any advice? What are these access courses like re workload and content? Has anyone down this as a mature student and what was your experience? I'm keen to hear any advice/tips or just general info on how you found the process.
Thanks

Titchy- is that the Birkbeck college course you're referring to- the Subjects Allied to Medicine?

Yes.

That's great- as that course is my preferred option (over other access courses I've seen). Did you do the course? I'm going to an open day soon to get more info. The prospectus is v brief and I'd like to fire lots of questions at them at the same time

I was a doctor. I no longer practise. If you search you'll find lots of threads where most of the doctors say absolutely do not do it.

One such thread...
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/2703687-Looking-for-advice-on-starting-a-Medical-degree-at-37

There are lots of others.

Purple- I've seen that thread. Would you
mind sharing why you no longer practise?

Not all medical schools do graduate entry though and graduates apply all over the country surely?

Buttercups- graduates can apply anywhere, but they can only benefit from the graduate programme (4 years rather than 5 and increased funding) if the university offers it