Intercalated BSc

[Amanda]

UCL offers a wide range of courses to pick from. How do you choose which iBSc is most suitable for you?

[Anonymous]

Hello!

There is a very broad range of programmes to choose from(although they are all related to medicine). There are very science-based ones such as Neuroscience, Immunology, Infection and Cell Pathology, Physiology, Pharmacology etc. There are more clinical-based ones such as Clinical Sciences, Primary Health Care, Surgical Sciences, Paediatrics and Child Health etc. and there are some which focus more on the humanities aspect of medicine such as Global Health, History of Medicine, Policy, Communication & Ethics etc.

It is recommended you browse through the booklet: www.ucl.ac.uk/medicalschool/staff-students/course-information/year-3/docs/ibscbooklet1516 to have a better idea of the programmes on offer. Also make the effort to attend the fair in January where you can speak one to one with students on the course.

Most programmes will require you to do a project (lab based/ clinical); although some of them give you the option to do a dissertation. However, if you're doing a more science-based course - its always recommended to take the opportunity to do a lab project and take advantage of UCL's state-of-the-art research centres! You will most likely write a dissertation if you're doing a humanity programme.


Selection process:
The application process for iBSc programme takes place in your second year of medicine. You have to write two personal statements; one for your first choice and another for your second choice. You also have to state a third choice in your application just in case! Decisions are made based solely on the personal statements.
Be wise when selecting your choices. Some courses tend to be more competitive than others. Although very rare, each year there are a few students who only get their 3rd choice. 


You have to consider a few things when deciding which programme you would like to do:
a) How interested are you in the subject?
b) How time consuming is the course? (Are you willing to work hard this year? or would you like it to be a break from your medical course?)
c) How difficult is it to get a 1st? (How much do results matter to you? It's one extra point!)
d) How well organised is the course?
e) Where are your classes going to take place at? (Some are not on UCL campus, some are in hospitals etc.)

Best of Luck!