Maddy – Access to Medicine

Course: Access to Medicine

Progression: Medicine at Exeter University

My Story:

After completing her A Levels during the COVID pandemic and being out of education for two years, Maddy decided she wanted a change in career, and enrolled on the Access to Medicine course at the University Centre Truro & Penwith.

Working as both a waitress and a GP receptionist during her course, the latter to gain experience in an NHS field in preparation for application to medical school, Maddy found that the University Centre’s condensed timetable of three days a week allowed her to balance work around lectures.

Maddy said: “I decided to enrol on the Access course because I wanted to study Medicine at university, and with my current A Levels it wasn’t possible to apply. By doing the Access course it gave me the correct qualification to apply for Medicine.”

“I enjoyed making new friends and developing new skills and getting back into education. It felt like a stepping stone back into education to help prepare me for university as well as giving me the required qualifications to apply to university”.

Maddy’s advice for students thinking about enrolling onto an Access course is to “Start revising early or make revision resources as it will set you in a good position for exams. Start assignments early, don’t leave them to the last minute – you are able to produce a higher quality piece of work without getting so stressed.”

“Further advice would be don’t be nervous to ask for help as all the teachers and staff and very supportive and will help in any way they can. Lastly, enjoy it as it goes so quickly!”

During the course, Maddy was successful in securing an offer to study Medicine at Exeter University and began her degree in September 2023. Maddy said of her plans after university: “I would like to specialise in paediatrics after completing my degree, however I am very open to other options within the medical field and am excited to explore the opportunities.”