Medicine
Why study Medicine at Emmanuel College?
The Medicine course at Emmanuel has a well organised teaching programme including evening sessions in first two years which emphasise the clinical relevance of the course content; supportive and engaged Directors of Studies and supervisors with excellent student feedback; pastoral care and support; strong “team” ethos of undergraduate medical student body; inclusive and caring environment. The College is only a 2 minute walk from the Downing Site where the majority of the biomedical sciences departments are located so ideal for easy access to University delivered lectures and practical classes. Ducks!
What might a typical day or week look like studying Medicine at Emmanuel College?
The first two years of undergraduate medical studies are quite intense. The majority of each weekday is taken up with lectures and practical classes delivered by the University which all medical students must attend. In the late afternoon/early evening the College offers small group teaching in all the subject areas – in Cambridge these are called supervisions. The groups consist of 3-4 students and topics are explored in depth, with supervisors who are subject matter experts. The teaching style is interactive rather than didactic. Weekends are free to catch up with work from the week, write essays, socialise or engage in extracurricular activities.
In the third year there are numerous options to explore specific subject areas in more detail – both in the Faculty of Biology and beyond. For details see https://www.biology.cam.ac.uk/undergrads/MedST/Current/Course/Year3. The College is able to support all these areas of study.
What qualities do successful students have?
Intellectually curious, and an ability to work hard. People skills, and a genuine interest in other people. A willingness to explore and challenge themselves and others. A sense of fun.
Where could my degree lead me?
You will proceed to clinical studies in Cambridge in Year 4 once you have your undergraduate degree. After 6 years of study in addition to your Cambridge BA you will have the MB and BChir degrees (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery) and will qualify as a doctor, ready to enter the Foundation Year training programme. A small number of students each year, with a strong research interest, opt to undertake the MB/PhD programme between their pre-clinical and clinical studies. This allows them to combine medical training with a PhD, which extends the period of study but is helpful for those interested in a career as a clinical academic.