Why You Should Consider Cambridge for Your Second Degree
Author: Kieran Walker
Applying to the University of Cambridge and moving to the East of England was something I never expected to do. After completing my Dental Foundation Year, DCT1 and DCT2, I decided to apply for a second degree in Medicine. I didn’t initially consider Cambridge as I assumed I wouldn’t meet the academic requirements, however I soon realised that it is achievable and is well worth considering.
There are mixed opinions on the merits of applying to accelerated three-year medical courses or to four-year graduate programmes such as the one at Cambridge. In my case, I didn’t feel the need to rush what is a long training pathway, and choosing Cambridge allowed me to experience the benefits of a full four year of medical education and progressing with the same cohort throughout the course. Personally, I found this really beneficial for my own learning with teaching frequently taking place in small groups known as ‘supervisions’ in which you gain a very strong grounding in the basic sciences with Cambridge graduates also have one of the highest first-time pass rates for MRCS Part A.
Having studied Dentistry at Cardiff, attending Cambridge offered a very different and special experience. There are many opportunities available, from high-profile guest speakers and debates, to wearing gowns, formal dinners, and May Balls made it a unique place to study. It also introduced me to life in the East of England, which has on offer beautiful landscapes whilst also being close to London. It is no surprise that many of my peers have chosen to remain in the region for further training.
One of the main reasons I applied to Cambridge was the financial support available. If you are 25 or over (and therefore classed as an independent student) you are eligible for additional funding alongside the NHS bursary. Each year, I received a bursary from the University which was previously £5,600, rising to £6,600 in my final year in addition to the NHS bursary and other grants such as funding for conferences and travel. There are also opportunities to work alongside the course, I was a Head and Neck Anatomy supervisor and worked regular shifts at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. The course can be demanding alongside paid work, however the rotas which consist of non-resident night shifts and weekends are shared among second-degree students, creating a supportive department which made it manageable.
There is a wider debate to be had about locum work versus salaried roles. Although salaried work may not be as well paid, there are advantages to being part of a department, including portfolio opportunities and the chance to build strong professional relationships with fellow second-degree students. Additionally, holding a contracted role counts towards my NHS service, meaning I have started F1 with five extra days of annual leave (32 days in total). Being part of a department also meant having access to advice, notes and support from students and trainees in the years above.
Regarding the application process, you complete a standard UCAS application in addition to a second supplementary application form available on the Cambridge website. This form focuses on your healthcare experience and is particularly important for highlighting experience beyond maxillofacial surgery and demonstrating a broad interest in medicine.
Cambridge has also recently introduced the UCAT as part of the application process. There is no fixed cut-off score, as it forms only one component of the overall assessment. Your UCAS application, supplementary form and UCAT score are all considered together to generate an interview score. For 2024, there were 30 places with approximately a 16:1 application-to-offer ratio. Selection is based on work experience, reflection, UCAT performance and references. Historically, around 90 applicants were invited to interview for 30 places. Although these ratios may appear daunting, dentists are successful applicants almost every year.
The interviews are run in an MMI format and are conducted by a mixture of clinicians, medical science academics and lay interviewers. The stations include a blend of scientific, ethical and healthcare-related questions, so candidates often find different parts challenging or straightforward depending on their background.
If you have any questions or would like advice about applying to Cambridge, preparing for interviews, or working in the East of England, please feel free to get in touch (Kieran.Walker58@gmail.com) Even if I don’t have the full answer myself, I can put you in contact with someone in the region who does. My key message is that Cambridge is a genuinely achievable option for you reading this and I strongly encourage you to consider applying.
