We’ve collated some of the most frequently asked questions about applying and studying at Pears Cumbria School of Medicine. We will continue to update this page with further questions, so do check back or reach out if you can’t find the answer you are looking for.
Entry Requirements and Application
Our academic requirements consider the degree subject and classification, and we do not take the number of years into account. So, whether your degree was completed in 3 years or 4 years will not affect your eligibility to apply or be considered for interview.
We strongly encourage applications from prospective students in the Cumbria region. Knowledge of and commitment to the region will be covered during the multiple mini-interview, so local knowledge will enhance your chances of securing an offer at the interview phase.
We currently only accept biomedical and health science degrees. We do not take A-level results or postgraduate degrees into consideration.
The deadline for UCAS applications to Medicine is 15 October 2024. We will normally expect students to have completed GAMSAT or UCAT prior to applying.
We will use the latest GAMSAT score provided to us by Acer (who deliver GAMSAT) or the latest UCAT score provided to use by Pearson Vue (who deliver UCAT).
In addition to the Imperial bursary and substantial NHS support, we are working to identify other sources of financial support. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear news. We have put together a description of the financial support available – find out more from this funding overview.
Not currently.
We encourage students to read the detailed information about applying available at cumbriamed.ac.uk. If your question is not answered there, please contact cumbriamedadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk
You will apply through Imperial College London, as the degree awarding institution. The application will reviewed by the PCSM team in Cumbria and interviews will take place in Carlisle.
PCSM is not currently accepting applications from students who are assessed as having overseas fees status.
You will graduate with the same degree and qualification as a school that offers this course over a longer period. It is a condensed course and after completion, you will be medically qualified.
Course Structure and Placements
Like all medical degrees (and especially graduate entry programmes) the PCSM course is full-time and intensive. Students should expect the time available for part-time work to be very limited.
Placements will be all over Cumbria and will be allocated so that you have the opportunity to experience an extensive range of healthcare environments and medical specialties during your programme. For placements taking place further away from Carlisle, we are working to make sure transport and accommodation are available. Where possible, we will do our best to group placements together to reduce the need for you to move around for your studies.
The split is approximately 50-50 over the course of the four-year programme, with increasing amounts of placement activity as you progress through your studies.
Studying at the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine
PCSM students will be affiliated students of the University of Cumbria and will access to the wide range of services available at the University of Cumbria.
You will be taught by a wide range of Imperial, University of Cumbria and NHS staff.
No, PCSM is not a private school – we have been founded specifically to benefit the NHS and the Cumbria region. You can find out more about why this unique medical school has been created at cumbriamed.ac.uk.
Your degree will be awarded by Imperial College London, but will be delivered by Pears Cumbria School of Medicine at its Carlisle campus.
You’ll find information about our course and studying at Pears Cumbria School of Medicine on this website or if your question isn’t answered here, contact the team at cumbriamedadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk.
We also hold Open Events throughout the year, where you’ll have the opportunity to speak to our staff, hear more about studying at Pears Cumbria School of Medicine and ask any questions you may have.
