New foundation course to increase doctor numbers and diversity for the future

Budding doctors from disadvantaged backgrounds have the chance to kick-start their career thanks to a new programme at the University of Plymouth.

The medical degree with a foundation year will welcome its first 16 students in 2019, and is designed as a route into medicine for students who might not otherwise access higher education.

Care leavers, carers, refugee students from a low-income and other disadvantaged backgrounds are all encouraged to apply by the 15 October deadline, with successful applicants completing a foundation year, and then transferring onto the traditional five-year medical degree.

Committed to widening participation, the programme comes in addition to the University’s existing initiatives to improve opportunities and provide training for students keen to study medicine, who come from backgrounds where this may not have been considered an option.

For example, local students can access a work experience week, and regular outreach visits already take place as part of the Peninsula Pathway to the Healthcare Professions.