I’m looking for anyone to give me some pointers regarding doing an MSc in a medicine-related field in the UK. I’ve been thinking of doing it in Scotland, preferably Glasgow, but don’t really know at what stage of career I should go for it. I have a basic medical qualification and 2.5 years of clinical experience. I’m also done with my UK registration and am looking to complete my MRCPCh by 2014.
I would like some feedback on whether a SHO training/non-training job would be good for me at this point or whether I should consider going to school now (by now I mean the 2013/2014 term).
Also some feedback on the visa status would be appreciated as I might be able to secure a Tier 2 status while working, is it possible to commit to a MSc at the same time? I’ve heard it’s rigorous as compared with other programmes.
Is it better to do it in Scotland or England? I would’ve liked to have more options open for me like Europe but I’m looking to apply for British citizenship in the long run, hence the preference for the UK.
Bare in mind that a degree in Scotland is 4 years. For medicine i believe its 5-6 (depending on if you do a foundation year at the start or not). Glasgow Edinburgh and Dundee are the more reputable universities for medicine in scotland. Also, we have something called SAAS which assists you with funding. Since youre not a citizen im not sure how much you would be entitled to. Im sure you are entitled to some things. I have friends from all over that got some kind of assistance at university. Im an Edinburgh graduate so im obviously gonna be bias and say Edinburgh is better. If theres one thing Edinburgh is reknowned for througout the world is its med school and overall its ranked in the top 20 in the world
Lilly, you don't need the PLABs to sit for MRCPCh/MRCP. But it is difficult to pass the Clinical part without ever worked in the UK. or at least done an attachment there.
The student visa is T4 so cannot apply at the same time for job, as well as MSc. What I'll suggest for this person is to stay focused on job as recently, lot of jobs have been left by the Indian doctors so many seats r vacant. Both, Scotland and England 've lot of job openings for doctors. Once this person gets the job and is settled down in the UK for a year or so, after that he/she can apply for MSc. Also, NHS also sponsors and encourages doctors to take MSc, as part time course. In this way, s/he will also do MSc on scholarship from Msc while also being in the job. In my opinion, at this point of time, applying for a doctors job is the best option as lot of seats r vacant, both in Scotland and in England.
Oi thanks Lily you're really helpful, I didn't know that the NHS provides scholarships for MSc. A doctor's life is full of work, and yes you can never get anywhere without experience.
*Also some feedback on the visa status would be appreciated as I might be able to secure a Tier 2 status while working, is it possible to commit to a MSc at the same time? I've heard it's rigorous as compared with other programmes. *
Yes it is possible, in fact having Tier 2 will give you the luxury to do the Msc part-time as well (which will be the more convenient and feasible option, also it will be much more easy on your pocket as well). As far as doing the MSc along side the job at same time, i don't recommend it to you, have tried it for almost 2 years during my PHd and its was a horrible experience, your body and mind will go through enormous pressure and sustaining a pressure for an year or so long period is not easy and especially, if you are not used to it, you will have plenty of breakdowns.
Also as per of my knowledge Tier-2 duration has been reduced to one year and you have to secure a permanent place of min 25K/year (am not sure about the exact figures) during the period in-order to extend the visa. Please double check it.
The student visa is T4 so cannot apply at the same time for job, as well as MSc. What I'll suggest for this person is to stay focused on job as recently, lot of jobs have been left by the Indian doctors so many seats r vacant. Both, Scotland and England 've lot of job openings for doctors. Once this person gets the job and is settled down in the UK for a year or so, after that he/she can apply for MSc. Also, NHS also sponsors and encourages doctors to take MSc, as part time course. In this way, s/he will also do MSc on scholarship from Msc while also being in the job. In my opinion, at this point of time, applying for a doctors job is the best option as lot of seats r vacant, both in Scotland and in England.
Well you are right but you don't need tier 4 (Student Visa) if you already have a Tier 2.
Also i want to add NHS don't even offer the placements to all the Medical students in uk and i know quite few doc's from MMS who were denied the placements and currently practicing in KSA.
NHS do offer the scholarships but only for British native students/doc and very few for European students. I wonder they will offer any scholarship to anyone on Tier 2 visa.
Well you are right but you don't need tier 4 (Student Visa) if you already have a Tier 2.
Also i want to add NHS don't even offer the placements to all the Medical students in uk and i know quite few doc's from MMS who were denied the placements and currently practicing in KSA.
NHS do offer the scholarships but only for British native students/doc and very few for European students. I wonder they will offer any scholarship to anyone on Tier 2 visa.
I asked someone who is doing PHD in medicine on Scholarship from Pakistan. Myself I don't know much about foreign students but I know about NHS since two members of my family are working in NHS. Also NHS doesn't offer placement free only ,all other NHS courses are free ,even they pay bursaries to their students.
Yes it is possible, in fact having Tier 2 will give you the luxury to do the Msc part-time as well (which will be the more convenient and feasible option, also it will be much more easy on your pocket as well). As far as doing the MSc along side the job at same time, i don't recommend it to you, have tried it for almost 2 years during my PHd and its was a horrible experience, your body and mind will go through enormous pressure and sustaining a pressure for an year or so long period is not easy and especially, if you are not used to it, you will have plenty of breakdowns.
There are some flexible opportunities available to me if as far as the job scenario is concerned. And exactly how many hours are you expected to put in a week in a part-time MSc/MD course? That might change my preference for a certain type of job. Securing the right salary won't be a problem at all hopefully, most junior doctors start at around 25,000 pounds/year anyway.
Also as per of my knowledge Tier-2 duration has been reduced to one year and you have to secure a permanent place of min 25K/year (am not sure about the exact figures) during the period in-order to extend the visa. Please double check it.
Can you let me know the source of this info? As I checked on the UKBA's website and they're still issuing it for 3 years.
There are some flexible opportunities available to me if as far as the job scenario is concerned. And exactly how many hours are you expected to put in a week in a part-time MSc/MD course? That might change my preference for a certain type of job. Securing the right salary won't be a problem at all hopefully, most junior doctors start at around 25,000 pounds/year anyway.
Can you let me know the source of this info? As I checked on the UKBA's website and they're still issuing it for 3 years.
Well, 3 years are the max. you can have but not guaranteed and it directly depends on the score you achieve. And generally 3 years are awarded to ICT (Inter Company Transfer) candidates until unless specified by the sponsoring company. One of friend ( working in exova as material eng) just got one year bcoz his salary was less then 24K/year.
I don't have the exact ideas about the hours, but what i know is and been offered (for my MBA) is that you can extend it up to 5 years, if required.
Nothing is good or bad, it depends on your own interest. You can't say that medicine is better than surgery. It is your own aptitude which defines what is good for u n what is bad.
thanks Lily, I will be attending some open days at the Uni of Edinburgh and in London to know more about what I should be doing with this. Investing 5-6 years of your life in an institution is no mean feat! Needs good organizing.