Preparation for Medicine Programme
The NatMatSci Preparation for Medicine Programme is a bespoke course that focuses on developing evidence of excellence in the seven key areas necessary for a successful medical application:
- Outstanding academic ability
- An understanding and appreciation of the personal and physical demands, as well as the personal rewards, of working in healthcare
- Demonstrable commitment to working in the healthcare sector including regular voluntary work experience
- The requisite character attributes and soft skills
- Experience of undertaking or participating in a research project
International students face additional hurdles as they are required to also demonstrate:
- Excellent English proficiency
- Understanding of the UK’s national health service and how this compares to other systems in the world.
Medical Expert Consultants and Work Placement
We ensure medical students gain real life exposure to working in the healthcare sector through visits and placements organised through-out the year by our panel of medical expert consultants.
In their first year of study, students:
- Regularly visit an NHS hospital or other healthcare provider
- Guaranteed Summer work-placement

“MY WEEK’S PLACEMENT AT HEARTLANDS HOSPITAL IN BIRMINGHAM GAVE ME AN INSIGHT INTO THE COORDINATION REQUIRED WITHIN A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT).
OBERSVING AN MDT MEETING IN THE HAEMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT WHICH INCLUDED: MICROBIOLOGISTS, CONSULTANTS AND ADVANCED NURSE PRACTITIONERS HIGHLIGHTED THE RELIANCE OF HEALTHCARE ON GOOD TEAMWORK AND LEADERSHIP.”
Pierre, former student
Experience of Undertaking a Research Project and EPQ
NatMatSci’s close working relationships with St Bartholomew’s Hospital (London) and University College (London) afford our students opportunities to gain valuable hands on research experience.
Typically students undertake a research assignment during the Summer vacation at the end of their first year.
Our students regularly participate in Zebrafish Research Projects run by UCL. The focus of the project can change yearly but recently it has included eye development, CNS asymmetry and behaviour assays.
In Year 1, all students undertake an introductory course to the Extended Project Qualification, (‘EPQ’) which is highly favoured by world class universities and leading medical schools.
As a Member of The Institute for Research in Schools (‘IRIS’), NatmatSci teaching staff and students have access to a variety of resources and support.
Understanding of the UK’s NHS and how this compares to other systems in the world
The Pathway ensures overseas students gain an understanding of the NHS through the following:
- Introductory Annual Lecture at Royal Institute of Anaesthetists, London.
- Our Medical Experts share their experience of working overseas with our students as part of the mentoring programme.
- All first year students are required to submit a research assignment on the topic of different global healthcare systems which is marked and assessed.
ARE YOU SMART ENOUGH?
An independent sixth form boarding and day college specialising in A-level STEM subjects. For students aged 15 -19, aiming to study at the world’s leading universities.