Hi, my name is Katherine and I am a final year medic at the University of
Buckingham. University of Buckingham is a relatively new uni, so I wanted to
share my experiences so far.
Location experience
My experience living in Buckingham has been nothing short of really
interesting. Buckingham is a university town about 20 minutes away from
Milton Keynes and 1 hour away from London. Buckingham is a quaint little
market town with the university being the main center of community.
Everywhere is walkable and there is no need for public transport to get
around. Students will only be in Buckingham for the first two years and then
in your third year you have the option of clinical placement in either Milton
Keynes, Warwick, or Stoke-Mandeville. Each city is very different and you get
to rank your preferences for clinical placement. I chose Milton Keynes
University Hospital for my clinical placement and I love being only a 30-
minute train to London. Milton Keynes is a small city with lots of shopping,
restaurants, and pub life. Warwick Hospital shares a campus with University
of Warwick students, so their experiences are very similar. For Stoke-
Mandeville Hospital, you would live in either Aylesbury or High Wycombe,
where both cities have their own advantages in terms of costs and transport.
Course & Clinical experience
In terms of the medical course, Buckingham has a unique timetable with it
only being a 4.5 yearlong degree. We do modules a bit differently to other
universities.
Phase 1
The first two years are very face paced with shorter breaks and more modules
per term than other university schedules. Our schedule would be lectures in
the morning and then we split up into groups for problem-based learning. You
then work with your group to learn cases and develop diagnoses and
management plans. It’s actually a great way to get to know your peers and I
am still close friends with my PBL group:)
Buckingham really excels in terms of early clinical exposure and
communication skills. We are offered one day of clinical placement per week
from first year knows as the Clinical Skills Foundation Course. During this
clinical skill foundation course, we meet weekly with actors to practice and
learn basic examination and consultation skills. This course really helped me
feel comfortable for my first OSCE and I believe it really made a difference
later in my clinical rotations. I think being exposed to a hospital setting from
first year really accelerates one’s own clinical learning and professionalism.
Phase 2
The second half of the course is known as Phase 2, where you will be placed in
full time clinical rotations at your respective hospital. This is when I started to
really enjoy my daily placement and find out what specialty you may want to
pursue. Our clinical rotations are divided into seven week blocks, where you
experience a variety of specialties, such as General Surgery to Psychiatry. In
your third and fourth year, you will really build your confidence with patients
and find your passions in medicine.
International students
Buckingham uni is really unique in that 50% of cohorts consist of
internationals students. As an international student myself, I immediately felt
right at home and I was able to bond with students from my home country. If
you are an international student applying to the UK, I would highly
recommend Buckingham for your uni choice as they are very accommodating
of students from a variety of backgrounds. I have made friendships with
students from all over the world, including India, Hong Kong, Ghana, Pakistan,
Kuwait, Canada, and many more. Some of my favorite memories include
visiting my friends in their home countries and being able to experience new
cultures.
Electives
At Buckingham university, we are given two opportunities to complete a
clinical or research based elective in any specialty of our choosing.
Furthermore, we are allowed to complete a three-week short elective during
Our fourth year anywhere in the world of our choosing. I chose to do mine in
America where I learned lots about different healthcare systems. In the end of
our final year, we are then able to complete a seven-week elective anywhere
in the world. I am going to complete mine in Sydney, Australia in June 2025
and I am so excited for this opportunity. Although you must make
arrangements yourself, I believe the uni does support you and accommodates
your choices well.
Overall, I have really enjoyed my time at Buckingham University and have met
some amazing people. I have had great opportunities here and I am happy to
help anyone who has any questions.
Katherine Wood
Final year Medical Student
University of Buckingham
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