The importance of Clearing and how it can help to achieve a dream career
THIS year has been hugely impacted by the coronavirus crisis, and it has created a lot of uncertainty for students. Many are questioning their study options and what to do if they don’t get the grades.
Thankfully, Clearing is on hand to help as it provides another opportunity to secure a place at university.
On Tuesday, June 30, WalesOnline hosted an event with Swansea University Medical School live on Facebook and invited questions from those watching.
Abbie Wightwick, education editor at WalesOnline, chaired the panel and she was joined by Dr Jessica Fletcher, lecturer at Swansea University Medical School, Dr Alex Ruddy, a graduate and junior doctor in training and Romessa Mahmood, a current student studying medical pharmacology.
The Facebook Live began with a brief introduction to the panel and then Ms Wightwick started the session by asking the panel how they would define the Clearing process.
Dr Fletcher explained: “Clearing is another opportunity after the normal application process to apply for a place at university, or to even change your choice of course or university.
“Clearing runs from early July to mid September and if you don’t have your exam results yet you can still register your interest with universities from early July. When you receive your results, you can then apply for a place through Clearing.”
Typically, medicine is not normally a course that offers Clearing, but Swansea University offers an alternative route into medicine as there are a range of undergraduate programmes called a pathway to medicine.
The pathways include medical biochemistry, medical pharmacology, medical genetics, population health and medical sciences, applied medical sciences and applied medical sciences with foundation.
Dr Fletcher said: “This offers students an alternative route in order to achieve their dreams of getting into medicine. The pathways don’t teach
clinical skills, but they train students as life scientists, so we teach them the science that underpins medicine and then students have an opportunity to obtain an interview for graduate entry
medicine.
“The pathways are suitable for anyone who has an interest in life sciences. We are big on employability and making sure we give you the knowledge and transferable skills you need to whatever path you want to take.”
Two people who have experienced Clearing and followed this path at Swansea University Medical School are Dr Ruddy and Ms Mahmood. During the Facebook Live, they explained their experience with Clearing and reassured people that it should be viewed as a fantastic opportunity.
Ms Mahmood said: “I learnt about Clearing on the day of my results, but I would recommend everyone to familiarise yourself with the process before results day. Also, don’t be afraid to change your mind as Clearing can be a good chance to try something else.”
Dr Ruddy agreed: “Clearing is not a failure, it’s an opportunity. It gives you the chance to think about what you want to do and reassess the situation. The world is your oyster through Clearing.”
Dr Ruddy has just finished his medicine degree at Swansea University Medical School and he is now a junior doctor. After joining through Clearing, Dr Ruddy studied medical biochemistry and then he studied graduate entry medicine at Swansea. This pathway enabled him to have a thorough understanding of medicine and has set him up for his career.
“It is really good to have a scientific background,” said Dr Ruddy. “Day to day as a doctor it has also given me a bit more confidence when things come up on the ward.”
Due to the coronavirus crisis, Dr Ruddy graduated a few months early and he joined the NHS workforce in April 2020.
He is part of the first group of students to have been inducted as doctors, after the General Medical Council offered provisional registration to those who wanted to sign up to begin their duties early in response to the pandemic.
Dr Ruddy explained: “It is an interesting time, as starting as a junior doctor is quite scary anyway but having the cloud of Covid-19 and adapting quickly has been tricky.
“But I feel prepared. I feel my time in Swansea and doing the two degrees has helped me to mature and be ready to start my career.”
Ms Mahmood is also enjoying studying at Swansea. She said: “By doing this degree it has given me extra skills. It has also helped me to decide if I want to study medicine as it encourages a lot of reflection and there is the opportunity to do placements.”
Dr Ruddy and Ms Mahmood prove Clearing could be the beginning of a very rewarding career.
Dr Fletcher added: “It is an uncertain time, so the key thing is to get in touch with us. We are still working tirelessly to make sure we can answer all your questions. You can talk to programme directors and admissions tutors, we are more than willing to have a chat with you.”
■ To find out more about applying for Clearing at Swansea University Medical School visit www.swansea. ac.uk/medicine/medicine-clearingregistration