Jason – Medicine

What do you like best about your course?

Studying Medicine at Oxford has enabled me to develop a strong foundation in the science and research that is applied every day in the hospital. I have really enjoyed discussing a wide range of topics with leaders in the field, and you also have the freedom to choose subjects that you want to explore. At Teddy Hall, the tutors are genuinely nice and are excellent at not only helping you progress throughout the terms with their knowledge, but also looking after your wellbeing.

How is your subject taught at Oxford?

The course is quite different to other universities due to the split into pre-clinical (years 1-3) and clinical (years 4-6), meaning that the first 3 years are primarily learning the foundations of medical science and developing the knowledge required for the clinical years.

In the first year and second year, there will typically be around 2 one-hour lectures a day with the rest of the day free for extra-curricular activities or self-study. Practical classes (such as anatomy, experiments, etc.) will also take place around twice a week, each lasting 2-3 hours. Tutorials normally occur once or twice a week, each lasting an hour and usually require an essay or notes to be handed in beforehand.

In the last term of the second year, you will begin a research project from which a presentation and report will be produced in the third year. The third year also allows you to pick a subject to focus on, with a lot less emphasis on lectures and more on reading and exploring the topics in your own time, as well as writing an extended essay.

What advice would you give potential applicants interested in studying your subject?

I would say the most important quality to have is a genuine interest in medical science since a desire to study the topics will help you progress through the course. I would also suggest reading up on a particular field you are interested in as well as the basics of medical ethics. For interviews, it is important to be able to talk through the way in which you approach and solve a problem.

Why did you choose St Edmund Hall?

I decided on Teddy Hall when I visited the College during an open day. I found it to have a sociable, warm atmosphere that really makes you want to apply here. The small size of the College means you get to know everyone quickly and there are always friendly faces around. Teddy Hall also has a huge range of clubs and extra-curricular activities to join, with particularly strong sport teams such as rugby. The food is also one of the highlights, with amazing formal dinners every week (although often booked out!).

What sort of extra-curricular activities are you involved in at Oxford?

I mostly take part in football and basketball for the College, as a more casual athlete; there are plenty of clubs to join that don’t require expertise to join and it’s a great way to meet more people and stay fit.