Expand+EU applicants applying on the basis of the Irish Leaving Certificate

Entry to Undergraduate Medicine for school leavers is based on:

◾Achieving a minimum of 480 points in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate Exam; and
...

Hide-EU applicants applying on the basis of the Irish Leaving Certificate

Entry to Undergraduate Medicine for school leavers is based on:

◾Achieving a minimum of 480 points in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate Exam; and

◾Completing the required admissions test (HPAT-Ireland). This test must be taken in the year of admission to the programme.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5 year degree programme
Candidates must present a minimum of 6 subjects [2 x H5 and 4 x O6/H7] in the Irish Leaving Certificate to include a minimum of an O6/H7 in Irish, English, Mathematics and a third language plus a minimum of a H4 in Chemistry and H4 in either Physics or Biology. Candidates must meet the above subject requirements and a minimum of 480 points in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate examination.

6 year degree programme

Candidates must present a minimum of 6 subjects [2 x H5 and 4 x O6/H7] in the Irish Leaving Certificate to include a minimum of an O6/H7 in Irish, English, Mathematics, a third language and one laboratory science subject from Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science. Candidates must meet the above subject requirements and a minimum of 480 points in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate examination.

Please note:
◾For EU school-leaving applicants who meet the minimum subject entry requirements (as outlined above) and the 480 points criterion in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination, allocation of places for medicine will be determined on the basis of a combination of that Irish Leaving Certificate Exam score and the HPAT-Ireland score. For more information on combining the Irish Leaving Certificate and HPAT scores, please review the Undergraduate Entry to Medicine Brochure at: http://www.rcsi.ie/files/admissions/docs/20161103122614_2017_HPAT_Brochure.pdf

◾HPAT scores are valid for one year only e.g. a 2017 HPAT score is valid for 2017 admission only.

◾Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a H6 or above in Higher Level Maths have 25 points added to their score for Mathematics. The six highest subject scores will be counted to achieve a cumulative points score. The bonus points for Mathematics will only be relevant in cases where the subject Higher Level Mathematics is scored as one of the candidate's six best subjects for points scoring purposes.

In addition all students will be required to satisfy the Garda Vetting, Medical Clearance and Fitness to Practice requirements as required by RCSI.

Expand+Mature Applicants
RCSI welcomes applications from Mature applicants. The aim of the Mature Entry Pathway is to widen access and provide an opportunity for individuals who may not otherwise find it possible to join a medical programme. The Mature Ent...

Hide-Mature Applicants
RCSI welcomes applications from Mature applicants. The aim of the Mature Entry Pathway is to widen access and provide an opportunity for individuals who may not otherwise find it possible to join a medical programme. The Mature Entry Pathway attempts to select students in a holistic manner and focuses on life experiences such as volunteer work or relevant work experience in addition to the candidate’s academic background.

Mature applicants must be 23 years old on or before 1st January prior to admission and meet matriculation requirements (Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent access to science programme).

Mature applicants often present a third level qualification but this is not an essential requirement for consideration. Mature applicants must present HPAT and apply online to CAO www.cao.ie before February 1st.

HPAT scores assist in the selection of a large number of Mature applicants. RCSI reviews applicants HPAT scores and invites Mature applicants to submit a CV, a personal statement and references supporting their application to RCSI. There is no minimum HPAT score, the minimum HPAT score is determined each year by the group of Mature RC001 applicants who apply.

Once a Mature applicant has been invited to submit their documents, the shortlisting for interviews commences. Shortlisted candidates are called for a structured interview which takes place in May each year. There are 15 Mature Entry Medicine places (RC001). HPAT scores are valid for one year only and must be presented in the same year of admission.

Full details of tuition fees for Graduate and Mature Entry are available on the Admissions section of the RCSI website.

Expand+Free Fees Scheme
◾EU Fees are set by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

◾RCSI is part of the "Free Fees Initiative" funded by the HEA. The tuition Fees for EU school leavers who have not previously attended University are theref...

Hide-Free Fees Scheme
◾EU Fees are set by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

◾RCSI is part of the "Free Fees Initiative" funded by the HEA. The tuition Fees for EU school leavers who have not previously attended University are therefore normally covered under the Free Fees Scheme.

◾Students are required to pay a student contribution fee for non-tuition costs. For the academic year 2016/17, the EU Student Contribution fee for Undergraduate Medicine is €3,860 per annum (comprising a student contribution charge of €3000, an IT fee of €475 and two one-off fees, a health screening charge of €250 and a National University of Ireland fee of €135).

EU Fees
◾Free Fees can only be drawn down once and candidates who have previously attended third level education under the "Free Fees Scheme" are liable for EU fees.

◾Students who are not covered under the Free Fees Scheme are required to pay a Student Contribution fee in addition to the EU Tuition Fees.

◾In 2016/17, the overall EU fee for Undergraduate Medicine (including the EU Tuition Fee, student contribution charge etc.) is €10,377 per annum.

◾EU Fees for the academic year 2017/18 are set by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and have not been set at this time.

Expand+Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm

You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extens...

Hide-Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm

You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all fees are non-refundable.

Restricted Courses
Applying for a restricted course – you must have applied to CAO by 5:15pm on 1st February 2017 if you wish to apply for a restricted course. The restricted course must be included on your course choices list by that date, or added to your application using the Change of Course Choices facility before 1st March at 5:15pm.

Restricted courses normally require additional assessment procedures, e.g. the submission of a portfolio, an oral assessment or interview, or a written assessment – restricted courses are identified in the handbook by the words “(Restricted - see page 3 of the 2017 CAO Hanbook)” on the same line as the restricted course’s title. Please make sure to acquaint yourself with the additional requirements, if any, of the restricted course(s) that you have applied for and go to page 11 of the 2017 CAO Hanbook for more information about interviews and assessments.

Exception: If a restricted course shares the exact same assessment procedures with a course you had applied for by 1st February 2017, you may be permitted to introduce it on a ‘Change of Mind’. You should consult with the relevant HEI before introducing such a course.

Restricted-category Applicants
Mature applicants – most HEIs will require mature applicants, who wish to be assessed on mature grounds, to have applied to CAO by 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm. (This restriction does not apply if the applicant wishes to be considered on the basis of school leaving qualifications only.) For more information about applying to CAO on the basis of mature years go to www.cao.ie/mature.

Applying for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes – to be considered for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm and must have completed the HEAR/DARE application form by 1st March 2017 at 5:15pm – supporting documents must be sent to CAO offices before 1st April 2017 at 5:15pm.

Expand+The ethos of the Medical School is founded on the principle that the patient’s interest is paramount in clinical teaching, medical practice and research.

Medical Curriculum – RCSI Philosophy
The curriculum is designed to give the student a sound...

Hide-The ethos of the Medical School is founded on the principle that the patient’s interest is paramount in clinical teaching, medical practice and research.

Medical Curriculum – RCSI Philosophy
The curriculum is designed to give the student a sound knowledge of the principles of both the science and the art of medicine. The RCSI curriculum is outcomes-focused, systems-based and reflects the skills and competencies that students will have on graduation, including the knowledge, skills and attitudes the College believes are required to enable its graduates to perform as competent clinicians. These competencies are outlined in the medical graduate profile.

Medical Graduate Profile
The College aspires to produce doctors who have a thorough understanding of ethical principles underpinning the practice of medicine, safety and quality in healthcare. Students are encouraged to become lifelong learners with excellent team working and leadership skills.

A spirit of enquiry is also fostered and all students are provided with the opportunity to undertake research electives within the Academic and Clinical Departments of the College as part of RCSI’s Research Summer School.

Throughout the medical course, students are exposed to a variety of clinical specialties and encouraged to develop a balanced perspective of domiciliary, community and hospital care. Modern clinical teaching facilities combined with the expertise and dedication of the clinical teachers, ensure that the highest training standards are achieved.

RCSI employs a hybrid approach to teaching and learning, mixing traditional didactic teaching (lectures, tutorials, laboratory work) with problem-based learning.

Teaching and Learning
RCSI employs a hybrid approach to teaching and learning, mixing traditional didactic teaching (lectures, tutorials, laboratory work) with problem-based learning where appropriate. The delivery of course objectives utilises a variety of teaching methods throughout the programmes, including traditional lectures; case based learning (where a clinical case is used to illustrate or contextualise learning); small group tutorials (both staff and student directed); practicals (e.g. anatomy dissection); computer assisted learning; bedside clinical teaching; grand rounds; shadowing; observation; skills workshops; tutorials; operating room attendance; ward attendance; home visits; and simulation-based clinical teaching.

A key objective of the Medical School is to provide the necessary education and clinical experience that enables its graduates to enter postgraduate training in any specialty of medicine.

Expand+The curriculum is divided into cycles called Foundation Year (FY), Junior Cycle (JC), Intermediate Cycle (IC) and Senior Cycle (SC). The Foundation Year constitutes the first year of the 6-year medical programme. Some students may be exempt from thi...

Hide-The curriculum is divided into cycles called Foundation Year (FY), Junior Cycle (JC), Intermediate Cycle (IC) and Senior Cycle (SC). The Foundation Year constitutes the first year of the 6-year medical programme. Some students may be exempt from this year (depending on their academic qualifications) and may enter directly into a 5-year programme. Most CAO School Leavers enter the five year medical programme with their Leaving Certificate Chemistry and another laboratory science subject. The Graduate Entry Medicine programme condenses the first three years (six semesters) of the five year Junior & Intermediate Cycles into two years. Each cycle is taught over two or three semesters with the Senior Cycle being delivered over two academic years.

Within each cycle, the academic content is delivered in modules (modular) which are largely based on systems of the human body (systems-based). Each module integrates the biomedical and clinical sciences (integrated) and is defined by a series of learning outcomes (outcome-focused)

Clinical Teaching
The medical programmes focus on the principle that the patient is paramount. From the beginning of the programme there is a strong emphasis on clinical medicine and clinical competence. As students progress through the programme there is a shift of emphasis with less focus on biomedical sciences and increasing focus on clinical medicine in the later years.

In keeping with the medical graduate profile, students in the earlier stages of the programme (Junior and Intermediate Cycles) have clinical exposure. This takes the form of:

• Early patient contact
• Clinical case-based tutorials
• Case discussion facilitated by clinicians
• Clinical data interpretation
• Clinical skills tutorials
• Hospital grand rounds

In the final two years students are based exclusively on clinical sites including the following attachments: medicine, surgery, primary care, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, anaesthesiology, ophthalmology and ear, nose & troath (ENT).

Prior to graduation, final year students also complete a sub-internship programme (residency) where they function as a full member of a clinical team to prepare them for life after graduation.

A key objective of the medical school is to provide the necessary education and clinical experience that enables its graduates to enter postgraduate training in any specialty of medicine.

Prior to graduation, final year students also complete a sub-internship programme (residency) where they function as a full member of a clinical team to prepare them for life after graduation.

Expand+Assessments take place during a module (continuous) or at the end of a module (summative) and take many forms including, multiple choice questions (MCQs), short answer written questions, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), practical, ...

Hide-Assessments take place during a module (continuous) or at the end of a module (summative) and take many forms including, multiple choice questions (MCQs), short answer written questions, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), practical, oral and online examinations and team / individual projects.

Assessment modes are appropriate to the different types of learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and attitudes) and assessments are carefully blueprinted to the course material for each module.

Expand+Degree Awarded
The Medical Act of 1886 provided that graduates must be educated in surgery, medicine and obstetrics. Graduates of the RCSI received Licentiates in these three specialities. Since 1978, RCSI has been a recognised College of the Nation...

Hide-Degree Awarded
The Medical Act of 1886 provided that graduates must be educated in surgery, medicine and obstetrics. Graduates of the RCSI received Licentiates in these three specialities. Since 1978, RCSI has been a recognised College of the National University of Ireland (NUI), awarding MB (Bachelor of Medicine), BCh, (Bachelor of Surgery), BAO (Bachelor in the Art of Obstetrics) to its graduates in addition to the Licentiates of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (LRCPI) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (LRCSI) and the National University of Ireland (NUI).

Why RCSI to study Medicine?

• First to establish a Clinical Research Centre on an Irish hospital site (Beaumont Hospital), 2000

• First to develop an online surgical education programme (BeST online) globally, 2000

• First medical school in Ireland to independently adopt the standards of the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) - standards since adopted by the Irish Medical Council as the accreditation standard for all Irish medical schools, 2005

• First Graduate Medical Programme in Ireland, commenced 2006

• First Graduate Medical Programme to achieve full accreditation by the Irish Medical Council, 2010

• Strong clinically focused curriculum

• Blended learning approach incorporating traditional didactic teaching, small group problem based learning, online teaching, group project work and self-directed learning

• Clinician/physician led teaching

• Success of internships and residency placement

• Opportunity to spend one semester in RCSI Bahrain as part of the Exchange Programme operating between RCSI Bahrain and RCSI Dublin.

• Over 100 students receive stipends each summer to fund an 8-week opportunity as RCSI Research Summer School participants.

First to establish a Clinical Research Centre on an Irish hospital site, first to develop an online surgical education programme and first medical school in Ireland to independently adopt the standards of the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME).