Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry

Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry

Age: 12

History: Established in 2000 as the Peninsula Medical School, as a partnership between the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, together with the NHS in Devon and Cornwall.

Address: The school has four main sites across the South West: the headquarters at Tamar Science Park (adjacent to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth); teaching facilities on both the University of Exeter and University of Plymouth campuses; and teaching facilities at Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

Ambience: The school is committed to driving forward innovation in medical education. Its facilities are new and thus state-of-the-art. Its educational philosophy is unique and based on an integrated, practical approach to medicine.

Vital statistics: Growth has been rapid, with around 1,300 students currently attending.

Added value: In addition to the modern and innovative teaching methods, the South West Peninsula provides an ideal setting for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with both the sea and countryside close by.

Easy to get into? No. A typical offer for medicine is A*AA or AAA at A-level, which must include chemistry and either biology or physics. Applicants to the bachelor of dental surgery should hold a first class or upper second class degree in a biomedically-related or health care-related subject

Glittering alumni: None as yet, but give it time.

Transport links: Both Exeter and Plymouth University campuses are easily reached, and both towns are well served by road and rail links.

Who's the boss? Professor Steve Thornton is the dean.

Teaching: Joint 4th out of all medical and dental schools in the 2010 National Student Survey.

Nightlife: Both Exeter and Plymouth have vibrant student populations and plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants. Given the south-west location, water-based activities are popular and the University of Plymouth is unique in having its own diving and sailing centre.

Any accommodation? In years one and two, students are based at either the University of Exeter of the University of Plymouth. During this time you have access to student accommodation. In year one you are guaranteed a place in halls. In years three, four and five you are expected to arrange your own accommodation, except in Truro where limited accommodation may be available adjacent to the hospital.

Cheap to live there? Not massively. Private rents in Exeter and Plymouth are around £80 to £90 per week, and Truro is a little cheaper.

Fees: The school will charge the full amount of £9,000 from 2012.

Bursaries: Up to £1,500 per year is available to full-time undergrads starting in 2011, with a family income up to £35,000. NHS funding may also be available.

Prospectus: 01752 437 444; www.pms.ac.uk

UCAS code: P37