Medicine Work Based Selection Scheme
What is the Work‑Based Selection Summer Scheme?
The Medicine Work‑Based Selection scheme is a free, residential summer school programme designed for Year 12 students from widening participation backgrounds who are considering a career in Medicine, delivered by Leeds Medical School and Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Taking place Tuesday 14th - Friday 17th July 2026, the summer school gives you the opportunity to experience what it’s really like to work in healthcare, learn alongside medical staff and students, and demonstrate the skills and values needed to succeed as a future doctor.
Unlike traditional application processes, this programme focuses on how you work with others, reflect, communicate and respond to challenges—not just exam or test results.
For some participants, successful completion of the programme may lead to a conditional offer to study Medicine at the University of Leeds, subject to meeting academic and UCAT requirements.
What will I do during the summer school?
During the four‑day residential programme, you will:
- Take part in work‑based activities in a real healthcare setting
- Work in teams with other students and medical student ambassadors
- Develop skills such as communication, teamwork, problem‑solving and resilience
- Receive feedback from university staff, clinicians and student ambassadors
- Take part in guided reflection to explore your suitability for Medicine
Activities are designed to help you show key medical values such as empathy, professionalism, motivation and honesty in a supportive environment.
Who can apply?
You must meet all of the following criteria in order to apply for a place on the scheme:
- Be in Year 12 at the time of application
- Be interested in applying to study Medicine at the University of Leeds
- Have achieved at least 6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology and Chemistry (or Dual Science where applicable)
Priority will be given to students who live in the Bradford area and meet at least two of the following widening participation criteria, such as:
- Your parents / carers did not go to university
- Your home postcode is in an area with low levels of participation in higher education
- You are from a household with a gross annual income of £25,000 or below OR are in receipt of Free School Meals
- You attend a school which performs below the national average at GCSE
- Your personal circumstances have had a disruptive impact on your education
- You are care experienced
Meeting the priority criteria does not guarantee a place, but it will be taken into account during selection.
Why take part?
- Gain real insight into Medicine and healthcare careers
- Show your potential in ways exams and admissions tests can’t
- Develop confidence, skills and self‑awareness
- Meet students and staff from the University of Leeds
- Opportunity to be considered for a conditional offer for Medicine
The programme is fully funded, including accommodation, food, travel and activities.
How are places allocated?
Places are limited. Selection will be based on:
- Eligibility and widening participation criteria
- Your interest in Medicine and commitment to the programme
- Evidence that you would benefit from a work‑based selection approach
How to apply
Applications are now open and will close on Friday 29th May at 11:59PM. The application form will ask about:
- Your personal details
- Your current studies at sixth form / college and secondary school
- Your course interests, future aspirations and why you want to take part in the scheme
- Your contextual information
- Contact details for your teacher / tutor referee
- Contact details for your parent / carer
If you have any questions, please email the Health Sciences Outreach Team at [email protected], or give us a call on 0113 343 3936.