How did the A2B programme help you prepare for University?

I think being successful at university is about practice and experience, both of which I feel I lacked in comparison to my peers before coming to university. The A2B programme gave me more of both and it enabled me to have a successful start to university. The Skill4Uni course taught me academic skills such as note taking and making concise notes, skills which I didn't have much of before and I found to be useful in my first year of university especially with us having a large number of lectures each semester. This meant it took me less time to adjust to the big jump of university studies in comparison to A levels making my first year at university that little bit easier.

What would be your advice or top tips to anyone about to start studying your programme in the College of Medical & Dental Sciences?

Never underestimate any assignment, exam or essay. Work consistently and work smart, which is different to working hard. It will pay dividends during exam time, meaning you don't have to cram and your knowledge will be with you for a longer time. Also, try to learn concepts instead of facts- as this will allow you to apply these concepts to any scenario instead of just learning facts with no understanding, meaning you can't think outside the box when something slightly different comes up in an exam or life. Also, treat everyone as a friend to support you in your journey of becoming a medical/academic professional.

What would be your top tips to anyone considering applying to university and the A2B scheme?

The A2B scheme is there to give you that little bit of advice, help and support that you feel that you may need when applying to university. So take the opportunity of applying for the A2B scheme if you are eligible.

Mohammed Hossain

“I think my biggest achievement is my personal development over the five years, the skills I have learnt, not only for my medical career, but my interpersonal skills, confidence and leadership I feel are something which can be transferable to my daily life.”

 

What has been your biggest challenge at university and how have you overcome it?

Passing all five years without retaking a single exam I believe is my biggest challenge which I have overcome. I would hear of friends and others failing exams, retaking years or leaving medical school due to failing exams. It wasn't easy at times however I consistently worked in an efficient manner to ensure that I did the work to pass everything.

What other opportunities has studying at university given you?

The opportunities that university has given me are more than I can list in a single paragraph. The skills and qualities I have gained are numerous and have helped complete my university experience. However, I will try my best to list the most important ones here; sporting opportunities within numerous societies has enabled me to improve on my footballing ability as well as to de-stress from studies and keep fit, both of which are difficult to do when having a busy schedule as a medic. I have been heavily involved in the Islamic Medical Society (IMed) and attending their events, fundraising and holding a committee position has allowed me to meet more people and to improve on my organisational and interpersonal skills, both of which are important for my future career.

Sum up your time at the University of Birmingham in three words.

• Challenging
• Eventful
• Amazing

What do you hope to go on to do in the future (after Graduation)?

In the future I plan to become a GP. I have come to appreciate the importance of primary care in public health, chronic disease management and their effects and pressures on secondary care services. I hope that becoming a GP will put me in the position to make influential contributions to the UK healthcare system.