NI Medical Students Most Disadvantaged In UK, Says BMA(NI)

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 30 May 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The British Medical Association Northern Ireland - BMA(NI) - is calling for a fundamental review of the system of funding for medical students in Northern Ireland; BMA(UK) is calling for a similar review for medical students in England.

Based on the Association's latest report 'A Need for Change', launched today Friday 30th May 2008, BMA(NI) says that Northern Ireland medical students are the most disadvantaged in the UK. Devolution has led to harsh anomalies in student funding within the four UK nations, due to the diversification of higher education funding systems. This has caused major problems for students studying across borders and for devolved nations trying to ensure places for their own students.

Martin McClatchey, Chairman of the BMA's NI Medical Students Committee (NIMSC), says: "There are significant differences in the levels of support available depending on where students study and where they come from." In Scotland, Scottish and non-UK EU domiciled students are not required to make a personal contribution towards the cost of annual tuition if they are studying for the first time. Tuition fees are paid by the Scottish Executive. In Northern Ireland and England all UK and EU domiciled first degree medical students pay a deferred fee of £3,145 per year - over the first four years of a five year course; however, in Wales, Welsh and non-UK EU domiciled students will only pay £1,225; this is a difference of more than £7,600.

It's even worse for Northern Ireland graduate medical students who, unlike their counterparts in England, do not receive recognition of their first degree and must pay fees upfront each year for the duration of their course. This particular group is the most disadvantaged in the whole of the UK. Martin McClatchey continues: "This again differs from England, Scotland and Wales where NHS bursaries are available. In Northern Ireland graduate medical students are unable to access NHS bursaries."

BMA(NI) is also seriously concerned about the high levels of debt medical students find themselves in. The 'A Need for Change' report shows that this group of students are likely to graduate with debts of £37,000, severely damaging future efforts of government to encourage students from lower socio-economic groups into the profession. It paints a stark picture of huge debts for any student wanting to become a doctor. It says the introduction of variable top-up fees is already having an effect on student debt and means when new entrants graduate their average level of debt will be nearly double the current £20,000.

It also warns that if the government decides to lift the cap on university tuition fees in 2010, which many fear it will do, the effect on medicine would be 'catastrophic' with average medical graduate debt almost tripling to over £57,000.

Martin McClatchey says: "If this happens, we may see a real narrowing of participation in medicine. It is becoming increasingly expensive and admission is becoming prohibitive to all but the rich. The BMA believes that admission to medical school should be based on ability and aptitude and not on how much debt an applicant is prepared to get themselves into.

"Scotland and Wales have made progress towards improving their funding systems. We need the Northern Ireland Executive to do likewise."

The full report is available here.

- The NI Medical Students' Committee Chairman has today sent this report to the NI Minister for Health, Social Services & Public Safety, Michael McGimpsey, and the NI Minister for Education & Learning, Sir Reg Empey, asking for an opportunity to hear their views and discuss its recommendations.

- The Westminster government has a number of initiatives aimed at widening participation in higher education. However, latest figures from UCAS show applications from lower socio-economic groups have moved very little, up by 0.7% in 2008 to 29.9%.

- A medical degree course takes five to six years. Additional costs inherent in studying for a medical degree are compounded from year three as medical students study for up to 50 weeks a year. The standard academic year is 30 weeks. The length of the term, combined with the intensity of study required means that medical students have little or no opportunity to supplement their income through part-time employment. After graduation, the basic pay for a junior doctor (2008) will be £21,862. This is recognised by the DDRB as being a potentially uncompetitive rate because the average starting salary of other graduates is around £24,000.

British Medical Association Northern Ireland
16 Cromac Place
Cromac Wood, Ormeau Road,
Belfast BT7 2JB
http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/AboutBMANI

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