Graduates from the Medical School’s first cohorts of the Applied Medical Sciences BSc and the Biochemistry and Genetics MSci programmes have been awarded their degrees at a ceremony this week. 

The Medical School, which actually trains more life scientists than doctors, introduced its new undergraduate programmes in 2016 to ensure students gained strong foundations in the science which underpins medicine.  

Professor Keith Lloyd, Head of the Medical School, said: “The reason we are a top medical school is because we are serious about the science which underpins medicine.

“We do things differently at Swansea which is why we have had a meteoric rise up the league tables in recent years. The success of our Applied Medical Sciences and Biochemistry and Genetics MSci programmes is proof of that. 

“Applied Medical Sciences is one of the most successful undergraduate degree courses here at Swansea University. One of its unique characteristics is the three employability strands. This means our students are able to choose in their second year whether they want to go on to work in industry, undertake research or become a doctor once they have completed their studies.”

Professor Lloyd added: “I would like to congratulate all of our Medical School graduates and wish them a very bright future. We hope they will look back fondly on their time here at Swansea.” 

A total of 47 students have graduated this week from the two new programmes and all have praised their time studying at Swansea.

Jemima Jones, from Kidwelly, who has graduated with a first-class honours degree in Applied Medical Sciences, is now going on to study medicine in September. She said: “I chose to study Applied Medical Sciences because the lecturers were so welcoming and friendly when I visited on an open day. This turned out to be more than true throughout my three years at Swansea. Another big reason was because it offered the three different employability strands in year 2. 

“I was unsure what career I wanted to pursue after my A-levels and this course helped me decide – I am now going on to study Medicine in September and I can’t wait.” 

Fellow Applied Medical Sciences graduate Gloria Prince, from Reading, has also gained a first and won the Medical School’s Dr R Jenkins Graduate Prize for best overall academic performance.

Gloria said: “When I got my A-levels results I was scared that I wouldn't even be able to go to university, but I applied through Clearing to Swansea and three years later I've not only completed my degree - I am now preparing to study medicine at Swansea. I am absolutely over the moon.”

Swansea University Medical School is a top 3 UK Medical School and is also ranked number one in Wales for Medicine and Biological Sciences (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019).

Professor Lisa Wallace, who created the Applied Medical Sciences programme in 2016, said she is delighted with the success rate of its first cohort of students.

She said: “We are incredibly proud of each of our first group of Applied Medical Sciences graduates and the scientists they have become. They have worked so hard and all have amazing futures ahead of them – in science, medicine and beyond. 

“We have been honoured to see their growth and success over the past three years and wish them all the very best for the future.”

Dr Paul Facey, senior lecturer for Biochemistry and Genetics, added: “Our MSci programme has a 100 per cent pass rate this year, with nine of our graduates attaining a first -class honours degree. Many of our students are going on to undertake PhDs which shows the scientific research talent we nurture here at the Medical School.”