FAQs
General
Admissions
BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)
Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Financial Information
General
1. Why has the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) set up a medical school?
The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) is set up to meet the expected rise in the healthcare
demands of a growing and ageing Singapore population. It will augment Singapore’s healthcare manpower
by producing top-quality doctors and medical leaders who are attuned to the needs of patients and of the
Singapore community. It will also introduce innovations to medical education here and provide more
opportunities for Singaporeans to pursue a high-quality medical degree locally.
2. Who is NTU partnering with to establish the LKCMedicine?
NTU has partnered Imperial College London to set up the LKCMedicine and to run the school’s
undergraduate medical programme. The National Healthcare Group (NHG) is the primary clinical training partner for the school.
3. Briefly describe the curriculum for the undergraduate medical programme?
The LKCMedicine’s Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme is a five-year
undergraduate programme leading to a medical degree awarded jointly by the Imperial College London and
NTU. The programme adapts the best of Imperial College London’s world-renowned curriculum and
leverages on the engineering, business and biomedical research strengths of NTU in order to provide
students with an innovative, multi-disciplinary curriculum aimed at developing medical leaders of tomorrow,
for Singapore. Students will be taught the scientific basis of medicine, how to handle the doctor-patient
relationship, and will be offered the clinical experience relevant to the needs of Singapore’s healthcare
system.
The curriculum will impart medical knowledge, clinical skills and professionalism to students. It will also
allow them to develop key general skills, such as interpersonal communication, leadership and life-long
learning skills. The LKCMedicine's curriculum will be delivered using a breadth of methods, including team-
based learning, e-learning, simulation, lectures, seminars as well as apprenticeships.
4. How will the medical education at the LKCMedicine differ from that offered at the two existing medical schools?
The LKCMedicine will primarily produce clinicians like the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. It intends to
pioneer new programmes and pedagogies, starting with the latest model and the best practices in medical
education. The LKCMedicine’s educational model with its focus on inter-disciplinary learning, will draw on
synergies from the fields of medicine, science, engineering, technology, humanities and business
management.
5. Is the undergraduate medical programme offered full-time or part-time?
It is a five-year, full-time programme.
6. What is the name of the degree and who will award the degree?
The degree is a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), awarded jointly by NTU and
Imperial College London.
7. Does the Joint Degree mean that I will be able to practise in the UK after completing the programme?
LKCMedicine’s MBBS is awarded jointly between NTU and Imperial. It is not considered a UK Primary Medical Qualification and therefore will not entitle the holder to provisional registration with the GMC. Our graduates who wish to practise in the UK should follow the registration process for graduates from outside the UK and European Economic Area as described on the following link here. Do note that upon successful completion of the MBBS programme here, graduates are to fulfill a service obligation: five years for Singaporeans, six years for non-Singaporeans.
8. What quality assurance processes will there be to ensure that the course is delivered with a high standard?
Imperial College London is closely involved in the development and implementation of the curriculum as
well as the recruitment of top faculty members and students. The LKCMedicine will also adhere to Imperial
College London’s robust quality assurance procedures. The course falls under the regulations of the Quality
Assurance Agency, and also conforms to any local quality assurance requirements imposed by the Singapore
Medical Council, NTU or the LKCMedicine.
Academic subject and professional experts from local and overseas institutions are appointed as external
examiners for LKCMedicine. The team of external examiners will comprise a Joint External Examiner who
is also an external examiner for Imperial’s MBBS. This ensures that the standard of LKCMedicine’s MBBS
programme is consistent with that of Imperial College London and comparable to the other medical schools
recognised by the Singapore Medical Council.
9. Where do students attend lessons?
In the first two years, students spend half a week at the LKCMedicine’s new Novena campus at No 11
Mandalay Road, as well as at NTU’s Yunnan Garden campus. They spend the other half of the week at
healthcare sites. Half day per week is spent at the Bukit Batok Polyclinic. During the next three years, they
will be based primarily at healthcare facilities throughout Singapore, with TTSH as the main clinical campus.
10. Will students of the LKCMedicine spend time at Imperial College London?
It is envisaged that in the future, there could be an exchange programme between students of both
universities.
11. Will the LKCMedicine offer opportunities for postgraduate studies?
The initial emphasis of the LKCMedicine is on undergraduate education. However, leveraging on the
strengths of LKCMedicine’s research faculty, our eminent clinician scientists and scientists have proposed
PhD projects associated with our research themes. These PhD project proposals are open to individuals who
are interested to pursue their PhD under the supervision of professors from LKCMedicine and other Colleges
in NTU. If you wish to know more about a specific PhD project proposal, please email the respective
Principal Investigators listed on our website. For enquiries on eligibility and application, please email the
Graduate Programmes team at
gradprog_LKCMedicine@ntu.edu.sg.
12. Where is the LKCMedicine’s MBBS programme be accredited?
The new programme is accredited in Singapore, in line with the requirements set out by the Singapore
Medical Council and Singapore’s Ministry of Health.
13. Who make up the faculty at the LKCMedicine?
A core team of experienced clinician-educators here, faculty members from Imperial College London and
NTU, teach at and run the LKCMedicine. The School also has a prominent research faculty, made up of
internationally-renowned clinician-scientists and scientists. NTU and Imperial College London will continue
to conduct local and global searches over the next few years as part of the school’s recruitment drive for an
excellent faculty committed to delivering a world-class medical education.
14. How is the LKCMedicine governed?
The LKCMedicine has a Governing Board, comprising representatives each from the MOE, MOH, NTU,
Imperial College London, the School, NHG and other industry leaders with the expertise and experience to
help the LKCMedicine achieve its goals. Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of The Agency for Science,
Technology and Research (A*STAR) and a member of NTU’s Board of Trustees, leads the School’s
Governing Board.
Admissions
16. When was the first cohort of students admitted?
LKCMedicine admitted its first cohort of students in August 2013.
17. How many students will LKCMedicine accept each year?
LKCMedicine admitted an initial intake of 54 students in the Academic Year 2013. In Academic Year 2016, the School enrolled 108 students. This will increase to an intake of 150 students or more annually, in the longer term. As the School is set up to train doctors for Singapore and Singaporeans, priority for admission will be given to Singaporeans.
18. When does application for LKCMedicine start?
Applications can be made from October the year before admission to typically 1 April in the year of admission.
19. Who is responsible for the admissions process and what are the admissions criteria?
NTU is responsible for the admissions process and criteria for LKCMedicine, in consultation with
Imperial College London.
20. Who can apply to LKCMedicine?
We welcome applicants who have taken the BMAT, with any of the following qualifications:
(a) Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level
(b) Local Polytechnic Diploma
(c) International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
(d) NUS High School Diploma
(e) Relevant international qualifications
21. What are the selection criteria for admission to LKCMedicine?
Apart from the motivation for study, an interest in medicine and the potential to contribute to the course,
applicants will also be assessed based on the following:
(a) Academic performance
(b) Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) scores
(c) Personal statement
(d) Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI). Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the MMI.
Successful applicants will be offered admission to LKCMedicine, subject to clearing their health requirements
check.
22. What are the minimum academic requirements for admission to LKCMedicine?
The minimum requirements for the various qualifications are given in the table below:
Singapore-Cambridge
GCE A-level Certificate |
H2 Pass in Chemistry and a H2 Pass in either Biology or Physics
* NOTE: All H2 subjects and attempted General Paper (GP) or Knowledge & Inquiry (KI) must be taken at one sitting.
More details can be found here. |
International
Baccalaureate Diploma |
Pass in HL Chemistry and either HL Biology or Physics. Fulfil Mother Tongue requirement.
More details can be found here.
|
| NUS High School Diploma |
Major CAP of 2.0 in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics.
CAP of 1.0 in one other major and in the English Programme.
More details can be found here.
|
| Polytechnic Diploma |
Polytechnic students will only be considered if they have a good GPA in a Health Science-related diploma. Click here for the list of relevant diplomas. |
| International Qualifications |
A list of acceptable international qualifications can be obtained here.
|
Mother Tongue Language (MTL) requirements:
1. Minimum of D7 for the higher MTL paper taken at the 'O' Level examination.
2. Minimum of ‘S’ grade for the H1 MTL paper or General Studies in Chinese.
3. Minimum of 'S' grade for the H2 MTL paper taken at the 'A' Level examination.
4. Pass in the MTL 'B' Syllabus paper at the 'A' Level examination.
If an applicant has been exempted from MTL as approved by MOE, the MOE-approved subject-in-lieu will
be considered the MTL subject.
23. If I am not successful in my application, can I reapply in future admission exercises?
Applicants who have previously attended the MMI will be allowed one chance of reapplication under the Discretionary Admissions scheme. The applicants will have to present valid BMAT scores.
24. I am currently pursuing an undergraduate programme at university. Can I apply to the MBBS programme at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine?
Our MBBS programme has very limited places and entry is highly competitive. We therefore accord priority to applicants who have not previously pursued undergraduate studies. Applications from those who have started, are pursuing, or have completed an undergraduate programme at any University are generally not considered.
In addition, LKCMedicine does not accept applications for transfer to the MBBS programme. The School only accepts students at the point of admission to NTU.
BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)
25. What is the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)?
The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is a two-hour subject-specific admissions test taken by applicants
who wish to read Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science at certain medical schools in the
UK as well as the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine). It is a pen and paper test consisting
of three (3) separate sections. It is an aptitude test and it relies on skills and knowledge that candidates
should already have. The BMAT is produced, administered and marked by the Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing, which also facilitates an extensive worldwide centre network at which candidates can sit for the test. Registration for BMAT takes place every September - October through RELC (for students from the Singapore school system) and British Council Singapore (for students outside the Singapore school system, i.e. from international
schools).
26. Why is BMAT required for admission to LKCMedicine?
The BMAT, which is currently being used for top level medical schools in the UK including Imperial
College London, Cambridge and Oxford universities to name a few, provides information about a student’s
aptitude for medicine and has been a good predictor of a student’s performance in a medical school. As
LKCMedicine’s MBBS programme is a joint degree between Nanyang Technological University and
Imperial College London, the use of BMAT for admissions to LKCMedicine will ensure parity of student
selection.
27. How can an applicant prepare for BMAT?
BMAT is a test of skills and knowledge that learners are expected to have already and there is no evidence at
present to suggest that extra preparatory study is linked to improved performance. However, familiarity with
the test format, question and answer style may help. You can get familiar with the test format by
practising with specimen test papers available for download
here.
There is also the official guide
Preparing for BMAT (ISBN 978-0435280130), available at major bookstores and libraries, which provides useful information and materials needed to prepare for the test, including sample questions with answers and useful hints and tips. There is a range of resources available online at www.bmat.org.uk to help one prepare for BMAT, including a test specification, sample test papers, past papers, format familiarisation and suggested reading material.28. Are there any BMAT preparatory courses recommended by LKCMedicine?
LKCMedicine does not endorse any preparatory courses for BMAT.
29. When should an applicant take the BMAT?
If you are applying to the AY2017 - 2018 intake of LKCMedicine, you should take the BMAT in November 2016, prior to applying to the LKCMedicine. Only results of the BMAT taken in the 12-month period prior to admission to LKCMedicine will be considered in the selection process. This year’s BMAT will take place on 2 November 2016. Results will be released on 25 November 2016.
30. What is the fee for BMAT?The BMAT 2016 fee is published on the RELC and British Council Singapore websites. Students from the Singapore school system should register with RELC (
www.relc.org.sg/eb/bmat/registration).
Students outside the Singapore school system should register with the British Council, Singapore. Do visit the British Council website to find out more.
31. Is financial aid available to students needing help?
The schools have in place needs-based student financial aid programmes that ensure no deserving student is
denied an education because of financial constraints. To pay for BMAT, financial assistance is available to
students in need. Students are advised to approach their schools for advice on the process to obtain
assistance.
32. Where and how do I register for BMAT?
You can register for the BMAT with RELC (for students from the Singapore school system) or the British Council, Singapore (for students outside the Singapore school system). For students not residing in Singapore, you can find an authorised test centre here.
RELC (www.relc.org.sg/eb/bmat/registration)
You can email the completed form together with scanned copies of your NRIC and student’s pass to RELC. This should be done after payment of the fee at any AXS station latest by 1 October 2016 (Singapore Time 3pm). At the AXS machine, students should choose the Services tab, select RELC Examination Bureau and follow the payment process instructions. Note that this service is currently not available on the AXS e-station.
Students requesting for financial assistance will need to submit the registration form, supporting documents and the non-subsidised portion of the fee to your school by mid-September 2016 (exact date to be confirmed).
You will receive a Statement of Entry and RELC Examination Bureau Notification Letter by 1 November 2016. |
British Council, Singapore (https://www.britishcouncil.sg/exam/professional-university/admission-tests)
You can submit the completed form and make payment in person at the British Council, Singapore or post the form together with a cheque to the British Council. |
33. When can I register for BMAT?
Registration opens on 1 September 2016 and closes on 1 October 2016. Registration and payment must be completed by 1 October 2016 for standard fee. Higher fee will be chargeable for application received from 2 October 2016 to 15 October 2016.
Students are advised to visit the RELC and British Council websites from August 2016 to obtain registration details.
34. Why is the BMAT conducted in the middle of the GCE ‘A’ level examinations?
BMAT is a global examination taken by students all over the world who apply to the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, University College London, The Royal Veterinary College, Imperial College London, LKCMedicine and others. Hence, the date of examination is synchronised in November, at a time when Singapore students take the GCE ‘A’ Level examinations. This should be advantageous for students who have already studied related subjects (Sciences) and help in the students’ preparation for the BMAT.
35. What are the BMAT cut-off scores for admissions to LKCMedicine?
The cut-off scores for BMAT differ yearly as they are dependent on the strength of the application cohort. As a guide, you may refer to the table below which shows the 10th and 90th percentiles of BMAT scores of our students admitted in Academic Year 2016.
|
AY 2016
Admitted Students |
10th Percentile |
90th Percentile |
Section 1
Aptitude and Skills |
4.9 |
7.6 |
Section 2
Scientific Knowledge and Applications |
4.9 |
7.4 |
Section 3
Writing Task – Content |
3.0 |
4.0 |
Section 3
Writing Grade |
A: n= 102; B: n=6 |
36. Once the BMAT results are out, what do I do if I wish to apply to LKCMedicine?
At the time of registration, you will need to indicate that you are applying to LKCMedicine. Once the results are released, they would then be forwarded directly to LKCMedicine/NTU by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing.
Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI)37. What are the Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI)?
They are a series of interviews designed to assess a potential student’s aptitude and capability to successfully
complete the MBBS programme. Applicants invited for the MMI will complete a series of eight (8) mini-
interviews, each lasting approximately five (5) minutes, conducted in eight (8) separate interview booths by
faculty and professionals from various healthcare disciplines.
38. Will all the applicants get to attend the MMI?
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the MMI.
39. What are the health requirements for admission to LKCMedicine?
Applicants offered admission to LKCMedicine must fulfill the standardised set of screening and vaccination requirements stipulated by the Ministry of Health, Singapore. The health requirements can be found here. These requirements are subject to changes by the Ministry of Health Singapore.
40. If I am currently serving National Service, can I apply for leave to attend the interview?
Male candidates currently serving National Service should apply for permission to be released by MINDEF
for the test and interviews.
41. If I am unsuccessful in my application, how do I receive feedback on my application?
Applicants may request feedback during the application cycle in which the application is made, by contacting
the NTU Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and quoting their full name and identification number or
application number.
42. If I have other exceptional talents, which I would like to highlight in my application, how do I go about doing it?
You may complete the Discretionary Admissions portion of the online application form if you would like to be considered under the Discretionary Admissions criteria. If you are shortlisted by the Selection Committee and have achieved the minimum academic results, you will be invited to attend the interview.
43. What are the tuition fees for the new medical programme?
All students admitted to LKCMedicine are eligible for subsidised fees, subject to service obligation. As LKCMedicine is a School set up to train doctors for Singapore and Singaporeans, priority for admission will be given to Singaporeans. The subsidised fees information for students admitted in AY2017-18 can be obtained here.
44. What is my service obligation?
Students admitted to the LKCMedicine are required to serve the Government of Singapore upon successful
completion of the MBBS programme. Singaporeans serve a five-year service obligation and non-
Singaporeans serve a six-year service obligation, excluding housemanship or first-year residency training.
PSC scholarship recipients who are concurrently awarded the President’s Scholarship to read Medicine will
also have a service obligation according to the terms of the scholarship. For more information about PSC
scholarships, please visit www.pscscholarships.gov.sg. For other scholarship or financial assistance recipients, please refer to the terms of agreement of the respective schemes.
45. Is there financial assistance available for the medical student?
LKCMedicine has in place needs-based student financial aid programmes that ensure no deserving student is
denied an education because of financial constraints. Through endowed gifts from our principal donor, the
Lee Foundation, as well as other donors such as the Renee Parrish Trust, students who face financial
hardship will be able to apply for student bursaries, travel bursaries and emergency grants, in addition to
interest-free tuition fee loans. Details are available here.
46. Specifically, what do the bursaries cover?
One can apply for the LKCMedicine and E I Parrish bursaries that cover part of the tuition fees. These will be funded primarily through the generous endowment by the Lee Foundation and E I Parrish Trust, part of which has been designated to help financially needy students. Qualification for student bursaries will be based on applicants’ monthly household Per Capita Income (PCI). Students can take loans to cover the remaining tuition fee payable if they need further aid. Student bursaries are tenable on a yearly basis.
47. How does an applicant apply for the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine’s Scholarship?
All applicants to LKCMedicine are automatically considered for scholarship in the year of their application. Only those who are shortlisted for scholarship would be notified of their scholarship interview date, around late April.
48. Will applicants be able to apply for a tuition fee loan?
Yes, applications for a tuition fee loan that covers up to 90 per cent of tuition fees can be made through either
DBS or OCBC. Refer to the NTU website for details here.
49. Can applicants who have been awarded a bursary still apply for a tuition fee loan?
Yes. However, the combination of loans and any bursaries that are meant to cover the fees cannot exceed 100
per cent of the fees payable.
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