MEDICINE

Mapping the Journey to Medical School

This IgnitED masterclass provides a clear, practical overview of the pathway into medicine. Participants learn what medical schools look for in applicants, how GCSEs and A‑levels shape eligibility, and how to prepare for admissions tests such as the UCAT.

The session also breaks down what studying medicine is really like, from pre‑clinical learning and clinical rotations to intercalated degrees and the transition into foundation training. Students compare different course structures across UK medical schools and discover how to choose programmes that align with their interests and strengths.

By the end of the masterclass, Participants gain a stronger understanding of how to plan their medical school application and what life as a medical student involves, equipping them with the insight and confidence to take the next step toward a career in healthcare.

Introduction to Clinical Thinking and Medical Practice

This IgnitED Medicine session gives Participants a practical insight into the skills and habits that shape clinical work. Participants are introduced to the structure of clinical reasoning and use scenario‑based tasks to practise defining patient problems, forming assessments, and making informed medical decisions.

They gain hands‑on experience with key aspects of clinical practice, including reading basic ECG patterns, performing a structured clinical examination, and approaching emergency assessments using the A–E method.

Throughout the session, Participants also develop essential communication skills, with guidance on speaking to patients and handling sensitive conversations.

This experience provides a realistic first step into the world of clinical medicine, helping students build the competencies required for success in medical school and future healthcare careers.

Gowning, Scrubbing and Suturing as a Surgeon

This IgnitED Medicine session is a hands‑on introduction to surgical theatre preparation, giving participants the chance to practise the correct techniques for gowning and scrubbing. In doing so, they gain a clear understanding of how precision and hygiene are critical at every stage of an operation.

Participants are then guided through basic suturing skills using medical training equipment, working step by step to handle instruments, place stitches, and build the coordination required in surgical settings.

The session provides a rare opportunity to experience core elements of surgical practice in a controlled, supportive environment. By the end, Participants have a practical glimpse into the realities of working in the operating theatre and the essential skills that underpin a career in surgery.

Co‑Lab: Collaborative Learning and Industry Reflection at IgnitED

Co‑Lab is a daily feature of the IgnitED programme, bringing participants together for collaborative problem‑solving, structured reflection, and interdisciplinary learning.

Each day, Participants step into mixed‑discipline teams, to identify global themes, emerging challenges, and explore how different fields of engineering, medicine, business, legal, and artistic creative industries intersect in real professional environments.

Every Co‑Lab group tackles an interdisciplinary challenge project. These challenges require participants to pool knowledge, negotiate approaches, and deliver joint solutions, mirroring the teamwork and innovation demanded in modern careers.

This unique combination of guided reflection and cross‑industry collaboration helps IgnitED participants:

• Make sense of their daily learning experiences

• Understand the wider context of their chosen career pathway

• Build communication, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills valued across all industries

Co‑Lab ensures that every participant leaves not only with industry insights but also with the transferable skills and collaborative mindset that employers and universities look for.