Supporting you to succeed
We know that medicine is a demanding course physically, intellectually and emotionally. It requires commitment, and during your five years with us, you may experience some challenges with which you may need help.
Whether you need help with your studies, advice about finances, or simply someone to talk to, a the KMMS Student Life and Guidance team are here to support you and help you make the most of your time with us.
If you experience any difficulties during your course and feel that you may need some support, we strongly encourage you to contact the KMMS Student Life and Guidance team in the first instance. They will be able to provide some immediate, practical support and/or advise you on how to access specialist support, if required. You are also welcome to contact the University of Kent Student Support and Wellbeing specialist support services (Disability/SpLD/Mental Health/Counselling) directly. Discussions with specialist services will be confidential and information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and with your consent. The only exception to this would be if it is felt that you are a risk to yourself or others, including any fitness to practice concerns.
Learning support
Support for disabilities additional needs is provided by the University of Kent Student Support and Wellbeing team. This support is available for students with a range of needs, including autism, mental health conditions, long-term health conditions, and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or ADHD.
You’ll meet with a Disability Adviser, Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) Adviser, or Mental Health and Wellbeing Adviser to talk through your individual needs. They will become your named point of contact for ongoing support.
Your adviser will work with you to put appropriate adjustments in place for teaching, assessments and placements, helping to support your access to learning in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Personal Academic Tutors
Our Personal Academic Tutors provide an important point of contact in matters relating to your academic progress, personal development and welfare. They also support the induction process and help you settle into academic life and the medical school community.
You will be assigned to a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) in your first week of teaching. Your PAT will provide general guidance and support, including discussions about your academic progress and personal development. They can also offer pastoral support, including help with minor short-term issues and signpost to support services.
From Year 3 onwards, your PAT will be replaced by a named Clinical Academic Tutor (CAT) who you will remain with you for the rest of your studies. The CAT will usually be a senior clinician based in one of the local hospital Trusts. They will oversee your pastoral and professional development. To support a smooth transition, a meeting will be arranged at the start of Year 3 where you can meet with your former PAT and your new CAT.
Student Academic Peer Mentoring Scheme
In your first year, you have the option to be paired up with a second-year student who will help you to settle into life as a medical student. If you choose to take part, these student mentors offer friendly support, practical advice, and reassurance, helping you adjust to university life.
Student Administration
The KMMS team are responsible for the smooth running of the School’s processes, including curriculum, timetabling, module choices, assignment submissions, exam queries, clinical placements and attendance.
Ongoing Support
You will have access to the learning advice and support in person and online. In each year’s induction we will ensure you are fully aware of the wealth of welfare and academic support that is available to you. During your time with us, we will help you to strike a balance between being committed to your studies and ensuring that you can manage the pressure of your workload. We encourage you to maintain a good work-life balance during your studies and we will promote opportunities for you to get involved in extra-curricular activities with the Student Unions at Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent. You will usually have Wednesday afternoons free to enable you to get involved in other university activities.
Occupational Health Services
Occupational Health services are provided by an external organisation on behalf of KMMS. During the enrolment and registration period, they will carry out any required vaccinations and an initial health screening to assess applicant clearance for the course. They also provide advice on appropriate support and reasonable adjustments. They may undertake further assessments during the course to ensure ongoing fitness to practise.
Health Services
The University Medical Centre (UMC) is an NHS General Practice based on the University of Kent campus. All students from KMMS can access the UMC which offers a variety of NHS services.. Students moving to Canterbury to study with KMMS are strongly encouraged to register with UMC , or another GP practice in Canterbury, so they can access medical care whenever it is needed.
The University Nursing Service (UNS) is a 24-hour service based on the University of Kent campus which offers a confidential drop-in service, treatment of minor illnesses/injuries, contraceptives and sexual health advice.
Counselling Services
You will have access to professional counsellors who are regulated by the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). These services offer short-term solutions-focused counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Online counselling is also currently offered to students who are not able to physically attend counselling sessions on the Canterbury campus.
Emergency/Out-of-Hours Support
The KMMS Student Life and Guidance team offer drop-ins to all students during office hours. Outside of office hours, there are numerous organisations that are able to provide support.
Both universities have a 24/7 campus security presence, with staff trained in Mental Health First Aid who, on request, will conduct regular welfare checks for on-campus students that give cause for concern.
KMMS students can also access out of hours telephone, text and online support Spectrum Life. Spectrum Life provides immediate, initial support during a crisis and can liaise with the University of Kent’s Student Support and Wellbeing team to ensure ongoing care.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We aim to attract students and staff from all over the world and from all kinds of backgrounds. We value diversity and strive to deliver equal opportunities to all students on their road to success. At KMMS, equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our ethos and underpin everything that we do. We are committed to ensuring that our students are fully supported with respect to protected characteristics, including race, gender identity, sexuality, and disability. We ensure that any issues are treated promptly and appropriately, and we take pride in creating a culture where people feel able to speak up and are confident they will be listened to.
Disability and neurodiversity support
For students with disabilities, specific learning difficulties and long-term medical and mental health conditions, specialist services are available to provide support and describe reasonable adjustments for teaching, assessments and placements.
The Kent and Medway Medical School is proud to offer an inclusive academic experience. Our aim is to offer all our students a fair and enjoyable learning experience, regardless of disability or difference.
We are disclosure-positive and encourage you to disclose a disability or mental health condition as early as possible so we can support and advise you if you are facing (or potentially facing) barriers whilst you are studying at university or out on placement. There are three key points in your registration process when you can disclose a disability or mental health issue to us:
- UCAS form – UCAS is the Universities and Colleges Admission Service, and you will complete a UCAS application form as part of your university application process
- Occupational health questionnaire – you will complete this questionnaire before you start the course as part of your occupational health clearance process
- Kent Student Support and Wellbeing registration form – you can complete this form before you start studying or at any time during your studies.
If you disclose a disability, SpLD or mental health condition on your UCAS application, you will receive contact from us, we will get in touch with you directly with information on how to access the appropriate support services. You will then be invited to register with student support and to submit any relevant evidence of your diagnosis and/or the adjustments or support you may need, so that arrangements can be put in place as early as possible.
Chaplaincies
The chaplaincies at our two partner universities offer support and friendship, which aim to help students of any faith or no religious faith. They organise group activities and worship, as well as being available for confidential advice or consultation.
Childcare facilities
The University of Kent offers childcare provision in its Oaks Day Nursery, and this can be used by students from KMMS. However, places cannot be guaranteed, and applications should be made at an early stage. More information about Oaks Nursery.
Support for international students
International students have the same access to disability-related adjustments and mental health support as home students. In addition, advice and support is available in relation to English language, immigration, finance and other matters related to your student experience. You can find out more about support available for international students on the University of Kent international student page.
Campuses
Students of the Kent and Medway Medical School have access to facilities at both the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University. Both campuses offer a variety of facilities, including libraries, cafes, shops and fully equipped gyms.
Students will also be able to access support from both universities as well as the opportunity to join a huge range of societies at both student unions. We encourage our students to walk, or use the local bus service with a student bus pass.
Student Union
As a student of both universities, you are a member of both Christ Church Students’ Union and Kent Students’ Union, with all of the benefits and choice that brings. This means you are
represented by both students’ unions and can participate in the democracy and campaigns of both. This includes voting and standing in elections for full-time and part-time officers, although you will not be able to hold an officer post simultaneously in both unions.
Both students’ unions ensure you’re supported, you have opportunities to develop your skills, have fun and have an outstanding student experience during your time with KMMS.
Kent Union and Christ Church Students’ Union ensure your academic interests are prioritised via the Course Representative system, where you can give feedback about your academic experiences and help shape your education.
Both unions work with the universities to ensure your time at university is safe, happy, and healthy. They both support a Zero Tolerance scheme for safe socialising in Canterbury.
The unions also facilitate student-led sports clubs covering over 40 sports, many competing in British Universities and Colleges Sport leagues. The highlight of the year is the annual Varsity series between Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent.
Both students’ unions support a range of academic and general interest societies where you can further an existing passion or find a new one. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can set up your own society.
Part of the Christ Church Students’ Union, MedSoc is open to all students interested in medicine and allied health professions. An exciting society founded by the first cohort of KMMS students, MedSoc has a variety of sub-societies for whatever your specialist interest in medicine may be, and run an exciting range of events throughout the academic year.