Welcome back to new Clinical Medics

We look forward to welcoming you back to College when your introductory course commences in September.

As the method of study and rhythm of the academic year is somewhat different to the life you have known as an undergraduate at Downing, it is hoped that the following information will outline what you need to know about being a Clinical Medicine student here.  If you have any further questions, please contact either the Graduate Admissions Officer.

Registration

Please ensure you arrange your registration with the Graduate Admissions Officer in September, which may involve the following:

  1. If you have a student loan, you will need to bring either your UK passport or photo driving licence as an identity check to initiate your payment.
  2. A new University Card has been ordered as a replacement for your existing card and will be exchanged on production of your old card.
  3. Collect important information.

Please note, your student loan will not commence until you have registered.

Director of Studies

Your College Director of Studies, who is responsible for overseeing your academic studies for Clinical Medicine at Downing is Mr Justin Davies, a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon and Clinical Director of Digestive Diseases at Addenbrooke's.  Mr Davies will email you directly to arrange a meeting as a cohort for the first time.

Your Studies

For further information about your studies, please refer to the information for incoming students on the School of Clinical Medicine website.

Graduate Tutor

You will be assigned a Graduate Tutor at Downing College.  Like Undergraduate Tutors, Graduate Tutors are also responsible for your general welfare and will represent you in official contacts with the central administration of the University.  As a new postgraduate student, you are only required to meet your Graduate Tutor at the beginning of the Michaelmas Term.  Please sign-up for an appointment time on the Downing Tutorial Site for Students on Moodle, at which point you will find out which Tutor you have been allocated.

It is in your best interest to inform your Graduate Tutor as soon as any illness or difficulty occurs which is likely to affect study or examination performance.  In such cases, Tutors deal with pastoral care and can assist with special needs or disabilities.  Please contact your Tutor by email to make an appointment. In an emergency contact the Tutorial & Admissions Office (+44 (0)1223 334811) or the Porters’ Lodge (+44 (0)1223 334800).

College Policies and Terms & Conditions

All students at Downing must read and agree to the following terms & conditions and College policies within the first two weeks of Michaelmas term as a requirement of living and studying at Downing.  You will be able to do this online on Moodle. The Terms & Conditions and College Policies are as follows:

Terms & Conditions or College Policy:
Accommodation Handbook
Alcohol Policy
College Rules and Guidelines
Data Protection Statement (Students)
Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy
Plagiarism Policy
Respect and Dignity Policy
University Card:  Terms and Conditions of Use

Downing College MCR Events

Clinical Medics become part of the Middle Combination Room (MCR) a multi-disciplinary, culturally diverse and international community, closely integrated into the academic and social life of the College.

The MCR has organised a series of events during Freshers' Week and if you are most welcome to participate in any of the events that are due to be publicised shortly.   

FAQs

Do I need to register with the College Nurse as a new student?

Students who have already seen the College Nurse as an undergraduate do not need to re-register.  You can make an appointment on Moodle to consult the College Nurse.

As a new postgraduate student, do I need to matriculate?

As you have already matriculated as an undergraduate student, you do not need to matriculate again, but you are encouraged to attend the postgraduate Matriculation events at the start of Term.  Further information on Matriculation will be emailed to you. 

Do I need a new academic gown?

You are now entitled to wear a BA gown which differs to the undergraduate gown.  It may be possible to hire, borrow or purchase gowns, subject to availability, for such occasions from the Graduate Union.  However, many new postgraduate students opt to have a gown of their own, which can be purchased directly from Ryder & Amies.  Before ordering your gown, please contact the Tutorial and Admissions Office to obtain a voucher code, which is redeemed at checkout to receive a discount of £7.50 on the cost of a BA gown.