Medical students at Newcastle University’s new campus in Malaysia share their experiences so far.
The UK’s Newcastle University claims to have its origins in a medical school founded way back in 1834. Today it continues to be known for high-quality medical education, ranking in the top 150 of the QS World University Rankings 2011/12 for medicine.
Of course, every nation in the world needs doctors trained to the highest standards, and many medical students study abroad in order to achieve this. But the rise of branch campuses means more students can now stay closer to home, while still getting a world-class education.
On 1 November 2011, Newcastle University officially launched its Malaysia campus. The branch campus was marketed as the first campus offering full UK medical degrees outside the UK – with joint accreditation from the UK and Malaysia medical councils.
Like most branch university campuses, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), is starting out small; its initial enrolment is just 60 undergraduates, most from the local area. But by 2017, it aims to have 900 students, with courses available in biomedical sciences as well as medicine.
Feedback from students so far has been very positive.
“I’ve never looked back,” says Soo Xi Ying, who was attracted by the opportunity of studying at a university that is “world-renowned for medical sciences,” without moving far from home.
Fellow Malay Ainah Mahani admits she was initially uncertain about the branch campus, but says the quality of the facilities and teaching has exceeded her expectations.
While there’s more to a good education than expensive equipment and a pleasant environment, she says these things certainly have a positive impact on her motivation levels!
Adiel Haqiq Bin Hussien, who is from neighboring Singapore, considered two main factors when choosing a university: cost and quality. He selected NUMed because it is “cheaper than studying in the UK, while still maintaining a world-class education.”
Getting back to Singapore to visit family is also no problem; Adiel says that while the campus itself is quiet, it’s also well connected and close to key transport links.
One thing all three of these students mention is the helpfulness and friendliness of the teaching staff.
“They are highly motivated, easy to approach and ready to help,” Ainah says. She adds that she’s enjoying being part of such a small intake of students. “We appreciate each other’s presence, and are very close to each other, despite our variety of backgrounds.”
Specific aspects of the medicine curriculum highlighted by students include the emphasis on developing communication skills (pretty important for doctors!), focus on self-motivated learning, and the university’s integrated approach to healthcare.
Soo Xi Ying explains, “This integrated, case-based approach enables students to see the bigger picture on how diseases affect a person biologically, psychologically and socially.”
Ainah says that elsewhere in Malaysia, it’s common for medical students to encounter clinical practice only towards the end of their course. At NUMed, this is built in right from the start, which she believes is giving her a head start on developing skills such as “information handling, reflective practice, decision-making and the appropriate attitudes required for professional practice as a doctor.”
It sounds like they’re all well on the way to becoming the next generation of medics – this is one student profile where there’s no need to ask what career they intend to pursue!