Deciding where to train as a doctor is a choice that shapes your entire professional identity. If you are looking at the Medicine BMBS at the University of Exeter, you have likely asked yourself, “is Exeter good for Medicine?” or “how does Case-Based Learning (CBL) actually work?” While the university website can show you the impressive rankings—like being joint 1st in the UK for Graduate Prospects—it can’t tell you what it feels like to discuss your first clinical case in a small group or the reality of rotating between the rolling hills of Devon and the rugged coast of Cornwall.
At Already Doing It (alreadydoingit.co.uk), we connect you with vetted peer mentors currently studying at Exeter—students who can provide a truly honest review of the Medicine course at Exeter because they are actually living it.
Exeter is famous for its Case-Based Learning (CBL) approach. But beyond the terminology, what is it really like to study Medicine at Exeter on a day-to-day basis? This is a core topic to explore with a peer mentor.
You might want to ask a mentor about:
The CBL Reality: How does it feel to work in a group of 8–10 people from week one? Does the lack of traditional 200-person lectures make the science harder to grasp, or does the “problem-solving” approach make it stick?
The Supportive Atmosphere: Exeter is known for being less hierarchical. Do you really feel like a “doctor-in-training” rather than just a student?
St Luke’s vs. Streatham: You’ll be based at the St Luke’s Campus, which has a 150-year history of medical education. How does the “vibe” there differ from the larger, more bustling Streatham campus?
Spiral Curriculum: How helpful is it to revisit key body systems multiple times over the five years? A mentor can tell you how this “spiral” design helps when you eventually reach your clinical years.
The “insider” secret of Exeter is just how early you get out of the classroom and into the community.
Topics to discuss with an Already Doing It mentor include:
Early Exposure: What was it like seeing your first patient in your first term? A mentor can share their experience of clinical skills sessions at the Heavitree Hospital site and how it helped them connect anatomy to real people.
The Geography Factor: How do you manage the potential move to the Truro Campus in Cornwall? A mentor can give you the “real story” on the differences between urban placements in Exeter and rural healthcare in Treliske.
The Progress Test (AMK): Exeter uses a unique “Applied Medical Knowledge” test sat multiple times a year. You might ask a mentor how they managed the transition from getting A*s at school to the low percentage scores typical of a test designed for a qualified doctor.
Independent Research: Since CBL requires you to “teach yourself” many concepts, what are the best resources? A student can tell you which textbooks and apps are actually essential.
Exeter’s selection process is highly structured, weighting your application 25% on your UCAT score and 75% on academic attainment to get to the interview stage.
Questions to explore with a vetted mentor at alreadydoingit.co.uk regarding your application:
The MMI Strategy: Exeter uses Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). How did successful applicants use the STARR technique to show reflection? A mentor can share examples of how they talked about their work experience.
The “Reflection” Hook: What does “reflection” actually look like in an interview? You might ask a mentor how they demonstrated empathy and self-awareness rather than just listing their science grades.
The UCAT Threshold: For 2026 entry, the UCAT remains a major discriminator. A mentor can share their revision tips and what a “safe” score felt like in their cohort.
Ethical Dilemmas: MMIs often focus on medical ethics. To find out how to prepare for questions on autonomy or beneficence, talk to a mentor who has survived the “hot seat.”
Connecting with a mentor allows you to move past the brochure and understand the real-world logic that secures an offer at one of the UK’s most forward-thinking medical schools.
Deciding where to train as a doctor is a life-shaping decision. You deserve more than just a guidebook to go on. If you want to know what is it really like to study Medicine at Exeter, the most reliable source is a student who is already doing it.
The only way to get the real answer is to talk to someone already doing it. Find your mentor at alreadydoingit.co.uk
© 2026 Already Doing It Ltd. All rights reserved. The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional career or admissions advice. Insider Sessions and Our Insider Guides reflect perspectives; always verify specific course details, entry requirements, and module lists with the official University Prospectus before applying.
