The effect of an intercalated BSc on subsequent academic performance

Abstract

Background: The choice of whether to undertake an intercalated Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree is one of the most important decisions that students must make during their time at medical school. An effect on exam performance would improve a student's academic ranking, giving them a competitive edge when applying for foundation posts.

Methods: Retrospective data analysis of anonymised student records. The effects of intercalating on final year exam results, Foundation Programme score, application form score (from white-space questions), quartile rank score, and success with securing Foundation School of choice were assessed using linear and ordered logistic regression models, adjusted for course type, year of graduation, graduate status and baseline (Year 1) performance.

Results: The study included 1158 students, with 54% choosing to do an intercalated BSc, and 9.8% opting to do so at an external institution. Doing an intercalated BSc was significantly associated with improved outcome in Year 5 exams (P = 0.004). This was irrespective of the year students chose to intercalate, with no significant difference between those that intercalated after years 2, 3 and 4 (p = 0.3096). There were also higher foundation application scores (P < 0.0001), academic quartile scores (P = 0.0003) and resultant overall foundation scores (P < 0.0001) in intercalated students. These students also had improved success with securing their first choice Foundation School (p = 0.0220). Participants who remained at the institution to intercalate in general performed better than those that opted to intercalate elsewhere.

Conclusions: Doing an intercalated BSc leads to an improvement in subsequent exam results and develops the skills necessary to produce a strong foundation programme application. It also leads to greater success with securing preferred Foundation School posts in students. Differences between internally- and externally-intercalating students may be due to varying course structures or greater challenge in adjusting to a new study environment.

Figure 1

Standard 5-year medical course. Each box represents a separate year of study. Year 5 represents the final year of medical studies. Applications to Foundation Schools are made during Year 5, and the examination results from the preceding years are used to determine academic rankings.

Figure 2

Other available medical programmes. Both the EMDP and GPEP courses cover the same material as the standard 5-year course and lead to the same MBBS qualification. Year 1 of the standard medical course is covered over 2 years on the extended programme, leading to a 6-year course (excluding the optional intercalated BSc year). Years 1 and 2 of the standard medical course are covered in one year in the graduate entry course, leading to a 4-year course.