Deferring a medical school place

If you have a place at medical school, it is normal to start as soon as possible, normally just a few weeks after A-level results are released in August. However, some students may wish to defer studies for another year. Bear in mind this is not a gap year where you have failed to gain a place, but where you have actually secured a place and now do not wish to start the medical programme for an academic year.

This may especially be more pertinent now given the COVID crisis and the decision by some universities to start degrees by distance learning from September. The medical school is under no obligation to grant your request, but they usually have a small quota of places that they permit to be deferred. However, you would have to give a valid reason for doing so and explain what you will be doing in your gap year. The main reasons traditionally for taking a gap year include working and travelling and both of these are likely to be impacted by the effects of COVID on freedom of movement and the economy.

Be careful of any financial impacts if you have given deposits for accommodation or if you try and defer your course once you have started the first semester.  

Update 13 August 2020. If the medical school does agree to defer your place, they will update your application accordingly and you will be able to see this on UCAS track. However, you will not be able to apply for any courses this year or send a new application for courses starting in 2020.