Non-Academic Information Form

Each applicant to study medicine at The University of Manchester must complete an online information form about their non-academic activities.

Anyone who has ever agonised over writing a UCAS personal statement will probably tell you that there isn't enough space to talk about the things are important to your decision to apply for medicine!

The Non-Academic Information Form is like an expanded personal statement providing more information, including why you chose to apply to this medical school.

Although we do not directly assess your personal statement as part of the selection process, you haven't wasted any time in writing it. You will find that you can use most of what you have written as the starting point for your Non-Academic Information Form, and we encourage you to do so.

What we look for

The form is essentially a more structured version of the personal statement, but be aware that you should not simply paste your personal statement into it. We will request brief details about the following areas.

Experience in a caring role

This does not necessarily mean medically-related work experience, such as shadowing a GP or consultant. In fact, we ask that you don't use examples of shadowing in this section. We understand that such experience can be difficult to obtain for students under the age of 18. We are more interested in activities you have participated in rather than observed.

We are interested in hands-on caring experience that may or may not be medically related. We are trying to ascertain that you have a clear idea of what it is like to study medicine and what the role of a doctor entails. Tell us how you got involved in such work, how much time you spend doing it and, most importantly, what you have gained from it.

Information for 2023 entry

We are aware that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face work experience placements for applicants have been cancelled. Applicants should be assured that this will not negatively impact your application. We have now adapted our requirements for 2023 entry.

In normal circumstances (pre-COVID), the reason for requiring work experience was so that you could demonstrate an understanding of the work of a doctor. We do not 'count' hours of work experience (although some Schools do). We focus on how you reflect over what you have experienced.

For 2023 entry, we are happy for you to declare work experience or activities you intend to carry out after the 15 October UCAS deadline.

This will give you additional time to carry out experience if you still want to, and if conditions in early 2023 permit. This, however, will not be a requirement, and work experience taken outside of a two-year time frame is acceptable.

We will also allow you to evidence your insight in other ways on your Non-Academic Information Form and at interview. It is important that you are able to independently research the medical career path and be sure you understand the role of a doctor.

Activities that may help with this include:

  • taking part in online 'work experience' activities;
  • attending online careers talks related to the area of medicine;
  • structured online programmes;
  • taking part in online virtual work experience;
  • informal conversations with doctors and/or healthcare professionals.

Hobbies and interests

Doctors must be able to communicate and empathise with their patients. This is enhanced by some shared life experiences.

Tell us about your interests and hobbies. Why do you pursue them and how much time do you devote to them? Have you achieved any outside recognition (such as awards or certificates)?

We are aware that some students may have more opportunities than others to pursue a wide range of interests. The concern is not so much exactly what you do in your spare time, but that you have some spare time and that you do something with it.

Team working

Doctors work in multidisciplinary teams. It is essential that you are able to demonstrate your experience of working in teams. You should also show that you are knowledgeable about the advantages of a team approach to work and other activities.

Motivation for medicine

Your reasons for choosing to study medicine may be obvious to you, but they are not obvious to us. The Admissions team has not met you and knows nothing about you. Please tell us how your personal experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a career in medicine.

Why Manchester?

The Non-Academic Information Form allows you to provide information on why you applied to The University of Manchester.

Non-Academic Information Form for 2023

The link to the Non-Academic Information Form for 2023 will be emailed to each applicant after the 15 October UCAS application deadline using the email address supplied on your UCAS application.

The deadline for completing this document will be included in communications to all applicants. We do not accept late submissions of the Non-Academic Information Form under any circumstances.

If you do not receive the NAIF by the end of the October in the year you applied, you must contact us by emailing ug.medicine@manchester.ac.uk.