Phase 2 Guide
Student Guide to Phase 2
Phase II encompasses your transition from pre-clinical, to clinical learning
The curriculum schedule looks different for the 2023 cohort onwards, so in summary:
- You return to 7 weeks of WMS-based Academic Block 1 (AB1) classes in mid-August, and start your Student Selected Component (SSC1).
- You'll then have 10 weeks on clinical placement (CCE1) before the Winter Break.
- January starts with completing 2 weeks of WMS-based AB2 classes, followed by 10 weeks on clinical placement (CCE2).
- You'll then repeat with 2 weeks of AB3 at WMS, followed by 10 weeks on clinical placement (CCE3).
- Then a few weeks of revision for your clinical and written exams!
Onboarding
During week 1, you will meet your new CBL group and Clinical Personal Tutor (CPT) who is based at a hospital.
Each week, you will be exploring different themes, with the weekly CBL case being linked to the theme.
Finances
We've put together an awesome page on finances, with tips on everything from NHS bursaries to part-time work during CCE!
Student Selected Component 1
SSC1 is your opportunity to develop an interest in a field that you are interested in exploring during your career.
You will have the opportunity to choose 1 of the 16 block options available.
Core Clinical Education (CCE)
During CCE you will be taking increased responsibility for your own learning.
You will have exposure to Medicine, Surgery and Specialties blocks (including Anaesthetics, Psychiatry, Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology) and General Practice.
The emphasis is on developing core clinical skills in history taking, examination, investigations and initial / basic patient management.
Clinical Partnership
You will be with your clinical partner (CP) A LOT during placement.
Therefore, it has been advised to choose someone that you don't live with or have a relationship with!
The plan is that you stay together until you graduate.
Clinical Audit
As part of your GP placement, you will be asked to conduct a clinical audit.
A clinical audit is a detailed review of medical practices to ensure quality care and identify areas for improvement.
NHS ePortfolio
The NHS E-portfolio is where you document your learning during AB1 and 3 CCE blocks.In year 2, there are numerous supervised learning events (SLEs) such as bedside teaching, OSLER or mini-cex. You have to document your SLEs including your own reflection and your supervisor's feedback on the NHS e-portfolio. These SLEs are part of the engagement criteria so they are mandatory.This is a great experience to document your learning as it is something we will be doing a lot during our training as doctors.
Student Selected Component 2
In Year 3, you have an eight-week period where you will have an opportunity to select an area for in-depth enquiry. Depending on your interest, you could link your area of interest with the SSC1 option you chose in Year Two.
Advice from Previous Students
Whereas the first year is highly structured in its timetabling, second year is far more independently motivated. While this enables more flexibility in your approach and managing your time, this comes with greater responsibility and accountability.
You are given generic learning outcomes to research on your own.
Notes should be applied to patients you approach yourself and seek permission from in primary and secondary care.
Click here to find out more about what previous students have to say about Phase 2
Resources
Here are some resources to help you pass your Phase 2 Exams!
With special thanks to:
- Carmen Chung (2020 cohort) for updates in 2024.
- Carmen Chung and Chloe Berg (2020 cohort) for the updates in 2023.
- Jessica Sinyor and Marcus Thevarajan (2021 cohort) for the updates in 2022.
- Mahmuud Mohamed, Abayomi Olaifa, Michael Wiles, Sophie Marsh and Charlotte Clearly (2019 & 2020 cohorts) for leading the original Phase 2 student guide.