LifeLab: All courses

Experience medicine with LifeLab

Running since 2013, Experience Medicine gives students a close look at what it takes to train and work as a doctor. Over two days, students spend time in University Hospital Southampton and with the LifeLab team, taking part in a range of activities designed around medicine and the people who work in it.

What's involved:

A tour of specific clinical areas within University Hospital Southampton

Time in the anatomy labs, with anatomy and pathology teaching

A look round the research facilities

Clinical skills practice on models, with guidance from health professionals

Conversations with current medical students about training and the application process

A keynote talk from someone working in medicine

Where the timetable allows, students can observe a simulated trauma scenario in action

Dates

Experience Medicine Autumn Edition: Thursday 22 and Friday 23 October 2026, open to students in Year 10 and 11.

Experience Medicine Summer Edition: Thursday 22 and Friday 23 July 2027, open to students in Year 9, 10 and 11.

Cost and subsidised places

The full cost of the programme is £400 per student. All food and drink is included, but participants need to make their own transport arrangements. Accommodation is not included.

Bursary (100% of the cost) and subsidised places (50% of the cost) are available for students meeting a range of eligibility criteria.

We've grouped our eligibility criteria into three lists.

Meeting one criterion from the first list means a place is fully funded. This list includes things like having been eligible for free school meals, being in care, being a young carer, or having a parent or guardian who currently receives a means tested benefit.

Meeting one criterion from the second list, or three from the third list, brings the cost down to £200. The second list includes things like being the first in your family to go to university, or having a parent who currently serves or has served in the armed forces. The third list includes things like attending a state school that isn't selective, or living in an area with fewer opportunities than average, based on your postcode.

The full lists, with guidance on how to check which apply to you, are set out here. You don't need to meet every criterion, and there's space on the application form to explain anything that doesn't fit neatly into the categories above.

Applying

The application form for the Autumn Edition is here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I missed the application deadline. Can I be added to the reserve list?

Course Description

Once the application deadline has passed, all applications will be assessed and places offered to 40 students. If your application was not one of the 40 allocated places your name will be added to the waiting list.

Experience medicine runs twice a year, so you can also register to be the first to know when applications open for the next course by completing the form Register your interest

I don’t live near Southampton; can you help with accommodation?

Course Description

Accommodation is not provided for Experience Medicine with Lifelab. We are based at Southampton General Hospital (SO16 6YD) and there are plenty of places to stay nearby and in the city centre, which is about a 15-minute bus ride away

I can no longer attend; can I get a refund?

Course Description

If you let the team know at least 2 weeks before the event starts, we can arrange a refund for you. After that, please contact the LifeLab team and we’ll do our best to help. Refunds after this point are not guaranteed and depend on whether your place can be filled.

How do I secure a subsidised or bursary place and what does it include?

Course Description

There are bursary places and subsidised places available for each Experience Medicine with LifeLab course. To secure a bursary you must: • meet the eligibility criteria as explained in this document • provide a teacher’s contact details for us to confirm you meet the criteria If awarded a bursary place: • you will not pay the course fee • you can claim up to £100 towards travel costs (travel only, not accommodation) Accommodation is not provided for bursary students If awarded a subsidised place: • you will pay 50% of the course fee

I’m in Year 8 can I attend?

Course Description

Unfortunately, not.

The Autumn edition is for students studying in Year 10 and 11 only.

The Summer edition is for students studying in Years 9,10 and 11 only.

Is there anything similar for students in Year 12 or Year 13?

Course Description

Yes!

We have opportunities for students in Year 12 and 13 including Experience Medicine with LifeLab Online and Widening Access to Medicine Taster course and Virtual Work Experience. Find out more here

Is there funding available for travel to the hospital?

Course Description

Funding is only available for those students who obtain a bursary place.

Is parking available?

Course Description

Yes. Paid parking is available at the hospital, but it can get very busy.

There is also a drop-off option and some parking in the surrounding area. More details will be included in your joining pack.

Where should my child meet you?

Course Description

On day 1, student ambassadors will meet Experience Medicine with LifeLab attendees in the hospital foyer.

Full instructions on how to find LifeLab will be included in your joining pack.

What should I wear to Experience Medicine with Lifelab?

Course Description

Please dress appropriately for a professional work setting.

You should wear short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up. You should not wear open-toe shoes or ripped jeans or hoodies.

Can I bring my phone?

Course Description

Yes, but you will not need it during the course. Valuables can be left in the lockers securely at LifeLab.

Can I bring a friend?

Course Description

Only students who have secured a place can attend Experience Medicine with LifeLab.

I have a dietary requirement; will suitable food be available?

Course Description

Yes, we will support all dietary requirements where possible.

Does attending Experience Medicine with Lifelab count towards contextualised admissions?

Course Description

If you secure a bursary place, the summer school counts as one intensive activity.

1 Courses

Experience Medicine

Preview Course

Experience Medicine

Resources for Experience Medicine

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email us: lifelab@soton.ac.uk

LifeLab, Level D, Room LD150, Mailpoint 847
University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD