Addressing the medical workforce shortage in Essex: ARU’s Chelmsford School of Medicine
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At ARU, we’re proud to have a rich history of nurturing healthcare professionals. To address a critical shortage of doctors in Essex, ARU took groundbreaking steps.
Launching Essex's first medical school
In March 2018, ARU opened the School of Medicine – Essex’s first – marking a significant milestone by securing the first public funding for a new medical school in more than a decade.
This included a £20 million investment in a state-of-the-art facility on our Chelmsford campus, featuring advanced skills labs, specialist teaching spaces, a lecture theatre, and an anatomy suite.
Collaborative efforts with healthcare partners
The School of Medicine was established in collaboration with five NHS hospitals and over 60 GP surgeries. This ensures our students experience diverse medical placements in both urban and rural settings, supported by a strong foundation in clinically-focused research.
Addressing regional needs
Essex faces significant shortages across primary care, mental health, and acute care, with some areas having the highest patient-to-GP ratios in the country. By training locally, our graduates are well-positioned to alleviate these shortages directly within their communities.
Commitment to access and diversity
ARU is equally committed to widening access. We engage with local schools and colleges to offer students aged 13-18 opportunities for medical work experience, professional contact days, and application advice. This initiative helps aspiring medical students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to envision and work towards a career in medicine.
ARU also now offers the UK's first national Medical Doctor degree apprenticeship, aimed at supporting individuals from financially challenged backgrounds in pursuing a medical career. Our widening access criteria ensure that potential is recognised, sometimes reducing A Level requirements for admission.
ARU is not only leading in nursing, midwifery, health, and social care education, but is also a beacon of innovation and support in medical training. Through our School of Medicine and various access initiatives, we're dedicated to cultivating talented, highly skilled healthcare professionals who will serve and strengthen our local communities.