Intercalated degrees improve learning skills

Final year medical students who have taken intercalated degrees have higher scores for deep and strategic learning than their peers and show more interest in medical research. Although intercalated degrees are thought to be beneficial, there has been little evidence of their effects. McManus et al assessed learning skills and career choice in students applying for medical school and again just before final examinations (p 542). Intercalated degrees seemed to have benefits for learning skills in general and interest in medical research specifically. However, these benefits were greatest at medical schools where relatively few students did intercalated degrees and were not seen at schools where most students took the degrees. The authors conclude that intercalated degrees require adequate resourcing to be beneficial.

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Relevant Article

Intercalated degrees, learning styles, and career preferences: prospective longitudinal study of UK medical students

I C McManus, P Richards, and B C Winder
BMJ 1999 319: 542-546. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]