Examining Learning Resources Used by Year 5 Medical Students for UKMLA Preparation: A Descriptive Case Study

Introduction: The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA), introduced in 2024/25, is a national requirement for all final-year UK medical students. This Case Study explores how Year 5 students at Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) prepared for both components of the UKMLA, the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA). 

Methods: An electronic survey containing Likert-scale, multiple-choice, and open-text questions was distributed to the Year 5 cohort (n = 64) after the AKT and before the CPSA. Thirty-one students (48%) responded. Resource use was ranked using weighted scores based on frequency. Fisher’s Exact Test was used to explore associations between demographic variables and resource preferences.

 Results: Students relied heavily on third-party resources for AKT preparation, with PassMedicine achieving the highest weighted score (121). Other commonly used tools included Anki, Geeky Medics, and Zero to Finals. KMMS in-house materials were more commonly used for CPSA preparation. On average, students spent 80% of their preparation time using external resources. Demographic analysis showed older students more frequently used Essential Primary Care (p =.016) and Pastest (p =.030). Female students used internet-based resources more than males (p =.043), while younger students favoured Geeky Medics Flashcards (p =.041). ChatGPT was also used for explanations and personalised support.

 Conclusion: Third-party tools dominate AKT preparation. Age and gender influence resource choices, and AI-based tools are emerging as study aids. To promote equitable access, medical schools should consider providing key third-party resources. Further research should evaluate how resource combinations impact UKMLA performance.