Study medicine in the UK
Where can I study medicine?
You can find world–class medicine degrees in more than 30 universities across the UK, including four
of the world’s top ten: University of Oxford, Medical Sciences Division (second), University of
Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine (third), University College London Medical School (eighth)
and Imperial College School of Medicine, London (tenth).
You can find world–class medicine degrees in more than 30 universities across the UK, including four
of the world’s top ten: University of Oxford, Medical Sciences Division (second), University of
Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine (third), University College London Medical School (eighth)
and Imperial College School of Medicine, London (tenth).
What is the application process?
Medicine is a highly competitive subject in the UK, but every year we welcome thousands of
international students to study at our medical schools. Typically, universities require three As at A–
level, including biology or chemistry, an International Baccalaureate of 38 and an IELTS score of 7.0
for undergraduate medicine degrees.
Most medical degrees also use one of three admissions tests. While some universities use the
GAMSAT or BMAT test, the majority of UK medical schools use UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test),
which you must register for and sit before making a UCAS application.
How long does it take to graduate?
Medicine degrees in the UK normally last five years, though for some universities it can be six.
What is the course structure?
A big advantage of a UK medicine degree is the modular course structure, which allows you to refine
your studies according to your interests as you learn. Before you begin to specialise, you’ll learn all
the basic medical sciences you need along with clinical training on wards. Close relationships
between universities and hospitals across the UK allow you to put your theory and skills into practice
sooner.
After this, students who are staying to work in the UK undertake a two–year foundation programme
and are granted a provisional licence to practise. Full registration is awarded at the end of the first
year.
Why is the UK a good choice for medicine?
The UK has a unique medical heritage.
Our universities have been helping to advance medical knowledge for centuries,2 and we’ve led the
world in creating new treatments and widening access to care. We also have one of the most famous
healthcare models in the world. The National Health Service is 70 years old, and you’ll develop astrong working knowledge of the service, as well as how it integrates with private practice and the
wider care system.
The UK also offers inspirational expert teaching and the opportunity to get your hands on the latest
medical equipment in our cutting-edge learning environments. All while being immersed in medical
English – the global language of care.
Are there any scholarships for medicine?
As well as being one of the best places to study medicine in the world, the UK also offers lots of ways
to make studying more accessible, including scholarships.
Outstanding students have several options available to them, from specific university scholarships to
those offered by the UK government such as Chevening Scholarships.
Visit the website of your chosen university to find out what scholarships you may be eligible for. You
can also find out more about scholarships on the Study UK website.
What is UK medical research like?
The UK spends over £37.1 billion3 on research and development a year and is ranked fourth in the
world for scientific research4 and second for life sciences research.5 We have
a global reputation for research that changes lives – pioneering treatments for some of the most
pressing medical challenges through diverse international collaborations.
What are my work options after I graduate?
A UK medicine degree opens doors – our graduates are among the most employable in the world.6
There are 60 specialisms on offer, and during your studies you’ll be able to focus on one of the seven
core medical fields:
• general practice
• anaesthetics
• medicine
• pathology
• psychiatry
• radiology
• surgery.
International students can apply to stay and work in the UK for two years after graduating through the
Graduate Route. To find out more about studying medicine in the UK and find a course,
