Medicine has become a hot study field for many years, students study medicine for various reasons. The UK has become a famous destination to study medicine for it’s world-class medical education, cutting-edge research, and prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge. This blog will tell you something about medicine study, the list of top universities for medicine, reasons that make them the best universities for medicine UK, your future career options, and some factors you need to consider when choosing to come to the UK to study medicine. Let’s dive in!
Medicine Study
Studying medicine has become a trend. Not only does it offers a respected social standing, but it also guarantees a high salary and career prospects. With prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge, the UK has become a renowned destination for students who want to study medicine. But do you know about medicine? Or you follow the fad. Medicine studies in the UK typically involve a long process, spanning 5-6 years for undergraduate studies, and 4 years for graduate entry medicine (GEM).
Standard Undergraduate Medicine (MBBS/MBChB)
Two-year degrees in pre-clinical training (Theory, Anatomy, Basic sciences)
Three-year degrees at a specialised school or teaching hospital (Clinical rotations, hands-on NHS hospital placements)
Six-year degrees if you choose another study discipline in between the two.
Medical Test
Studying medicine in the UK is competitive, according to GetMeIntoMedicalSchool, there are roughly 21,000 applicants are competing for 8,000 places in medical schools throughout the UK. To get into a university for medicine, you need to meet the basic entry requirements, have an interview, and pass standardized medical entry tests like UCAT and BMAT.
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
Used by most UK medical schools, like Newcastle, Bristol, and King’s College London. Students usually take this test in July and September before application. The scores range from 1,200-3,600. The higher, the better.
The BioMedical Admission Test (BMAT)
This test is used by many competitive schools like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, etc. The test usually happens in August and November, it consists of three sections, and each section scored 1 to 9, except the section three writing a short essay which is graded A to E.
Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)
This test is only for 4-year Graduate-entry programs, usually taken in March and September.
List of Top Universities for Medicine UK
To give you a quick review, we list the best universities for medicine in the UK below. According to statistics, these universities are widely recognised worldwide.
| Universities | Course Name | Fee (Per Year Pound) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | Medicine MB | 67,194 | 6 years |
| University of Oxford | Medicine BMBCh | 57,690 | 6 years |
| Imperial College London | Medicine MBBS/Bsc | 53,700 | 6 years |
| Queen’s University Belfast | Medicine MB | 36,900 | 5 years |
| University of Glasgow | Medical School Glasgow Access Program (GAP) CertHE | 25,290 | 1 year |
| University of Dundee | Medical MBChB | 52,105 | 5 years |
| University of Bristol | Medicine MBChB | 39,700 | 5 years |
| UCL (University College London) | Medicine MBBS | 47,000 | 6 years |
| The University of Edinburgh | Medicine MBChB | 37,500 | 6 years |
| University of St Andrews | Medicine MBChB | 36,990 | 6 years |
Best Universities for Medicine UK
To know more about these top universities for medicine UK, below, we give you the detailed reason why these universities are best to study medicine, check it out!
With the 6-year BMBCh program, the University of Oxford is one of the best universities for medicine UK. And it’s the best for prestige and academic excellence. At the nearby John Radcliffe Hospital, you’ll gain clinical exposure and direct experience through first-hand training. Students have the chance to go to the JR Hospital and participate in a mock clinic to practise core skills in patient consultation, information extraction, diagnosis, and case presentation.
As home to one of the world’s oldest medical programs, which can dating back to the 1500s, The University of Cambridge blends historic prestige with modern breakthroughs. Their newly built Biomedical Campus is home to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the Royal Papworth Hospital, the Rosie Hospital and several cutting-edge, Nobel-prize-level laboratories. At Cambridge University, you’ll experience research-led teaching, with an emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills.
As one of the best universities for medicine UK, University of Glasgow provides students with research-based learning, many opportunities for clinical experience and practical skills. What’s more, the University of Glasgow has consistently climbed the rankings in recent years. In this university, you can engage in cutting-edge research and delve into its healthcare studies. The healthcare is a strong focus in this university.
The University of Bristol provides students with more modern facilities and opportunities to cultivate their practical skills. As one of the best British universities for medicine, University of Bristol has a vibrant student community and a supportive study environment for students worldwide. If you’re looking for a university that offers a good balance of academic excellence and a supportive environment, this one is a good choice for you.
As one of the best universities in the UK for medicine, UCL also is one of the best for interdisciplinary medical education. The medical school at UCL is associated with prominent hospitals that are renowned worldwide, for instance, the University College Hospital and Great Ormond Street Paediatric Hospital. UCL provides students with many various opportunities to practice their clinical skills and professional knowledge. There are also nearby research centres like the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for those who prefer academia.
University of Sheffield has a strong commitment to excellence in medical learning and research, students have access to interdisciplinary studies. As one of the best universities for medicine UK, students can develop their skills in both clinical practice and the standard medical curriculum.
KCL is different from other universities in its focus on patient-centred care. Students can develop their skills at Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital. The King’s College London NHS Trust, in addition to its focus on patients, offers a range of Medicine programs and available modules catering to a wide range of clinical and research medical specialties. It’s one of the top universities for medicine UK.
The University of Manchester, the UK’s largest medical school, is located in the heart of England, and has become the top choice for many students worldwide. Despite the location advantage, this university provides students with extensive clinical experience. Students can gain clinical experience from the beginning of the program, participating in community placements through the first and second years. Students in the third, fourth, and fifth learn primarily through clinical placements in medical and surgical settings.
If you aim to contribute to global heath, then the University of Edinburgh is a good choice for you! As one of the best universities for medicine UK, University of Edinburgh has a strong focus on global health, and provides students with a variety of opportunities to engage in international projects. As one of the UK’s oldest universities, it boasts a rich heritage of inspiring medical minds and fostering innovation, it blends very well the foundational knowledge, clinical skills and research.
The University of Leeds excels in medicine with world-class research, excellent teaching, and extensive clinical placements. Its modern curriculum and partnerships with top NHS Trust provide exceptional hands-on training. With high graduate employability rates and a supportive student community, the University of Leeds has become one of the best universities for medicine UK.
Imperial College London provides state-of-the-art and super-modern facilities for its medical students, including innovative laboratories and clinical simulation areas. One of its innovations is translational medicine, where cutting-edge research directly informs patient care. Translational medicine is practised at world-leading levels at Imperial College, and it’s worth considering!
The University of Newcastle is a top choice for medicine in the UK, known for its innovative curriculum and strong clinical training. With early patient contact, excellent teaching hospitals, and a focus on problem-based learning, students gain hands-on experience. The strong network of alumni and industry connections it offers also come in handy not just as a medical student, but also during your career as a physician. It’s one of the best universities in UK for medicine.
Queen Mary, University of London
Queen Mary, University of London is the first medical school in the UK and also one of the best universities for medicine UK. Associated with Queen Mary University and located in the East London, students have a chance to observe a range of clinical cases and pathology during their degree. This university has a strong emphasis on global health challenges, encouraging students to be more innovative and cultivate critical thinking skills for real-world application.
The University of Southampton is one of the best universities for medicine UK, offering early clinical exposure, research-led teaching, and strong NHS partnerships. Its innovative curriculum integrates science with hands-on practice, while placements across top hospitals provide real-world experience. With excellent student support and high graduate employability, Southampton prepares doctors for modern healthcare challenges. It’s a welcoming campus.
The University of Birmingham provides the chance to approach Medicine in an interdisciplinary manner, gaining experience in medical research while engaging in clinical training in some of the most advanced hospitals in the country. As one of the best universities in UK for medicine, this university has tight links with different communities in the West England to let students delve deeper into studying the determinations of health, resource allocation, and other hot topics in public health and medical ethics.
The University of Nottingham is a fantastic choice for medicine, offering a well-structured curriculum with early clinical placements at leading hospitals like QMC. Its problem-based learning approach develops strong diagnostic skills, while world-class research opportunities enhance student experience. With high graduate employability and a supportive teaching environment, Nottingham prepares students thoroughly for medical careers. It’s one of the best universities for medicine UK.
Why Study Medicine in the UK?
With numerous best universities for medicine in the UK, studying medicine in the UK offers innumerable benefits to students, making it a popular destination for students worldwide.
World-Class Education: Admittedly, the UK is renowned globally for its high standards of medical education and training, providing students with access to some cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty members.
Early Clinical Exposure: Many universities in the UK provide students with hands-on hospital placements from the first year, giving students real experience early.
NHS Training: Studying in the UK, students have access to training within the National Health Service, which is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious healthcare systems.
Research Opportunities: There UK hosts numerous medical research projects, offering students opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and volunteer programs.
High Graduate Employability: UK-trained doctors are in high demand worldwide, studying medicine in the UK can guarantee future career.
International Recognition: Another benefit students can enjoy is international recognition. A UK medical degree is a passport to work in many countries.
Things to Consider to Study Medicine in the UK
With so many advantages, there are also some factors you need to consider when deciding to study medicine in the UK.
High Tuition Fees and Scholarships: Studying medicine in the UK requires significant financial investment, with an annual tuition fee of £9,535. This number would be higher for international students, up to £50,000+/year for international students. The UK government can cover the full amount of fee for domestic students, but international students cannot enjoy the coverage.
Cost of Living: Except for the high tuition fees, the cost of living in the UK can be expensive, housing rent, daily food costs, entertainments expense, etc. Will also add to the price.
Competition: Even if the money is not a problem for you, you should also note that the medical school entry is highly competitive, with universities having limited places for students.
Long and Demanding Course: Studying medicine is a long process that can be exhausting. Typically, there are 5-6 years of study for undergraduates, and students will undergo a heavy workload with exams, placements, and research.
How to Choose a University for Medicine?
Is it worth to study medicine in the UK? The answer depends on you, if you think it’s worth it, then just do it, but when you choose a university for medicine, you should take these factors into considerations.
Accreditation and Recognition
Consider the university’s accreditation, ranking, and reputation in the UK and also worldwide. Many students would refer to this to sift through their universities for the first round.
Curriculum and Faculty Expertise
Evaluate the setting of curriculum and faculty quality to see if the university’s curriculum structure is suitable for you or not. Or are there any courses you’d like to take? Find a teaching style that suits you.
Clinical Exposure and Training Opportunities
To excel in this field, clinical exposure and training are rather crucial for a medicine student, if universities provide students with many opportunities to practice in hospitals, in real practice, then that’s good for you.
Entry Requirements and Application Process
Being admitted into a university for medicine is not as easy as other fields. You should check the entry requirement and application process of the university you want to go, to evaluate your chance of successfully getting admitted. No one wants to see your efforts wasted.
Location and Student Life
The location of university is also an essential factor for choosing. The basic facilities a university provides for students include accommodation, life convenience, etc. are important factor you should consider.
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What Careers Can I Do with a Medicine Degree?
Medical Doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist): working in hospitals, clinics or private practice.
Surgeon: performing operations in various fields, like in orthopaedics, neurology, and cardiothoracic surgery.
Pharmacist: specialising in the study and administration of medicines.
Biomedical Scientist: doing research in disease and developing new treatments.
Paediatrician: specialising in children’s health
Radiologist: using medical imaging to diagnose and treat conditions.
Anaesthetist: managing pain and sedation during surgical procedures.
Medical Consultant and Advisor: offering expert guidance on healthcare policies or products.
FAQs:
University of Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, KCL,University of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, etc are all best universities to study medicine in the UK.
University of Oxford and Cambridge are the hardest universities to get into, they have high requirements for the entrance exam BMAT, and have rigorous interview, the acceptance rate is between 10% to 15%.
University of Sunderland, and Keele University are easier to get into compared with other universities, because they have lower entry requirements, more flexible policies, and high intake numbers, less competitive.
The Oxford is the most competitive medical school in the UK. Because Oxford has strict entry requirements and very low accpetance rate, making it the most competitive medical school in the UK.
Generally, it takes 5 to 6 years to complete a medicine degree in the UK, which including 2 years of pre-clinical study and three years of clinical training.
Undergraduate study last longer than graduate study, undergraduate study usually take 5 to 6 years while graduate study usually last 4 years. And their courses focus are different as well.
Entry requirements are different between different courses, but usually students need high grades in science subjects at A level or equivalent, and also need to take some tests like the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), BMAT, etc. Check the detailed requirements of your university.
No, while some of the contents are the same, these medical schools don’t offer the exact same curriculum, they have their special focus and research focus, always check the detailed curriculum arrangement of your university.
