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Application Guide 2024:
Medicine
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing A UK Medical School in 2024
Medicine Admissions Expert
Introduction
With dozens of medical schools in the UK, many of which are world-class, it can be very difficult to decide which ones to apply to. What medical suits my academic style best? What city do I most want to live in? Which medical schools do I have the best chances of getting into?
In this guide to selecting a medical school, we walk you through some of the key factors that you ought to weigh up in your decision. UK medical school admissions statistics can be bleak, with only around 30% of candidates being made an offer.
However, by following this guide you can not only maximise your chances of being in that group but also make sure that you’re going to the medical school that’s best for you. It’s a very personal decision, and different people will suit different schools, so it’s important to ensure that the decision is yours and yours alone.
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Medical Schools by the Numbers
How many medical school places are there in the UK? Currently, there are almost 10,000 places available to study at medical schools across the country. This may seem like a lot, however, with around 30,000 applications submitted per year most of these still result in rejection.
How many medical schools are there in the UK?
In the UK, there are 44 medical schools! This means that there is plenty to compare, and from which to select those that best suit you.
How many UK medical schools can I apply to?
You can apply to a maximum of 4 medical schools in the UK and must do so through UCAS (the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service).
How many UK medical schools should I apply to?
As many as you can! Generally, this means applying to four medical schools in the UK and it may also be appropriate to apply to some abroad, for instance in Ireland, if you have lower grades. This will maximise your chances in the competitive world of medical school admissions.
How long is UK medical school?
UK medical school generally takes 5 years. However, some universities will also give you the opportunity to undertake an intercalated degree, which will extend your time in university by one year in exchange for the receipt of a second degree (often a Bachelor of Medical Sciences).
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What are the pathways to getting into medicine in the UK?
It’s true that most medical school applicants will try to secure a spot by applying through UCAS in their final year of high school.
However, with the increasingly competitive nature of this process, more and more candidates are considering alternative pathways to a medical career.
Some of these that you may wish to consider include:
Doing a Foundation Medicine Course first: Foundation Medicine Courses are generally only available to widening participation and international students and provide a 1-year foundation program designed to impart students with the background scientific knowledge that they may not have received at high school before they begin their medical education. This can be a great option if you’re eligible for it but don’t have the grades to get into medicine right away.
Starting another degree and applying to transfer to medicine: This approach can be very risky, as the opportunities to transfer into medicine tend to be extremely rare. However, it is something worth considering as some students do it every year - especially if you choose the next option.
Completing another degree and applying for Graduate Entry Medicine: Every year, medical schools hold open spaces specifically for graduate entrants into medicine. By completing another degree first, you can reapply later with a stronger profile to present to medical schools.
Studying abroad: If you don’t want to apply to medical school in the UK, then consider doing so abroad! Check out our guide on how to apply to medical schools in various countries around the globe.
👉🏼 Read more: Compared: UK Medical School Fees For International Students (2024 Updates)
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What are some Medical School Teaching Styles?
One of the key factors to consider when applying to medical school is what teaching style suits you best. Generally, medical schools follow one of these two methodologies:
Traditional Course: In these courses, you will study almost exclusively in classrooms and lecture theatres for the first 2-3 years of your education, before moving into clinical practice afterwards. This course style is becoming less popular over time.
Integrated Course: Integrated courses will have you on the wards from as early as your first week, and combine clinical and academic aspects of medicine. Teaching will generally be problem-based, case-based or enquiry-based. This course style is becoming more popular over time.
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What other factors should I consider when applying to medical schools?
Location: You won’t only be studying at university for 5-6 years - you’ll also be living there! It’s important to choose a location that suits you. Some cities may have more than one medical school - for instance, there are currently 5 medical schools in London.
Proximity to Home: You may prefer a medical school that allows you to be closer to home - whether that means one nearby in the UK or one with an international airport and regular flights to your home country. Searching “medical schools near me” can help you to find this information.
Admissions Policy: Every medical school uses different criteria when assessing candidates. If one area of your application is stronger and another weaker, then you should look for universities with policies that align with your application’s strengths and weaknesses.
Cost: Whilst all medical schools will charge the same fees for most domestic students, Scottish students should consider the fact that if they study at a Scottish university their tuition will be fully funded by the Scottish Government.
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How can I make medicine university comparisons?
It’s worth checking out universities’ own websites for information or looking at sites such as the Medical Schools Council with information on many of them.
Additionally, consider attending medicine university open days for a taste of what life at each one is like.
You should also check out the other pages in this guide:
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