How to get into a top medical school in the UK?
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a doctor in UK, this resource will be useful to you as it provides in detail the requirements to get into a top medical school in the UK. A doctor’s profession is a noble one, no doubt, but not half as glamorous as made out to be on popular TV shows. It is hard work and an immense responsibility. Your actions can make a difference between the life and death of your patients. The profession is demanding and often requires sacrificing personal time with family.
But you have no doubt considered all these aspects, talked to doctors you know and are quite sure that this is the right career path for you. In that case, congratulations on your decision. And all the best for your admission processes.
Let Us Start at the Beginning
To practice as a doctor in the UK, you have to obtain a medical degree from the University. Out of over 100 universities in UK, only 31 offer degree courses in medicine. The medical graduation degree has a duration of 5 -6 years. It incorporates a pre-clinical training mostly in a classroom environment and a clinical practical training at a teaching hospital. The exact manner in which these two components are tied together varies from university to university. At the end of the program, you are qualified to practice as a doctor.
The Entry Level Requirements
School leavers are eligible for entry into medical schools in the UK and do not require a preliminary higher education degree as in the US. The entry level age of the average medical student in the UK is thus between 18-19 years. Each school will have its own set of entry level requirements. In general, scoring well on your A levels is an advantage. But do keep in mind, several medical schools also look for candidates with a well rounded personality and hence there is a degree of importance attached to non-academic performance as well. Coming back to the A levels, the requirements may vary from AAA to AAB or even ABB for specific subjects. Generally chemistry and biology give you an advantage. Many schools do not consider general studies grades.
In case you do not have the requisite grades or subjects for entering medical schools, there are two other options available –
• Access Courses
These courses are available in further education institutions and are suitable for those who lack the formal education for entry into medical schools. Please check individual schools’ websites for their policy on access course acceptance.
• Foundation Courses
These courses are meant for good academic performers from non –science streams who wish to study medicine. It may be considered as an undergraduate preparatory medical program. It usually lasts a year, at the end of which you join students in the regular five year program. Several medical schools conduct foundation courses and thereafter absorb the students into their mainstream medical program.
Graduate Entry into Medical Schools
This is an option to learn medicine for mature students who possess an undergraduate degree. Some medical schools like the Universities of Birmingham and Bristol (to name just 2) offer four year highly intensive graduate level programs. Some schools accept any degree, but some require degrees in biomedical/ allied science subjects. Please check the eligibility requirements which differ from university to university. It is best if your application is backed with relevant work experience in a medical area, so that admission officials are convinced about your suitability and desire for a career in medicine.
Entry into Top Medical Schools in the UK for International Students
International students from (non EU) countries like the US and Asian countries desirous of studying medicine in the UK have a number of factors to consider. Firstly, not all Universities accept international students and those which do, usually have a limit in terms of the number of students they do accept. Besides, the cost acquiring a medical degree in the UK is quite high and needs to be considered prior to making your decision. Having said that, the UK medical degree is world respected qualification and also study in UK offers you an opportunity to know this country and its wonderful people and culture.
Qualification Requirements for International Students
Each medical school lists the non-UK equivalent qualifications that will be considered satisfactory for entry. The UCAS website provides information on this. Universities will additionally require from international students a qualification establishing their English language proficiency. For this, you may need take the Cambridge Proficiency of English, IELTS or the TOEFEL tests and obtain acceptable scores.
The Admission Strategy – Or How to Make a Successful Application
All admission to medical schools in the UK by domestic or international students is managed by the UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Services). The first step is therefore filling up the UCAS form correctly. The form requires personal information, a personal statement or statement of purpose, a recommendation letter and of course your choice of preferred universities. There are six places on the UCAS form. While applying to medical schools, you are required to fill in only four places. The last two palaces are for ‘backup courses’ in biomedical or allied science subjects. In case you do not get through to medical school, you have an option to do your graduation in an allied field and reapply for the graduate entry medical program.
Based on your UCAS form, giving due consideration to your personal statement and recommendation letter, the University, if satisfied, will call you for a personal interview. In case of international students, interview via phone or internet chat may be arranged.
The interviews have a fixed structure, more or less. So prepare yourself adequately by talking to successful candidates. Have answers ready for standard question like “Why medicine” or Why our University” etc.
Remember nobody expects you to be an expert. Your attitude and general approach is more important as the admission officials are looking for individuals who are positive, ambitious and willing to learn and who will bring value addition to their institution. Of course it helps if you are abreast of current events in the field. For instance, a new medical procedure or a new drug that has been developed in recent times. You don’t have to know the details. But your awareness signals your enthusiasm and interest in the area, which is an advantage for you.
Getting into a top medical school in the UK is not easy. But if you do your research well and are adequately prepared, it may not be that tough. After all, healthcare jobs promise immense rewards and benefits; once you finish your med school, a sterling career awaits in the horizon. You don’t want to miss your chance just because you did not pay proper heed to a particular school’s qualification requirements.
All the best.
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