Studying medicine anywhere is a challenge but opting for getting your education in a foreign country can be even harder. You would have to learn a new language, culture, and way of life. But with all this said, medical students are usually the first people to embrace a challenge and make it into a learning opportunity. So when you are on a search for which country to choose for your international education, you might want to consider the United Kingdom first.
In the UK you can get not only the best education available, but there are a few more benefits to it. You will train with the patients from the first year, and this will mean you will have much more experience than medical students in most countries. Second, you will perfect your English language, and you can expect to know “medical English” even better. This can lead to better chances of you getting a job and using your diploma.
With all of this information, it would make perfect sense that medical schools in the UK should be on top of any list for enrollment. Hardly any education system can be compared to theirs. So, if you are willing to take a longer path in pursuit of your education, look no further.
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Can international students enroll in medical schools in the United Kingdom?
Yes! According to Studyin-UK, international students are welcome to study medicine in UK universities.
The United Kingdom offers one of the best education systems in the world, and the process of getting into one of the universities is very competitive. If you wish to enroll in undergraduate studies, you have to provide an IELTS score (English language knowledge) of no less than 6.5 across all four categories – reading, writing, speaking and listening. Your grades have to be perfect and with all that you can try to enroll in one of the schools near the universities to get your undergraduate studies done.
Remember that UK universities are extremely competitive and that most students begin the preparation months or years ahead. Make sure your English is perfect, keep your grades up and take any opportunity to volunteer as this will all contribute to your enrollment status.
What is the medical curriculum like in medical schools in the United Kingdom?
It can take up to 15 years of studying before you get your CCT (Certificate of Completion Training) in the United Kingdom. The education is divided into three sections, and depending on your previous engagement and future goals it can be different:
- Undergraduate (6 years)
- Foundation training (2 years)
- Specialty Training (up to 7 years)
For the Bachelor’s degree you will have to study for 5 years (sometimes even 6 if you choose certain subjects), but it all depends on various factors and the university you get into.
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Best Medical School in the United Kingdom
1. University of Oxford
The establishing year of the most famous university is not precise, but the university was working in early 1100 and has been ever since. This is one of the oldest universities known and it was formed after the English students were forbidden from Paris University.
Since those turbulent times, Oxford University has become a leader in education and research and a worldwide known academic residence. Diplomas acquired here are accepted everywhere and the chance to get a job in your country after graduating from Oxford University is much higher. The University of Oxford is the best medical school in the UK because of its prestige and academic excellence.
They offer several different medical departments, like:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical medicine
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
2. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209, and the medical department started working in 1540 when only a few students yearly graduated. The long history and incredible academic achievements of this university is only the tip of the iceberg because it has so much more to offer.
The University of Cambridge is the fourth-oldest ever and they are welcoming international students from more than 147 countries, making sure that the education is constantly monitored, improved, and made better to accommodate the speed of developing science and society.
The direct connection to hospitals, patients, and clinical research will allow future doctors to be ready and educated for any job, position, and situation. They are proudly standing by the principles made centuries ago, while improving the quality of their work every day.
3. University College London (UCL)
University College London (UCL), a top medical school in the UK, was established in 1826, and they have been challenging theories and promoting free-thinking ever since. They are working with diversity, not against it and they are enrolling students from over 150 different countries.
Located in the heart of London, this university will not offer just premium education, but living and learning in one of the amazing cities of the world. They are currently ranked as 10th in the world, by QS World University Rankings.
The undergraduate medical program lasts six years, and the university offers postgraduate programs like Masters, doctoral, and continuing professional development level programs.
Read More About: 8 Steps to Become a Doctor in the United Kingdom
4. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1726, and they are spread across several campuses, dedicated to research and implementing knowledge to perform even the most demanding professions.
The medical school is divided into three deaneries:
- Clinical sciences
- Biomedical sciences
- Molecular, genetic, and population health sciences
This university has to offer a six-year-long education to get your Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree, and after that, you can enroll in foundation training.
5. Imperial College London
Next on our list of best medical schools in the UK is the Imperial College London, which was officially established in 1907. However, the mentioning of medical school can be found as early as 1822. They are now attracting international students from over 125 countries.
This university also holds the Silver Athena Swan award, for advancing women in science, technology, engineering, and medicine. They are devoted to high-impact research and education that is based on traditional values along with modern concepts. After the initial six-year education students will obtain MBBS and BSc, as dual qualifications.
6. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester was founded in 1824, and in the museum that is a part of the university you can see relics from the 16th century, proving the long and prosperous achievements in this school.
The university has three schools:
- Biological sciences
- Medical sciences
- Health Sciences
Manchester and the University of Manchester are truly multicultural places, ideal for international students looking for high-quality education and diversity. They are open to more than 160 countries and the list grows bigger each year.
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7. King’s College London
King’s College London was founded in 1829, by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington. Their vision is as honorable as their name, and they strive to make the world a better place since its establishment.
With this idea in mind, this top medical school in the UK is proudly placing them on the map of international universities, opening its doors to foreign students and staff. They represent diversity as an opportunity to see problems through different eyes and solve them more efficiently.
8. University of Glasgow, School of Medicine
Established in 1751, in an intellectually engaging setting, Glasgow Medical School creates and preserves educational and clinical research distinction. Medical students who graduate from this school are highly sought after due to their extensive expertise and abilities gained throughout the undergraduate program.
You’ll get hands-on training at several medical facilities across West Scotland. Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital function as their affiliated teaching hospitals, complete with labs, lecture halls, and a cutting-edge clinical training area. Each year of their 5-year Medical “spiral curriculum” adds intricacy.
There are four parts to the program, and completion grants temporary accreditation through the General Medical Council and an MBChB degree. Phases 1 and 2 take up the initial portion of the first year. This course is designed to provide students with a foundation in the fundamentals of the medical field.
The third phase of the 3rd academic year is dedicated to healthcare structures having an emphasis on pathophysiology. Phase 4 involves the entirety of 4th year and the initial part of Year 5. The clinical rotations are conducted in this phase in an array of settings, including hospitals and private practices.
Glasgow Medical School needs exceptional performance in competitive exams, which may include language assessments for international applicants. The fee for EU citizens, as well as international students, is £53,460 per year. Apart from this, as one of the best schools offering medical programs, it also provides fully funded scholarships and bursaries for deserving students.
9. University of Leeds, School of Medicine
The University of Leeds Medical School, considered to be one the oldest and most prominent in the UK, ranks among the 100 best universities worldwide according to the latest QS World University Rankings 2022. Also, in terms of recruiting recent college graduates, it ranks 5th in the UK. This university is proud of its high-quality programs, the prospects it provides in research, and the advancement of graduate students’ careers.
Their MBChB program is highly sought after because of its track record for exceptional training and evaluation. The Medical School is honored to have received its 6th ASPIRE to EXCELLENCE title from the AMEE, a recognition of the outstanding achievements it strives to set.
To recognize its exceptional work in the field of Social Accountability, this title was presented to them. Starting in the first semester of the 5th year of school, MBChB graduates may participate in a 4-week clinical rotation. Placement may be either the United Kingdom or another country; certain students choose to continue their studies at prestigious universities in the US, whereas others elect to go to distant parts of the globe that are underdeveloped.
Students could receive early hands-on training in primary health care, hospital training, and additional fields owing to the school’s robust network of affiliations with local, regional, and national healthcare providers. The total fee for MBChB 5-year program costs £4,600 for EU students and £34,500 for a full-time clinically-based program for international students.
10. University of Bristol, School of Medicine
The Bristol Medical School at the University of Bristol serves as a major institution and is among the most culturally diversified departments of the university. When it comes to community and cognitive medical research, the institution stands at the forefront of interdisciplinary and integrative study.
The Times Higher Education’s (THE) review of the Research Excellence Framework 2021 places this distinguished Russell Group institution 5th in the UK for research. In addition, the QS World University Rankings 2023 places them at 61st position overall worldwide. This leading UK institution offers a 5-year MBChB program with a tuition fee of £9,250 for EU citizens and a £36,800 rate for international students.
The first 2 years will provide students with a foundation in case-based education, allowing them to go further into topics like optimal health, ailment treatments, and multiple diagnoses. Candidates in the third year of their school will get experience in primary, community, and secondary healthcare areas.
This will be while studying illness management within the National Health Service (NHS). It is possible to take one year of undergraduate or graduate study between years 3 and 4 to obtain a diploma in the disciplines related to medicine.
Students in their 4th and 5th years will get the opportunity to participate in clinical groups in institutions, gaining exposure to collaboration and deciding in healthcare sectors. Acceptance criteria include passing the UKCAT, or its international equivalent, the IELTS, and a strong academic history from the start. Bristol University provides plenty of foreign students with financial aid every year in the form of scholarships.
11. University of Sheffield, The Medical School
Pursuing a degree in medicine at the University of Sheffield is to become a part of an organization that values intellectual inquiry and creative problem-solving. They have earned acclaim due to their ground-breaking work that has the potential to improve the lives of individuals globally.
Based on the 50 most recognized universities list published by Times Higher Education in 2023, they are among the finest institutions providing outstanding medical programs. The institution’s global ranking is 46th and its UK ranking is 15th. Graduates from expanding inclusion backgrounds having degrees in relevant biological sciences are encouraged to apply to their four-year MCBhB program.
Clinical instruction in primary care settings, medical centers, and outpatient clinics joins conventional learning such as lectures, seminars, and training to provide students with a well-rounded education.
Furthermore, it partners with Northern General Hospital’s Medical Training Center, one of the biggest in the entire country, where students put what they’ve learned into practice in model surgical suites, CPR labs, and operating rooms. They require high scores in competitive exams for admission and have a fee of £39,950 per year. They also provide several financial aid options for foreign students.
12. Queen Mary University of London, The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry of the Queen Mary University of London is rather historical, having been established back in the 16th century. By combining their extensive expertise plus state-of-the-art classroom equipment, they offer students the greatest possible foundation for a successful career as a medical professional, making it a top UK university providing exceptional medical programs.
You’ll learn the fundamentals of patient care, interactions, research, collaboration, and leadership throughout their rigorous 5-year MBBS curriculum. Through this students can draw connections between their coursework and staff members’ practical duties in areas like medication discovery and public health program development.
Queen Mary’s medical graduates begin their clinical experiences on phase 1 medical rotation. Phase 2 involves cutting-edge instruction in the treatment of mental disorders via doctors from ELFT and NELFT, the foundations’ affiliates.
General practitioners will be educating students about primary care. Excellent scores on admissions examinations like the UCAT, GCSEs, and others are necessary for enrollment. The annual fee for admission to this university is £27,900.
13. Newcastle University, School of Medicine
Finally adding another acclaimed UK university to our list is the Newcastle University’s School of Medicine. Their MBBS curriculum is presented with a fresh perspective using a comprehensive case-led method within a stimulating learning environment. The General Medical Council (GMC) has recognized its degree as meeting its standards for expertise.
Their medical school maintains connections to the Northern Region NHS via its region status. Students will have accessibility to a big number of patients (3.5 million) plus a well-developed network of hospitals and medical offices across the area, all of which are ideal for gaining clinical experience.
Primary subjects such as health sciences, practical abilities, and morality, will be covered in depth throughout the first 2 years of the program. From 3rd to 5th year, students will rotate throughout its regional network of medical base centers to get hands-on training on the field. Through a variety of rotations and placements, students will get experience in every major medical and surgical sub specialty.
Admission to this university requires prior entrance merit in various competitive exams. The tuition fee for admission to this university is £9,250 for EU students and £38,400 for international students.
The leading medical schools in the United Kingdom are increasingly leaning toward an increased case-based curriculum in order to stay up with the intense competition in the medical field. Medical school prepares students to provide exceptional care to patients and to conduct innovative research that leads to new methods for treating a wide range of disorders.
Nearly all medical schools in the United Kingdom have updated their educational programs in accordance with current, international best practices. The aforementioned universities are among the most regarded in the United Kingdom because they regularly generate skilled and highly-trained physicians.
We hope this article assisted you in deciding on the best of these schools to enroll in. Make sure to also check out the United Kingdom Programs for International Students for more information!
