Graduate Entry to Medicine
Medicine can be studied in the UK as a five-year undergraduate or a shortened four-year graduate entry degree. Medical graduates then undertake a generic two-year Foundation Programme, which forms the bridge to speciality training which can last a further 3-8 years according to your chosen speciality.
If you are thinking about studying medicine as a second degree, your first decision is which route you plan to take. There are four-year accelerated courses which you can apply to as a graduate, or you can apply to a five-year ‘undergraduate’ course. For those coming to medicine from alternative routes, there are six-year foundation/pre-clinical courses available.
These pages cover some of the most frequently asked questions, giving guidance and bringing together resources.
- Finding work experience
- Choosing a medical school course
- Funding
- Pre-entry tests
- UCAS personal statement for medicine
- Interviews and selection for medical school
- Studying medicine outside the UK
There is a lot of information and advice available online about applying to and studying medicine.
Official sites:
- General Medical Council National body that licenses doctor to practice medicine in the UK
- British Medical Association Trade union of medical doctors and medical students in the UK
- Medical Schools Council A body representing all UK Medical Schools
- University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) Single point of application for Medicine programmes in the UK
Advice, guidance and networks:
- For an understanding of what skills are needed as a medical student: Good Medical Practice from GMC
- For one place that details admissions entry criteria: Medical Schools Council: medical schools entry requirements
- For an insight into the life of a medical student: Life of a Medic blog
- For free advice on a range of entry to medicine topics: Medic Portal (please note this does not represent an endorsement of paid-for products)
- To share your experiences with others in a similar position: The Student Room
