Become a doctor in Great Britain: Studying medicine in England, Scotland and Wales

The advantages of studying medicine in England, Scotland and Wales

As you probably already have a good command of English from school, you don't need to learn a new language to study in the UK. By studying there, you will have the opportunity to perfect your language skills and also learn medical English. Being fluent in one of the world's most widely spoken languages has many advantages in your future career and enables you to communicate with patients from all over the world.

But these are by no means all the advantages of studying medicine in England or its neighbouring countries.

Excellent training and a strong practical focus

Universities in the UK are very renowned and regularly occupy the top places in international university rankings. The British education system is characterised in particular by small learning groups and modern teaching techniques.

Studying medicine in England, Scotland and Wales is also much more practice-orientated than in Germany. As a result, students there are usually much more confident and confident in dealing with patients. From your second year onwards, you will be actively involved in the medical team at the hospital so that you can gain important practical experience.

Recognised in Germany and valued degree worldwide

A degree in medicine in England and other countries in the UK is internationally recognised and respected. This improves your chances of working or continuing your education in a wide variety of countries after graduation.

Thanks to the Bologna Process, your studies will also be recognised in Germany without any problems.

Modern healthcare system

The healthcare system in the UK, also known as the National Health Service (NHS), is considered to be very modern and comprehensive. The NHS was founded in 1948 and is one of the largest and oldest state healthcare systems in the world. Training in this ultra-modern healthcare system gives you the opportunity to learn how to provide optimum patient care based on the latest scientific findings.

Exciting country and modern student cities

The land of Shakespeare, Harry Potter and the Beatles has a rich cultural history and is known for its historical sights such as Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge and Tower Bridge.

Like other British metropolises, England's student cities offer a vibrant social life with numerous clubs, cafés and sporting events. The high quality of life, interesting architecture and numerous parks and green spaces characterise urban life in the UK. You can enjoy your time studying there in an international community with students from all over the world.

Universities in England, Scotland and Wales - Where to study medicine in the UK

English universities offer a first-class medical education. The long tradition and history dating back to the Middle Ages is reflected in the buildings and traditions of the universities. There are over 32 medical faculties where you can start your medical studies. Below you will find an overview of the most popular universities in the UK.

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the best universities in the world and is the leading university in Europe according to the World University Ranking 2023. 155 new students are admitted to study medicine at Oxford University every year. Due to small course groups, there is a family atmosphere and close dialogue with tutors. The English university is known for strongly supporting the research and academic work of its students. The Bachelor of Medicine programme includes an experimental research project that medical students can complete in a subject area of their choice.

University of Aberdeen (School of Medicine)

Medical teaching at the Scottish University in Aberdeen is spread over two main sites, King's College and Foresterhill Health Campus. The latter is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe. The historic buildings of Kings College and the impressive Sir Duncan Rice Library create an excellent learning atmosphere. The teaching methods are modern and student-centred and the staff are highly qualified.

University of Edinburgh (College of Medicine)

Students who start their medical studies at Edinburgh Medical School can enjoy excellent teaching, as the University of Edinburgh's medical faculty is known for training its students to become world-class doctors. The Scottish university has been one of the top 50 universities in the world for over 400 years. A particularly large focus is on research. Edinburgh Medical School has five major research institutes with over 500 employees who regularly publish their latest medical findings.

University of Cambridge (School of Clinical Medicine)

The School of Clinical Medicine consists of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. Studying medicine there offers you the opportunity to study in one of the UK's most exciting medical centres. Excellent teaching and research ensures that students receive a high quality education.

University College London (Medical School)

University College London (UCL) has been training doctors since 1834. The medical degree programme at UCL Medical School is one of the best in the world. In the QS World University Ranking by Subject (2023), UCL Medical School is ranked 6th. The lectures for the human medicine degree programme there take place at the medical faculty in the heart of London. In co-operation with numerous teaching hospitals, first-class practical medical training is also guaranteed.

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is home to the largest medical school in the UK and offers almost 400 new medical student places each year. Despite this large number of students, the classes are very small, so that optimal support for students can be guaranteed. From the first year, you will begin to develop your practical skills and apply what you have learnt in real-life situations.

Cardiff University (School of Medicine)

Cardiff University's Faculty of Medicine is recognised as a major international centre for research and teaching. The combination of advanced healthcare training and patient care with first-class research and outstanding teaching facilities are the best conditions for you to become a successful doctor.

Studying medicine in England, Scotland and Wales - requirements

To be admitted to study medicine in England, Scotland or Wales, you will need your A-levels. The grade point average plays a subordinate role in the UK, where you can score points with internships in the healthcare sector or previous vocational training. A good letter of motivation is also particularly important. However, it is important to many universities that you have chosen science subjects such as chemistry, biology or physics in your A-levels. You can make up for a lack of knowledge in these areas in a foundation year.

As the degree programme is taught in English, universities always require an official language certificate. For example, the IELTS or TOEFL certificate is recognised.

Most universities have an entrance test, the BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) or the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test). Several BMAT sessions take place throughout the year, the UCAT once a year. In terms of content, your logical and mathematical skills as well as your critical thinking and written communication skills are tested. There are numerous ways to prepare for the test. We can help you!

If you impress the universities with your letter of application and the result of your selection test, you will be invited to a personal interview in which you explain your motivation for studying medicine.

If you haven't completed your A-levels, that's no reason to put your dream of studying medicine to bed. In some countries, you can do a Medical studies with a specialist baccalaureate complete.

Studying medicine in the UK - structure and duration

How long does it take to study medicine in Great Britain? The content of the degree programme in England, Wales and Scotland differs slightly from the German curriculum. However, the duration of the medical degree programme is generally also six years. The British education system is particularly characterised by small learning groups and an intensive tutor concept. This ensures an optimal exchange between students and lecturers and provides intensive support.

This course is known as the "undergraduate programme". After six years of study, you will graduate with a Bachelor's degree (MB ChB). Many universities also offer a six-week "elective" abroad during this time. Popular regions include Africa (Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa), Australia, the Caribbean, India or the United States.

Structuring of undergraduate studies

The structure of the medical degree programme in England, Scotland and Wales is comparable to that at German universities. It can vary slightly between the individual medical universities in the UK, but is basically structured as follows:

The pre-clinical section takes place over the first two to three years. The duration depends on the respective university. The pre-clinical phase includes lectures, practicals and supervision focussing on biomedical and clinical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and microbiology. You will also learn practical skills such as resuscitation and communicating with and interviewing patients. These skills are promoted through workshops, GP teaching and joint projects. In the pre-clinical phase, you will also deal with the social and ethical aspects of medicine, such as the experience of illness, health inequalities and public health.

In your third year, you take on a new challenge and start a new career. academic year with a research-based full-time study programme. Students who are particularly interested in academic work have numerous opportunities to receive special support here.

Subsequently, from the fourth year onwards the clinic. You will now study all aspects of clinical medicine and healthcare. This practical experience is enhanced by rotations in hospitals and general practices. You will familiarise yourself with day-to-day work in various hospital departments. These include emergency medicine, obstetrics, surgery and anaesthesia. In your final year, you will also have the opportunity to assist a junior doctor and take on tasks yourself under supervision. 

After the final examinations, the so-called "Foundation Year 1" or an "Internship"in which graduates can gain further practical experience and expand their clinical skills. 

Following your undergraduate studies, you have the opportunity to continue with postgraduate studies in order to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Studying medicine in England, Scotland and Wales - Costs

To give you your Financing medical studies abroad To be able to offer a good quality education, careful consideration of the costs involved is required. The high quality of the renowned universities in the UK comes at a price. Tuition fees at most universities are around £10,000 per year, but can range up to £40,000, putting them at the upper end of the European scale. Added to this are the fees for the medical entrance test, which most universities charge. Taking the UCAT, for example, costs 115 pounds.

The cost of living varies depending on the city and your personal lifestyle. You should expect to spend at least 1,500 pounds on food, rent and leisure activities.

To cover the costs of your medical studies abroad, you have the option of applying for a Scholarship to be submitted. 

Country and people: Things to know about Great Britain

1. UK or GB? The countries of England, Scotland and Wales form the United Kingdom (UK). Great Britain and Northern Ireland together form the "United Kingdom" (UK).
2. Tea time! The British love their flavoursome hot drink and drink more tea than any other nation. Tea is often served with a dash of milk.
3. Alcohol - know your limit! It is permitted to buy and consume alcohol in English bars. However, getting drunk on it is illegal!
4. Scotland's national animalThe unicorn. Scotland is one of the few countries in the world to use a fictional animal as its national animal. Unicorns were often mentioned in Celtic mythology and are regarded as a symbol of innocence, purity and night.

How do I apply to study medicine in England, Scotland or Wales?

There is no centralised application procedure for medical studies in the UK. You have to apply directly to the universities and submit the respective Application deadlines Please note. To apply, you must submit a number of documents, such as your university transcript, a letter of motivation and the result of your entrance test. If you convince the universities with your letter of application and the result of your selection test, you will be invited to a personal interview in which you explain your motivation for studying medicine.

As universities in the UK are very popular, a particularly good and complete application is important. Futuredoctor will help you here with our experience and will be happy to support you on your way to studying medicine in the UK.

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in England, Scotland or Wales? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.

Would you like to complete your studies in neighbouring Ireland? Then take a look at this page: Medical studies Ireland.