Study Medicine In UK
The UK is home to some of the most advanced medical institutions available, and with a range of British Medical Schools fostering close links with NHS institutions it is no surprise that many international students choose to study medicine in UK universities.
Seven of the UK’s medical degree programs are ranked in the QS top fifty in the world, and Orient Resources Int has worked in partnership with them to attract medical students from around the world.
Studying Medicine in UK
Prospective medical students in the UK require three A-level qualifications at an A grade level, one of which must be in the field of Chemistry or Biology. International students must be able to demonstrate their own credentials to be the equivalent of these criteria, in addition to possessing a minimum score of 38 on the International Baccalaureate.
Please note that some of the UK’s more prestigious institutions may have additional entry requirements beyond these.
International students wanting to study medicine or dentistry in the UK will also be required to complete a UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) as part of your application. This examination tests your mental abilities, attitudes and professional behaviour, and helps universities decide whether you are suitable to study for a qualification in medicine. Each institution has its own entry criteria regarding the UKCAT score, but in 2015 the lowest scores to gain entry were around 2400.
Applying to Study Medicine In the UK
Most international students who wish to study in the UK are required to showcase English language skills through the successful completion of an ILETS exam. To study medicine in the UK you must also achieve minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or above, but most universities with a strong reputation require a score of 7.0 or higher. There is also a requirement in the UK that international citizens who wish to work in a medical institution possess a score of 7.5 or higher, so a low score may prohibit you from undertaking necessary placement work.
Most undergraduate degrees in the UK last around 3 years, but depending on your chosen area of study, a UK medical qualification can take over a decade to achieve. Most students spend between five and six years obtaining a medical qualification, which begins with two years of undergraduate study and two years of foundation training. At this stage you are likely to be studying alongside other healthcare graduates and postgraduates.
After four years students then progress onto specialist training, which allows you to focus on one particular discipline and often includes significant amounts of placement work.
The Credibility of UK Medical Qualifications
UK medical qualifications are highly regarded by institutions around the world, but choosing to study medicine in the UK is a long-term commitment, and the competition for places on British medical courses is incredibly intense, so it is important to make an informed decision before you apply. You discover more details about applying to study in the UK, here.
To receive more information about studying medicine in the UK, contact an experienced member of the Orient Resources Int team today.