Why Medicine in the U.K.?
Medicine is one of the most competitive courses in the UK and every year thousands of international students are accepted into medical school. If your grades are of the highest standard, and if you can prove that you have set your heart on studying and working in this field, then applying to read Medicine in the UK is for you. 3 As at A-level (Senior Secondary), including chemistry or biology, an IB of 38 or IELTS score of 7.0 is the academic standard required for undergraduate Medicine.
A strong first degree and a successful career record are required for graduate Medicine and work experience of one day a week for six months in a hospital, care home, hospice or other caring environment is the sort of evidence of intent the medical schools will be expecting and look for. Understanding of the National Health Service and how it works is also crucial for international applicants.
The entry standards for any medical school are strict and exacting. Interviews for admission can be tough and students should expect questioning on motivation, previous work, personal interests, as well as being able to produce evidence of all previous achievements, including relevant work experience. A number of medical schools will expect completion of the clinical aptitude test, UKCAT.
Undergraduate: If you decide you want to study medicine, you will need to enrol at a medical school, which is often part of a university, but will have strong links to local hospital and medical practises. To initially study at undergraduate level, students will need AAA grades, with ether Chemistry or Biology a requirement.
For international students wishing to study Medicine at undergraduate level, an IELTS score of no less than 6.5 across all four categories – reading, writing, speaking and listening – with an overall 7.0 score generally required at most universities.
Foundation: Once undergraduate study of two-years has been completed, medical students will then move on to Foundation training, lasting another two-years. This brings together medical school graduates, other postgraduates and various health care providers. Once completed, you will move into your specialist training path.
Speciality Training: Once you have completed four-years of study, now the serious work begins! The entry process once you have decided on which area you wish to specialise in is extremely competitive, so plenty of hard work is needed to ensure you can secure a place in the area you wish to focus on. Training here can last for anything up to seven years, and upon completion you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion Training (CCT).
Other options: If you have completed at least twelve years of schooling with high grades but lack the science and English skills necessary for undergraduate Medicine, The International Foundation in Medical, Biomedical and Health Sciences at INTO St George’s University of London is a good example of how you could progress into the field. A year-long course, if you get at least 75% and succeed at interview you can progress onto the 6-year International Medicine (BSc/MBBS) degree at what is one of the oldest and best Medical Schools in the country. Alternatively if you get 65% you can progress onto their 3-year Biomedical Science (International) (BSc Hons) degree.