Study Medicine courses in the UK

Studying medicine in the UK is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. And here’s why:

1. All UK Medical Schools rank highly in various global University ranking charts.

2. The average salary for a Medicine graduate in the UK is 67% more than that of other similar occupations.

3. Graduates of just five countries in total are exempted from appearing Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (conducted by MCI) to practice in India. The UK is one of these five countries.

4. Undergraduate medicine course completion in the UK takes only 5 to 6 years, whereas some other countries require one to already hold a bachelor’s degree first, leading to a total course duration of 7 to 9 years.

5. The UK ranks second in the world for medical research, as per a leading research ranking body that considers both the quantity of papers being published and the total number of citations country-wise. 

6. The UK holds the record for the second-highest number of Nobel Prizes for medicine for the past 70 years. Thus, you’ll be learning from world-leading experts in research-based institutions.

After the undergraduate medicine course completion, most graduates go for the two-year UK Foundation Programme to practice medicine in the UK. After completing the first year of the Foundation Programme, one can register with the GMC.

*According to PayScale data 2022

1. Start preparing in advance
   Getting a UK undergraduate medicine course offer letter does not happen immediately. It involves much effort and can take up to 2 years. You need to submit your university application by 15th October to start your course next year in September. 
   It is also essential to read about the entry requirements at each medical school before applying. It is imperative to have the right profile to have the best chance of getting selected for the further admissions process.

2. Shortlisting universities as per your profile
   Every medical university in the UK follows a set of guidelines from the General Medical Council to ensure you get the best-quality medical teaching, irrespective of whichever medical school you choose. So, instead of choosing the obvious and going for the highest ranked (and most competitive) options, one should select medical schools where your grades meet or exceed the minimum requirements.

3. Improving your chance of admission
   To have a strong application for admission, you’ll need to show that you’ve gained some relevant extra-curricular experience.
   
   Many students believe that they require only clinical work experience, but in reality, which may not be the case. UK medical schools prefer candidates who demonstrate well how they have acquired the skills needed in their future careers. Some examples of these are part-time jobs and voluntary or unpaid work experience.

4. Take the necessary examinations (UCAT/BMAT)
   Most UK medical schools require applicants to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) before applying. These tests include sections like Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. 
   
   Also, not all Universities accept these tests. So, it is better to select the universities beforehand and find out what exam they consider for admissions.

5. Submit applications via UCAS
   Being an international student, you need to make an application via UCAS, where you can apply to up to five programs in total, of which a maximum of four can be Medicine.
   
   Here, you’ve to be practical enough to choose those options that have a higher chance of selection with one generic course as a backup option.   

6. Attend University interview
   After the UCAS application submission, the universities take their due processing time to give out a decision. If selected, successful candidates are invited for an interview, either online or face-to-face. Upon clearing the interview, they get a conditional offer to study at the University. 

7. Prepare for your UK Student Visa
   Upon confirmation from a medical school, start preparing for the student visa. The most important thing required for a Student Visa application is a CAS statement from the chosen University. It is generally an electronic document received via email, which will help you apply for your visa along with other necessary documents like academics, financial proofs, passport, IELTS, etc.

Know more about studying medical courses in the UK from our international education experts. They will also guide you through the entire admission process and solve all queries that you may have. 

Different institutions have varying eligibility criteria for admission into a medicine course in the UK. However, here are the basic documents required for the admission process: 

• Attested Marksheets 10+2 (with copies)

• Diploma certificates (if any)

• Letter of recommendation (LOR)

• Statement of purpose (SOP)

• Photocopy of IELTS/UKCAT/BMAT scores

• Your updated Resume

• Work experience

• Proof of funds

Here are the basic eligibility criteria required for admission into medical courses in the UK: 

• 80% in your 10+2 (scores in Chemistry and Biology are essential in this case)

• UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT), or GAMSAT test scores

• Good English language proficiency test scores, such as IELTS

• Student should be of 18+ years of age

After pursuing medicine courses in the UK, you can become a specialist, Physician, General Practitioner, surgeon, etc. The average base pay of a doctor in the UK is £57,668.

*Source: Indicative, according to Payscale data, 2022

An entry-level Physician / Doctor, General Practice with less than 1-year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of £40,000. An early career Physician / Doctor, General Practice with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of £48,600. A mid-career Physician / Doctor, General Practice with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of £58,739 based on 14 salaries. An experienced Physician / Doctor, General Practice with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of £67,568. In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of £117,110. *

*Source: Indicative, according to Payscale data, 2022

One of the most apparent professions for medical graduates is to go on and become doctors. They can work in both the NHS and private hospitals. Some alternatives to this for those wishing to practice medicine are:

*Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2022/medicine
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Physician_%2F_Doctor%2C_General_Practice/Salary