The Best University in The UK to Study Medicine
The UK is home to some of the best medical schools in the world, many of which are high in the world university rankings. If you are looking to study medicine then it can help to find out what options you have when it comes to higher education in the United Kingdom.
Naturally, you are going to want to find a UK medical school that meets your every need and is going to give you the standard of education you expect. Furthermore, choosing from the medical universities in the UK is also about what you want from your learning experience.
Of course, studying and obtaining your Degree or Master's Degree in the UK in medicine is your ultimate goal but you are also going to want the complete university experience. With this in mind, we are going to give you the complete university guide based on university rankings that will help you to study medicine in a medical school that is right for you.
Why it is Important to Find the Right Medical School
Choosing the right medical school in the UK is a crucial step in becoming a doctor. The medical school you attend will shape your education and training, as well as determine the opportunities available to you in the future. Here are a few reasons why it is important to find the right medical school:
Standard of Education of Your Medical School
Firstly, the quality of education and training that you receive at medical school will have a significant impact on your future career, whether that is in the UK or overseas. Medical schools that have a strong reputation for academic excellence and a well-respected faculty will provide you with the best education and training possible. This will better equip you to handle the challenging and demanding field of medicine.
University Location is Crucial
Secondly, the location of the medical school can also play a role in your education and career. For example, if you're interested in a specific field of medicine, attending a medical school that is located in a region where that field is particularly prevalent will give you more opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
Student Satisfaction Leads to Job Opportunities
Thirdly, the opportunities available to you after graduation will depend on the reputation and connections of the medical school you attend.
Medical schools with strong reputations and well-connected alumni networks will provide you with better opportunities for internships, residencies, and job placements after graduation.
Furthermore, it will also give you the satisfaction you are looking for.
With this in mind, let's take a look at the top universities that regularly top the league tables when it comes to studying medicine.
The Universities You Might Want to Consider
King's College London
King's College London offers a comprehensive range of medical programs including a five-year MBBS in medicine, a graduate program, and a BSc in sport and exercise medical sciences. These programs are designed to emphasise practical learning and provide students with hands-on experience. The medical program consists of three different stages.
The college has paired up with a number of London's leading hospitals such as Guy's, King's College, and St Thomas' hospitals. The campus at King's College London is spread across two main locations - Guy's and Denmark Hill which is where you will find the faculty of life sciences and medicine, the Dental Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience.
An optional intercalated degree is available for students who are interested in extending their program from five years to six years. The program consists of three stages, the first stage focuses on foundation skills in biomedical and population sciences and clinical practice, while the second stage focuses on the human life cycle and pathological processes. Finally, the third stage is based on specialisation and preparing students for the workforce. At this point, students have the option to study overseas, expanding their global understanding of medicine.
UCL
UCL is another top university that is popular with national and international students. UK universities do not come more prestigious than this but it is one of the many universities in the UK that offers a six-year undergraduate program in medicine. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of medicine.
During the course, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by participating in tutorials and clinical placements at the Royal Free and Whittington Hospitals in London. The initial first and second years of the BSc medicine program focus on teaching the fundamental concepts of clinical science, while the third and fourth years focus on developing clinical skills. The remaining two years of the program are dedicated to preparing students for practice and specialisation.
UCL has a long history of delivering medical courses, having started in 1834. Over the years, the university has produced many accomplished alumni, including six Nobel Prize winners who have made significant contributions in the fields of auto-immune disease, adrenaline, and the immune system.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London offers a range of undergraduate medical courses, including the BSc in Medicine and the BSc in Medical Biosciences. The Faculty of Medicine at Imperial is one of Europe's biggest, with campuses situated throughout London and partnerships with a variety of hospitals and clinics throughout the UK.
The six-year BSc in Medicine program brings together case-based learning, patient care exposure, lectures, and tutorials. This course is designed to develop students' research skills, which are beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in clinical academic medicine. The program is divided into three phases, where the first phase is focused on the foundation of health, disease, and clinical practice, including an opportunity to take part in clinical research projects. The second phase offers module-based learning and research projects, while the final phase focuses on applying skills obtained from real-life settings.
Imperial College delivers master's programs and scholarships for students who have finished their undergraduate medicine studies and are looking to enhance their skills in this area.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge provides a variety of options for those interested in studying medicine, including a standard undergraduate program and a graduate program. To be considered for the program, students must first take the BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) before submitting their application.
At Cambridge, medical students have access to a diverse range of medicine and courses related to medicine through the school of clinical medicine, the faculty of biology, and the department of psychiatry, development, and neuroscience. The undergraduate program brings together theoretical and practical components, including clinical experience in outpatient clinics, hospitals as well as GP surgeries.
For those looking to undertake a career in academic medicine, Cambridge offers graduate and PhD programs. The University of Cambridge has a long-standing history in the field of medicine, with the first medicine courses dating back to 1540.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford has a rigorous selection process for students wishing to study medicine. All applicants have to take the BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) before they are accepted into the program.
Oxford delivers a standard medicine course, designed to give students a detailed understanding of medical science and the ability to apply that understanding in a clinical setting. The program is divided into two stages, the initial three years are considered the preclinical stage, where students earn a BA honours in medical sciences. The remaining three years form the clinical stage, during which students will accompany doctors to utilise their skills. Every student is also required to take part in a research project, which enables them to explore the scientific research associated with medicine and develop their laboratory skills.
Consider Your Options
Choosing a UK university is a big decision and you have plenty of options available to you. However, if you want to ensure you give yourself the best chance of entry success then you need to make sure that your personal statement offers a clear guide of who you are and what you can offer. If you don't feel confident writing your own personal statement for fear of not meeting medical schools UK entry requirements then it can help to use a professional statement writing service to get it right the first time.