Imperial College London offers the opportunity to study at one of the largest medicine departments in Europe, with medical campuses located across north and west London. The institution maintains strong partnerships with a wide range of NHS Trusts, hospitals, and clinics.
The newly redeveloped curriculum focuses on technological advancements in education and healthcare, along with the evolving expectations of medical practice within the NHS. Teaching is further enriched by Imperial's internationally competitive research and clinical expertise.
Students benefit from early exposure to clinical skills training and patient experiences, with a strong emphasis on applying research skills during the second phase of the course. A case-based learning approach integrates scientific knowledge with clinical care, with each module building on the previous one to add depth and complexity.
Graduates of this integrated course will receive both an MBBS and a BSc qualification. Exceptional students may also have the opportunity to include a PhD in their studies.
Breakdown of Imperial College London’s Medicine programme modules
Phase 1 (Years 1–3): Foundations of Medicine
Clinical Science Integration – Combines biomedical science with early clinical exposure.
Foundations of Practice – Develops communication, professionalism, and patient interaction skills.
Clinical and Scientific Enquiry (CSE) – Introduces critical thinking, research skills, and evidence-based medicine.
Lifestyle Medicine & Prevention – Focuses on prevention strategies and the impact of lifestyle on health.
Long-Term Conditions & Ageing – Covers chronic disease management and care of older adults.
Clinical Communication & Professional Values – Trains students in ethical and effective clinical communication.
Intercalated BSc (Year 3) – A research-focused year in a chosen specialty like Neuroscience, Global Health, or Cancer.
Phase 2 (Year 4): Research and Specialism
BSc Project and Specialist Modules – Students complete advanced modules and an original research project in a scientific or clinical field.
Phase 3 (Years 5–6): Advanced Clinical Practice
Clinical Attachments – Rotations in specialties like Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Preparation for Practice – Focuses on practical skills and decision-making to prepare for foundation training.
Elective Module – A self-arranged placement in the UK or abroad to explore global healthcare systems.
Integrated Clinical Apprenticeship – Students work as part of a clinical team, preparing for real-world practice.
Imperial College London’s Faculty of Medicine collaborates with a broad network of hospitals across London, giving its medical students extensive clinical training in a variety of healthcare settings and specialties.
Primary Teaching Hospitals (Under Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust)
Charing Cross Hospital: Located in Hammersmith, this hospital offers acute and specialist services including neurosurgery and a hyper-acute stroke unit.
Hammersmith Hospital: Based in East Acton, it is known for excellence in cardiology, renal medicine, and haematology research.
Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital: A specialist center focusing on maternity and women's health services.
St Mary’s Hospital: Situated in Paddington, this is a major trauma center and provides a wide range of acute healthcare services.
Western Eye Hospital: A dedicated ophthalmic hospital offering specialist eye care.
Additional Teaching Affiliates
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital: Offers a wide range of clinical services and is known for its specialties in HIV and sexual health.
Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals: Leading institutions in cardiothoracic care with strong research ties to Imperial’s National Heart and Lung Institute.
West Middlesex University Hospital: Provides comprehensive clinical services and is a key teaching site for medical students.
St Mark’s Hospital: Recognized for its expertise in intestinal and colorectal medicine, often referred to as The National Bowel Hospital.
Imperial College London offers a prestigious Intercalated BSc programme for medical, dental, and veterinary students from UK, Irish, and select international institutions, allowing them to spend a year studying a specialist area of biomedical science. The one-year programme includes taught modules, self-directed clinical case studies, and a 14-week research project, often leading to publications or conference presentations. With a wide range of pathways such as Neuroscience, Cancer Frontiers, Global Health, and Surgical Innovation, the course is designed to enhance research skills and academic depth. Applicants must have completed at least one year of study and have a year remaining in their degree after intercalating. The programme provides early exposure to world-leading research and teaching at one of the UK’s top medical faculties.
Medical graduates in the UK follow a structured career progression pathway after completing their MBBS or equivalent degree. Upon graduation, they enter the Foundation Programme, a two-year paid training period (FY1 and FY2) where they rotate through various specialties to gain broad clinical experience. Successful completion of this leads to full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).
After Foundation Training, doctors choose a specialty and apply for Core or Specialty Training. Core Training typically lasts 2–3 years and is followed by higher Specialty Training, while some fields (like General Practice or Surgery) offer run-through training from the start. Specialty training durations vary—General Practice takes around 3 years, while hospital specialties can take 5–8+ years, depending on the discipline. After completing training, doctors become Consultants in hospital specialties or General Practitioners (GPs).
In terms of further study, many graduates pursue postgraduate qualifications to enhance their expertise or academic profile. Options include:
Master’s degrees (e.g., MSc in Public Health, Medical Education, Clinical Research, or Global Health)
PhDs or MD(Res) for careers in academia or research
Diplomas and Certificates in fields like Tropical Medicine, Radiology, or Dermatology
Intercalated BSc or MBPhD programmes (during or after undergraduate studies for research-focused pathways)
This combination of structured clinical training and academic opportunities allows UK-trained doctors to build flexible, rewarding careers in medicine, academia, global health, and beyond.
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.