Enter OTP
Years 1–3: Foundations and Early Clinical Exposure
Students start with a Foundation in Medicine block covering key biomedical sciences. A systems-based curriculum integrates basic science with clinical cases. Early clinical exposure is provided through hospital and general practice placements. Clinical skills are developed in a dedicated Clinical Skills Centre using simulation and replica clinical environments.
Intercalated BMSc (Optional, after Year 3)
Students may choose to take an additional intercalated year to earn a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMSc) in a subject of interest, gaining valuable research experience and academic development.
Years 4–5: Advanced Clinical Training
Focus shifts to full-time clinical placements across a range of specialties. Students apply their knowledge in real-world settings and prepare for their foundation year roles through hands-on experience.
Teaching Methods
Teaching includes lectures, workshops, team-based learning, small groups, practical labs, tutorials, and clinical placements. Anatomy is taught using Thiel-embalmed cadavers, which provide realistic tissue quality for dissection.
Assessment
Assessment methods include written exams, anatomy spot tests, OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations), case-based discussions, essays, and a professional development portfolio.
The University of Dundee School of Medicine offers a five-year MBChB program that blends early clinical exposure with strong scientific foundations. The curriculum is designed to develop competent, compassionate, and adaptable doctors prepared for the challenges of modern healthcare.
Clinical Placement Sites
Medical students at Dundee complete placements across NHS Tayside and surrounding regions, including:
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
One of Europe’s largest teaching hospitals and the main clinical teaching site for Dundee’s medical students. It provides a wide range of services and houses advanced simulation and research facilities.
Perth Royal Infirmary
A general hospital offering services in emergency medicine, surgery, and internal medicine, providing students with varied clinical experience.
Stracathro Hospital, Brechin
A center for elective surgeries and day-case procedures, enhancing surgical skills training.
Students also complete placements in general practices across Tayside and other regions, gaining exposure to both urban and rural primary care.
Intercalated BMSc at Dundee
The University of Dundee offers students the opportunity to undertake an intercalated Bachelor of Medical Science (BMSc) degree between Years 3 and 4 of the MBChB program. This optional additional year allows students to:
Gain research experience in a specific area of medicine or medical science.
Develop academic and scientific writing skills through engagement in structured research and independent study.
Enhance their CV for future applications to specialty training, academic medicine, or postgraduate research (e.g., MD or PhD).
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.
A levels - AAA at A-level, incl. Chemistry and Bio/Phys/Maths. GCSEs: Bio, English, and Maths at B/6 if not at A-level. GCSE/AS performance considered.IBDP - 37 with 666 in Chem and bio/phy/math Bio can be at SL with minimum 6Indian - 85% overall in the CBSE, ISC or leading state board XII Standard exams with 85% in three relevant subjects including Chemistry and at least one other science. The essential subjects are Chemistry and another scienceAmerican - 3.5 GPA + 3 APs with 5 in eachStudents of aged 17 can start the program.The university requires the UCAT, followed by an MMI.PhysicianSurgeonFamily Medicine DoctorEmergency Medicine PhysicianMedical ResearcherClinical Trials CoordinatorEpidemiologistPublic Health AdministratorMedical EducatorHospital AdministratorMedical Science LiaisonHealthcare ConsultantTelehealth PhysicianHealth AdvocateForensic PathologistOccupational Health PhysicianSports PhysicianMedical WriterHealth Informatics Specialist
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University of Dundee
