Study Medicine in The United Kingdom

Introduction

Medicine is one of the most competitive subjects in the UK, and thousands of foreign students are admitted each year. If your grades are of the highest quality and you can show that you have a deep desire to learn and work in this area, then applying to top medical schools in the UK is for you. 3 An IB of 38 or an IELTS score of 7.0 is the academic requirement expected for undergraduate Medicine, as it is for A-level subjects such as chemistry or biology.

Graduate Medicine requires a solid first degree and a good academic record, and work experience of one day per week for six months in a hospital, nursing home, palliative care, or other caring community is the type of proof of purpose that medical schools would predict and search for. International entrants must also understand the National Health Service and how it operates.

Any medical school's admissions requirements are stringent and exacting. Admissions interviews can be difficult, and applicants can prepare to be questioned about ambition, past jobs, personal preferences, and their ability to provide examples of all previous successes, including related work experience. A majority of medical schools will expect completion of the professional aptitude test, UKCAT.

Why Study In the UK?

The United Kingdom (UK) is home to some of the world's oldest universities and schools, with origins dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. With such a long tradition, education in the United Kingdom has become a model for other nations.

Here are the top six reasons why students choose to study in the United Kingdom:

1. Academic Excellence:

The academic quality at UK universities is among the highest in the world. Four of the top ten universities in the world [QS World Ranking 2019] are from the United Kingdom, including Oxford and Cambridge. Practical and utility-based experience is favored to textbook learning while researching in the UK.

2. Quality Education:

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is an autonomous body in the United Kingdom that evaluates the educational standards of all universities and colleges in the world regularly. Aside from monitoring their success by assessments and subject evaluations, it also assists in identifying the best educational approaches and sending recommendations for improvement.

3. Shorter Duration of Courses:

Courses in the UK school system are shorter and more rigorous than in many other nations, meaning you can graduate faster and with higher results. As a bonus, this saves you both time and money in the long run.

4. Work While Learning:

It is possible to earn money while still completing your studies by working 20 hours a week during term time. If you have a semester off, you are free to work full-time. You'll be able to pay your bills and gain knowledge in your subject of study while doing so.

Top reasons to study medicine in the UK

1. Access to World-leading Medical Education:

More than 70 UK universities are ranked among the best in the world in the QS World University Rankings, and the country is known around the world for the high standard of its science and teaching.

2. Increase your Employability:

If you want to export your medical knowledge back home after completing your studies, having studied abroad can increase your chances of finding jobs and advancing more quickly. The best medical schools in the UK provide students with the opportunity to train in cutting-edge laboratories and equipment.

3. Gain Professional Experience:

As a medical student in the United Kingdom, you will have the opportunity to practice what you study in the classroom. At UCLan's MBBS programme, for example, students are required to engage with patients throughout the whole course of study. During clinical assignments at UCLan beginning in Year 3, you will be assigned patients. Foreign students who want to study medicine in the United Kingdom are the primary target audience for this course, which is delivered by experts from the National Health Service (NHS).

4. Benefit from the UK’s Leadership in Medical Research:

Public site Scimago Journal & Country Rank lists the UK as the world's second-best country in terms of health-related science (behind only the United States). The number of papers published and the total number of citations in each jurisdiction are both taken into consideration while compiling this list. Learning medicine in the UK gives you access to world-class faculty and cutting-edge research facilities.

Medicine Entry Requirements in the UK

Undergraduate: In order to pursue a career in medicine, you must enrol in a medical school, which is primarily part of a university but has strong ties to local hospitals and medical practices. At the college level, only those with A-plus marks in Chemistry or Biology can begin their studies.

Foreign students who want to study medicine at the undergraduate level are normally expected to have an IELTS score of no less than 6.5 in all four categories (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) with an aggregate score of 7.0.

Foundation: A two-year Foundation school is the next step for medical students once their first two years of undergraduate study are complete. There will be a diverse group of health care professionals, including recent medical school grads and other postgraduates. As soon as it is completed, you'll begin your professional training program.

Specialty Training: Now that you've finished four years of research, the real work starts! Once you've chosen which region you want to specialize in, the entrance process is highly competitive, so you'll need to put in a lot of effort to ensure you get a spot. Training here will last up to seven years, in which you will be given a Certificate of Completion Training (CCT).

Cost of Studying Medicine in the UK

For international students, the annual cost of a medical degree might reach £38,000, depending on the medical school they attend.

As an example, UK and EU students at Leicester Medical School are required to pay an annual tuition fee of £9,250, which includes the iBSc, while non-EU students are required to pay an annual tuition fee of £20,590 for the first two years and then upwards of £40,000 for the third through fifth years.

Study Visa Process for the UK

Those over the age of 18 who are enrolling in a short-term course may be eligible for a short-term study visa. Typically, this is valid for six months, but English language classes can be extended for an additional 11 months. The Tier 4 Sponsor License is required if the course is more than a few weeks long. Tier 4 (General) student visas are available to students who are 16 years old or older.

In the United Kingdom, student visas are awarded on the basis of a points system. In order to obtain a student visa for the UK, you must supply the following documentation:

• Passport details.
• Recent photograph
• A conditional offer of a position on a course from a licensed Tier 4 Sponsor, as demonstrated by a “Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)” form from the course provider (worth 30 points).
• Need to provide proof of adequate English language skills which can be proved by one of the Secure English Language Tests (SELT).
• You have to provide proof that there is financial support for your entire stay in the UK.
• If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss student studying a sensitive subject, an ATAS credential may be required.

Visa Fees: If you have dependents, you'll have to pay an additional $348 per for the Tier 4 (General) student visa, which now costs $348. You must additionally pay a healthcare surcharge of £150 per year (US$190) to utilize the National Health Service (NHS) during your visit (this will rise to £300 (US$380) in late 2018).

It costs £97 (US$120) for a six-month Short Term Study Visa and £186 (US$240) for an 11-month visa.

Top Universities to Study Medicine in the UK

According to the QS Subject Ranking, the top universities to study medicine are:

1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. University College London (UCL)
4. Imperial College London
5. University of Edinburgh
6. King’s College London
7. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
8. University of Manchester
9. Newcastle University
10. Queen Mary University of London

Top Medical Courses in the UK

The Medicine course structure is divided into different terms:

Term 1-3:

• Organization of the body
• Physiology and pharmacology
• Biochemistry and medical genetics
• Population health: medical sociology
• Patient and doctor course

Term 4-5:

• Applied physiology and pharmacology
• The nervous system
• Principles of pathology
• Psychology for medicine
• Patient and doctor course

Term 6-9:

• Two options (from a range of ten including Cardiovascular science, Pharmacology, and signaling, Immunity, and Infection)
• Essay
• Research project
• Principles of clinical anatomy

Standardized Tests Requirements for Medical Schools in the UK

Undergraduate Medicine Test Requirements:

One of the two alternatives for students applying to UK medical schools is a one-year foundation year or a two-year A100 medicine curriculum.

Standard Entry Medicine (UCAS code: A100):

For most medical schools, the admission term is five years, although others need six. MBBS or MBChB can be shortened in many ways, but they all lead to a bachelor's degree in medicine.

• International Baccalaureate: 37 points including chemistry and another science subject.
• A-level: AAA including Chemistry and one other science, such as maths, physics biology, or psychology.
• IELTS: 7.5 overall, with no lower than 7.0 in any one component.

Graduate entry medicine (UCAS Code: A101):

Students with a bachelor's degree or higher can apply for graduate entrance medicine. Health-related degrees are required by many universities, although not all of them do. A four-year advanced degree is common, while other universities require a five-year program.

• International Baccalaureate: 37 points.
• A-level: AAA.
• IELTS: 7.5 overall, with no lower than 7.0 in any one component.

How to apply through UCAS?

1. Before you can start working on your contribution, you must first register. A few easy questions will be requested of you when you register. An offer to establish a password will follow; along with your own unique username.
2. The next segment asks you for some personal information about yourself.
3. Education- This is where you can list any schools or colleges you've attended since the age of 13, as well as any credentials you've gained. It's a good idea to keep your certificates on hand in case you're uncertain about any of the specifics, such as the awarding bodies.
4. Personal Statement- The personal statement segment gives you 4,000 characters, or 47 words, to explain why you want to attend university and research the course. We have a plethora of resources to assist you in perfecting your personal statement.
5. You'll need a reference before you can submit your application. Someone you encounter professionally, such as a new or previous tutor or a former employer may provide this suggestion. In order for your referee to be impartial, they must be a family member or a friend.

Multi Mini Interview Preparation for Medical Schools in the UK

Multi Mini Interview is also known as MMI. That is where you are subjected to a series of brief assessments – and that is somewhat different from a conventional panel interview.

MMIs are categorized into 'stations,' or mini-interviews, which usually last 10 minutes or less. Before each one, you'll be given a scenario and a short amount of time to prepare a response.

Many people use the MMI for role-playing and professional judgment. Other common uses include giving instructions, calculating results, interpreting them mathematically, and completing problem sets on a computer.

The Medical School will put your analytical thinking, legal acumen, and ability to make well-informed decisions to the test. They may be curious about your knowledge of current healthcare and societal issues.

Work while studying medicine in the UK

With a Tier 4 visa, you can only work 20 hours per week as a graduate student in the United Kingdom. It's what your visa says, and if you and your supervisor go beyond that, you're both breaching the law. A revocation of your visa might result in your withdrawal from the course and return home. Medical school is one of those courses that don’t leave much time for leisure, but in order to make ends meet, you'll need to work a part-time job.

Internship opportunities for international medical students in the UK

A great approach to learn about a given topic is through an internship. It's also a great approach to figure out what you want to do with your life after college.

Anywhere from a few weeks during the summer break up to a year is possible for an internship According to market conditions, the length of the contract would be determined. In the UK, most universities do not accept internships as credit toward graduation requirements. Vocational educational agencies, on the other hand, can certify or recognize internships.

'Prospects' and 'Graduate Talen Pool' are two of the many websites in the United Kingdom that specialize in internship recruiting. AIESEC UK, City Internships, CRCC Asia, and other organizations provide international internships.

To be considered for an internship, you'll often be required to submit an application, go through a screening process, and demonstrate that you have the necessary abilities and drive to succeed in the position.

Placement for international medical students in the UK

There are many choices for operating as an IMG (International Medical Graduate) in the UK. If you wish to work as a UK-recognized consultant, you must be on the GMC Specialist Register. There are three ways to enter the Specialist Register:

1. CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training)
2. CESR-CP (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration – Combined Programme)
3. CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration)

If you wish to work as a UK-recognized GP, you must be on the GMC GP Register. There are two ways to enter the GP Register:

1. CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training)
2. CEGPR (Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration)

Health care benefits for international students in the UK

As one of the world's strongest healthcare systems, the NHS (National Health Service) provides healthy and cutting-edge services.

International students studying in the UK do not require access to private health insurance.

In the UK, if you require a visa to study, the NHS spends £470 per year for entry. Free medical care (including emergency or hospital care if necessary) and reduced-cost dental treatment at an NHS dentist are included in this visa processing fee.

Post Graduate study opportunities after completion of MBBS

Many medical practitioners aspire to pursue postgraduate studies at international universities, especially in the United Kingdom.  Getting an MD in the UK is not as daunting as it sounds. Universities in the United Kingdom have globally recognized Master’s Degrees in all major specializations. PG Courses (MCI-Recognized) are:

• Cardiology
• Medical Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Diabetes
• Internal Medicine
• Psychiatric Medicine
• Respiratory Diseases

How We Help 

Our experienced consultants will guide you throughout your journey in pursuit of higher education and admissions into your dream universities/colleges. In specific but not limited to, following areas of assistance is provided by our consultants:

• Complete Profile Evaluation
• Guidance on curriculum and subject selection for high school (A levels, IB, IGCSE etc)
• STEM Coaching - Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business, Maths, Economics, English and many other subjects
• Preparation of different standardized tests - Undergraduate and Postgraduate
• Helping you to build your profile by guiding you on leadership skills, co-curricular activities, internship, online courses etc.
• Shortlist and finalize the best-fit college / university
• Research the right programs / courses for students
• Craft academic CV
• Brainstorm ideas for essays and personal statements
• Draft pointers for recommendation letters
• Scholarship and Financial Aid guidance
• MMI and Panel Interview Preparation
• Submission of the application form
• Follow up with the universities and updating the status of the applications
• Visa assistance and guidance
• Assistance on safe accommodation options
• Pre-Departure Guidance