Choosing your medical school in the UK
What you need to consider when choosing a medical school in the UK as a Canadian student, including university rankings, academic and research reputation, costs, and location.
How to choose your medical school in the UK
Choosing a UK medical school to study at can be a daunting task, with many top-ranking universities offering globally recognised medicine programs. Careful research is key to finding the right medical school for you, as factors like entry requirements, university location and environment, acceptance rates, course structure, and financial considerations can play a significant role in your decision.
Entry requirements
Most medical colleges in the UK have similar baseline requirements for their courses, such as:
- Strong A-level results and IB scores
- UCAT test results
- English language proficiency test results
The exact requirements may vary depending on the university and the program you choose.
University location
The location of your university can affect your cost of living, your well-being as a student, and your clinical placement opportunities.
Acceptance rates
Medical schools in the UK can be highly competitive, with varying acceptance rates for home and international students.
Researching this information can help you choose a medical college that offers you the best chance of admission.
Course structure and teaching style
Medical colleges offer unique programs with different course structures and teaching styles, ranging from problem-based learning to early clinical exposure.
Evaluating these aspects can help you identify which programs work for your learning preferences and career aspirations.
Financial considerations
Studying medicine in the UK can be expensive, with some medical degrees costing as high as CA$65,000 per year. Most of your UK study costs will arise from tuition fees and the cost of living in the UK.
The UK government, universities, and private benefactors offer several scholarships that can help reduce some of the financial investment.
Entry requirements
Most medical colleges in the UK have similar baseline requirements for their courses, such as:
-
Strong A-level results and IB scores
-
UCAT test results
-
English language proficiency test results
The exact requirements may vary depending on the university and the program you choose.
University location
The location of your university can affect your cost of living, your well-being as a student, and your clinical placement opportunities.
Acceptance rates
Medical schools in the UK can be highly competitive, with varying acceptance rates for home and international students.
Researching this information can help you choose a medical college that offers you the best chance of admission.
Course structure and teaching style
Medical colleges offer unique programs with different course structures and teaching styles, ranging from problem-based learning to early clinical exposure.
Evaluating these aspects can help you identify which programs work for your learning preferences and career aspirations.
Financial considerations
Studying medicine in the UK can be expensive, with some medical degrees costing as high as CA$65,000 per year. Most of your UK study costs will arise from tuition fees and the cost of living in the UK.
The UK government, universities, and private benefactors offer several scholarships that can help reduce some of the financial investment.
Considering these factors can help you choose a medical school that matches your academic background, goals, and aspirations for your medical studies in the UK. Get in touch with one of our counselors for expert support in finding the right medical school in the UK for you.
Types of medicine courses in the UK
Medical colleges in the UK offer courses at all study levels, such as bachelor’s (MBBS), master’s, and doctorates (PhD) in medicine. Here’s an overview of the types of medicine courses available in the UK.
Traditional courses
These courses are taught through lectures, seminars, and tutorials for the first two years before you move into practical and clinical work for the next three years.
- Pre-clinical study: Covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology
- Clinical stage: Places you at a hospital as a student doctor
Integrated courses
These courses allow you to begin clinical work from the very beginning of your program, combining lecture and seminar-based teaching with clinical studies.
The General Medical Council, the public body that maintains the official register of medical practitioners in the UK, recommends these types of programs for new medicine students.
Problem-based learning courses
A limited number of UK medical schools offer this type of course, where a group of students (max. 10) are presented with a simulated clinical problem and a virtual patient as a case study. The group is then guided by a facilitator to form a hypothesis to address the problem, and the students must present their findings at a later date.
Medical schools in the UK that offer this type of course include Liverpool, Sheffield, and Queen Mary University of London.
Traditional courses
These courses are taught through lectures, seminars, and tutorials for the first two years before you move into practical and clinical work for the next three years.
-
Pre-clinical study: Covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology
-
Clinical stage: Places you at a hospital as a student doctor
Integrated courses
These courses allow you to begin clinical work from the very beginning of your program, combining lecture and seminar-based teaching with clinical studies.
The General Medical Council, the public body that maintains the official register of medical practitioners in the UK, recommends these types of programs for new medicine students.
Problem-based learning courses
A limited number of UK medical schools offer this type of course, where a group of students (max. 10) are presented with a simulated clinical problem and a virtual patient as a case study. The group is then guided by a facilitator to form a hypothesis to address the problem, and the students must present their findings at a later date.
Medical schools in the UK that offer this type of course include Liverpool, Sheffield, and Queen Mary University of London.
Undergraduate medical schools in the UK
University of Aberdeen, School of Medicine
Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, UoL
University of Birmingham, School of Medicine
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
University of Bristol, Faculty of Medicine
University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine
Cardiff University, School of Medicine
University of Dundee, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing
University of Edinburgh, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
University of Exeter, Medical School
University of Glasgow, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences
Hull York Medical School
Imperial College School of Medicine, London
Keele University, School of Medicine
King’s College London School of Medicine
Lancaster University, Faculty of Health & Medicine
University of Leeds, School of Medicine
University of Leicester, Leicester Medical School
University of Liverpool, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
University of Manchester, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
Newcastle University Medical School
Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia
University of Nottingham, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
University of Oxford, Medical Sciences Division
Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry
Queen’s University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
University of Sheffield, School of Medicine
University of Southampton, School of Medicine
University of St Andrews, Faculty of Medical Sciences
St George’s, University of London
St Mary’s University, London
Swansea University Medical School
University College London, University College Medical School
University of Warwick, Warwick Medical School
Successfully apply to study medicine in the UK with StudyIn
Get in touch with our expert counselors for comprehensive support to apply to medicine schools in the UK and maximize your chances of securing a place at your preferred institution.
Menu
Events
University of Sheffield - Law Webinar Series
Pre-departure Briefing
UCAT Training - September 2025
UK University Fair 2025 - Toronto
Visit our blog
Hear from our students
What
our students say
StudyIn has been a crucial part of my UK journey. They assisted me in obtaining my bachelor’s degree in August 2019 and now, they’ve aided me in securing admission to a top design university in London for my master’s. The counselors at StudyIn offer personalised support to each applicant, helping us in each and every step including the final stage of obtaining our CAS letter once we receive the offer.
Nidhi Agarwal
Loughborough University, MSc Design InnovationIn September, I sought assistance from StudyIn for my studies in the UK, with a planned intake for January 2023. With the support of my counsellor who made exceptional efforts, I smoothly navigated the application process which culminated in the timely acquisition of my UK student visa hassle-free. I wholeheartedly endorse StudyIn to fellow students aiming to pursue their dreams of studying in the UK. Thank you!
Ishwar
Lancaster University, Masters in Business AnalyticsI used StudyIn and had a wonderful experience, especially the ability to speak with upper-year students in veterinary medicine. The first year was amazing, I have totally settled into Glasgow, had the best experience and made amazing friends. The course is exactly what I wanted, and I can’t thank the StudyIn team enough.
Jamie. W
University of Glasgow, Veterinary MedicineCurrently a second-year Birmingham Medical student, I found out about StudyIn through friends and family and was amazed at their high quality of service. Their responses were immediate, and the team was very welcoming. No matter how repetitive and redundant an inquiry seemed, the team made sure that I received a sufficient answer. I’m extremely pleased with my experience with StudyIn.
Veer S
University of Birmingham, MedicineI could not have done it without the help of Anna Holt. Throughout the application process, Anna was incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had, she made the process extremely easy and stress-free. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and I’m so grateful for her dedication and expertise. I highly recommend her to anyone navigating the university admissions process! Thanks to Anna, I have been accepted to a master’s programme at Leeds Beckett.
Emily C
Leeds Beckett University, MSc Occupational TherapyAbout a year and a half before I went abroad, I received individual consulting, where I was given the overall schedule. After that, I attended seminars on how to write a statement of purpose, resume, and letter of recommendation, and created the documents, then used a correction service to finalize my documents. With the help of the consultant, I applied to universities, and received acceptance letters from all five schools I applied to.
JH
University of Leicester, MA Media and Public RelationsStudyIn provided a fast and efficient service that I could trust. During the process, I realized that the study abroad consultants are professionals in the field of study abroad, with close ties to universities in the UK and Ireland. It was reassuring. Thanks to their advice and support in preparing my application, I was able to get accepted by the top universities of my choice!
CT
Kings, College LondonStudyIn helped me successfully apply to study business in New Zealand and I cannot thank them enough for their support. They assisted me with each step, ensuring I was aware of all my options in terms of program and university selection, making the process totally stress free.
Isabella Ramos
Business and ManagementI sincerely thank StudyIn for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by StudyIn made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end.
Rashmi Lakshanya
University College London, Urban Development PlanningEverything was explained well to me by Vidushi. There was a 100% transparency in everything and Vidushi was highly responsive throughout the process making it smooth and hassle free for me. Rahul from the Visa team also was really patient in the entire process and made sure I understood and get things done timely.
Amanpreet Kaur
International Business ManagementStudyIn’s service is fast, reliable and efficient. Their consultants are specialists, working closely with all UK universities and, through my consultants’ advice and application assistance, I was able to receive offers from my favoured universities.
Carla Termini
King's College London, Accounting and FinanceStudyIn’s service is fast, reliable and efficient. My consultant improved my chances of getting into a top university.
Carla T
City University London, International Business EconomicsMy consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I’d highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested.
Brishti Basu
Coventry University, BiosciencesLast year, I reached out to StudyIn, Jaipur for my Master’s journey, and it has been an incredibly fulfilling and successful experience. From guiding me through the application process to assisting with letters of recommendation and statement of purpose, and even following up with universities, StudyIn provided comprehensive support at every step of the journey. They went the extra mile, assisting with admissions, fee processing, accommodation arrangements, visa guidance, and coordination on medical checkups. I firmly believe that my admission to the University of Birmingham wouldn’t have been possible without StudyIn. I highly recommend StudyIn to anyone seeking admission to a UK or Ireland university.
Saumya Sharma
University of Birmingham, MBAThe entire team at StudyIn was incredibly supportive. They provided me with a list of universities to consider, and I ultimately chose Aston University. With their assistance, I applied and received an offer along with a £5000, scholarship. I am grateful to my counselor and the entire team for guiding me through the visa application process and every other aspect. Thank you, StudyIn, for helping me pursue my dream.