Gaining admission into a medical is not all that easy as the course is one of the most distinguished and competitive courses in the world. In some countries, international students who desire to study medicine may not be eligible for. But this does not apply to medical schools in the UK as international students can study any course of their choice including medicine so long the requirements are met. Many students may not be privy to this information. Therefore in this article, I will highlight how to get into UK medical school for international students.
Table of contents
- Description
- Admission requirements for UK medical schools for international students
- How to choose the right medical school for you
- How to write a catchy statement of purpose for admission ( SOP)
- Tips on how to score highly in the aptitude test
- Careers in Medicine
- How to apply to a UK medical school for international students
How to get into UK medical school for international students
Do you wish to study medicine in the UK but sceptical if your application will scale through? You don’t need to worry because every year thousands of international students are accepted into medical schools in the UK. Being a competitive course, you will need higher grades, convincing statement of purpose and solid performance in your interview to stand a chance of been picked over others.
Admission requirements for UK medical schools for international students- UK Medical School Entry Requirements
Undergraduate medicine entry requirements
For international students wishing to study Medicine at the undergraduate level, an IELTS score of no less than 6.5 across all four categories – reading, writing, speaking and listening – with an overall 7.0 score generally required at most UK medical universities.
Foundation: Once undergraduate study of two-years has been completed, medical students will then move on to Foundation training, lasting another two-years. This brings together medical school graduates, other postgraduates and various health care providers. Once completed, you will move into your specialist training path.
Speciality Training: Once you have completed four years of study, now the serious work begins! The entry process once you have decided on which area you wish to specialise in is extremely competitive, so plenty of hard work is needed to ensure you can secure a place in the area you wish to focus on. Training here can last for anything up to seven years, and upon completion, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion Training (CCT).
International students wish to study medicine in undergraduate level need to have As at A-level in the following subjects chemistry, biology, physics, and maths.
Language requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK and you do not speak English as your first language then you are required to write a language test. This requirement applies to both international and EU/EEA students.
Graduate entry medicine (UCAS Code: A101)
Graduate entry medicine is designed for those who already have a bachelor’s degree. Many universities require the previous degree to be health-related, but not all. It is a four-year accelerated degree in some cases, but in most universities students will need to do a 5-year course as an international student.
How to choose the right medical school for you
Carry out your research on top medical schools in the UK. Check their requirements, and the possibility of you gaining admission into the school. Any university which is highly competitive is never an easy ride.
Here are top medical schools in the Uk arranged alphabetically.
- 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 Central Lancashire Medical School
- 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
How to write a catchy statement of purpose for admission (SOP)
Read also: Contents Of A Good Statement Of Purpose (SOP)
The statement of purpose contains important information as it relates to why you want to study a chosen course and why the school. If poorly written, it can deny you the chance of been selected. There is no specified number of words it should contain. It shouldn’t be too long neither should it be too short. Just make sure it captures important information like
- Why do want to become a doctor?
- Why the UK and not other countries
- Your reason for choosing your particular school
- What you wish to achieve as a doctor
- Work experience at any GP or medical institution and what you achieved
- Your commitment to medicine and the NHS
- Your achievements academically
- Why you will succeed on the course
- Hobbies and interests
Tips on how to score highly in the aptitude test
The only way you can score high in the aptitude test is by practising previous questions on the UCAT website. Set a time and act as if you’re writing the main exam. Constant practising will see improve on its various sections.
UK Clinical Aptitude Test
The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is part of the selection process of some UK medical and dental schools. It is an online test designed to test cognitive abilities, attitudes, critical thinking, and logical reasoning. There are four reasoning tests and a situational judgement test.
– Verbal Reasoning. Assesses ability to think logically about written information and arrive at a reasoned conclusion: 21 minutes, with 11 passages to read and 44 questions.
– Quantitative reasoning. Assesses ability to solve numerical problems: 24 minutes, 9 tables, charts, graphs etc. as information and 36 questions.
– Abstract reasoning. Assesses ability to infer relationships from information by convergent and divergent thinking: 13 minutes and 55 questions.
– Decision Analysis. Assesses ability to deal with various forms of information to infer relationships, make informed judgements, and decide on an appropriate response: 32 minutes, 1 scenario full of information and 28 questions (basic calculator provided)
– Situational Judgement. Measures your responses in situations, and your grasp of medical ethics: 27 minutes and 67 questions on 20 scenarios.
Medical work experience
Work experience is valued extremely highly by medical school admission boards as it showcases the relevant skills and strength of character needed to become a doctor. Practical work experience also recognises a student’s ability to work independently or in a team, as well as communication skills, enthusiasm and responsibility.
Many medicine programmes require a student to have completed work experience, but if you missed out on a placement, there are still a number of medical schools which will accept your initial application.
A number of medical schools will expect completion of the clinical aptitude test, UCAT.
Careers in Medicine
The field is broad. Upon completion of your studies, you can major in any of the following.
- Anaesthetics
- General Practice
- Medicine
- Pathology
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
- Surgery
How to apply to a UK medical school for international students
You may need to apply through the UK University and College Application Service (UCAS) by the application deadline in October.
You will have the option of applying to four UK medical schools via UCAS.
Conclusion
With these tips applying for a UK medical school will no longer be difficult. Please note this is merely a guide. Do well to visit the official website of your preferred school as some UK medical schools may have changed or added more admission requirements.
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