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STUDY MBBS IN THE UK: A GUIDE

The UK is an educational hub for domestic and international students from across the globe due to its contemporary and progressive culture. Universities are equipped with leading technology and an innovative teaching environment designed to encourage independent thinking and self-motivation. 

Medical students in the UK undergo intense medical training while practicing in various NHS (National Health Service) hospitals. The NHS is one of the largest public-funded healthcare systems in the world offering great learning opportunities to medical students. 

According to the QS World Ranking 2021 by Subject, the UK’s top-ranking universities for Medicine in the world are:

  • University of Oxford – Ranked #2 in the world
  • University of Cambridge – Ranked #4 in the world
  • University College London – Ranked #9 in the world 
  • Imperial College London – Ranked #10 in the world

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS – MBBS IN THE UK

Indian students (CBSE or ICSC) require a minimum of 90 – 95% academic score apart from a qualifying score in the UK medical admission tests and NEET. For Internal Baccalaureate (IB) students, 37 – 39 points are required overall (to include core points) with at least 766 at a higher level and 6/7 points in Biology and Chemistry.

The UK universities offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in medicine. To study at the undergraduate level, students will need AAA grades, with either Chemistry or Biology as a requirement.

International students will need to provide English language proficiency test scores across all four categories of reading, writing, speaking and listening. 

ADDITIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

UKCAT – UK Clinical Aptitude Test is an online test designed to determine and test cognitive abilities, attitude, critical thinking and logical reasoning. This entrance exam is conducted by 25 medical schools in the UK. All students should appear for this test before applying through the UCAS website. 

BMAT – BMAT or BioMedical Admission Test is the entrance exam used by seven medical schools to shortlist student applications. Students can appear for this test after applying on the UCAS website.

GAMSAT – GAMSAT is a common entrance exam applied to all courses including MBBS. 

STUDY MBBS IN THE UK COSTS

Opting to study MBBS in the UK and going forward to becoming a medical practitioner is not easy and cheap. The cost of studying medicine in the UK and the tuition fees vary according to the university you choose. 

The tuition fees of a standard medical programme could cost anywhere between 28,000 to 40,000 GBP, depending on the university and its reputation. Living cost in the UK primarily depends on your lifestyle choices. 

STAGES OF STUDYING MEDICINE 

MBBS in the UK is classified into two categories: the first two years is called the foundation programme. The next two years is the undergraduate programme. After completion of the four-year programme, students can choose their area of specialisation.

Speciality training is for two more years. Once you have completed the speciality training, you can choose further speciality education which could continue up to seven years. Upon the completion of the speciality training, you will be awarded a certificate of completion training.

Standard entry medicine programme is usually for five years but could extend to six years. The courses could have names such as MBBS or MBChB, but all are equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in medicine.

After graduation, students will be able to pursue the two-year foundation course.

Undergraduate course – This is a 5–6-year course with classroom study and clinical placements across hospitals and community settings. To be eligible for entry to an undergraduate programme, students require both GCSEs, AS levels and A levels. 

Graduate course – Students who have already completed the undergraduate degree, can directly opt for a graduate degree course. The course duration is for usually 4-5 years. 

Foundation course – This is a two-year course involving core medical training (CMT) with medical school graduates, other postgraduates and various health care providers. This course allows you to get introduced to a variety of specialities. Once completed, you will move into your specialist training path.

Speciality training course – After the foundation course is completed, students may choose an area of specialisation. The length of this training depends on the speciality chosen. Some of the speciality training requires intense core training extending the time of completion. Once you have completed this, you will receive the certification of Completion of Training (CCT). 

CAREERS IN MEDICINE

Medicine is a highly rewarding career as you ensure that you are making a difference from your knowledge and expertise. According to the NHS Employers Organization, the average salary of a doctor is around $45,560.

The UK is a world leader in medical expertise and ground-breaking research. According to BDI Consulting, medical practitioners are one of the top five highest-paid professions in the UK.

Studying medicine in the UK is no doubt one of the best options for interested students and SI-UK can help you apply to the UK’s best universities with ease.

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