If you’re considering studying medicine in the UK, you likely have a lot of questions about the process. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best universities for medicine in the UK and dissect – no pun intended! – their unique features.
Undertaking a career in medicine is a huge commitment. It’s time-consuming, tiring and difficult. However, it’s arguably the most rewarding and respected profession out there, and it opens the doors to a world of opportunities like researching, travelling and policy-making.
Medical careers vary significantly. Likewise, universities structure their medicine degrees differently, so choosing the right medical school is an important step in your journey.
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford doesn’t need much of an introduction, as it consistently tops the QS World University Rankings and the Times World University Rankings. Its medical school gains worldwide recognition, as well as its many laboratories and institutes.
The University of Oxford’s medical school follows a traditional teaching style. The first three years of the course count towards a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences. During the second part of the degree, students gain clinical exposure with access to cutting-edge facilities like the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Oxford Scholastica’s Medicine students have the opportunity to visit the John Radcliffe Hospital as part of our Mock Clinic Challenge. Learn more about how our Medicine summer school prepares students for a degree in medicine.
If you’re interested in medical and translational research, and want exciting opportunities to work alongside some of the most famous scientists in the world, then the University of Oxford could be for you.
Please note: the Oxford Scholastica Academy is not affiliated with the University of Oxford.
2. University of Cambridge
Similarly, the University of Cambridge needs little introduction. One of the oldest continuously-run medical courses in the world, clinical education at the university dates back to the 1500s.
The University of Cambridge has also retained much of the traditional teaching style and methods, with patient contact happening primarily in the second half of the course.
The Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Addenbrookes Hospital offer an exceptional environment to learn the basic sciences and clinical practice alongside an expert faculty.
3. Imperial College London
Imperial College London provides top-notch, ultra-modern facilities for their medical students, including laboratories and clinical simulation areas.
Imperial’s reputation as a leading institution for medical education and research is wide-reaching. At Imperial, you’ll have the chance to approach medicine in an interdisciplinary manner, gaining experience in medical research, while engaging in clinical training at some of the most advanced hospitals in the country.
4. University College London
University College London is in the heart of the capital, providing its medical students with unique learning environments and facilities. The UCL medical course is made up of a comprehensive curriculum which includes early patient contact and practical clinical skills training. UCL also offers the opportunity to engage in medical research, making for a truly integrated medical course.
UCL’s medical school is associated with prominent hospitals that are renowned worldwide, such as University College Hospital and Great Ormond Street Paediatric Hospital, providing the opportunity to learn from leading professionals in the field.
5. Barts and the London School of Medicine
The first medical school in the UK, and certainly one of the best worldwide, Barts and the London maintains high standards to this day.
Associated with Queen Mary University and located in the heart of East London, you’ll have the chance to observe unique clinical cases and pathologies hard to observe anywhere else!
If you’re interested in international and tropical medicine, infectious diseases and cutting-edge surgery – again, no pun intended! – then St Bartholomew’s Hospital and the Royal London Hospital is sure to be a rewarding experience.
6. King’s College London
King’s College London has a prestigious faculty recognised globally for its clinical education. The course at King’s is characterised by its strong clinical focus, providing students with extensive hands-on training.
Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital are the two globally-renowned hospitals associated with King’s College, and they provide an excellent training environment for curious medical students.
7. University of Edinburgh & University of Glasgow
The two leading Scottish universities both have renowned medical schools and a strong international reputation for excellence.
The University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow are two of the best places to study medicine due to their strong focus on global health and the many opportunities to engage in international projects.
In addition, you’ll find Scottish universities have tight links with the NHS, allowing medical students to gain experience in a variety of healthcare settings.
8. University of Manchester
Located in the heart of England, the University of Manchester’s clinical setting provides students with learning experiences second to none.
The university is committed to producing well-rounded doctors with a focus on professionalism and patient-centred care. There’s no better place to study medicine if you’re interested in a varied range of pathologies and clinical cases, and making a real difference in the community.
9. University of Bristol
Bristol also has an excellent medical school, with a strong reputation and international recognition.
The university is research-intensive, with the medical school split into two departments: Population Health Sciences and Translational Health Sciences. As well as research, the University of Bristol offers early contact with patients, allowing for practical skills development throughout the whole course.
10. Newcastle University
Similarly, the medical course at Newcastle University focuses on early patient contact and clinical skills training from the very beginning of your first year, training its students in a reputable and well-established clinical setting.
The university also boasts a unique placement model where students work across three geographical areas for diverse experiences across rural and urban settings.
With so many teaching styles, course structures, clinical experience and research opportunities available, you should thoroughly research potential universities. Reflect on your individual interests, preferences and future career goals to ensure the best possible start to your career in medicine.
For more information on what it’s like to study medicine in the UK, download our free Ultimate Guide to Studying Medicine.
By Diego Balassini
Diego is a practising junior doctor, having graduated from Cambridge University and Barts and the London School of Medicine. His undergraduate thesis focused on cancer biology and therapeutics. He is planning a career in reconstructive and plastic surgery, hoping to draw together innovations from tissue bioengineering and stem cell research.
