Studying medicine in the UK is a hugely popular choice, with almost 30,000 people applying to undertake the career path in 2022. Along with its popularity is the fact that it’s also hugely competitive, with less than 16% of applications resulting in an offer of study.
Some of the best medical universities in the world are based in the UK. In fact, most people choose to study here as the degrees are a pathway to working for the NHS, one of the world’s most precious medical institutions, founded in 1948. You will also find four of the ten best medical universities in the world based in the UK, with some incredible medical professionals at the top of their field.
Studying medicine in the UK is a fine choice if you plan on carving out a professional medical career for yourself! Keep reading to find out more about the top institutions you can attend.
How can you secure a place to study medicine at a UK university?
Unlike other degree fields, studying medicine contains a much more complex application process that you can only pass if you have the grades and attributes needed for a successful medical career. At The Future Medic, we believe that you can ace your medical school application with the right preparation. You, therefore, need to consider the following to secure your spot to study:
A solid personal statement
Essential for making a brilliant first impression and allowing your additional experience to set you apart from the rest, you must have a carefully crafted personal statement to support any medical school application.
A passing grade on your UCAT exam
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is designed to understand if the prospective student has the emotional intelligence and decision-making skills required to work in the medical field. It covers decision-making, quantitative reasoning, abstract skills, situation judgement and verbal reasoning components to highlight all the personality and skill facets needed to make it in the medical world.
A positive interview
As well as written application materials, universities also want to see what prospective students are like in person, as interpersonal skills are intrinsic to success in the medical profession. You, therefore, need to ace any application interviews and do your research on what your institution of choice holds in high regard.
The right A-Level results
Last but not least are the A-Level results needed to secure a spot at medical school. You will need top results to stand a chance at studying anything within the medical field.
What are the best medical universities in the UK?
Joint 1st: University of Cambridge – (Grades needed A*A*A in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics)
Ranked as the third-best University in the world and the best in the UK for medicine, the Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine was founded in 1976. The university boasts some of the best professors in the world and was upgraded in 2019 to include the Cambridge Biomedical Campus for advanced study and research opportunities.
Cambridge is said to be favoured for its more academic approach to study, allowing those who want to work within a scientific or research part of the industry to thrive. This content-heavy degree is, therefore, superior to many as it allows a deeper understanding of the medical world to be obtained by students.
Joint 1st: University of Oxford – (Grades needed A*AA in both Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics)
Whenever Cambridge is mentioned, Oxford is never far from the mind as the two universities have an exciting history of competition and prestige that are hard to set apart. Oxford is ranked number one for medicine by The Times, leading many to consider this university the best in the UK for medicine.
With a 25% acceptance rate, the research-led medical school is extremely competitive and known for being very selective during the interview stages. If you want a challenging medical course that balances scientific and human-based studies, then Oxford is for you.
3rd: University of Glasgow – (Grades needed AAA in Chemistry and Biology or Physics or Mathematics)
Ranked third by the UK Complete University Guide, the University of Glasgow is the top choice for the best medical universities to study at in Scotland. What sets this course apart is the ‘friendly, supportive, and stimulating environment that is created for students.
During a visit in 2017, The General Medical Council said that the “culture is caring, compassionate and provides a good standard of care and experience for patients, carers, and families”. It is these qualities along with the amazing board of teaching professionals that cause this institution to have such a high ranking in the world’s medical schools.
4th: The University of Edinburgh – (Grades needed AAA in Chemistry and Biology or Physics or Mathematics)
The grandeur of medical studies at The University of Edinburgh dates back to the 18th century when The Edinburgh Model of teaching was first created. Since then, the teaching style has developed. Still, the course’s beginnings have meant it has since been viewed as an innovator within the medical teaching field.
The Guardian also named Edinburgh as the top choice amongst the best medical universities to study at in the UK in 2021. This was because of its incredible syllabus, competitive entry requirements and the institution’s importance placed on inclusivity.
5th: University of Bristol – (Grades needed AAA in Chemistry and Biology or Physics or Further Mathematics)
Another institution that remains high on the list of the UK’s best medical universities is The University of Bristol which dates to 1833.
As well as being known for its state-of-the-art facilities, the University is favoured by those who want to combine philosophy and medical studies with the purpose of understanding patient interactions on a deeper level. These courses and teachings offer students an extensive deep dive into the entire world of medical practice which is why it has remained a firm favourite for many years now.
6th: Imperial College London – (Grades needed AAA in Chemistry and Biology or Physics or Mathematics)
Founded in 1997, the Imperial College London medical school is a new contender on the list of historical institutions. This course makes the top list yearly as it has connections with a range of London-based hospitals and is known for offering excellent real-life experience during studies.
The high grades and difficult admissions process mean it has a prestigious reputation as it is favoured by those who want to be able to hit the ground running when placements start. Their modern approach to teaching combines the UK legacy of excellent medicine with contemporary practices that students from all over the world love.
7th: University of Leicester– (Grades needed AAA in Chemistry and Biology or Physics or Mathematics)
Another contender that has made our list is Leicester. The University offers a modern approach to traditional teachings. Ideal for students who want a less academic and more community-feel entry into the world of medicine, Leicester offers a more hands-on approach to learning.
They have also committed to several high-profile research projects over recent years, which means that students get to learn whilst having a hands-on approach to modern technology and practices. If you are looking for something a little bit different, Leicester is the University for you.
8th: University of Dundee – (Grades needed AAA in Chemistry and Biology or Physics or Mathematics)
The students have spoken and made it known that Dundee is another amazing medical school in the UK. Their teaching quality and student satisfaction levels are among the country’s highest, meaning they are a teaching force to be reckoned with.
Their course is also favoured for its personal and exclusive feel as only 150 students study in each academic year. If you want to study a course which feels more hands-on and attentive, this is the option for you.
Is it worth studying medicine in the UK?
Our answer to this question will always be YES! As we have proved, some of the best medical schools in the world are based in the UK. Alongside this, students also benefit from the following:
– Hands-on experience in the NHS, which is known for its high levels of both patient care and medical research.
-Access to some of the best professors and tutors in the world.
-Work experience can lead to placements and full-time positions after the end of student thanks to the alignment with NHS environments.
-We also have several leading research companies in the UK, which many schools collaborate with, offering students the chance to have insights into exclusive medical advances.
Are you ready to apply to some of the world’s best medical Universities with confidence? At The Future Medic, we have a 1-in-10 success rate when it comes to applications for some of the best medical universities in the UK. Our service has been used by more than 30,000 students who want to have a professional edge on their application.
If you want to benefit from advice that you can trust, email us at info@thefuturemedic.com or fill in our online contact us form. With our help, getting into one of the best medical universities in the UK can be a reality!
