- Home
- Subject Guide
- Study Medicine, why & how to study
Study Medicine, why & how to study
If you want a job where you never stop learning and new discoveries are constantly being made, then Medicine could be for you.
CONTENTS
-
What’s Medicine?
-
What Medicine degrees can you study?
-
What do you need to get onto a Medicine degree?
-
What topics does a Medicine degree cover?
-
How will you be assessed?
-
Why study Medicine?
- Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Medicine degree?
-
What do Medicine graduates earn?
-
What jobs can you get as a Medicine graduate?
-
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
-
Similar subjects to Medicine
-
Have any questions?
What’s Medicine?
Medicine is a broad term for a variety of practices that have evolved to maintain and restore health by preventing and treating illness, including pharmaceuticals, psychotherapy, and surgery.
This guide focuses on pre-clinical medicine which includes things like anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry or molecular biology and also clinical medicine - the diagnosis and treatment of conditions in patients. Both are studied as part of a Medicine MB degree.
What Medicine degrees can you study?
Medicine as a subject area includes a wider range of degrees than simply medicine and surgery. Undergraduate degrees could include:
For those wanting to practice as a doctor, options for a Medicine MB degree include a preliminary or gateway year (which may be integrated) and January start dates. October application required.
What do you need to get onto a Medicine degree?
Must have
You’ll need top grades for entry to a Medicine MB degree. Typical requirements are from 128–160 UCAS points, although contextual admissions will be lower. This could include:
-
A Levels: A*A*A–ABB (AAA is common and Maths and Physics are useful)
-
BTECs: not accepted
-
Scottish Highers: AAAABB–AAAAB (Advanced Highers: AAA–BBB)
-
International Baccalaureate: 42–32
-
Universities will usually ask that you have studied: biology and chemistry at A Level (or equivalent)
-
You will need to pass an admission tests (BMAT, UCAT, or for graduate entry, GAMSAT)and a university interview.
-
Due to the nature of this work, you’ll need to complete Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks (PVG scheme in Scotland)
Good to have
-
Observe, shadow or talk to doctors at a GP practice or hospital – if this hasn’t been possible, check for online virtual work experience or videos
-
Volunteer or work experience in a care setting like a care home, hospice, school or service provider, particularly supporting people who have health conditions
-
Be aware of topical issues via the Medical Schools Council or British Medical Journal websites, news sites like the Guardian, TED talks, or podcasts
-
Summer schools, if available – check the Medical Schools Council and Sutton Trust websites
What topics does a Medicine degree cover?
Typical modules in a Medicine MB degree may include:
- Medical cell biology and genetics
- Pathological processes
- Health behaviours, musculoskeletal, respiratory and digestive systems
- Evidence based medicine and research methods
- Clinical procedural skills
- Ethics and law in clinical practice
- Mechanisms of drug action
- Biology of disease
- Preparing for patients
How will you be assessed?
Courses are assessed using a wide range of methods across the many years of study, including:
- Anatomy practice
- Online tests
- Reflective essays
- Simulation exercises
- Verbal presentations
- Written assignments
Why study Medicine?
Medicine may be a challenging area to work in, but job satisfaction from a career in medicine is high. Most doctors agree there is no greater joy than curing a patient.
Career-specific skills:
- Medical knowledge and the practical skills to treat illnesses, diseases or long-term health conditions affecting patients
- Understanding of medications, their interactions with the body, and contraindications
- Skills and attributes developed while working in a high-pressure environment
Transferable skills:
- Communication and team working
- Decision making and leadership
- Integrity
- Managing high-pressure situations
- Organisation
- Presentation
- Problem solving
- Research and reflective practice
Professional accreditation:
- Medical schools and their degrees must be approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) for you to provisionally register as a doctor on completion of your studies
Read more in our seven reasons to study medicine here
I knew I wanted a career in a field that is dynamic: constantly changing and evolving in terms of its knowledge and capabilities, seeking to question more, discover more, and deliver more, one which requires you to think, be active and on your feet, and to solve problems.
Nick, University of Birmingham
Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants to encourage access so it’s worth seeing if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers e.g., materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.
The National Health Service (NHS) also offers student bursaries in some instances, more information about this can be found in our guide here.
What do Medicine graduates earn?
Medicine graduates have one of the highest starting salaries at around £29,000 - £34,000 (in the first year of Foundation training). Specialise, and you’ll earn up to £78,500. Consultants in the NHS are paid £88,000–£119,000, depending on how many years they’ve completed as a consultant.
On the other hand, you might prefer to work outside hospital in general practice. GPs who are salaried are paid £65,000–£98,000. A GP who is partner in a practice is self-employed – which means their working contract differs, but they can also share in the profits of the practice depending on how it performs. An average income might be around £105,000.
Read more on what graduates do and earn here.
What jobs can you get as a Medicine graduate?
Study Medicine, and aside from work as a GP or hospital doctor, options include specialisms, a move sideways into management, education or research. Or you could do something completely different. Roles could include:
- Civil servant (fast stream)
- Clinical research
- Consultant anaesthetist
- Expedition medical officer
- Forensic medical examiner
- Genetic scientist
- Health service manager
- International aid medic
- Lecturer
- Medical charity clinical director
- Medical journalist
- Public health consultant
- Solicitor
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
If you have a first degree, you may be able to take a graduate-entry medical course to qualify as a doctor. Most medical schools require a 2:1 and some require an undergraduate degree in a related subject.
Examples of taught master’s and research degrees at postgraduate level include:
- Cancer Science MPhil/DPhil
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Healthcare PGCert/PGDip/MSc
- Doctor of Medicine MD
- Genomic Medicine MSt
- Surgery PhD
Similar subjects to Medicine
Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Dentistry
- Medical Technology & Bioengineering
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Paramedic Science
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy
- Therapeutic Radiographer
Have any questions?
If you’ve got any questions about studying Medicine, you can email our experts at ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!
Related articles
Russell Group Universities 2023
Learn more about this group of universities in the UK and why you might want to choose to...
Preparing for your university Clearing call
Calling universities about Clearing can be daunting, but with proper preparation and...