The United Kingdom boasts of some of the oldest running medical universities globally, some dating back to the seventeen and eighteen hundreds. The QS world ranking lists six UK medical universities/colleges in the top twenty-five top medical schools.
- University of Oxford - 2nd
- University of Cambridge - 3rd
- University College London (UCL) - 9th
- Imperial College - 12th
- King’s College - 20th
- University of Edinburgh - 22nd
But that is not all. The QS world ranking list for medical schools features thirty-nine schools, based in the United Kingdom. Let’s give you the lowdown on what makes these institutions rank among the best in the world.
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford holds the distinction of being the oldest university, in the English speaking world. Oxford offers two graduate courses in medicine.
- Four years, Medicine (Fast-track, Graduate Entry only) BMBCh
- Six years Medicine BMBCh
The medical school here takes in only a small number of students. Hence, the atmosphere is relaxed, with everyone knowing everybody. At Oxford, the six-year medicine course imparts comprehensive training with particular stress on basic research that supports medicine. The course is divided into two parts.
- The first three years are devoted to the pre-clinical learning stage, a culmination towards an undergraduate honours degree in Medical Science.
- The subsequent years focus on clinical training, with practical sessions with real patients.
As part of their BA in Medical Sciences, all medical students at Oxford are required to take up experimental research projects, in a field of their choice. Students can engage in research projects, at any laboratory, in any department in the medical sciences, at the university.
2. University of Cambridge
Second only to the University of Oxford, as the oldest university, in the English speaking world, Cambridge offers two courses in medicine.
- Four years, Medicine (Cambridge Graduate Course) MB
- Six years of Medicine MB
The six-year Medicine MB course is split into six modules, one for each year. Each module consists of multiple comprehensive segments, designed for imparting the skill and knowledge required in the medical profession. At Cambridge, the emphasis is given to grasping knowledge, before it is practised.
3. University College London (UCL)
UCL offers eight courses, in fields ranging from BSc. Hons in Sports and Exercise Medical Science to BSc. Hons in Nutrition and Medical Sciences to BSc Hons in Infection and Immunity and more.
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The six-year medicine MBBS programme is an integrated BSc course, leading to undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). The course is structured to allow students clinical contact with doctors and patients.
4. Imperial College London
The General Medical Council accredits the Medicine MBBS degree offered by Imperial. Imperial has one of the largest Faculty of Medicine among European universities. It partners extensively with clinics, hospitals and NHS Trusts, enabling medical students to benefit from first-hand clinical experiences.
5. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers four courses in different specialisations in medicine. The University offers a six-year Medicine MB ChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery) programme, accredited by the General Medical Council in the UK and accepted by accrediting bodies in several countries, including Australia, the United States and Canada. It is the only institute in Scotland to offer the MBChB course.
6. King’s College London
King’s College London offers ten courses in the medical field. The Medicine MBBS programme is a six-year integrated course, focusing on training and development as a medical practitioner. King’s partners with three major hospitals in London—King’s College, Guy’s Hospital and St. Thomas’ Hospital.
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The partnership ensures that students receive hands-on training during their studies. The General Medical Council accredits the MBBS programme offered by King’s, which qualifies students to register with the GMC to practice medicine in the UK.
7. University of Dundee
The university offers three full-time undergraduate programmes in medicine, namely -
- Gateway to Medicine MB ChB
- Medicine BMB Ch
- Oral Health Sciences BSc
The eligibility for admission into the course includes qualifying the A-levels (or equivalent) at the first attempt, in one sitting. Students must have opted for one science subject, excluding chemistry.
8. University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews conducts two, six-year programmes and one four-year course. All three are full-time courses.
- Medicine (Graduate Entry) 4-years MBChB
- Medicine (Canadian Programme) 6-years MBChB
- Medicine 6-years MB ChB
9. University of Bristol
The university currently runs four undergraduate programmes in medicine. The Gateway to Medicine programme is a 6-year course culminating in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) degrees.
10. Keele University
Keele University runs thirteen undergraduate programmes in medicine, including midwifery, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, paramedics, etc. The MBChB course offered by the university is a six-year programme.
The universities covered in this article have the finest faculty, world-class facilities and aspiring medical professionals are guaranteed the best learning opportunities to help them progress in their careers. We hope you have a clear understanding of the top universities in UK for studying medical courses. For more queries and guidance, visit Sage Education Services, one of the most reputed UK education consultants in Dubai.
