The Definitive Guide to Medical Schools in Scotland

Scotland has many treasures including its beautiful architecture, profound history and high-quality education institutes. With some of the oldest and most reputable universities in the world, it is no surprise that Scottish medical schools can have a high number of prospective applications. Therefore, this article is your comprehensive guide to all the medical schools in Scotland, including their course structure and admission requirements. 

Disclaimer: All the information below was verified via the university website in the second week of November 2018 and is predominantly related to the undergraduate courses. Please note that the course structure and admission requirements are subject to change. You are advised to confirm before applying. 

University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen's school of medicine is collocated on one of the largest clinical sites in Europe with high-quality teaching and extensive research facilities. Their dynamic 5-year course is delivered using a systems-based, integrated approach, with a key emphasis on student feedback and participation. 

Course structure

• Year 1 and 2: the two years provides students with the knowledge of body systems and disease processes that underpin medicine. They also experience weekly clinical attachments working alongside and shadowing members of the multidisciplinary hospital team. 
• Year 3: in the third year, the study of the organ systems is completed with a unique opportunity to study medical humanities for a term.
• Year 4: medical students undertake nine 5-week clinical blocks in many different clinical areas and disciplines.
• Year 5: the fifth year comprises of specialist medical, surgical and GP/Psychiatry attachments. 

Students have the option to intercalate after Year 3 or Year 4 with a BSc degree in Medical Sciences or Medical Humanities. 

University of Dundee

Placed at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee medical school has been the centre of pioneering research in cancer, surgery, drug development, and medical education. Dundee allows students to study medicine in a friendly, responsive and student-centred environment. Their comparatively smaller cohort size means that there is a close integration of teaching activities. Medical students are fully involved from an early stage in pioneering new approaches to clinical practice and research.

Course structure

• Year 1 to 3: The course “Systems in Practice” runs from the beginning of Year 1 until the end of Year 3. It is based on the various organ systems of the body and has integrated modules focusing on clinical sciences, and hospital and community perspectives. 
• Year 4 and 5: Fourth and fifth-year focus on series of core clinical placements. 

Some students will have the option to intercalate between Years 3 and 4 in a range of courses including: anatomy, cardiovascular medicine, forensic medicine and international health.  

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Medical School is one of two schools at the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine and is internationally renowned for both its teaching and research. Established in 1726, it is one of the oldest universities in the world and is consistently ranked one of the top 50 universities globally.

Course structure 

The six-year degree programme is designed to prepare students for the contemporary challenges of medical practice. Medical students taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, problem-based learning, laboratory work and clinical placements.

• Years 1 and 2: the first two years of the course covers biomedical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and microbiology, along with social and ethical aspects of clinical practice.
• Year 3: In the third year, medical students begin an intercalated research-based degree. The programmes on offer include biochemistry, neuroscience, pharmacology and psychology.
• Year 4: students will study all aspects of clinical medicine and healthcare and develop practical experience through placements in hospital and general practices.
• Year 5: fifth year includes experiencing a number of medical specialities and completing a research project in partnership with a clinical tutor.
• Year 6: the final year focuses on developing practical skills and knowledge of general and emergency medicine. 

University of Glasgow

Glasgow medical school is one of the largest in the UK. Ranked second in The UK Times University League Table 2018, the institute is friendly, supportive and stimulating academic environment. Students gain experience in clinical environments throughout the West of Scotland, including the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, which has a purpose-built teaching laboratory and a state-of-the-art clinical skills suite.

Glasgow medical school is one of the largest in the UK. Ranked second in The UK Times University League Table 2018, the institute is friendly, supportive and stimulating academic environment. Students gain experience in clinical environments throughout the West of Scotland, including the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, which has a purpose-built teaching laboratory and a state-of-the-art clinical skills suite.

Course structure 

The curriculum is delivered through a range of teaching styles, which include small-group teaching, problem-based learning, lectures and clinical studies.

• Year 1 and 2: The first two years of the course focuses on a system-by-system programme that covers the physiology of major clinical systems. It also includes sessions of professional studies, communication skills and clinical skills.
• Year 3 to 5: the course teaching is structured around 5-10-week clinical attachments, with students rotating through medical and surgical specialities.

The Glasgow School of Medicine offers a one-year intercalated BSc degree, with over 20 options, which can be undertaken between years 3 and 4.

University of St Andrews

Medical students at St Andrews have a unique opportunity to graduate after three years from St Andrews with a BSc Honours degree in Medicine before moving on to a partner medical school to complete their clinical training as a doctor. Their associate medical schools include: University of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Queen Mary University of London.

Course structure 

The School of Medicine at St Andrews offers an integrated curriculum with a strong clinical context. The six-year course is designed to encourage the application of sciences to clinical problems. Clinical teaching is integrated with basic science learning and spans from first year to third year, running throughout the entire course.

• Year 1: the first year of the course explores preclinical sciences, with modules providing an understanding into the body systems and mechanisms of disease
• Year 2: The second year focuses in detail upon the normal function and dysfunction of specific physiological systems, building upon the material delivered in first year.
• Year 3: The third year is divided into 3 terms. The first term focuses on complex physiological systems. The second term focuses on a significant student-selected research project, and lastly the third term focuses on developing clinical skills.

Medical Schools in Scotland – entrance requirements 

Medical schools in Scotland – GCSE requirements

Medical schools in Scotland – A-level requirements

Medical schools in Scotland – Admission tests

We hope that this blog post has been helpful when it comes to applying to Scottish Medical schools. Also, have a look at our Get into Medical School UK Guidebooks for more information on each university and the UK medical admissions process. If you have any questions, email us at hello@theMSAG.com.