studying in u.k.

[blackle]

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hey, I hate to ask obvious questions but i´m having a hard time finding this info. i´ve been looking here and on the ucas site, but my only internet access is thru cafés and it´s just not happening 😛 i was wondering if anyone could help me out with the basic information about studying medicine in england, ireland, scotland etc? whenever i look up information it always looks really convoluted and vague.

basically i´m wondering...
what are the pre-req´s to study med in the uk? (degree in a particular subject, classes, etc)
where can i find AMCAS-like info, i.e. stats of matriculated students?
what is residency like, if I plan on completeing it in the u.k. as well? (i.e. how many years, is it similar to the US system)
any MD/MPH programs?
any other basic things, I pretty much know nothing.

background:
I´m a US citizen, will be graduating with a degree in Spanish from a US uni (right now i´m studying abroad in spain), and I hope to practice one day in europe (spain?) or latin america. my main interest is global health issues.

Sorry, i´m sure this type of thing has been asked a million times but of course i´m having no luck finding it at 1.80€/hr 🙂 thanks!

 

[cron0s]

First off here are a couple of websites with some information on the UK medical education system and application process.

http://www.medschoolsonline.co.uk/

http://www.wanttobeadoctor.co.uk/main.php

Standard medical degrees in the UK last for 5 years and accept people from age 18, usually with science 'A' levels. A first degree is not necessary. A fewer number of medical schools offer graduate entry programs that are 4 years. Some require a first degree in a science subject, others are open to graduates of all disciplines. As you are an overseas student I would advise you to contact any school you are interested in directly to check their requirements. I believe the application cycle for 2007 ends in December so you will need to hurry if you want to start next fall.

On completion of your degree you would need to apply for a place on a 2 year foundation program. This is similar to a residency, with the first foundation year serving as an internship. After successfully completing the foundation program you would then apply for higher specialist training in whatever field you were interested in.

You should also be aware that it is now very difficult for non EU citizens to get a permit to work in the UK. However I think that foreign nationals who graduate from a UK university are eligible for permit free training, at least for the Foundation program, but again you need to look into this for yourself as the situation may change.

 

[blackle]

thanks so much for the info! the timing shouldn´t be an issue as i still have a couple years before i´m planning on applying, whether to u.s. or u.k. schools. those websites are very helpful!!

 

[pattycanuck]

The only Irish clearinghouse for American/Canadian applicants for the 5 medical schools in Ireland is the Atlantic Bridge Program: www.atlanticbridge.com

AB also does some of the schools in the UK.

The 5 medical schools in Ireland (to check out their medical curriculae) are:

Trinity College Dublin ("Trinity"): www.tcd.ie
University College Dublin ("UCD"): www.ucd.ie
University College Cork ("UCC"): www.ucc.ie
University College Galway ("UCG"): www.ucg.ie
Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, RCSI ("Surgeons")" www.rcsi.ie

Hope this helps also. Good luck in a few years time!🙂

 

[drbruce]

I'm pretty sure that as a rule UK medical schools don't accept students from G7 countries, including the US.

Places are limited and we generally like to keep them open for UK students or those from the poorest parts of the world.

But if I am wrong, competition is, however, very intense so make sure you build up an outstanding resume as the entry requirements are pretty similar to your IVY league colleges.

 

[ramekin]

I'm pretty sure that as a rule UK medical schools don't accept students from G7 countries, including the US.

Places are limited and we generally like to keep them open for UK students or those from the poorest parts of the world.

Historically UK medical schools did view non-UK applicants whose home countries had inadequate provision for medical education more favourably than those from 'rich' countries with established medical programmes. However, this is no longer true. International students are a great source of income, so whoever meets matriculation requirements and can pay the upward of GBP 20,000 tuition will be considered.

One of the reasons few American applicants bother applying or are unsuccessful on application is due to lack of equivalency between the British and US education systems and the respective qualifications awarded by each; in the UK (and many Commonwealth countries) subject-specialisation occurs post-16 enabling students to apply at age 18 for undergraduate medical degree programmes. In the US medical education is generally open to post-graduates only, though a few 6-year programmes admitting high-school leavers do exist.

American students may apply to study undergraduate medicine with postgraduate qualifications from accredited US universities at certain UK universities, though it is true not all UK medical schools recognise US undergraduate degrees as acceptable for matriculation. So long as American applicants are sufficiently qualified in the relevant scientific disciplines, have enough perserverance, possess the right attitudes and enthusiasm, and of course can afford to pay the fees, there's nothing to say they are at any disadvantage compared with other international applicants.

 

[ramekin]

Double post!

 

[eg77]

American students may apply to study undergraduate medicine with postgraduate qualifications from accredited US universities at certain UK universities, though it is true not all UK medical schools recognise US undergraduate degrees as acceptable for matriculation. So long as American applicants are sufficiently qualified in the relevant scientific disciplines, have enough perserverance, possess the right attitudes and enthusiasm, and of course can afford to pay the fees, there's nothing to say they are at any disadvantage compared with other international applicants.

Thanks for the informative info ramekin. Would any one happen to know which UK med schools admit North American applicants with a Bachelor's degree? Or which schools are internationally friendly? Any suggestions on where to find this info would be appreciated.

 

[JediBookworm]

Hey eg77,

I don't think there is an issue of recognizing a US (or Canadian?) Bachelor's degree. I mean, if that isn't recognized, what would be?! 😕

You can have a Bachelor's degree from wherever and still enter normal high school leaver medical programs (5 year) in the UK. What you usually cannot do is apply for graduate-entry programs (4 year) because almost all are restricted to home students.

Basically all UK medical schools accept overseas (non-EU) students, but from what I've heard they tend to prefer applicants from countries where medical education is limited. This might have changed over the past few years, I don't know. The number of seats for overseas students is usually 16, the most I've seen is 24.

I don't know which schools are exactly the most friendly to international students, but I think those which actually list specific (high school) qualifications from certain countries (esp Canada, where we're from) is a good indication that they are at least receptive to applications from those countries. You can usually view this info from the school (admissions) website.

If you're thinking of applying to the UK the deadline has passed (Oct 15) but I believe there are certain schools that accept international applications in January. I'm not sure for those whether you have to take the UKCAT or not (required for almost all UK schools).

 

[JediBookworm]

Sorry, double post.

 

[ramekin]

Thanks for the informative info ramekin. Would any one happen to know which UK med schools admit North American applicants with a Bachelor's degree? Or which schools are internationally friendly? Any suggestions on where to find this info would be appreciated.

The only way to know for sure would be to contact the universities individually about your particular case.

I know that Birmingham Medical School has accepted American postgraduates in the past and that the Royal Free and University College in London doesn't consider non-UK undergraduate degrees as acceptable for admission, whilst Guy's, King's and St Thomas' in London considers such degrees on a case per case basis but may still offer strong applicants a place on the extended 6-year course (1 year 'pre-med' study, otherwise 5 years) if their undergraduate degree is found wanting. Again, the best thing to do is to email or phone each university's admissions dean to which you're thinking of applying.

 

[eg77]

Thanks Jedi,

Man the UK system sounds pretty complicated for international applicants. Did you apply to any UK schools Jeddi?

And there doesn't appear to be a centralized application service like the ABP for Ireland.

You mentioned that some schools accept application in January. Would you be able to direct me to a site that lists these schools?

Thanks

 

[eg77]

The only way to know for sure would be to contact the universities individually about your particular case.

I know that Birmingham Medical School has accepted American postgraduates in the past and that the Royal Free and University College in London doesn't consider non-UK undergraduate degrees as acceptable for admission, whilst Guy's, King's and St Thomas' in London considers such degrees on a case per case basis but may still offer strong applicants a place on the extended 6-year course (1 year 'pre-med' study, otherwise 5 years) if their undergraduate degree is found wanting. Again, the best thing to do is to email or phone each university's admissions dean to which you're thinking of applying.

Hey Ramekin,

it sounds like the application deadline's already passed for UK schools. But just to clarify...your reference to "postgraduate" is that of a master's or PHD degree? Just wanna make sure we're on the same page 🙂

 

[ramekin]

Hey Ramekin,

it sounds like the application deadline's already passed for UK schools. But just to clarify...your reference to "postgraduate" is that of a master's or PHD degree? Just wanna make sure we're on the same page 🙂

Postgraduate as in somebody in possession of an undergraduate degree 🙂

Yes, the UCAS application deadline for medical, dental and veterinary courses is the 15th October every year. You can only apply through UCAS though some medical schools require a direct application in addition to this.