The recent change in the curriculum means that the University of Edinburgh will be the first medical school in Scotland which offers a 6-year programme. In the first and second year, students study the human body system by system through problem-based learning. This approach allows students to integrate biomedical principles with anatomy and physiology in a clinical context. During this time, teaching is also supplemented with student-selected modules and community attachments. In the third year, all students undertake an intercalated honours year which is spent completing a research project. Research projects are undertaken from a wide range of possible programmes from cell biology to zoology. Upon completion of the third year, students are awarded a Bachelor of Medical Sciences – BMedSci (Hons).
In the final year of the course, students spend most of their time on clinical placement. The course is still taught system by system however teaching is predominantly delivered through bedside teaching on placement. At the end of year six, students have a 6-week elective with many students opting to split their elective time between a developed country and a developing country, or working for a charitable organisation. There is also a 6-week Foundation assistantship, ensuring that the transition from final year medical student to first-year doctor goes as smoothly as possible.
All grades must be attempted at the first attempt of each subject.
AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics. Human Biology may replace Biology. General Studies is not considered.
Biology at AS level must be taken as a minimum and applicants are also required to achieve a Grade B at a fourth AS level subject.
If applicants are unable to take AS-levels, they are expected to achieve 4 A levels with grades AAAB.
GCSEs:
A Grade B is required in Biology, Chemistry, English and Mathematics. If Double Science is taken, a grade BB can replace GCSE science grades. Note however that the average applicant will have 6A* grades at GCSE, and the top third of applicants will offer between 8 and 11 A*s.
Resits:
Applicants are allowed to resit a maximum of 2 AS level modules which must be completed by the end of the Upper Sixth Year. Those who have more than the maximum will not be considered unless under exceptional circumstances.
Applicants must achieve an overall score of 37 points which must include (including Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay) which must include 6,6,7 at Higher Level in Chemistry and at least one other science subject (Biology is preferred and should be taken to at least SL).
Mathematics and English:
Applicants must also achieve in Mathematics and English a minimum Standard Grade 2 or GCSE B grade or equivalent if they are not part of the IB diploma.
Those studying English at Standard Level must obtain Grade 5.
Mathematics Studies will be accepted instead of Mathematics at Standard Level.
Applicants are expected to have achieved AAAAB by the end of S5, including Chemistry and two from Biology (or Human Biology), Mathematics or Physics. Those who meet the grade requirements in S5 but are missing one or more sciences may take the subjects missing in S6.
Applicants should study at least two subjects at Advanced Higher level as well as a Higher in S6 and should achieve a minimum of BBB. Ideally, applicants should study Chemistry and Biology.
Applicants are required to sit the UKCAT which can be sat between June and September. This exam is valid for the year of application only.
The university only accepts 2 Access courses:
Applicants must be predicted distinction grades as well as achieving one of the following academic requirements:
Shortlisted Access applicants will be interviewed. The interview will follow the MMI (multiple mini interview) format, consisting of three 10 minute rotations which will cover:
Before the interview starts, applicants are given 20 minutes for preparation.
The Cambridge Pre-U can be used as an alternative to A levels. Three D3 grades are expected in the Principle Subjects which should include Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics.
The BTEC is not accepted.
The university supports LEAPS, REACH and the ‘Pathways to the Professions’ Initiative as well as the University’s contextual admissions policy.
There are 15 spaces for international students on this programme. If English is not your first language, the following qualifications may be offered as proof of proficiency:
If you are applying as an overseas student and taken qualifications other than those listed above, please contact us by email ([email protected]) if you would like more information on the minimum grades needed to be considered for a place in Medicine at Edinburgh.
The university accepts re-applicants.
The university accepts applicants wishing to defer their entry. However, applying for deferred entry is not encouraged for international applicants where there are only limited places.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Applications via UCAS for 2018/19 entry are open from 1st September 2017 and close on 15th October 2017.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
SELECTION PROCESS
Each application will be assessed and scored independently by two selectors who will consider academic results, non-academic qualities and the UKCAT score. The breakdown is as follows:
The university considers both the total UKCAT score and the SJT section score. The total UKCAT result of each applicant is taken and ranked. The cohort will then be divided into octiles and subsequently be allocated a score. The banding rewarded in the SJT section will be scored as part of the non-academic criteria. The final score is totalled, and applicants with the highest score will receive an offer of a place. The UKCAT score may again be reviewed when final decisions are being made regarding offers, if there are a number of applicants with the same ranked score.
INTERVIEW
For undergraduate applicants, there is no interview, unless they are a mature student who have completed an Access course.
In 2016, there were 2097 Home/EU undergraduate and graduate applicants, of which 386 were given offers. There were 432 overseas undergraduate and graduate applicants of which 41 were given offers.
In the Guardian University Guide 2018– Medicine at the University of Edinburgh ranks 10th.
In the Complete University Guide 2018 – Medicine at the University of Edinburgh ranks 5th.
In the QS World University Rankings 2017, the University of Edinburgh ranks 23rd.
The recent change in the curriculum means that the University of Edinburgh will be the first medical school in Scotland which offers a 6-year programme. In the first and second year, students study the human body system by system through problem-based learning. This approach allows students to integrate biomedical principles with anatomy and physiology in a clinical context. During this time, teaching is also supplemented with student selected modules and community attachments. In the third year, all students undertake an intercalated honours year which is spent completing a research project. Research projects are undertaken from a wide range of possible programmes from cell biology to zoology. Upon completion of the third year, students are awarded a Bachelor of Medical Sciences – BMedSci (Hons).
In the final year of the course, students spend most of their time on clinical placement. The course is still taught system by system however teaching is predominantly delivered through bedside teaching on placement. At the end of year six, students have a 6-week elective with many students opting to split their elective time between a developed country and a developing country, or working for a charitable organisation. There is also a 6-week Foundation assistantship, ensuring that the transition from final year medical student to first year doctor goes as smoothly as possible.
Applicants must have achieved or be predicted a 1st or 2:1 honours degree. They are expected to have a strong scientific background evidenced from either the degree or school leaver’s qualifications.
A/AS levels and GCSEsMinimum achieved at one sitting: A Levels: BBB. There are no GCSE requirements.
Scottish Highers:At least BBBB in S5.
IB:34 points overall with 5,5, 6 at HL.
Admissions ExamApplicants are required to sit the UKCAT which can be sat between June and September. This exam is valid for the year of application only.
Access to Medicine courses:The university only accepts 2 Access courses, which graduates may use to support their application (the degree requirement for a 2:1 remains):
International applicants will be scored in the same way as UK and EU applicants and therefore will need to apply through UCAS. Graduate international applicants will not be required to attend an interview. There are 15 spaces in total for international students on this programme. If English is not your first language, the following qualifications may be offered as proof of proficiency:
If you are applying as an overseas student and taken qualifications other than those listed above, please contact us by email ([email protected]) if you would like more information on the minimum grades needed to be considered for a place in Medicine at Edinburgh.
Policy on Re-applicantsThe university accepts re-applicants.
Policy on DeferralsThe university accepts applicants wishing to defer their entry. However, applying for deferred entry is not encouraged for international applicants where there are only limited places.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Applications via UCAS for 2018/19 entry are open from 1st September 2017 and close on 15th October 2017.
Application Documents
SELECTION PROCESS
To determine which candidates will progress to interview, each application will be assessed and scored independently by two selectors who will consider academic results, non-academic qualities and the UKCAT score. The breakdown is as follows:
The university considers both the total UKCAT score and the SJT section score. The total UKCAT result of each applicant is taken and ranked. The cohort will then be divided into octiles and subsequently be allocated a score. The banding rewarded in the SJT section will be scored as part of the non-academic criteria. The final score is totalled, and applicants with the highest scores will be shortlisted for interview. Applicants who are based in the UK or Republic of Ireland will be subsequently invited to interview; international applicants who are based overseas will be assessed purely on their application, and will not be required to attend an interview.
INTERVIEW
The interview will follow the MMI (multiple mini interview) format, consisting of three 10 minute rotations which will cover:
Before the interview starts, applicants are given 20 minutes for preparation.
Following the interview, the final score allocated will compose of:
In 2016, there were 401 graduate or mature student applicants of which 55 were interviewed and 20 were offered places.
In the Guardian University Guide 2018– Medicine at the University of Edinburgh ranks 10th.
In the Complete University Guide 2018 – Medicine at the University of Edinburgh ranks 5th.
In the QS World University Rankings 2017, the University of Edinburgh ranks 23rd.