Attending any of the medical schools in London is for those who have the attitude and a die-hard spirit.
But, if you would pursue it for extraneous reasons, like, the returns or peer/parental pressure as some of my friends did, believe me, it more often turns out to be harrowing than pleasant.
This is because there is a whole lot to study, practice and progress all through your life, just like any other stream.
But it all boils down to who you are and what you love. Because, how much you love it, will determine the passion you have for it.
Medicine is vast and tremendously huge and you must get ready to be exposed to anxiety and stress if you don’t get yourself some breaks mentally.
There are so many things to learn, and clinical posting is often way too amazing.
In all, it is a beautiful journey coupled with lots of experiences and self-teaching happening all at once.
On the other hand, London is the headquarters of the United Kingdom. It is one of the oldest cities in the world.
London attracts anything between one and seven million visitors throughout the year. London attracts between one and seven million visitors throughout the year:
The Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Westminster Abbey, the Madame Tussaud Waxworks Collection, the Tower of London, the three South Kensington Museums (Natural History, Science, and Victoria and Albert) and the Tate Gallery are top tourist attractions in the region.
Read on to see the list of the best medical schools in London.
See also the tuition-free universities in Scotland for international students
Why study in London?
As a London medic, one would be widely searched after – London medical schools and their MBBS degrees are ranked among the greatest in the country.
The students would practice with professors on the leading edge of medical treatment.
As a student, you are going to learn in the city’s big teaching hospitals.
And, of course, you are going to study in the world’s largest city for students.
London has 5 medical schools which are ranked nationally out of which two of them are among the top 10 for medicine.
They often provide a student-centered education, early-stage clinical learning, and opportunities for elective positions abroad.
Check out: 5 Best Nursing schools in Norway: Costs & Authorization
Medical School Overview
Getting a medicine degree is perfect for anyone wanting to go to be a general practitioner, nurse or surgeon.
People’s health is a key component of our society and so you will be learning everything there is to know about medical practice.
Over the course of your medical degree, you will cover a plethora of topics to enhance your clinical and practical skills.
Anatomy, surgery, nutrition, and biological science are just some of the exciting and engaging areas you will explore.
By the end of your course in any of the medical schools in London, you will have all the knowledge needed to be able to diagnose and treat diseases, preparing you for work in nursing, surgery, neurology, cardiology and so much more.
From your first year to your residency years, here is a brief overview of what to expect in and out of the medical schools in London.
Year one & Two: A mixture of classroom and Lab time. It involves the basic Sciences, interviewing & examining a patient as well as taking some examinations, depending on any of the medical schools in London of your choice.
Year Three & Four: The Clinical Experience- it involves rotations at hospitals and clinics affiliated with the school and passing some examinations.
After Med School: Residency- this category includes passing the board exam and doing 3 to 7 years as a resident in a teaching hospital.
Check out:
List of the best Medical Universities in London
Below is a list of the medical schools in London for international students and domestic students.
- London Imperial College
- London University College (UCL)
- London King’s College
- Queen Mary University, London
- St. George’s, London University
# London Imperial College
The QS World University Rankings 2016-2017 ranked Imperial College London as the 7th best university in the world.
It is one of the medical schools in London with an outstanding teaching hospital. Their faculty of medicine is known to be one of the biggest medical schools in the whole of Europe.
It has about 1500 researchers and teaching personnel. There are over 4000 students.
Interestingly they are ranked fourth in the world in the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2020.
London Imperial College is one of the most famous medical universities in London.
Imperial is one of the most international universities in the world, with 59% of its student body in 2019-20 being non-UK citizens and more than 140 countries are currently represented on campus.
Meanwhile, the College’s staff, like their students, are diverse in their cultural backgrounds, nationalities, and experiences.
# London University College (UCL)
UCL is a top-ranked university with life-changing research and a progressive approach to academia, making it different from the rest.
They are probably the most central with their University college hospital located right in the heart of Bloomsbury.
At UCL, postgraduate students learn by doing—shaping the world around them with a hands-on approach.
It is one of the medical schools in London with innovators, industry disrupters, thinkers and magic-makers who choose UCL to jump right into studies across hundreds of programs.
UCL is 10th in the world in the “QS World University Rankings 2020.”
There have been 30 Nobel laureates among its former staff and students; a winner in every decade since the Prize started.
They were the first university to welcome women to university education and there are about 18,000 students from outside the UK, with over 150 countries represented, providing a truly global perspective.
# London King’s College
London King’s College is the main center for the preparation of healthcare professionals in Europe. It is one of the medical schools in London with over 80 undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine is distributed over four London campuses and is one of the biggest and most respected studies and education centers in the United Kingdom.
Kings College London is officially ranked 21st in the world. King’s is one of the world’s leading academic universities and, with a capacity of more than 5,000 students, the biggest health education center in Europe.
Their Centre for Doctoral Studies helps secure funding for students interested in postgraduate research by providing advice on and administering a range of funding opportunities, scholarships, and studentships.
Please contact the Student Funding Office for guidance.
# Queen Mary University, London
The state-of-the-art facilities and world-class science render Queen Mary University of London a common option for anyone that seeks to go study medicine.
It is also one of the top medical colleges in the UK.
Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry were members of the Queen Mary University of London, whose history can be traced back to England’s first medical school which dates back to 1785.
This university is one of the medical schools in London with a rich past!
It has risen to become one of the country’s leading medical schools with some 2,300 students.
Home to one of the country’s largest medical and dental colleges, Queen Mary delivers small community instruction and high-tech services in London City and East London.
Campus-based medical school is well-rated for its study and patient retention.
Teaching takes place at the Royal London, St Bartholomew’s (Bart’s), and the current St George’s campus in Ilford, East London.
There are two medicine courses available to undergraduates, including one that has a year within the industry.
The courses focus on small group learning and students have access to high-tech facilities, such as the Blizard building, and many libraries.
There is also a clinical and communication center for developing clinical skills.
Also, Queen Mary University is ranked fifth in the UK for the quality of research outputs (REF 2014), Medicine, Dentistry, Linguistics, Film Studies, Engineering, and Drama are ranked among the top in the country and internationally.
# St. George’s, London University
This is one of the medical schools in London that is clinically focused and patient-centered.
Their five-year undergraduate degree will equip you with essential knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes to practice medicine competently and professionally
On successful completion, you’ll be granted the primary medical qualification – the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) – eligible to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) and begin its Foundation Programme.
What makes the university special is its focus on health sciences and medicine as they strive to bring an innovative and collaborative approach to the industry.
Established in 1752, St George’s, University of London is the UK’s specialist health university, and we are the only UK university to share our campus with a major teaching hospital, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is both on the clinical frontline for a diverse local community and a center of excellence for specialist conditions.
You’ll study in a clinical setting with like-minded individuals, mixing with the many different healthcare professionals you will go on to work alongside throughout your career.
They are ranked 37th in Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom.
Check out: 5 Top Medical schools in Scotland( tuition & requirements)
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the frequently asked questions by students who plan to attend medical schools in London.
What career can I get with a medical degree?
After any of the medical schools in London, here are some career options for you:
- Anaesthetist;
- Children’s nurse;
- Paramedic;
- Surgeon;
- Research scientist;
- Clinical radiologist;
- Medical sales representative;
- Lecturer;
- Science writer.
what are the steps to getting into a med school?
Below are some of the steps to take before applying to any of the medical schools in London.
Find out which Med Schools you should apply to
Shortlisting the right list of Medical Schools in London is one of the secrets of getting into Medicine.
You need to find out where you have the best chance of being accepted and understand what they’re looking for.
Build your medical experience
You’ll need to build your experience to stand out – but the second secret of getting into Med School is that universities only really care about how you reflect on this experience.
Make sure you score highly on your admission tests such as UCAT and BMAT
In this session, it is important you know that different schools have their preferable admission tests. Make sure you find out what tests you need to take from the school which you have chosen.
Did you know that many universities will judge you on your UCAT score alone?
It’s never been harder to stand out with your application – and scoring highly in the UCAT is another secret to getting into Med School! UCAT is accepted in most medical schools in London.
Other UK admission tests include:
BMAT
This is another entrance exam, called by seven medical schools in London. Students should register themselves to take this test after sending their application through UCAS.
GAMSAT
This is a common medical entrance exam, used for different medicine courses, inclusive of MBBS.
However, this is not merely enough to get qualified for MBBS in UK.
Find out if you need one or a combination of two.
Write a compelling Personal Statement
Writing a compelling Personal Statement is crucial.
You need to show why you’re motivated to study Medicine, how you’ve explored this career and the ways in which you’re suited to it.
The secret is that if you get this right, you’ll have a great base for your interviews down the line.
Prepare to stand out in interviews
Impressing at your interview is your best chance of getting into Medical School.
The secret is that you should prepare for interviews before you even get an invite!
That’s because universities may not give you much notice, so you need to be ready before you hear back.
what are the medical school in London entry requirements?
In terms of requirements to get into any of the top medical schools in London, the following will be considered:
- Academic requirements
- Your personal statement
- The Universities Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
- Graduate and mature student information
- Access Courses
GCSE requirement:
For some of the medical schools in London, a minimum grade of 5 in English and Maths is required.
or a minimum grade B (grade 6 on a numerical scale) in English, Mathematics
or a minimum of five A grades (grade 7 on the numerical scale).
A Level requirements
Most of the medical schools in London prefer applicants with AAA in Chemistry and one other from Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.
UCAT requirement
There is no threshold cut-off score. Applicants who meet the academic requirements are ranked on the basis of their global UCAT score.
Those ranked in the top 400 will be given an interview.
What is the first two years of medical school like?
The first two years of medical school are a mixture of classroom and lab time. Students take classes in basic sciences, such as anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, and pharmacology.
You will also learn the basics of interviewing and examining a patient.
Traditionally, students take four or five courses in various disciplines at the same time.
However, some medical schools in London focus on a single subject for a shorter block of time—say, three or four weeks—then move on to another.
Other medical schools in London take an interdisciplinary approach to pre-clinical coursework, in which each class focuses on a single organ, examining all the anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and behaviour relevant to that system.
At the end of the second year in the medical schools in London, you will most likely take an examination.
What will my clinical experience-Years 3 and 4 be like?
Third and fourth-year medical students do rotations at hospitals and clinics affiliated with their school, culminating with taking some examinations as well.
Students doing rotations assist residents in a particular specialty such as surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine or psychiatry.
During this time, you’ll probably feel like a cross between a mindless grunt and a skilled apprentice.
You’ll interact with patients and perform basic medical procedures along with any tasks the resident doesn’t want to do.
While some rotations, such as Internal Medicine, are required in all programs, others have more unique clerkship requirements.
The length of time you spend in a rotation depends on the hospital’s focus or strength.
At some medical schools in London, the surgery rotation is three weeks long; at others, it is three months. The character of the hospital will also color your experience.
If the setting is urban, you can expect increased experience with trauma, emergency medicine, or infectious disease, as well as exposure to a diverse patient population.
Clinical rotations will not give you enough expertise to practice in any specialty (that’s what a residency is for). They will give you a breadth of knowledge and help you consider potential career paths.
Patient care vs. research
You can train to be a primary care doctor at any of the medical schools in London.
But programs that emphasize primary care tend to include more patient contact, coursework in patient handling, and longer clinical rotations in general fields.
Many are actively involved in the surrounding communities, offering volunteer opportunities in the clinical care of indigent populations.
If you’re looking to pursue a career in academic medicine or biomedical research, you should look for medical schools in London with strong research programs.
You will not have the same opportunities, facilities, mentors or funding at a school focused on training primary care physicians.
Combined Degrees
If you want to complement your MD with advanced coursework in another discipline, some schools—especially those affiliated with a larger university—allow students to register for classes in other departments. Many also offer combined degree programs.
After Med School
Med students who make it through all four years (and don’t worry, most do) will be the proud owner of an MD.
But your education doesn’t end there. You still need to pass the board exam and spend between three and seven years as a resident in a teaching hospital.
How long is medical school?
Medical school takes 4 years to complete, but to become a doctor you’ll also spend between 3–7 years in residency.
what are some tips to start preparing for life as a medical student?
If you are moving out of home or shifting to another part of the country to attend any of the medical schools in London, use all the resources on offer from your university.
This includes sorting out your accommodation, attending any pre-course events and getting settled into your new life as a medical student.
It’s also worth looking through all the student finance options in any of the medical schools, and do your research on bursaries, loans, and grants on offer that can help you out during your studies.
Most of all, enjoy your success and look forward to starting your journey to becoming a doctor.
what are some tips for my personal statement?
The most important part of writing your personal statement is not to rush it.
Find out the deadlines, apply as early as possible and give yourself plenty of time to get your application ready.
Most medical schools in London want to know not just about your grades, but about you as a person.
Talk about all the things you’ve achieved in your life: personal interests, hobbies, sports achievements, academic prizes, projects you’ve worked on, and social groups you’ve been a part of.
How much do medical schools in London Cost?
Undergraduate tuition fees charged by the leading medical schools in London range from $13000 to $50000. It costs even for other medical degrees.
What is the average living cost for medical students in London?
You should expect to spend between 9,000-14000£/Year. however, it all depends on the individual and his or her way of life.
Are you an international student?
prepare the following documents and ensure you apply before the 1st of September.
- Original birth certificate;
- Copy of a valid passport;
- NEET Score card;
- CV (if required);
- Statement of Purpose;
- Reference letter(s);
- Certificate of English proficiency test – IELTS/TOEFL/C1 Advanced;
- Financial Documents as Proof of financial ability;
- Academic transcription or proof of your previous academic;
- Transfer certificate;
- Photocopy of IELTS/UKCAT/BMAT scores;
- A personal statement that illustrates why you’re coming to the UK;
- Copy of your previous visa (if you have one).
Conclusion:
Medical schools in London are generally oversubscribed, which means competition for a place is tough. If you miss out, it is important to consider your options.
Ask your teachers and career advisors for help in figuring out what your options are in higher education based on your grades and subjects studied.
There may be a career out there that is just as rewarding and interesting within the medical profession, that is the right fit for you and your skills.
Don’t be afraid to approach any of the medical schools in London to which you applied and ask for constructive feedback.
Review your personal statement, continue to get work experience to give extra support to your application and look at alternative medical schools to the ones you originally applied to.