The Best Medical Schools in the UK

The UK is one of the world’s most popular destinations for students looking to study medicine, offering enormous opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals. UK medical schools immerse students in a vigorous learning atmosphere, from cutting-edge research facilities to innovative teaching methodologies. Emphasising practical experiences, problem-based learning, and inter-professional collaboration, these universities ensure a holistic development that extends beyond traditional classroom boundaries.

If you want to study at a medical school in the UK, apply with SI-UK London today by arranging your free consultation. We have helped hundreds of international students be successfully accepted into UK medical schools, and you can be next.

The Best UK Universities for Medicine

Below is the list of the top ten best universities in the UK for medicine, according to the Guardian University Guide 2024.

1. University of Aberdeen

Ranked amongst the best medical universities in the UK, the study of medicine at the University of Aberdeen is modern and dynamic, delivered through a system-based, integrated approach where student feedback is highly valued. Students can study medicine at one of the largest clinical sites in Europe, with outstanding teaching and extensive research facilities.

International students studying medicine at the University of Aberdeen can look forward to a memorable and enjoyable Scottish university experience. Aberdeen is currently ranked 158th in the world and 22nd in the UK and is one of three Scottish universities within the world's top 200.

• Suggested course: Medicine, MBChB
• Entry requirements: A Levels: 3 A Levels at AAA. Chemistry is required, plus one from Biology, Mathematics or Physics, and one other subject. International Baccalaureate: Minimum of 36 points, including at least 3 HL at 6 and 3 SL with an average of 6.
• International fees: £50,100
• Learn more about University of Aberdeen Medicine Courses

2. University of Cambridge

The School of Clinical Medicine at the University of Cambridge is considered one of best universities in the world for the study of medicine and offers three distinctive pathways to graduation:

Suppose you’re a graduate wanting to study Medicine. You can apply for the Standard Course in Medicine (A100) if you don't have a degree. In that case, you can apply as an affiliated student (taking the pre-clinical component of the Standard Course in Medicine (A100) in two years instead of the usual three) or apply to the accelerated Graduate Course in Medicine (A101). The first three years involve lectures, practical classes and supervision. Cambridge is one of the best universities in the UK, and its reputation globally is almost unrivalled.

• Suggested course: MB, BChir Medicine
• Entry requirements: A Level: A*A*A. IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
• International fees: £67,194
• Learn more about University of Cambridge Medicine Courses

3. University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews School of Medicine trains tomorrow's doctors via its leading BSc Honours degree and ScotGEM programmes. Building on St Andrews's expertise in dentistry, pharmacy and nursing, teaching is informed by the world-leading research produced at the University. Students can expect a supportive but academically challenging student culture to thrive in.

• Suggested course: Medicine BSc (Hons)
• Entry requirements: SQA Highers: BBBB to AAAAB. A-Level: ABB to A*A*A. International Baccalaureate (IB): 36 (HL 6,5,5) to 38 (HL 6,6,6 plus SL 6,6,6).
• International fees: £36,990
• Learn more about University of St Andrews Medicine Courses

4. Swansea University

The medical pharmacology course at Swansea University covers a range of topics like toxicology, genetics, neuroscience, and drug development. Students acquire analytical and project management skills, learning to design experiments. Following the British Pharmacological Society's guidance, the curriculum offers a mix of compulsory and optional modules, allowing customisation. 

Students can access cutting-edge facilities to enhance their learning experience. Yearly progression involves choosing employability strands, and in the final year, an independent research project complements specialised studies in drug development, cancer pharmacology, reproductive biology, and nanotoxicology.

• Suggested course: Medical Pharmacology, BSc (Hons)
• Entry requirements: IB: Minimum overall score of 33. Higher Level Chemistry is essential, plus one other STEM subject* both in Grade 6 and above.
• International fees: £ 21,650
• Learn more about Swansea University Medicine Courses

5. University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh Medical School is the top university for medicine in the UK and provides an excellent research and learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities. Edinburgh has a rich academic history spanning nearly 300 years, and medicine study at the School has been consistently ranked at the top by various national and international league tables.

The six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) degree will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to become a Foundation Year 1 doctor.

• Suggested course: MBChB Medicine
• Entry requirements: SQA Highers: AAAAA by end of S5 and BB at Advanced Higher in S6. A Levels: A*AA. IB: 40 points with 766 at HL (7 in Chemistry).
• International fees: Preclinical years 1, 2 and 3: £37,500, Clinical years 4, 5 and 6: £51,000. Direct entry to year 4: £51,000
• Learn more about University of Edinburgh Medicine Courses

6. Keele University

Keele's Medicine programme adopts a modern, integrated curriculum with early clinical exposure, communication skills, dissection, problem-based learning, and inter-professional collaboration. The spiral structure incorporates lectures, seminars, and practical activities, promoting holistic development. Keele’s Medical Student Council ensures a responsive approach to curriculum enhancement. 

Key content areas encompass professional ethics, patient safety, diagnostics, prescribing, healthcare systems, and health promotion, providing students with a comprehensive foundation to graduate as proficient clinicians.

• Suggested course: Medicine - MBChB
• Entry requirements: A Level grades A*AA, AAA + EPQ grade A, or its international equivalent.
• International fees: £41,000
• Learn more about Keele University Medicine Courses

7. Imperial College London

Imperial College London combines proven, traditional methods with the latest innovations in teaching and research. The School scored a 96% overall satisfaction rate in the most recent National Student Survey, as it provides specific and innovative courses to prepare students for an ever-changing world of healthcare.

Students at Imperial are engaged in clinical practice right from the start of their courses, getting access to excellent opportunities for professional development.

• Suggested course: MBBS/BSc Medicine
• Entry requirements: AAA - A*AA (A* in Biology or Chemistry). IB: 38 points To include: 6 in Biology at higher level 6 in Chemistry at higher level
• International fees: £53,700
• Learn more about Imperial College London Medicine Courses

8. University of Oxford

The BA Medicine at Oxford University comprises two main segments: the initial five terms encompass the First BM, delving into foundational medical science and clinical challenges. This stage introduces bodily systems, their health, dysfunction, and disease principles, fostering inquiry and clinical understanding. The subsequent four-term BA Honours phase focuses on Medical Sciences, where students specialise in selected biomedical areas. The course structure includes examinations, patient interaction, and a variety of assessments, culminating in options, essays, and a research project in Medical Sciences.

• Suggested course: BA/BM BCh Medicine
• Entry requirements: 2:1 undergraduate degree in any subject, or merit in an integrated master’s degree in any subject, or 2:2 undergraduate degree AND a pass in a postgraduate higher degree (master's or PhD) in any subject.
• International fees: £43,670
• Learn more about University of Oxford Medicine

9. University of Glasgow

The School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing at the University of Glasgow stands out for its innovative teaching methods and top-notch facilities, catering to both undergraduates and postgraduates. It boasts one of Europe's largest and most esteemed undergraduate medical schools, featuring a unique problem-based learning curriculum. As the UK's second-largest dental school, it offers comprehensive facilities for patient care, research, and training. 

The Nursing & Health Care School focuses on producing grounded graduate nurses and excels in education and patient-centred research.

• Suggested course: Medicine MBChB
• Entry requirements: SQA Higher: AAAAA Higher at the end of S5 + BB Advanced Higher. IB Standard Entry Requirements: 38 (6,6,6 HL).
• International fees: ££56,520
• Learn more about University of Glasgow Medicine Courses

10. Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is a collaborative endeavour between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, alongside NHS entities in the South East region. This joint effort is mirrored in governance, granting students joint BM BS degrees from both universities. BSMS prioritises outcomes for graduates, advocating for multi-professional medical education and upholding the highest teaching, clinical practice, and research standards.

• Suggested course: Medicine - MBChB
• Entry requirements: A-level grades A*AA or AAA + EPQ grade A. Any science A-Level (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) completed in England from 2017 must include a pass in the practical endorsement.
• International fees: £42,000
• Learn more about Brighton and Sussex Medical School Medicine Courses

Study Medicine in the UK

Are you interested in studying in the UK? Begin your UK study journey by arranging a free consultation at SI-UK London today.