Study Medicine in the UK

All about UCAT and BMAT

The BMAT and UCAT are two separate medical entrance tests that examine whether you have the ability to become successful in the medical field. Universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand rely on the UCAT test. The UCAT is divided into five different parts: Abstract Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Situational Judgment. The first four components are graded out of 900, while the Situational Judgment score ranges from 1 to 4, with 1 being the highest. A respectable score is around 2800 and a band 1 or 2 in SJ. UCAT scores are used as one of the entry requirements for more than 30 medical colleges and BMAT is required by 8 medical colleges in the United Kingdom. 

Cost of studying medicine in the UK

MBBS is a five-year bachelor's degree for people who desire to study medicine in the United Kingdom. There are approximately 40 medical schools that offer MBBS degrees to international students and the tution fees range from £23k to £52k GBP. However, the average tuition rate per year will be between $34,000 and $48,000. Some institutions charge only as much as $23,000 for the first few years, while costs for clinical years may go over $50,000.

Application deadline

The application deadline for any fall admission is October 15 of the previous year. The UCAT must be completed between July and September of that year. Applications can be made using the UCAS platform. Predicted grade for final years of study, prior year’s grades, UCAT score, personal statement, and recommendation letters will be required.

Licensing process to practice as a doctor post-MBBS in the UK

Students must complete two years of training as a doctor after finishing their undergraduate medical degree which is a salaried job. Final-year UK medical students or graduates can apply to the GMC for a provisional license. Before beginning Foundation Year 1 (F1), students must get a provisional license to begin practicing. UK medical schools will offer students with all necessary information and will be responsible for nominating students for the foundation program and in order to be eligible for the foundation program, students must pass the Situational Judgment Test (SJT). Students will receive a full medical license after completing F1. The 2 year foundation program comprises 6 different rotations or placements in medical or surgical fields.

Specialization process

Doctors can choose between training and non-training jobs after successfully completing foundation training. Specialization training in government-funded NHS hospitals and training programs administered by the NHS are types of training jobs. Each hospital has a limited number of seats available. Non-training positions may be available in trust hospitals, private hospitals, or NHS hospitals. The training is classified into 3  types:

• GP- GP is a three-year training program.
• Coupled- Coupled training is when doctors complete core training (CT1, 2, 3) before moving on to specialty training (ST 4-9). 
• Run Through- Specialty training (ST1-8), where doctors join the training program, is known as Run through Training. It includes several fields of medicine, such as neurosurgery. To properly finish the program, multiple exams (such as the MRCP, MRCS, FRCP, and FRCS) must be passed.

Doctors may be required to take examinations such as the MSRA (Multi Speciality Recruitment Assessment) in order to be considered for training positions. This exam is required for admission to many specialties and after completing the training, the GMC awards CCT (Certification of Completion of Training), and the Doctor is designated Consultant in that specific discipline. It is also worth noting that there are no expenses for specialty training because it is done while working.

Conclusion

Medicine needs students to devote for a long period of time, but it is the most respected and fulfilling profession. Studying medicine in the United Kingdom will provide you with a well planned progression to finish your undergraduate degree and then proceed to foundation training and specialty training. Medical Education Consultants at GoToUniversity have decades of experience assisting students in gaining admission to top medical schools in the UK, Europe, Australia, and the United States. We advise students on their long-term career goals and assist them in achieving them.