Top Medical Colleges in UK: Courses, Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships and Scope

Top medical colleges in UK are a perfect deal for those aiming for a successful career in the medical field. Regardless of the university or the program you pick in the medical domain, the degree will open numerous doors in your future career as a doctor. The University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and UCL University are ranked among the top 10 medicine colleges in UK as per QS Rankings 2022. The number of students in the top medical colleges in UK has increased by 9% this year. There has been a 10% rise in the number of international applicants coming to study in UK for pursuing medicine. 

  • As per reports, the vast majority of medicine graduates, around 99%, are medical practitioners in UK.
  • For the international students, the average cost of a medicine degree in bachelor’s courses is 38,000 GBP , for masters it is 30,000 GBP and for doctoral it is 25,000 to 30,000 GBP per year.
  • All universities in UK offering medical programs provide varieties of awards and bursaries for students seeking financial support for their studies.
  • An individual working in the medical field earns an average salary of 166,000 GBP.
  • The job titles related to the medicine course are Cardiac Technician, Clinical Scientist, Dental Technician, Physician, Physical Therapist, etc.
  • Companies hiring medical graduates in the UK are TPP, Chase People, The Dunhill Medical Trust, Globe Locums, etc. 
  • Around 21,000 applicants compete for 8,000 medical seats throughout the UK and the success rate is around 40%. It takes around 10 years for a graduate to become a consultant in a hospital specialty.

Universities if the UK offers both preclinical and medical degrees in a pleasant multicultural environment and enhanced quality of research.

Top Medical Colleges in UK

UK universities are known for their academic excellence which provides quality research, internationally recognized programs, and a pleasant study environment. The medical colleges in the UK have modern development of medicines and the establishment of specialized fields for any particular medical course.

These are the top medical colleges in the UK as per QS Rankings 2022:

Universities QS Subject Ranking 2022 Programs offered
University of Oxford 2 2 Bachelors, 14 Masters, 13 doctoral.
University of Cambridge 3 2 Bachelors, 12 Masters, 6 doctoral
UCL 8 4 Bachelors, 18 Masters, 7 doctoral
University of Edinburgh 16 2 Bachelors, 1 Master, 1 doctoral
The University of Manchester 27 2 Bachelors, 3 Masters, 8 doctoral
Cardiff University 151 5 Bachelors, 1 Master, 1 doctoral
Queen’s University Belfast 216 1 Bachelor, 3 Masters, 3 doctoral
University of Leicester 236 2 Bachelors, 2 Masters, 1 doctoral
Swansea University 440 3 Bachelors, 1 Master, 9 doctoral

Medical Colleges in UK – Specializations and Degree Offered

One has the option to study different types of Medical degrees in UK:

  • 2-year degree in pre-clinical training
  • 3-year degree at a specialized school or teaching hospital
  • 6-year degree apart from the one mentioned above

The medical graduates can move into sixty different specializations in the medicine domain namely Anaesthetics, Radiology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, etc. It can also be said that there is no shortage of opportunity depending on what area you wish to specialize in. 

The table below shows the specialization courses offered by medical colleges in the UK.

Anesthesia Clinical oncology
Clinical Radiology Emergency medicine
General Practice Intensive care medicine
Cardiology Dermatology
Medical oncology Nuclear Medicine
Gynecology and obstetrics Ophthalmology
Pediatrics Pathology
Psychiatry Public Health
Surgery Neurology

The following medical degrees are available to study in UK:

  • Undergraduate degree – Bachelor in Medicine, MBBS
  • Graduate degree – MSc in Medical Education, MSc in Psychiatry, MSc in Clinical Dermatology, MSc in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, MSc in Genomic Medicine, MSc in Nanomedicine, Master in Medicine, MSc in Molecular Medicine, MSc in Experimental Medicine, MSc in Cancer Medicine, PG Certificate in Medical Education, PG Diploma in Genomic Medicine.
  • Doctoral degree – Ph.D. in Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy in Psychological Medicine, Ph.D. in Medical Informatics, Medical Science by Research.

As Medical degree in the UK is quite competitive, there are certain entry requirements, interview procedure and additional test to be taken like:

  • The University Clinical Aptitude Test
  • The BioMedical Admission Test

Medical Colleges in UK offering Undergraduate Degree

A bachelors degree in medicine is of five-six years duration and is the first step for students passionate about a career in healthcare fields. The students pursuing the bachelor’s degree combine the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to become a future doctor.

The table below shows the top medical colleges in UK offering bachelor’s program:

University Program Offered Course Duration Annual Fees (GBP)
University of Leeds Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery 5 years 34500
Lancaster University Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery 5 years 34700
Oxford University Bachelor of Medicine 6 years 34025
University of Liverpool Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery 5 years 34550
University of Newcastle Medicine and Surgery 5 years 33600

MBBS in UK

The UK is well known for its excellent medical education across the globe. Studying MBBS in the UK gives the students a successful career in the field of medicine. The average cost required to pursue MBBS in the UK is around 18,000 GBP per year. 

The admission tests required to pursue MBBS in the UK are:

  • UKCAT - UK Clinical Aptitude Test conducted by the UK medical universities to offer admission to the candidates. 
  • BMAT - Biomedical Admission Test which is an entrance exam conducted by 7 medical schools of the UK. 
  • GAMSAT - Common entrance exam applicable for all medical courses including MBBS. 

The career available for the students after MBBS degree are Cardiology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, etc.

Medical Colleges in UK: Eligibility for UG

The Bachelor’s degree in medicine has been developed in such a way so that the student can have a full understanding of that course. In the UK, the average amount of time needed to complete a bachelor’s degree is five years but in some universities, it could take six years too.

Below are the standardized exams to study in UK required for admission to the medical programs. 

  • A minimum of 85% aggregate required in 12th level.
  • BMAT (Biomedical Aptitude Test) or UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test).
  • Proof of English proficiency
    • IELTS – 7.0
    • TOEFL – 100
    • PTE – 69
  • 10th and 12th certificates and should be from science domain background

Documents Required

  • 10th and 12th graduation certificates.
  • A valid passport
  • A health cover for international students.
  • Provide a strong personal statement

Medical Colleges in UK: UG Fees and Funding 

British universities are known for having higher tuition fees along with superb quality education. Tuition fees are higher at most reputed medical colleges in the UK. The average tuition fees for studying an undergraduate medical degree in the UK is around 30,000 GBP to 40,000 GBP per year. The fact is that UK tuition fees increased steadily in recent years for domestic and international students. 

There are many scholarships for international students to bear the cost of education. Depending on nationality, international students are eligible for loans or other awards.

Medical Colleges in UK offering Postgraduate Degree

A master’s degree in medicine and healthcare helps you to decide if you want to pursue a future career as a doctor. To do a master’s degree in this domain, you need to have an undergraduate degree in medicine or in any related field. This degree is typically around four years of duration but in some universities, it can be 1 or 2 years.

MD Medicine is a one or two-year postgraduate research degree that studies medicine in detail. This is one of the specialties under the medical stream that teaches and prepares future doctors. Students pursuing this course can study the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. 

Below is the table showing some of the universities offering this degree in the UK.

University Program Offered Course Duration Annual Fees (GBP)
University of Exeter MSc in Clinical Education 1 year 18000
University of Glasgow MSc in Precision Medicine 1 year 21920
Cardiff University MSc in Medical Education 1 year 17450
University of Sussex MSc in Cardiology 1 year 15156
King’s College London MSc in Genomic Medicine 1 year 21500
University of Hull MD in Medical Sciences 2-4 years 34,950

Medical Colleges in UK: Eligibility for PG

To pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK, you need to have an undergraduate degree. You will also have to demonstrate your interest in medicine and explain why you want to study in this field.

Applicants are welcomed for pursuing Masters's courses who have taken a five years degree from a recognized university. Along with that good academic grades are required for pursuing that subject. The requirement for pursuing a master in medicine in the UK are as follows:-

  • Average of 70% -75% is required for a Bachelor’s degree.
  • 5 years Bachelor’s degree in a related field. 
  • Proof of English language proficiency-
    • IELTS -7.0
    • TOEFL – 109
    • PTE - 75

Documents Required

  • A valid passport
  • Certificate of Bachelor’s degree
  • CV (if applicable)
  • Certificate of English Proficiency
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letter of Recommendation

Medical Colleges in UK: PG Fees and Funding 

Masters programs in UK often cost less than the undergraduate programs. This is because each program has different lengths and depends upon the course you’re attending. The average tuition fees required to pursue a master program at a top medical college in UK range from 18,000 GBP to 35,000 GBP per year. Though all universities charge higher prices but some of them may be lower at a certain limit to match affordability.

There are a few graduate scholarships or awards in UK offered by the universities to waive the tuition fees for the international students. The international students are charged with a higher tuition fees of over 50,000 GBP and the UK government supports the cost by awarding numerous scholarships. 

Top Medical Colleges in UK offering PG Diploma Courses

A Postgraduate Diploma Course in medicine is one year to two years of duration. Below are the universities showing the PG diploma and Certificate Courses offered by medical colleges in UK.

University Program Offered Course Duration Annual Fees (GBP)
University of Sussex PG Diploma in Internal Medicine 1 year 10,104
University of Cambridge PG Diploma in Medical Education 1 year 6,000
University of Swansea PG Diploma in Medical Education 2 years 7,900
University of Manchester PG Certificate in Emergency Medicine 1 year 4,800
University of Sussex PG Certificate in Internal Education 1 year 5,052

Top Medical Colleges in UK offering Doctoral Program

The medical schools of the UK provide quality research, internationally recognized programs and a multicultural study environment. That’s why studying at one of best medical schools in the UK is a great place to start.

Below is the list of some universities in the UK providing doctoral degrees in medicine. 

University Program Offered Course Duration Annual Fees (GBP)
University of Manchester PhD in Medicine 3-4 years 24,000
Oxford University DPhil in Clinical Medicine 3-4 years 26,405
University of Bristol PhD in Digital Health and Care 4 years 23,200
University of Liverpool PhD in Cancer Medicine 2-4 years 23,650

Medical Colleges in UK: Eligibility for Ph.D.

As a doctoral student of Medicine, you will carry out research in a single laboratory for 4 years full-time. The students are required to have successfully completed an undergraduate degree and sometimes a master’s degree in order to apply for a Ph.D. Each university and course has different entry requirements while applying for a particular course.

  • At least two years’ experience in medical practice after graduating.
  • Bachelor’s degree (same as your medical qualification)
  • A relevant Master’s degree with 60% aggregate.
  • Proof of English language proficiency
    • IELTS – 6.5
    • TOEFL - 100
    • PTE - 66
  • GMAT or GRE may or may not be needed.

Documents Required

  • Proof of English Language Proficiency 
  • Evidence of a prior interest in the area of research is likely to advantage your application.
  • Research experience and track record showing an interest in research is an advantage.
  • A professional bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from a recognized institution.
  • Official transcript is also required.
  • A valid passport 

Medical Colleges in UK: Ph.D. Fees and Funding

The program fees cover your teaching as well as other academic facilities to support your studies. The fees will cover the cost of study at university, as well as charges for registration, tuition, etc. The average tuition fees required to pursue a doctoral degree in medicine in the UK is 20,000 to 40,000 GBP.

Many universities in the UK offer scholarships for full or part-time international Ph.D. students. The UK government has confirmed that doctoral loans will be available for studying PhDs and equivalent doctoral programs. The loan amount will be a maximum of 25,000 GBP for the course duration.

Scholarships by Medical Colleges in UK

The UK has some of the highest-ranked institutions in the world, but this can come at a price. However, if you plan well in advance, you can apply to a range of scholarships offered by UK universities and colleges. Many awards and bursaries are also offered by the government and other private and public establishments.

Below are the scholarships for international students in UK to pursue a medical course.

Scholarships Offered to Award Values(GBP)
International Scholarships Undergraduate degree 1200
King’s College London Master degree 10000
Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses 1500 to 5000 tuition fee awards
International Postgraduate Scholarships Postgraduate degree 2500 
Inspiring success scholarship Postgraduate degree 100% off tuition fees
South Asia scholarship PhD degree 2000 to 3000 tuition fees off
Bristol University Think Big Scholarship Undergraduate degree 5000 to 10000 tuition fees off
Clarendon Fund Scholarships at Oxford University PhD degree 15000
Gates Cambridge Scholarship for International Students PhD degree 17500

Medical Colleges in UK: Scope and Prospects

Medical graduates are expected to have a secure career with significant financial rewards. Within medical careers, you’ll find a large number of salary variations, depending on the medical specializations you choose. A person working in the Medical in the UK earns an average salary of 30,000 GBP to 101,000 GBP. 

Below are the job opportunities in UK for a medical student with annual salaries.

Designation Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Neurologist 423,000
Clinical Therapist 219,000
General Surgeon 204,000
Medical Director 186,000
General Medical Practitioner 267,000
Medical Office Assistant 90,400
Pediatrician 339,000
General Physician 290,000
Surgeon Orthopedic 584,000

Do I need a license to work in India after a medical degree from UK?

According to the Medical Council of India(MCI), Indian students with an international medical degree in medicine do not require any license to work in India as a doctor. Such students are not required to appear for the FMGE(Foreign Medical Graduates Examination).

Students with an international qualification from top medical colleges in UK are required to directly register with the MCI to practice medicine in India.

The UK was home to nearly 4.8 million students in 2020. Before applying for studies in UK, applicants must research thoroughly regarding accommodation and traveling once they have decided on the colleges.

More than seventy UK universities are ranked among the world’s best in the QS Rankings. The UK is recognized worldwide for its high quality in teaching and research. If you want to pursue a degree from top medicine colleges in UK, you can choose from a wide range of programs at world-leading medical schools, and rest be assured that your qualification will be well-respected wherever you go and seek work.

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#1University of Oxford logo

University of Oxford, Oxford

England, Uk17.5%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  ₹35.26L/Yr (£33,605/Yr)Living₹14.76L/Yr (£14,070/Yr)Admission M.Sc PharmacologyGRE updated314TOEFL100PTE66₹29.97L/año
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