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Medicine courses

If you are fascinated by how the human body works and have a genuine concern for the welfare of others, medicine could be for you. You’ll need to be academically able with great communication and problem-solving skills and have the drive to cope with a demanding five-year course. With further study you could become a GP or work your way up from doctor to consultant in a wide range of medical or surgical areas.

Studying medicine at university

Example course modules

  • Human reproduction
  • Research project In medicine
  • Core epidemiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Body systems
  • Molecules to disease
  • Behavioural sciences
  • Patients, doctors and society
  • Thought, senses and movement
  • Nutrition, metabolism and endocrinology

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

20
Hours
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 61%
    Male : 39%
  • Mature : 22%
    School leaver : 78%
  • Full-time : 100%
    Part-time : 0%

What students say about medicine

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • Chemistry
  • Biology

Useful to have

  • Critical Thinking

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Sources: HECSU & KIS
Good news! Medical degrees have, and will no doubt continue to have, some of the best employment outcomes of any qualification in terms of salary expectations and long-term prospects. Unsurprisingly, almost all graduates go into jobs within the health sector. If you're taking a shorter pre-clinical course, you'll need to continue on to further medical training to complete an accredited qualification, which explains why a high proportion of those grads are 'in further study' six months later.
Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Health professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Hospital doctor
  • General practice doctor
  • Medical specialist

Other real-life job examples

  • Health service manager
  • Solicitor
  • Aid Worker

What employers like about this subject

A degree in medicine will give you skills in good medical practice; in evidence-based medicine; in dealing with difficult or emergency situations and in investigating and diagnosing medical conditions. You will also gain useful transferable skills such as good communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Most doctors work in hospitals, clinics or GP practices, but roles are also available in the Armed Forces, the pharmaceutical industry or working for universities.