Choosing The Right Medical School for You

Choosing the right medical school is about more than just meeting the entry requirements — it’s about finding a course, environment, and location that suit your strengths, learning style, and lifestyle. The medical degree is long and demanding, so the right fit can make a big difference to your experience and success.

Every university is different in its course structure, teaching approach, clinical opportunities, and location. Thinking carefully about these factors early on will help you make informed choices and apply strategically, maximising your chances of receiving offers.

Most of the information you need — from entry requirements to teaching style and interview format — can be found on each medical school’s admissions page. These pages are updated regularly, so always check them directly before making decisions, as requirements and selection processes can change from year to year.

Grade Requirements

Each medical school sets its own minimum GCSE, A-level (or equivalent) grades, and subject requirements. Check carefully before applying — some insist on specific science subjects or certain grades in English and Maths.

Emphasis on UCAT or Other Parts of the Application

Medical schools differ in how they weigh each component of your application. Some rank applicants heavily by UCAT score, while others focus more on academic grades, personal statements, or interview performance. BMAT schools follow a different test and timetable.

Campus-Based vs Non-Campus-Based

Campus universities have teaching, accommodation, and student facilities in one main location, fostering a tight-knit community feel. Non-campus (city-based) universities have buildings spread across the city, giving a more independent, urban experience.

Linked Teaching Hospitals

Consider where your clinical placements will take place — some universities have teaching hospitals directly on campus or nearby, while others require commuting to multiple sites.

Large Cities vs Smaller Towns

Larger cities often mean more social opportunities, cultural activities, and clinical variety, but can be busier and more expensive. Smaller towns may offer a quieter, more personal environment, often with lower living costs.

Cost of Living

Accommodation, travel, and general expenses vary greatly depending on location. Factor this into your decision, as costs can differ by thousands of pounds over the course of a degree.

Teaching Style

Traditional: Pre-clinical years focus mainly on lectures and theory, followed by clinical placements later in the course.
Integrated: Combines theory and clinical exposure from the start, often using case-based learning.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Small group, student-led learning using real-life scenarios to drive independent study, with clinical skills taught alongside.

Do You Want to Study an Intercalated BSc (iBSc)?

An iBSc is an extra degree you can take during medical school, usually adding a year to your studies, focusing on a specific medical or scientific field. Some universities make this compulsory, others optional.

Do You Want a Heavily Research-Focused University?

Some medical schools are strongly research-oriented, with opportunities to take part in cutting-edge projects, present findings, or publish work. This can be great if you’re interested in academia or medical innovation, but may be less appealing if you want a purely clinical focus.

Interview Style

Medical schools typically use either Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) — short stations testing different skills/scenarios — or panel interviews — a longer discussion with a small group of interviewers. Some applicants find they perform better in one format than the other.

Support Services and Welfare

Look into mental health, academic, and pastoral support — medical school can be demanding, and having strong support systems can make a big difference.

Diversity of Patient Population

Some universities offer placements in highly diverse communities, giving broad clinical exposure to a variety of conditions and cultural contexts.

Travel and Commuting for Placements

Even if the main campus is in a convenient location, clinical placements could involve regular travel to different towns or hospitals — check typical arrangements.

Elective Opportunities

Many courses include an elective period (often abroad) near the end of the degree. Some universities have strong networks or funding for these, while others leave most arrangements to students.