University of Edinburgh Medical School Guide

University of Edinburgh offers a fantastic 6-year MBChB Medicine programme with a modern and innovative curriculum that not only provides you with structured academic teaching but also aids in enabling students to develop personal development, teamwork and communication skills – all of which are essential in graduating as a competent doctor prepared for complex situations. The University of Edinburgh also highlights the value of having a deep understanding of medical research and evidence-based medicine which can be seen throughout the curriculum. 

University of Edinburgh is a campus-based environment, where students have easy access to all essential amenities. This includes accommodation, entertainment, food, drink, shops, libraries, and lecture theatres. As well as this, medical students may also benefit from the state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Centre which includes: a four-bedded simulated ward with SMOTS technology, mid-fidelity manikins with clinical monitoring capabilities, a simulation room equipped with SimMan and SMOTS technology, and last but certainly not least is a cardiopulmonary patient simulator (Harvey) and dedicated teaching rooms. Overall this enhances the university experience with access to areas for studying and socialising creating an enjoyable university experience.

Edinburgh Medical School Entry Requirements 

You will not be eligible if you have started or are midway through another degree in the academic year in which you apply. Applications for deferred entry are not accepted (except if the applicant is undertaking National Service in their home country). All examination grades must be obtained at the first attempt of each subject. 

Academic Requirements 

A Levels	A*AA including Chemistry at A* and one from Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics at A. Only one of Mathematics or Further Mathematics will be considered.
T Levels	Not accepted
Scottish Advanced Highers	Chemistry and two from Biology, Mathematics/Applications of Mathematics or Physics. For some applicants this subject combination is not possible at S5. Students who meet the grade requirements in S5 but are missing one or more sciences may take the missing subject(s) in S6. Human Biology may replace Biology.
National 5s	Biology, Chemistry, English and Mathematics at B. We accept Higher Applications of Mathematics at C in place of National 5 Mathematics at B. Offers are conditional on S6 performance.
International Baccalaureate	37 overall with 666 at HL. Chemistry at 7 (6 if eligible for minimum entry requirements) and one other science subject. SL: 666 (555 if eligible for minimum entry requirements) to include Mathematics: Analysis and approaches or Mathematics: Applications and interpretation, English and Biology (if not at HL). If Mathematics and English Language do not form part of your IB diploma we will also accept GCSE, or equivalent, at A or 7 (B or 6 if eligible for minimum entry requirements).
GCSE	These are in addition to the Level 3 (A-Level) requirements.    GCSEs: Biology, Chemistry, English and Mathematics at A or 7 (B or 6 if eligible for minimum entry requirements). Double Award combined sciences, or equivalent, at AA/77 (BB/66 if eligible for minimum entry requirements) may replace GCSE grades in sciences. Additional Applied Science and Applied Science are not accepted.

Admissions test 

The University of Edinburgh requires the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test). The UCAT must have been sat within the same year of submitting a UCAS application. The University of Edinburgh operates a minimum UCAT score as part of entry requirements. The minimum UCAT score for 2025 entry is 2450 however scores are then used to be ranked, divided into deciles and allocated a score. SJT band will also receive a score. These scores are then added to your academic score resulting in a final ranking for shortlisting. The Situational Judgement Test is considered separately to the UCAT score. Any applicants with a Band 4 in SJT will not be considered for entry. 

Work Experience 

The University of Edinburgh expects applicants to demonstrate evidence of career exploration prior to application. This is often demonstrated within the personal statement. Work experience is therefore a valuable example and allows applicants to reflect on personal experiences to demonstrate a desire and aptitude for medicine. 

Assessment days (Interview) 

Candidates invited for Assessment Day will be provided with more information about the day’s structure.

Assessments are based on the core attributes required of medical doctors as displayed in the following PDF: Statement on core values – Medical Schools Council (PDF)

After applicants are ranked in order using their academic score, UCAT score, and SJT band, the top 700 scoring applicants will receive an invite to attend a half-day assessment day/interview either face-to-face at Edinburgh Medical School or virtually. 

Widening Participation 

University of Edinburgh Medical School demonstrates its commitment to widening participation through various initiatives. There are currently 3 programmes available: Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools (LEAPS), Reach and PLUS FLAG. LEAPS provides support to Year 12 students as they pursue their goal of studying medicine. Crucially, this program aims to help aspiring medical students navigate their path and gain valuable insights into the field to increase the number of students going to college or University aiming to create a more inclusive and accessible pathway for students who have faced barriers in pursuing a medical degree. 

University of Edinburgh Medical School also provides the opportunity to apply for various bursaries and scholarships to support your educational journey! 

Graduate Entry at Edinburgh Medical School

The University of Edinburgh require a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent with a preference for a medical-related subject however UK applicants with degrees in other science subjects and non-science subjects will be considered dependent on having an SQA Higher, A Level, or equivalent, in Chemistry at B.Graduate applicants do not qualify for any additional consideration unless they are care experiences or are an asylum seeker/refugee. 

International Students Entry Requirements for University of Edinburgh Medical School

International applicants are welcome to apply with entry requirements per country. 

How many places are there for home and international students at University of Edinburgh Medical School?

Annual intake differs each year. In the 2023 entry cycle, there were 278 places, 21 of which were for international students. Statistics provided by the University of Edinburgh Medical School highlight the number of offers and places for 2021,2022 and 2023 entry.

University of Edinburgh Medical School Ranking 

The Times Higher Education Rankings ranked the University of Edinburgh as joint 30th in the World in 2024. The University of Edinburgh is ranked 27th in the world in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. This places the University in the top 2% of higher education institutions worldwide. The QS rankings also place the University of Edinburgh as 22nd in the world for Medicine. 

University of Edinburgh Medical School Fees

The current fee status for home students at the University of Edinburgh Medical School is £9,250 per annum for RUK, and £1,820 for Scottish applicants. International student fees for the University of Edinburgh Medical School are £37,500 per annum for Years 1, 2 and 3, and £51,000 for Years 4,5 and 6 for 2024/2025. The University of Edinburgh offers funding support such as bursaries and scholarships for eligible students.

Home Students and International Students Acceptance Rate 

For 2023 entry, 2380 applications were received, 803 applicants were invited to the assessment day and 568 offers were made. Of the 2380 applications, 804 were Scottish applicants, 837 were RUK and 711 were International applicants.  Of the 803 applicants invited to interview, 422 were Scottish applicants, 300 were RUK and 81 were International applicants.  Of the 568 offers given, 355 were Scottish applicants, 166 were RUK and 47 were International applicants. 

For 2022 entry, 2938 applications were received, 641 applicants were invited to the assessment day and 563 offers were made. Of the 2938 applications, 1017 were Scottish applicants, 1239 were RUK and 619 were International applicants.  Of the 641 applicants invited to interview, 444 were Scottish applicants, 138 were RUK and 59 were International applicants.  Of the 563 offers given, 411 were Scottish applicants, 104 were RUK and 46 were International applicants.

For 2021 entry, 3260 applications were received, 762 applicants were invited to the assessment day and 527 offers were made. Of the 3260 applications, 1014 were Scottish applicants, 1388 were RUK and 794 were International applicants.  Of the 762 applicants invited to interview, 497 were Scottish applicants, 204 were RUK and 61 were International applicants.  Of the 527 offers given, 326 were Scottish applicants, 159 were RUK and 42 were International applicants. More details on the acceptance rate can be found here.

University of Edinburgh Medical School Course Structure 

Course Structure at the University of Edinburgh Medical School:

During Year 1 you are introduced to modules based on biomedicine and sociology from a patient’s perspective. That involves the underpinning biological, social and clinical sciences of medicine combined with early clinical exposure. 

Year 2 focuses on developing practical, research and clinical skills whilst continuing learning of the body functions. You continue to take part in clinical projects and clinical exposure through General Practice 

Year 3 moves to an honours programme to obtain a Bachelor of Medical Sciences honours degree. 

Year 4 has a greater focus on clinical exposure including both primary and secondary care settings. You will continue to spend time working with a team to cover biological and clinical sciences. 

Year 5 involves moving around a number of specialities and working on hospital wards as part of your team. It also involves a group teaching project in partnership with a clinical tutor. 

Year 6 focuses on ensuring you are fully prepared to enter clinical practice upon graduation. As a result, the majority of time is spent on placement with a focus on developing practical skills. You will also have the opportunity to complete an abroad or UK elective. 

Year 1:

• Biomedicine including anatomy, pharmacology and prescribing 
• Social and Ethical Aspects of Medicine 
• Research and Evidence-based Medicine (REBM) 
• Knowledge to Clinical Practice (KCP)
• Clinical and professional skills 

Year 2:

• Develop skills in homeostasis, health promotion, global health and nutrition, statistical reasoning and medical informatics
• Clinical projects and GP shadowing 
• Body functions in Health and disease, sustaining life, integrity, Principals of Pharmacology 

Year 3 consists of an intercalated Bachelor of Medical Sciences 

Year 4:

• All aspects of clinical medicine and healthcare delivery 
• Practical experience through placements in hospitals and general practice 

Year 5:

• Further clinical placements 

Year 6:

• Focus on developing practical skills and knowledge of general and acute medicine, general practice, emergency medicine, surgery, anaesthetics, intensive care 
• Abroad or UK Elective 

University of Edinburgh Medical School Term Dates 

For the 2024-2025 academic year term dates are as shown below: 

Year 1: 

• 09 September 2024 to 20 December 2024          
• 13 January 2025 to 04 April 2025           
• 14 April 2025 to 02 May 2025                        

Year 2:

• 16 September 2024 to 20 December 2024
• 13 January 2025 to 04 April 2025 
• 14 April 2025 to 09 May 2025

Year 3: BMedSci with Honours 

• 16 September 2024 to 20 December 2024 
• 13 January 2025 to 04 April 2025
• 21 April 2025 to 23 may 2025 

Year 4: 

• 05 August 2024 – 20 December 2024
• 06 January 2025 – 23 May 2025        

Year 5:           

• 12 August 2024 – 23 December 2024
• 06 January 2025 – 13 June 2025

Year 6:

• 19 August 2024 – 20 December 2024
• 06 January – 07 February 
• Assistantship and elective = 24 February 2025 to 16 May 2025 

University of Edinburgh Medical School Hospitals 

• Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 
• Royal Edinburgh Hospital 
• Western General Hospital 

University of Edinburgh Medical School Elective 

The University of Edinburgh Medical School provides the opportunity to take an abroad or UK elective in Year 6 of Medical School. This gives a chance to medical students to experience and benefit from learning at different hospitals and medical institutions around the world. 

University of Edinburgh Medical School interview format and questions 

The University of Edinburgh employs an assessment day style interview that lasts around half a day focussing on the following themes 

• Knowledge, skills and performance
• Safety and Quality 
• Communication, partnership and teamwork
• Maintaining trust 

Life as a Medical Student at the University of Edinburgh Medical School 

The University of Edinburgh provides ample information on its website with multiple student testimonials and links to the Student Stories blog. Being able to view such student testimonials highlights the environment provided at the University of Edinburgh. 

Intercalated Degree at University of Edinburgh Medical School 

As the MBChB programme at the University of Edinburgh is 6 years, the third year of study is spent entering an honours programme to obtain a Bachelor of Medical Sciences honours degree. All undergraduate medical students have the opportunity to research an area of interest and learn valuable academic skills within this intercalated year. 

FAQs 

Does the University of Edinburgh Offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree?

Yes! As the MBChB programme at the University of Edinburgh is 6 years, the third year of study is spent entering an honours programme to obtain a Bachelor of Medical Sciences honours degree. 

How Much of the University of Edinburgh Medicine Course is Clinical vs Preclinical?

The University of Edinburgh’s course structure provides a great balance between clinical and preclinical education. From semester 1 you will have patient contact through the Knowledge to Clinical Practice module. In Year 2, you will spend time in general practice before completing a Bachelor of Medical Sciences honours degree in Year 3. In Year 4 you return to clinical exposure with Hospital and/or GP experience which continues into Years 5 and 6. 

Does the University of Edinburgh Offer Medicine Scholarships?

Yes! The University of Edinburgh offers multiple routes into Medicine including the PLUS FLAG programme and other bursaries such as the Myre Sim Fund Bursaries as part of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.  

Is the University of Edinburgh a Good Medical School?

The Times Higher Education Rankings ranked the University of Edinburgh as joint 30th in the World in 2024. The University of Edinburgh is ranked 27th in the world in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. This places the University in the top 2% of higher education institutions worldwide. The QS rankings also place the University of Edinburgh as 22nd in the world for Medicine. 

Support with Getting Into the University of Edinburgh Medical School 

UCAT Tutoring 

As the University of Edinburgh uses the UCAT to rank students for interviews and offers, it is really beneficial to aim for a competitive UCAT score. At MedicHut we provide different packages and UCAT tutoring that helps students improve by targeting strengths and weaknesses through our UCAT Masterclass and 1-1 tutoring services. 

Medicine Interview Tutoring 

Once achieving an interview for the University of Edinburgh, it’s vital to perform competitively to ensure a higher chance of receiving an offer! Interview tutors can help practice and make sure you are confident and feeling prepared ahead of your interview. At MedicHut, we provide a range of different interview tutoring services including the opportunity to have a tutor specific to your desired university.