Graduate Entry Medicine Degrees

Graduate Entry Medicine Degrees, also known as Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programmes, are specialized medical education pathways designed for people who have already completed an undergraduate degree in a field other than medicine. These programs allow graduates to pursue a medical career without having to start from scratch with a traditional undergraduate medical degree.

Graduate Entry Requirements

Entry requirements may vary with each graduate entry medical school. Generally, Graduate Entry Medical courses will look at A Level/Scottish Higher/International Baccalaureate results, GCSE/Scottish National results, personal statements and relevant work experience and finally the admissions test. These will be used, with each Graduate Entry course putting a slightly different weight on each component, to shortlist for interview.

It is important to be aware of the specific entry requirements for each Graduate Entry Medicine Programme. For example, certain medical schools such as Oxford and Cardiff do not accept non-science-based undergraduate degrees. However, if a student does not have a science-based degree, at least one science A level is necessary. Newcastle and Warwick do accept non-science undergraduate degrees.

Admissions Tests

The majority of Graduate Entry courses require applicants to sit the UCAT. However, some schools such as St George’s, University of London, and the Dundee/St Andrews ScotGEM programme require the GAMSAT. The different admissions tests required for each university are listed. These admissions tests form an important part of the application, particularly shortlisting for interviews.

Universities that offer Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) courses

The following universities all offer four-year graduate medical degrees. Students will graduate with either an MBChB or an MBBS upon successful completion of the course requirements. The universities in the UK that currently offer Graduate Entry Medicine courses and their entry requirements are summarised in the table below. Studying medicine abroad is also an important option to consider, and many universities offer Graduate Entry courses. Examples include universities in America, where most Medical Schools require a ‘pre-med’ degree, or in various countries throughout Europe. These universities often have a larger number of places available, and the course is often taught in English. However, for the most accurate, up-to-date information and specific entry requirements, it’s important to check the individual medical school’s website or contact their admissions office.

List of Universities

Medical School	A-level Requirements	Undergraduate Degree Requirements	Admission Test	UCAS Code	Degree Type	Interview Type	Number of Places
Bangor (North Wales Medical School)	Not specified	2:1 degree in a relevant subject	UCAT	B50	MBChB	MMI	20
Barts (QMUL)	Not specified	2:1 in any discipline	GAMSAT	A101	MBBS	Panel	39
Cambridge (University of Cambridge)	Not specified	2:1 in any discipline	UCAT	A101	MB BChir	Panel	40
Cardiff	Not specified	2:1 in a bioscience subject	GAMSAT	A101	MBBCh	MMI	70
Chester	Not specified	2:1 in a relevant subject	UCAT	A101	MBChB	MMI	30
Dundee/St Andrews (ScotGEM)	Not specified	2:1 in any subject	GAMSAT	A101	MBChB	MMI	55
King’s College London	ABB	2:1 in any subject	UCAT	A102	MBBS	MMI	28
Liverpool	BBB	2:1 in any subject	GAMSAT	A101	MBChB	MMI	35
Manchester	Not specified	2:1 in a bioscience subject	GAMSAT	A106	MBChB	MMI	38
Newcastle	BBB	2:1 in any discipline	UCAT	A101	MBBS	MMI	25
Nottingham	Not specified	2:1 in any subject	GAMSAT	A101	BMBS	MMI	110
Oxford	Not specified	2:1 in any subject	BMAT	A101	BM BCh	Panel	30
Pears Cumbria School of Medicine	Not specified	2:1 in any discipline	UCAT	A101	MBBS	MMI	30
Sheffield	Not specified	2:1 in any subject	UCAT	A101	MBChB	MMI	15
Southampton	Not specified	2:1 in any subject	UCAT	A101	BMBS	Panel	48
St George’s	BBB	2:1 in any subject	GAMSAT	A101	MBBS	MMI	50
Surrey	Not specified	2:1 in a science subject	UCAT	A101	MBBS	MMI	40
Swansea	Not specified	2:1 in a health-related subject	GAMSAT	A101	MBChB	MMI	70
Ulster	Not specified	2:1 in any discipline	UCAT	A101	MBBS	Panel	40
Warwick	Not specified	2:1 in any discipline	UCAT	A101	MBChB	MMI	170
Worcester (Three Counties Medical School)	Not specified	2:1 in a relevant subject	UCAT	A101	MBChB	MMI	45

Why do a Graduate Entry Medicine course?

There are many reasons why people may choose to do a Graduate Entry Medicine course rather than the traditional Undergraduate Course. The course is typically 4 years, rather than the 5-year undergraduate programme, and for students who have already gained their undergraduate degree, this accelerated programme allows students to begin practising Medicine sooner. The accelerated nature of the degree also allows students to build on previous academic experience and skills, particularly for students with science or allied healthcare degrees.

The shorter course is also an important financial consideration since this can mean lower overall tuition fees and reduced living expenses compared to a longer undergraduate program. There are also protected student places aimed for widening participation, in addition to financial aid to support mature students. Graduate entry programs also allow students who may not have been accepted into a medical school or considered Medicine upon leaving school, to become doctors. This enables students to gain life experience and increase the diversity of the workforce.

How to apply

Applications to Graduate Entry programmes are made via UCAS. The deadline is mid-October, the same date as undergraduate courses. It is important to have the appropriate documents confirming completion and outcome of an undergraduate degree, in addition to A level and GCSE results, or equivalent. Applicants must write their personal statements and sit the appropriate admissions test (UCAT or GAMSAT). The applicant will be kept informed of the progress of their application via UCAS and invitation to interview.

Do Graduate Entry Medicine programmes include clinical training?

Yes. Typically, the Graduate Entry Medicine structure has the first stage which comprises 2 years of pre-clinical study and a second stage with 2 years of clinical study. This programme is intensive and integrates clinical training early on to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of medical practice. The clinical training component is crucial for developing the practical skills and professional competencies required to become a qualified doctor.

Is it hard to get accepted to Graduate Entry Medicine degrees?

Applications for Graduate Entry Medicine degrees are competitive by nature. The University of Warwick and the University of Nottingham have the biggest intakes. However, by carefully considering the entry requirements, applicants can determine which Graduate Entry program their application is most suited to, to maximize their chances of success.

Can international students apply for Graduate Entry Medicine courses?

Yes, international students can apply for Graduate Entry Medicine courses in the UK provided that they meet the appropriate academic, professional and English language requirements. It is important to check the university to website to check specific requirements for each Graduate Entry Medicine course.

Medicine Interview Tuition

The interview stage of Graduate Entry Medical Programmes is typically quite challenging due to the high level of competition and the rigorous selection criteria used by medical schools. A large part of the admissions process is the interviews, which you’ll need to thoroughly prepare for if you’re serious about getting a place in the programme. We recommend booking in with a medicine interview tutor from your choice of medical school to get the most realistic preparation for the interview. An interview tutor can help you to gain interview confidence, competence, and the knowledge-base you need to stand out from the crowd.