University of Aberdeen Medical School Guide

Co-located on one of the largest clinical sites in Europe, Aberdeen Medical School’s five-year Medicine degree has provided high-quality pre-clinical and clinical teaching to students since 1787. The current school was formed from the merger of the former School of Medicine and Dentistry, the School of Medical Sciences, and the Rowett Institution of Nutrition.

The University of Aberdeen offers a five-year undergraduate course, and a 6-year Gateway2Medicine undergraduate course, details of which are found below, along with information about the academic requirements, entrance exam requirements, interview process, and more.

University of Aberdeen Medical School Entry Requirements

Academic

Content	Grade	Other
CCSEs	A Grade 6 in English Language and Maths is required	A combination of Grade 6-9 passes at GCSE is expected.
A-Levels	AAA	Chemistry is required with at least one other subject from Biology/Human Biology, Maths and Physics. General Studies and Global Perspectives and Research are not accepted.
IB	36 Points	Three subjects at Higher level at grade 6 or higher, must include Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, or Maths.
Scottish Highers	Five Highers at AAAAB	Chemistry is required with at least two other subjects from Biology/Human Biology, Maths, Physics, Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare.
Scottish Advanced	BBB	Three full academic courses in Advanced Highers or a mix of two Advanced Highers and one new Higher
Bachelor’s Degree (graduates only)	2:1 Honours degree	No specific subject requirement. A-Level requirement: B in chemistry at A-Level or SQA Higher

Admissions Test

To assess the suitability of prospective students, the University of Aberdeen Medical School requires applicants to sit the UCAT in the same year as their application. Whilst there is no cut-off, applicants who achieve a band 4 in the SJT are not usually considered.

The UCAT is scored alongside your academic score, calculated from GCSEs and predicted grades, with the highest-scoring applicants invited to an interview. Furthermore, the UCAT contributes 20% of your scoring when assessing candidates for offers.

For 2024 entry the lowest score interviewed for Scottish applicants was 2320 with the average being 2560. For UK applicants, the lowest score interviewed was 2440 with the average being 2700.

Work Experience

The medical school strongly recommends all applicants have undertaken some work experience. Importantly, the work experience you undertake should give you knowledge and appreciation of the qualities and life of a doctor. This can be through shadowing doctors in a hospital or GP surgery, volunteering in a healthcare-related field or paid job opportunity. Currently, MedicHut offers both online and in-person work experience.

Personal Statement

At the University of Aberdeen Medical School, your personal statement will not only be reviewed prior to interview invites being sent out but also used during your interview.

Therefore, your personal statement should show

• Your commitment to Medicine
• Knowledge of the core qualities required of a doctor
• Your ability to work as part of a team

Interview

Upon ranking your UCAT and academic performance, Aberdeen invites the highest performing candidates to an in-person interview at Suttie Centre, Foresterhill. The interview follows an MMI format with 6 stations:

1. Motivation to study medicine
2. Core Qualities
3. Critical thinking & problem solving
4. Teamwork
5. Professionalism
6. New station (pilot) 

Aberdeen notes that none of these stations will be used to test your academic knowledge.

Afterwards, your interview score (50%), UCAT (20%), and academic performance (30%) will form a combined score with the highest-scoring applicants receiving an offer.

Graduate Entry at University of Aberdeen Medical School

Aberdeen does not offer a fast-track 4-year programme.

Graduates who have achieved a non-honours degree are expected to have achieved the same entry requirements as undergraduates. Graduates who have achieved an Honours degree only require a B in Chemistry A-level / Scottish Highers.

International Students Entry Requirements for University of Aberdeen Medical School

At Aberdeen Medical School, international students must achieve the same entry requirements as the same students. However, if English is not your first language, you must complete an English language proficiency test.

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

In the 2024 entry cycle, there were 254 places for Scottish/EU students, 25 for UK students and 19 for international students.

University of Aberdeen Medical School Ranking

The Guardian ranks Aberdeen medical school as the top medical school in the UK whilst The Complete University Guide ranks it as the 19^th.

It’s important to keep in mind that university rankings are subjective and are often based on different criteria. Whilst rankings can be a factor when deciding which medical schools to apply to, there are more important factors to consider.

Also, no matter which medical school you go to, you’ll get the same degree and F1 job offers do not consider which university you graduated from. It goes without saying that rankings aren’t important for medicine. Instead, pick the university that you think will fit you best.

University of Aberdeen Medical School Fees

Whilst Scottish students can attend university for free, UK students must pay £9,250 each academic year. For international students, the fee is set at £24,800 for 2024-2025.

University of Aberdeen Medical School Acceptance Rate

	Applications	Offers	Acceptance rate
Scotland	769	554	72.0%
RUK	212	77	36.3%
International	262	88	33.6%

University of Aberdeen Medicine Course Structure

Year 1	Teaching focuses on Foundations of Medicine, Anatomy, and Clinical Skills. Students learn physiology, disease development and management, and the principles of General Practice. Communication skills are introduced, including handling medical emergencies. Clinical cases are introduced throughout the year to integrate pre-clinical and clinical knowledge.
Year 2	Continuing the study of major body systems, students receive further anatomy and clinical skills teaching. Students participate in a Student Selected Component, where they can choose a specific topic to study in greater depth. Students also study Advanced Infection, the Musculoskeletal system, and Medical Ethics and Law.
Year 3	Continued study of body systems. Students undergo a 6-week Medical Humanities course, studying a specific topic to study in greater depth. General Practice teaching continues, along with teaching on psychiatry, haematology, immunology, and paediatrics. Students engage in bi-weekly clinical placements. Year 3 ends with a Student Selected Component focused on public health.
Year 4	Senior clinical practice – the curriculum focuses on clinical-based learning and person-centred experiences. Students build on their speciality knowledge from earlier years. Students undergo 7 six-week clinical blocks covering areas such as acute medicine, surgery, reproductive and child health, GP, mental health, and more.
Year 5	Professional practice – students undergo three eight-week clinical placements in Medicine, Surgery, and Community Health. Students have some choice in speciality selection. The year also includes an elective project on a medical topic and a Professional Practice Block that addresses the transition to becoming a Foundation Doctor.

University of Aberdeen Medical School Teaching Style

Teaching is delivered through a variety of approaches, such as interactive lectures, small group workshops and tutorials, and practical laboratory classes, helping you develop into an effective independent learner.

University of Aberdeen Medical School Term Dates

For the 2023-2024 academic year, find the sates below for each year.

	FIRST YEAR	SECOND YEAR	THIRD YEAR	FOURTH YEAR	FIFTH YEAR
Winter Term Start	Monday 11 September 2023	Monday 11 September 2023	Monday 11 September 2023	Monday 7 August 2023	Monday 14 August 2023
Winter Term End	Friday 15 December 2023	Friday 15 December 2023	Friday 15 December 2023	Friday 22 December 2023	Friday 15 December 2023
Spring Term Start	Monday 8 January 2024	Monday 8 January 2024	Monday 8 January 2024	Monday 8 January 2024	Monday 8 January 2024
Spring Term End	Friday 29 March 2024	Friday 29 March 2024	Friday 22 March 2024	Friday 29 March 2024	Friday 26 April 2024
Summer Term Start	Monday 22 April 2024	Monday 15 April 2024	Monday 6 May 2024	Monday 15 April 2024	Monday 29 April 2024
Summer Term End	Friday 10 May 2024	Friday 7 June 2024	Friday 19 July 2024	Friday 28 June 2024	Friday 2 June 2024

University of Aberdeen Medical School Interview Format

The University of Aberdeen Medical School uses an MMI interview style – each interview station lasts 7 minutes and the whole process lasts for an hour.

University Aberdeen Medical School Interview Questions

The interview questions at the Aberdeen Medical School interview can vary each year. The following topics are generally covered in the MMI stations:

• Motivation to study medicine
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Qualities of a doctor
• Teamwork
• Professionalism
• Discussing your personal statement

Interview performance is added to the already achieved score (including academic achievements/predictions and UCAT score), and contributes 50% of the final score for each candidate. Offers are made to applicants who have the highest combined scores after interview. 

What is Life as a Student at Aberdeen Medical School Like?

The University of Aberdeen Medical School offers more than just academic excellence – it has one of the largest clinical sites in Europe, allowing students to have many opportunities to take part in research and other career-building activities. The university offers a vibrant and enriching student experience through a collaborative learning environment, extensive clinical exposure from early on in your studies, and an ample variety of student societies and organisations for every interest.

Aberdeen itself offers a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous events, festivals, and attractions throughout the year. Students can explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of Scotland, engage in outdoor activities, and immerse themselves in the local culture. The city provides a lively social scene, with a range of cafes, restaurants, theatres, and nightlife options to enjoy during leisure time.

Intercalated Degree at University of Aberdeen Medical School

At Aberdeen, students have the opportunity to undertake an intercalated degree. Usually, students take the degree at the end of year 3 but intercalating after year 4 is common so undertake a postgraduate intercalated degree.

FAQs

Does University of Aberdeen Medical School Offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree?

Aberdeen offers the following intercalated BSc degrees:

• BSc (Hons) in Medical Sciences (Medical Humanities)
• BSc (Hons) in Medical Sciences (Honours Year)

How Much of the University of Aberdeen Medical School Medicine Course is Clinical vs Preclinical?

Whilst clinical placements take place in all years of the medical school, from year 4 onwards, the course is considered entirely clinical.

Is Aberdeen a Good Medical School?

The University of Aberdeen Medical School is considered to be a good medical school, ranking 1st in the guardians ranking in 2024. However, what makes a good medical school depends on each person’s priorities. It is best practice to visit the medical school on its open days and talk to current students and staff to get a better understanding of the university.

When considering university rankings, it’s crucial to remember that they are subjective and can vary based on different criteria. Rankings can be a good factor to consider, but it’s essential to take a holistic approach and carefully assess which universities align best with your personal and academic needs.

For Scottish domiciled students, tuition fees at the University of Aberdeen Medical School are funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), meaning eligible home students do not have to pay tuition fees directly.

The University of Aberdeen offers various scholarships and bursaries for eligible students.

What’s Good About Studying Medicine at University of Aberdeen?

Pros of studying medicine at University of Aberdeen:

• Academic excellence, a comprehensive curriculum, and rigorous training. The faculty consists of experienced professionals and researchers who provide high-quality education and mentorship.

• Clinical Exposure: Aberdeen Medical School offers early and extensive clinical exposure, which allows students to gain practical experience and develop essential clinical skills. This better prepares students for real-world medical practice.

• Supportive community: the University of Aberdeen Medical School fosters a supportive and collaborative environment. Students have access to mentoring programmes, counselling services, and academic support.

• Global perspective: Aberdeen Medical School promotes an international outlook and offers opportunities for global health initiatives and study abroad programmes.

Cons of studying Medicine at University of Aberdeen:

There are a few drawbacks of studying at Aberdeen, just like with any university.

• Competitive entry requirements: Admission to Medicine at Aberdeen University is highly competitive and meeting all the requirements can be challenging. The selection process is tough and there are a limited number of places.

• Intense workload: Medicine at University of Aberdeen is a demanding and time-intensive course, requiring students to undertake long hours of study, clinical rotations, and clinical training. This may leave limited time for extracurricular activities and personal pursuits.

Support with Getting into University of Aberdeen Medical School Medical School

UCAT Tutoring

With the UCAT forming part of your ranking for interviews and offers, it’s a good idea to get a UCAT tutor to help you exceed the UCAT threshold. When looking for a good tutor, it’s wise to consider someone who has recently achieved an excellent UCAT score themselves and who has experience with tutoring. Your tutor should be able to assess your strengths and weaknesses to focus your lesson time on improving the areas you need improvement. Ultimately, getting a good UCAT tutor can potentially enhance your performance in the exam and improve your chances of gaining admission to Aberdeen Medical School.

Medicine Personal Statement Tutoring

For Aberdeen Medical School, your personal statement serves as a way to demonstrate your commitment to medicine, your understanding of the profession, and your relevant experiences, such as work placements, volunteering, extracurricular activities, or research. It allows you to articulate your interest in studying medicine at Aberdeen Having an expert review your personal statement can be beneficial in securing your place at Aberdeen. You can also book a personal statement tutor who can guide you to write a genuine reflection of who you are and why you’re passionate about studying at Aberdeen.

Medicine Interview Tutoring

With an acceptance rate under 40%, entry to Aberdeen is competitive. A large part of the admissions process is the MMI, which you’ll need to thoroughly prepare for if you’re serious about getting into Aberdeen. We recommend booking in with a medicine interview tutor at Aberdeen to get the most realistic preparation for the interview. An interview tutor can help you gain interview confidence, competence, and the knowledge base you need to stand out from the crowd.